Lorraine Williamson
The Spanish government is moving to tighten regulations for private universities, aiming to raise academic standards and prevent institutions from issuing degrees without real educational value.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed the move in a statement on social media, saying: “We will tighten the criteria for the creation, recognition, and authorisation of public and private universities and colleges. So that they meet our standards of quality and excellence. A university cannot be a degree-issuing machine.”
These comments form part of a broader reform package designed to ensure that higher education in Spain is both credible and accessible. The measures will apply to all new institutions, whether public or private.
Public universities to expand degree offerings
In a bid to level the playing field, Sánchez also announced that public universities will be allowed to double their range of academic programmes. The aim is to support their competitiveness and ensure they remain central to Spain’s higher education landscape.
Although Sánchez himself holds degrees from private institutions—including a doctorate from Universidad Camilo José Cela—he has made clear that future universities must meet stricter conditions from the outset.
Private academic backgrounds in government
Five current ministers, including Sánchez, obtained qualifications from private universities. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares and Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska both studied law at the University of Deusto. Industry Minister Jordi Hereu attended ESADE, and Social Security Minister Elma Saiz is also a private university graduate.
While the reforms do not challenge the legitimacy of existing institutions, they raise the bar for those seeking to establish new ones.
New rules from ANECA to guide approval
At the heart of the reform is a mandatory, binding evaluation by ANECA—the national agency for quality assurance in higher education. This report must confirm that a proposed institution meets all academic and operational standards before it can award degrees.
Student minimums and financial accountability
To promote sustainability, new universities must enrol at least 4,500 students within their first five years. This threshold is intended to prevent the rise of small, under-resourced institutions with limited academic reach.
Founders must also demonstrate financial transparency and long-term viability. In addition, at least 10% of available student housing must be set aside as affordable accommodation.
Online universities under tighter oversight
Online universities, many of which serve students across Spain, will face additional scrutiny. They must receive parliamentary approval before being allowed to operate. The government says this measure will help maintain educational integrity in the rapidly growing online learning sector.
Raising the bar for higher education
These changes mark a clear departure from the more lenient approach of previous years. By raising quality standards, the Spanish government hopes to ensure that new universities serve students’ academic and professional interests, not just commercial ones.
With this reform, Sánchez’s administration is sending a message: in Spain, a university must stand for education, not just certification.
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