Dubai: International students, including many residing in the UAE, now have access to a faster alternative to pursuing higher education in the United States through Spain’s newly launched “EduBridge to Spain” programme. This initiative was created in response to the recent visa restrictions enacted by US President Donald Trump.
The programme aims to welcome its first group of students by September 2025, providing a renewed opportunity for those impacted by the US policy changes to pursue education abroad.
Why is Spain launching this initiative?
Under the leadership of Elma Saiz, Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion has introduced this expedited academic pathway specifically for international students, researchers, and academics who may no longer be eligible to enter or continue their studies in the US. This move comes amid reports of heightened social media screenings and delays in visa issuance for students whose political views may be viewed unfavorably by the US government.
Elma Saiz expressed: “Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it.”
What does EduBridge to Spain provide?
Pending approval at the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting in Spain, the programme offers several key features, including:
Accelerated admission processes to Spanish universities
Temporary enrolment for students awaiting diploma recognition
Priority scheduling for visa appointments at Spanish consulates
Support with transferring academic credits from US institutions
Dedicated quotas specifically for international students impacted by US policy
The implementation will occur in two phases:
Phase 1 (September 2025): First intake aligned with the start of the academic year
Phase 2 (January 2026): Expanded enrolment to include the second semester
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to a broad spectrum of students, including:
Pre-university students completing their secondary education (e.g., A-levels or equivalent)
Current undergraduate students who have completed at least one academic year
Graduates seeking to pursue a Master’s degree
Applicants must secure admission to a recognized Spanish university and apply for the corresponding study permit and visa.
Can students work while studying?
Spain’s revised immigration laws (Royal Decree 1155/2024) now permit:
Part-time work of up to 30 hours per week while enrolled in studies
Student permits that cover the full duration of their academic programmes
A clear transition pathway from student status to full work authorization post-graduation
According to immigration lawyer Isaac Abad Garrido, this updated system now “prioritises the attraction and retention of international talent.”
Support for academic recognition
The Spanish Ministry of Education has committed to aiding affected students by:
Recognizing US diplomas and coursework
Allowing conditional university enrolment while official documentation is in process
Offering multiple admission routes, including exam-based entry and quotas for international students
Facilitating credit transfers for those already progressing through degrees in the US
Points for students to consider
Although EduBridge brings numerous advantages, students should be aware of Spain’s revised immigration requirements, which include:
Shorter initial durations before applying for longer-term residency
New timelines for demonstrating academic progress
Stricter regulations regarding housing and health insurance
Students are advised to seek reliable legal counsel to ensure a smooth transition to Spain.
Simultaneously, Spain’s Ministry of Science has introduced a separate programme for researchers based in the US who are similarly affected. Those relocating to Spain under this initiative will receive €200,000 in research funding, intended to attract academic talent displaced by US policies.
Significance for UAE-based students
For students in the UAE who traditionally look toward the US for higher education, the EduBridge programme offers a timely and practical alternative. With faster visa processes, access to European-level education, and strong employment opportunities post-graduation, Spain may now represent the most viable route for those whose US academic plans have been disrupted.
For students facing delays or rejections in US applications, Spain’s EduBridge initiative may offer the most immediate and secure path to continue their academic and career journeys.