Spain expands free education: Santander's program reaches 45,000, Extremadura offers adult courses

Banco Santander’s “Finanzas para Mortales” programme delivered more than 1,000 free financial‑education sessions in the first half of 2026, attracting about 25,000 participants. Since its launch, the initiative has helped over 45,000 people across Spain, receiving an average satisfaction rating of 4.76 out of 5 from partner organisations. The courses cover savings, budgeting, digital banking safety and fraud prevention, targeting youth, seniors, schoolchildren and vulnerable groups.

The Extremadura regional government announced a €747,150 fund for free adult‑learning programmes for the 2026‑27 academic year. Nine distinct curricula – ranging from basic competencies and language training to preparation for the Spanish secondary‑school exam, vocational‑training cycles and university entry – will each run for 150 classroom hours. Courses are free for adults aged 18 and over (with limited exceptions), limited to groups of 10‑25 learners, and applications must be submitted online by 8 July.