Spain: New framework aiming to guarantee quality and sustainability of newly created universities
An updated framework for the establishment and authorisation of universities and university centres has been introduced. The new requirements aim to ensure consistent quality, academic sustainability and adequate resources in newly created institutions.
The Council of Ministers has approved the Royal Decree 905/2025 which pertains to the creation, recognition, and authorisation of universities and university centres in Spain. This decree updates the national criteria that have been in place since 2015.
The Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities developed the new framework to establish common requirements, ensuring that new higher education institutions consistently meet clear standards in teaching, research, staffing, facilities, and student support services. This initiative addresses the ongoing expansion of the university system and aims to protect students and families by guaranteeing that newly established institutions provide high-quality and stable educational offerings.
The Royal Decree underscores the importance of both public and private universities in contributing to the higher education system, emphasising that all must adhere to the same academic, institutional, and organisational standards.
Main elements of the Royal Decree
The new framework outlines baseline conditions that any new university must fulfil to receive authorisation, including:
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A binding evaluation report from the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) or regional quality agencies before establishing a new university.
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A minimum enrolment of 4,500 students within the first six years of operation to ensure long-term sustainability, sufficient academic activity and essential support services.
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Offering a balanced range of academic programmes, including undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees across at least three branches of knowledge.
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Investment in research equivalent to 5% of the university’s annual budget, along with securing external funding equivalent to 2%, to foster active research groups.
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Meeting academic staff requirements, with at least 50% holding a PhD and at least 60% possessing accredited research experience.
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Student accommodation for at least 10% of the student body, either through university-owned facilities or partnerships with housing providers.
The Royal Decree requires management teams of new universities to have proven administrative experience and mandates that institutions provide financial guarantees to ensure sustainability. These criteria ensure consistent academic quality for students and allow new universities to open if they meet the updated standards.
Provisions for virtual universities
Recognising the growing importance of online education, with 19% of Spanish university students enrolled in remote studies in 2024/2025, the Royal Decree sets out a procedure for creating virtual universities. Authorisation requires both a thorough evaluation by the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) and approval by the Spanish Parliament, ensuring online courses meet the same standards as on-site teaching.
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