Spain's Latest University Legislation: Essential Highlights You Should Be Aware Of
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Loading... - layla carter
- 17 May 2023
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Spain is ushering in a new era for its university system with the implementation of a groundbreaking law, which introduces significant financial commitments and regulations on public fees. Here, we provide you with all the crucial information you need to know.
As of Wednesday, April 12th, the "Organic Law of the University System" (LOSU), Spain's latest education reform, officially takes effect. This comprehensive legislation encompasses various reforms, including a pledge to allocate one percent of the country's GDP towards universities, the prohibition of gender-segregated colleges, and the establishment of limits on public university fees.
Following its formal approval at a Council of Ministers' meeting in March, Joan Subirats, Spain's Minister of Universities, emphasized the role of universities as beacons projecting European values such as democracy, social rights, equality, and recognition of diversity to the world. Regarding the law itself, Minister Subirats expressed his pride, stating that it enables universities to uphold their crucial function, which they have faithfully fulfilled for centuries. He emphasized that universities remain fundamental pillars in preserving ideological pluralism, fostering critical knowledge, preparing young individuals for their personal and professional lives, driving research and innovation, and facilitating knowledge transfer to society.
However, what specific provisions does the law entail? What changes can be expected? And how does it impact current and prospective students in Spain? Let us delve into the key aspects of the new university law:
Language: The new legislation mandates the inclusion of Catalan, Basque, and Galician in Erasmus exchange programs and other publicly funded mobility initiatives.
Evaluations: The evaluation process for university teaching staff will be revised, emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Evaluations will consider factors such as open access to publications, the impact of research, linguistic diversity, and professional experience.
Gender Segregation: Notably, the law introduces measures to abolish gender segregation, thereby prohibiting private colleges with such practices from being associated with public universities. This reform emerged during the draft stage of the bill, championed by the left-wing party Más País. The change follows a recent incident of sexist chanting at the segregated Colegio Mayor Elías Ahuja in Madrid, which prompted the prosecutor's office to initiate a hate crime investigation.
Fees: Previously, the government established a maximum fee for public universities, approved by regional authorities, in order to standardize fees nationwide and prevent excessive price increases. The new law strengthens these measures by granting regions the power to determine fee levels, provided they adhere to the government's established principle of gradually reducing prices. In essence, fees at public universities in Spain can only be decreased or maintained, never increased.
Funding: The legislation enforces a commitment to allocate a minimum of one percent of GDP towards universities. This increase aligns with a broader pre-existing commitment to dedicate a minimum of five percent of GDP to education as a whole.
Employment Contracts: The law seeks to address the precariousness experienced by many university teaching staff in Spain. It introduces a maximum limit of eight percent for temporary contracts (compared to the current average of approximately 40 percent) and aims to reduce the number of associate professors and visitors by converting these roles into permanent positions.
Lifelong Learning: Minister Subirats emphasizes that the law aims to promote lifelong learning, making universities more accessible to individuals of all ages. This will not only help adults respond to the demands of the job market but also accommodate the expected demographic changes in the coming years. Lifelong learning will become a fundamental function of universities, offering courses of varying durations.
Foreign Campuses: Spanish universities will be permitted to establish "centres" or campuses abroad, delivering courses that contribute towards recognized university degrees in Spain either independently or through collaborations with national, supranational, or foreign institutions.
In conclusion, Spain's new university law ushers in a transformative era for higher education in the country. With its commitment to increased funding, the eradication of gender segregation, improved employment conditions for teaching staff, and a focus on lifelong learning, the law aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of education. Current and prospective students can expect a more inclusive and diverse academic environment, while Spain's universities will continue to be at the forefront of promoting democratic values, critical knowledge generation, research and innovation, and social progress.
