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

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.

For additional background, please see:

• Attend ICEF Spanish Education, a unique event providing institutions based in Spanish-speaking countries with the opportunity to meet quality, screened student recruitment agents from all over the world.
• "New policies, Erasmus+, and booming tourism boost Spain’s international education sector"
• "Spanish universities report a big jump in foreign enrolment in 2022"