If you’ve been trying to work out whether the auxiliar de conversación programme is still happening for 2026-27, you’re not imagining the confusion. It’s been a genuinely messy year, with different regions and partner programmes moving in different directions. Here’s our read on where things stand.
A quick but important note first: this is a fast-moving situation and the details shift, sometimes week to week. We update this page as we learn more, but always confirm the current position with the official programme before you make a decision. Treat what follows as a map, not a guarantee.
The headline
The main Spanish Ministry programme, the one North Americans apply to as NALCAP, is still running. Reports point to applications having reopened in May 2026 for a June window, which is the clearest sign the core scheme is carrying on. So if you’ve heard “the auxiliar programme is cancelled”, that’s an overstatement: the flagship programme is not.
What has happened is trouble around the edges, and depending on where you wanted to be placed, the edges might be exactly where you were headed.
Where the trouble has been
A few things have been reported across 2026, and they’re worth knowing region by region:
- Andalucía was hit with a large labour-inspection sanction over how language assistants were registered for social security, which has cast a shadow over placements there.
- ConversaSpain, one of the well-known partner programmes, is reported to have cancelled its 2026-27 programme.
- Valencia is reported to have stepped back after a similar fine.
- CIEE is reported to have suspended its Madrid programme.
Put together, that’s why the mood online has been gloomy even though the central programme continues. Several of the popular ways in narrowed at once.
Again: these are reports gathered as of June 2026, and regional situations can change. Check directly before you commit to a particular region or partner.
What this means for you
If you had your heart set on a specific region or a specific partner programme, this is the year to stay flexible and have a backup. Apply early, keep an eye on which regions are actually placing assistants, and don’t assume last year’s setup still holds.
It’s also a good moment to remember that the auxiliar programme is one route into teaching in Spain, not the only one. If your placement falls through, or you don’t have the bachelor’s degree the programme requires, the student-visa route is a solid plan B that’s entirely in your control: you enrol on a course, get your visa, qualify, and teach. We lay it out in the visa guide, and the course comparison shows where to train.
A small but real advantage worth mentioning: doing a proper teaching qualification like the Trinity CertTESOL doesn’t just open the academy route, it also strengthens an auxiliar application for next year if you decide to reapply. It’s rarely wasted.
The bigger picture on the programme
For what the auxiliar programme actually is, how much it pays (typically in the €700 to €1,000 a month range, with Madrid at the higher end), how many hours you work, and who’s eligible, see our full auxiliares de conversación guide. This post is just the live status; that one is the manual.
Frequently asked questions
Is NALCAP cancelled for 2026-27? No, the main Ministry programme appears to be continuing, with applications reported to have reopened in mid-2026. Some regional and partner programmes, however, have pulled back or paused. Confirm the current position with the official programme.
Which auxiliar programmes have paused? As of mid-2026, ConversaSpain is reported to have cancelled its 2026-27 programme, CIEE to have suspended its Madrid programme, and regions including Andalucía and Valencia have faced sanctions or stepped back. These situations can change.
What if I can’t get an auxiliar place? The student-visa route is a strong alternative you control yourself: enrol on a course, get a one-year visa, qualify and teach. See the visa guide.
Do I need a degree for NALCAP? Yes, a bachelor’s degree is required. A TEFL qualification isn’t required but strengthens your application.
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