Spain to tighten university accreditation and faculty requirements

The Spanish government is preparing a new royal decree to tighten accreditation requirements for universities and teaching centers to ensure academic quality. Developed in collaboration with the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE), the initiative aims to prevent institutions from operating as mere “degree-selling franchises.”

Key proposals include mandates for faculty composition, requiring that at least 50% of teachers hold a doctorate and 40% have full-time contracts for each degree program. The government also intends to enforce in-person instruction where necessary, particularly in fields such as healthcare, to address the growing demand for official degrees.

Under the new regulations, institutions must undergo accreditation renewal every six years. Evaluation criteria will include the renewal of at least half of the official degrees offered, faculty quality, academic results, and the adequacy of facilities such as laboratories and libraries. For virtual learning, digital platforms and technological resources must be detailed. Failure to maintain accreditation may result in increased external supervision, difficulties in offering official degrees, and reputational damage.