According to the latest data from the Ministerio de Universidades, Spanish universities reached a record-breaking 241,777 foreign student enrolments in 2022/23. This follows a big jump reported from the previous academic year (224,080).
The latest record represents a nearly 8% year-over-year gain and adds up to an impressive 16% increase from a pre-pandemic base of 208,320 students in 2019/20. The 2022/23 total includes 180,563 international students enrolled in degree courses and 61,214 in exchange programs.
Senders from Spanish-speaking markets
In 2022/23, Italy (23,810) was Spain’s #1 market for international students. Other European regions were also well-represented, with France (19,656), Germany (10,548) and Romania (8,889) making the top 10 senders list.
Outside of Europe, Spanish-speaking markets were also prominent, with much of the year-on-year growth driven by key senders from the Americas, particularly Colombia (23,623) and Mexico (9,943).
Notably, China remains the top Asian sending country, with 12,542 students.
Spain’s booming international education sector
Supportive government policies, top-notch Spanish language programs and attractive Erasmus+ schemes are generating consistent progress in Spain’s international education sector.
Work opportunities for foreign students
In 2023, the Spanish government increased in-study work rights for full-time international students. They can now work up to 30 hours a week, up from 20 hours before.
Spain also currently allows foreign students graduating with a Spanish undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degree to remain in the country for a year to look for work under a job-search visa. It’s also simpler for students to renew their work permit, which is now extendable to four years at once.
Economic impact of Spain’s language programs
A large chunk of foreigners studying in Spain are enrolled in the country’s language programs. In 2022, this accounted for a total direct economic impact of €2.1 million, excluding spending on non-academic expenses such as accommodation, transport and leisure.
More Erasmus+ grants
Erasmus+ is a program facilitated by the European Union to support international exchange and mobility in education, training and sport. Thousands of European students go to Spain under this scheme, which affords them free tuition. Most grant awardees enter the higher education sector, followed by vocational education and training.
Expanding Spain’s reach
With its success in international student enrolment, Spain is poised to welcome more foreigners in the coming years. The country plans to expand its reach through various partnerships and government initiatives. For instance, its policy ‘Focus Africa 2023’ is set to prioritise bilateral cooperation and recruitment of both skilled workers and students in the region, particularly in Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa.
For more information on study-abroad opportunities in Spain and other emerging markets, get in touch with our business development experts today.
