UAE students set to benefit as Spain fast-tracks university access

‘EduBridge to Spain’ offers new path for global students blocked by tighter US immigration

Last updated:
Justin Varghese, Your Money Editor
2 MIN READ
Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, led by Elma Saiz, is introducing a fast-track academic pathway for international students, researchers, and academics who may no longer be able to enter or continue their education in the United States.
Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, led by Elma Saiz, is introducing a fast-track academic pathway for international students, researchers, and academics who may no longer be able to enter or continue their education in the United States.
Shutterstock

Dubai: International students—including many in the UAE—are now being offered a faster alternative to US higher education: Spain’s new “EduBridge to Spain” programme, launched in response to recent visa restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump.

The initiative aims to welcome the first batch of students by September 2025, giving those affected by the US policy shift a renewed chance to study abroad.

Why is Spain launching this?

Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, led by Elma Saiz, is introducing a fast-track academic pathway for international students, researchers, and academics who may no longer be able to enter or continue their education in the United States. This follows reports of stricter social media vetting and visa delays for students holding political views seen as unfavourable by the US administration.

Saiz stated: “Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it.”

What does EduBridge to Spain offer?

The programme, pending approval at Spain’s next Council of Ministers meeting, includes:

  • Accelerated admission to Spanish universities

  • Temporary enrolment while awaiting diploma recognition

  • Priority visa appointments at Spanish consulates

  • Support for credit transfer from US institutions

  • Dedicated quotas for affected international students

It will be implemented in two phases:

  • Phase 1 (Sept 2025): Initial intake for start of academic year

  • Phase 2 (Jan 2026): Expanded enrolment for the second semester

Who can apply?

The programme is open to a wide range of students, including pre-university students who are completing their secondary education (such as A-levels or an equivalent qualification), current undergraduate students who have completed one or more academic years, and graduates who are looking to pursue a Master’s degree.

Students must secure a place at a recognised Spanish institution and apply for the necessary study permit and visa.

What about working while studying?

Spain’s updated immigration laws (Royal Decree 1155/2024) now allow:

  • Up to 30 hours/week of part-time work while studying

  • Student permits that cover the full academic programme duration

  • Post-study transition to full work authorisation

According to immigration lawyer Isaac Abad Garrido, the system now “prioritises the attraction and retention of international talent.”

Academic recognition and support

The Spanish Ministry of Education has guaranteed support for affected students by ensuring recognition of US diplomas and coursework, allowing conditional enrolment while official documents are still being processed, offering multiple university entry pathways—including exam-based routes and dedicated international student quotas—and enabling the transfer of academic credits for those already partway through their degrees in the United States.

What students need to watch out for

While EduBridge offers many benefits, students must be mindful of Spain’s revised immigration laws. These introduce:

  • Shorter initial stay periods before applying for residence

  • New deadlines for submitting academic progress

  • Stricter conditions on housing and insurance

  • Seeking proper legal guidance is essential for a smooth transition.

In parallel, Spain’s Ministry of Science has launched a separate plan for US-based researchers affected by the same restrictions. Those moving to Spain will receive €200,000 in research grants, aimed at attracting academic talent sidelined by the US administration.

Why this matters for UAE-based students

Many students in the UAE eye the US for higher education. But with new US restrictions creating uncertainty, Spain’s EduBridge programme presents a real-time alternative — with faster visa processing, EU-level academic access, and strong post-graduation work pathways.

For students worried about stalled or denied US applications, Spain may now offer the quickest route to stay on track with academic and career plans.

Justin Varghese
Justin VargheseYour Money Editor
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence. Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next