University of Málaga admits 45 vulnerable students via social exclusion quota

A total of 45 vulnerable students have gained access to 34 different degree programs at the University of Málaga (UMA) for the 2026/2027 academic year through a social exclusion quota. This initiative utilizes an additional 1% of new admission spots within the public higher education system.

This figure represents a 73% increase compared to the number of students admitted through this method during the 2025/2026 academic year. The measure, which has been in effect in Andalusia since the 2023/2024 academic year, makes the region the first in Spain to adopt such a social initiative. The program aims to promote equality by ensuring that economic, family, or social circumstances do not prevent students from pursuing their preferred degrees.

Of the students admitted, 57.78% are women (26 students) and 42.22% are men (19 students). There is a significant preference for health sciences, with 11 placements in fields such as Psychology, Nursing, Medicine, Physiotherapy, and Speech Therapy. Engineering degrees also saw notable interest, with eight students enrolling in various types of engineering programs.