The Government of Spain will offer a fast track for foreign students blocked by US policies to continue their studies in Spain

The proposal, called EduBridge to Spain, is part of the Government's strategy to strengthen Spain's potential as a recipient of international talent. "Spain is a country with enormous potential as a benchmark destination for global talent, as evidenced by its great economic performance and the fact that three million foreigners have chosen our country to live and work, increasingly linked to activities with high added value," said Saiz.

To ensure the effective implementation of this pathway, an inter-ministerial working group has already been set up with the participation of the Ministries of Migration; Education, Vocational Training and Sport; Science, Innovation and Universities; Foreign Affairs and Territorial Policy. This team has been working on a series of approaches that will guarantee the incorporation of these students into Spanish academic spaces in an initial phase, starting in September of this year (first four-month period) and, in a second phase, from January 2026 (second four-month period).

Fast track to continue or start studies in Spain

The plan, defined as an academic fast track, envisages agile pathways for international students at different educational stages: Baccalaureate or previous courses that will go on to university; students who are in the middle of their degree (with one or more courses already completed); and people who have finished their degree and who want to do a master's degree at a university.

In all cases, the procedure would consist of obtaining enrolment in the centre; applying for authorisation to stay for study purposes (which allows both residence and the compatibility of part-time work with studies, for a period of more than 90 days, and can be processed through the consular network); obtaining the visa; transfer to Spain; and finally, if necessary, obtaining the TIE (Foreigners' Identity Card).

With regard to the continuity of studies in Spain, the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport will guarantee the continuity of studies at non-university levels in all courses, as well as the incorporation of students into post-compulsory education, through the homologation of diplomas that they can provide from their countries of origin. Furthermore, in order to ensure that students do not suffer delays in the continuation of their studies, a provisional decision will be issued authorising conditional enrolment until the definitive resolution of their file.

With regard to the continuation of studies in Spanish university Degrees from US universities, there will also be different ways to facilitate the arrival of these students in Spanish university classrooms - through the homologation of the foreign Baccalaureate degree, establishing, after this preliminary step, different scenarios, with their corresponding solutions: using quotas for foreign students; taking specific tests for access to Degrees with high cut-off marks; requesting the transfer of transcripts and the validation of the subjects taken if the person was already studying a university Degree in the United States; or through the usual procedures for access and enrolment in a Masters degree for a student coming from a Degree taken in the United States.

While the Spanish consular offices in the United States will expedite the procedures for issuing visas, the Government delegations and sub-delegations, in the case of students, and the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE), in the case of teachers and researchers, will do the same with the processing of the corresponding authorisations. Finally, police stations will facilitate applications for the issuance of foreigners' identity cards (TIE) for students, teachers and researchers.

Coordination between ministries

The international context has been key in the activation of this measure. The recent decision by the US administration to suspend visas and increase controls on foreign students has led the Executive to design an initiative that aims to send a clear message: talent will be welcome, and education will continue to be an open and safe space.

"With respect, balance and equality of interests and expectations of Spanish students, we want to offer these young people the possibility of continuing their education in our country, contributing their talent. Their future cannot be trapped by decisions unrelated to their efforts and merit," the minister pointed out.

Once the measure has been approved by the Council of Ministers, the Executive will launch an international information and guidance campaign aimed at interested students, which will be carried out mainly through embassies and consulates, as well as through the Ministry of Education in the United States and the different public universities with agreements with US universities. The aim is to channel interest in an orderly manner, to provide legal certainty and to accompany young people from the beginning of their relocation process.

"Spain wants to be a country where knowledge makes its way, even when others close it. In a world that builds walls, we build bridges. Where others restrict, we integrate. Because knowledge and dignity know no borders," the minister concluded.

Non official translation