Market intelligence for international student recruitment from ICEF
22nd Jan 2025

Foreign enrolment in Spanish higher education reached a record high in 2022/23

Short on time? Here are the highlights:
  • International enrolment in Spanish universities expanded by nearly 8% in 2022/23
  • Many of those students are from key European sending markets, but Spanish-speaking markets outside of Europe also figure prominently

Following strong growth in the 2021/22 academic year, the number of international students in Spanish universities reached a record high in 2022/23, according to the latest data release from Spain's Ministerio de Universidades.

The ministry says that there were 241,775 foreign students in Spain's universities in 2022/23. That represents a nearly 8% year-over-year gain. It also adds up to an impressive 16% increase from a pre-pandemic base of 208,320 students in 2019/20.

The 2022/23 total includes 180,565 foreign students enrolled in degree programmes and another 61,215 in exchange programmes.

Top sending markets

The broad pattern in terms of the top countries of origin for Spanish higher education is largely the same in 2022/23 as it was the year before. European markets are well represented with Italy, France, Germany, and Romania comfortably in the Top 10.

Outside of the European senders, Spanish-speaking markets also figure prominently, including Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Chile. In fact, much of the year-over-year growth for 2022/23 appears to have been driven by a couple of key Spanish-language markets, notably Colombia and Mexico.

The top 40 sending markets for Spanish universities, 2021/22. Values shown include total student numbers by market, enrolment in academic exchange programmes ("programas de movilidad") and degree enrolments ("de matricula ordinaria"). Source: Ministerio de Universidades

For additional background, please see:

Most Recent

  • British Council says student recruitment to UK higher education will get a boost this year from South Asia and the “Trump effect” Read More
  • New Zealand expands post-study work opportunities for international students Read More
  • As Iran retaliates across the Middle East, schools close, students worry, and institutions reassess transnational education Read More

Most Popular

  • Which countries will contribute the most to global student mobility in 2030? Read More
  • Research shows link between study abroad and poverty alleviation  Read More
  • Beyond the Big Four: How demand for study abroad is shifting to destinations in Asia and Europe Read More

Because you found this article interesting

British Council says student recruitment to UK higher education will get a boost this year from South Asia and the “Trump effect” “Demand for UK education will remain resilient over the coming year despite increased competition from intra-regional mobility in...
Read more
New Zealand expands post-study work opportunities for international students In late 2026, New Zealand is rolling out a new Short Term Graduate Work Visa and extending eligibility...
Read more
As Iran retaliates across the Middle East, schools close, students worry, and institutions reassess transnational education The US/Israel-Iran war has touched down in several countries in the Middle East, and international educators and students...
Read more
US: Student visa issuances fell by -36% in summer 2025; OPT uncertainty among factors affecting international student demand The US government has renewed its focus on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme that allows international students...
Read more
Canada and India deepen educational ties; India repositions as an equal player in international education As with China in the 2010s, the West is waking up to the reality that India’s “emerging economy”...
Read more
Inbound, outbound, and transnational: the landscape for international education in China continues to evolve China is broadening its approach to international education and talent attraction. The Chinese government continues to support the...
Read more
Australia doubles post-study work visa application fee The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) visa allows eligible foreign graduates to work in Australia from 18 months...
Read more
Australia moving to wider sharing of education agent data On 28 November 2025, the Australian House of Representatives passed the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures)...
Read more
What are you looking for?
Quick Links