In 2024, 575 students from 40 universities across the country completed internships in depopulated regions through the “Campus Rural” programme. This initiative, aimed at tackling rural depopulation in Spain, pairs students with municipalities facing a sharp decline in population.
The programme seeks to revitalise these areas by linking young talent with local needs and providing students with hands-on experience.
Why is rural Spain becoming depopulated?
Many parts of rural Spain, often referred to as la España vacía (the empty Spain), have experienced decades of population decline. Industrialisation and economic shifts in the 20th century saw residents leaving villages for opportunities in urban centres, where jobs and services were concentrated.
Factors driving this exodus include:
- Economic decline: Traditional agricultural economies have struggled to compete in a globalised market, leading to fewer employment opportunities.
- Lack of services: Rural areas often suffer from inadequate healthcare, education, and infrastructure, making them less attractive to younger generations.
- Ageing population: With younger residents leaving, many villages now consist predominantly of elderly populations, further diminishing economic activity.
As a result, many rural communities face challenges such as school closures, abandoned homes, and limited access to essential services.
What is Campus Rural?
“Campus Rural” was established by Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITERD), in partnership with the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), and the majority of public universities in Spain.
The programme offers students internships in towns and villages struggling with demographic challenges, enabling them to engage with local communities and contribute to economic and social development.
Linking talent to opportunity
A central goal of “Campus Rural” is to foster sustainable development in depopulated areas. It connects students with local projects, aligning their skills with the needs of rural communities.
Beyond work experience, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the challenges these regions face, while also encouraging innovative solutions and new business ideas. By supporting these areas, the programme hopes to improve the quality of life for residents and create a foundation for long-term sustainability.
Regional participation
The programme spans all 17 of Spain’s autonomous communities, but the number of students placed varies widely. Castilla y León and Andalucia lead participation, hosting 132 and 125 students respectively, while other regions such as the Basque Country and Canary Islands saw minimal involvement.
Student numbers by region:
- Castilla y León: 132
- Andalucia: 125
- Valencia: 55
- Galicia: 42
- Aragon: 41
- Castilla-La Mancha: 38
- Catalonia: 30
- Extremadura: 28
- Murcia: 26
- Navarre: 21
- Cantabria: 11
- Asturias: 9
- Balearic Islands: 6
- Madrid: 5
- La Rioja: 3
- Canary Islands: 2
- Basque Country: 1
Areas of study
Of the 575 participants, 65% (373 students) were enrolled in social sciences, law, or humanities, while the remaining 35% (202 students) came from technical and health science backgrounds. This blend of academic disciplines allowed the programme to address a variety of local needs, from legal assistance to technological and healthcare support.
Looking ahead
Spanish universities plan to expand “Campus Rural” in the coming years, despite operational challenges that remain to be resolved. Enhancing rural internships is seen as a way to boost the economic prospects of Spain’s most vulnerable regions while equipping students with valuable professional experience.
By bridging the gap between academia and rural communities, the programme could play a key role in reversing Spain’s demographic decline and promoting sustainable development.