The decision by the Andalusian parliament to adopt a new university reform has become one of the most discussed events in the region’s education sector. The law sparked a storm of protest among the leadership of public universities, trade unions, and student associations. The main concern is the potential government interference in university autonomy and the possible weakening of public educational institutions amid the rise in the number of private universities.
Since the introduction of the first draft bills in 2024, the rectors of public universities have expressed distrust toward the initiative. Now, after its final approval, their criticism has become even harsher. They believe the new regulation not only restricts the universities’ autonomy but may also contradict the key principles of the Spanish Constitution.
Political conflict
The law was adopted solely by the votes of the ruling party, which holds an absolute majority. This has heightened tensions between the academic community and the regional government. Opposition parties openly voiced concerns over risks to university autonomy, while left-wing forces accused the authorities of supporting the privatization of higher education. In recent years, the number of private universities in Andalusia has grown from one to five, with four of them receiving permission to operate within just ten months.
Opposition representatives emphasize that the new reform is yet another step toward the commercialization of education. In their view, the law creates conditions for further expansion of the private sector and weakens the position of public universities. Some lawmakers have even called the document dangerous and unfair, pointing to the threat of interference in university operations when political power changes.
Funding and oversight
One of the most contentious points has been the funding system. Rectors note that the new law does not guarantee stable and sufficient funding for public universities. Moreover, they highlight the government’s failure to meet previous financial commitments. In 2025, the allocation of budget funds again caused discontent: the promised additional resources were never provided.
The law stipulates regular reviews of the funding system, but rectors are concerned that this will not solve the chronic shortage of resources. In addition, the new regulation requires universities to attract a significant share of external funding without offering clear guarantees or tools for long-term planning.
A key innovation is the introduction of an internal controller (interventor) position, responsible for overseeing the economic activities of universities. This measure has sparked sharp criticism from rectors, who argue that public universities are already under strict supervision and that further intervention is excessive.
Changes for students and faculty
The reform affects not only administrative and financial issues but also directly impacts students and faculty. Starting in 2030, a B2-level proficiency in a foreign language will be required to obtain a diploma or access certain academic positions. The law also guarantees students the right to tuition discounts, temporary suspension of studies, balancing academics with sports, and digital workload relief.
New professional categories and contract duration limits for temporary staff are being introduced for faculty. All staffing decisions will now require approval from the regional ministry, which, according to rectors, restricts universities’ autonomy in personnel management.
The law also requires private universities to meet specific standards and have experience in higher education. However, representatives of public universities argue that these measures are insufficient to ensure a level playing field.
Reaction from the university community
Rectors of Andalusian public universities have issued strong statements, emphasizing that the final version of the law is significantly different from the original draft agreed upon with the government. They believe that the new mechanisms of oversight and intervention by the authorities undermine the foundations of university autonomy enshrined in the Constitution.
Trade unions have also expressed concern about the new categories of teaching staff, reminding that regulation of these matters falls under the competence of the central authorities. In their view, these changes could negatively affect the quality of education and working conditions at public universities.
Student organizations have drawn attention to increased administrative oversight and intervention in university governance processes. They argue that the new rules limit opportunities for independent development and decision-making within the universities.
Context and consequences
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly seen debates over higher education reform. Other regions of the country have also discussed issues of university autonomy, funding, and the role of private educational institutions. For example, similar initiatives in Catalonia and Madrid have sparked mass protests and strikes among students and faculty. Overall, the trend toward increased government control and a growing number of private universities can be seen across the country, sparking concern among the academic community and the public.
