The Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities rejected three private university projects in Madrid and the Balearic Islands due to concerns regarding their financial viability and academic offerings. These rejections were supported by a majority in the permanent commission of the General Conference on University Policy, with many PP communities abstaining.
However, the ministry did approve, with conditions, the Universidad Abierta de Extremadura, a distance-learning university promoted by Grupo Planeta.
The four projects will be assessed under the existing Castells decree before its planned modification in September. The updated decree will require positive evaluations from ANECA or regional agencies.
The rejections highlighted significant financial concerns. For example, the Universidad Internacional de las Artes's insufficient capital was cited as a major issue, along with concerns about the lack of financial planning and the inability to secure necessary facilities. Similarly, the Universidad Felipe II faced issues related to insufficient capital and unconfirmed availability of its proposed site.
The Universidad de Mallorca also failed to meet the requirements, lacking documented financial solvency, sufficient master's programs, and adequate infrastructure for research.
Most PP regional governments abstained from voting on the rejections, while some voted in line with the government's decision.
The article discusses the broader context of private university expansion in Spain, noting the increase in private universities and ongoing debates about quality control and access to higher education.