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India Today
05-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
Spain eases visa rules to welcome students affected by US immigration crackdown
In response to tighter US immigration controls, Spain has stepped in with a new fast-track visa initiative called 'EduBridge to Spain' aimed at welcoming international students affected by the Trump administration's student visa move follows widespread reports of international students being denied entry into the United States due to tightened screening policies, especially social media vetting and halted visa government is now offering these students a smoother alternative to continuing their education without unnecessary PATH FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Under the EduBridge to Spain programme, affected students can quickly transfer their academic progress from US universities to Spanish institutions. This includes smoother validation of previously completed coursework, recognition of existing qualifications, and simplified academic record programme spans a wide range of academic levels -- from high school and undergraduate studies to postgraduate education -- offering students the ability to shift at nearly any point in their academic VISA PROCESS AND WORK RIGHTSTo further support the move, Spain's Migration Ministry has ensured that its consular offices in the US will prioritise student visa applications. Once in Spain, police stations will also fast-track the issuance of Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) for not only students but also professors and eligible students will be allowed to take up part-time employment, easing financial concerns and supporting a more integrated experience in IMMIGRATION LAW COULD COMPLICATE ENTRYHowever, the scheme is not without its hurdles. A new Spanish immigration law, which came into effect on 20 May, includes fresh restrictions on various visa types, including student these rules, students must meet more rigid timelines for submitting academic documents, provide proof of medical insurance and accommodation, and face a shorter timeframe for securing a residence to Apune (Association of American University Programmes in Spain), students face confusion around tuition payments as many Spanish universities only collect fees in September, while visa applicants are often required to pay FOR SCIENTISTS ALSO INCLUDEDBeyond students, Spain is actively encouraging US-based scientists impacted by the Trump administration's policies to relocate. Science and Innovation Minister Diana Morant announced 200,000 in additional funding for each project led by these efforts aim to make Spain a safe haven for academics and researchers who feel 'disregarded' under current US governance. The grants will support both research and relocation costs, strengthening Spain's innovation REMAINS A TOP CHOICE FOR STUDYAccording to the Open Doors website, Spain ranks third among the top destinations for American students, after the UK and Italy. On average, 20,000 students apply annually to pursue part of their studies in EduBridge to Spain, this number is expected to rise significantly, as more students reconsider their educational options amid geopolitical proactive approach underscores a broader shift in global student mobility. With streamlined systems, cross-border recognition, and employment access, Spain is emerging as a preferred alternative to the US for international education seekers.- Ends
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Spain offers fast-track visas to students denied by US social media rules
Spain is preparing to roll out a fast-track programme to attract foreign students who have been denied or delayed entry into the United States due to their political opinions on social media. The scheme—called EduBridge to Spain comes in response to former US president Donald Trump's recent orders expanding social media vetting for international student visa applicants. According to the Spanish government, the new pathway will simplify enrolment at Spanish universities for those affected by Washington's tougher stance on overseas admissions. The programme is expected to be approved shortly. It promises quicker access to higher education for foreign nationals, including students whose applications to the US have been held up or denied after social media background checks flagged their political views. What EduBridge to Spain includes Under the scheme, eligible students will be able to: Apply for accelerated admission to Spanish universities Enrol temporarily while their diploma recognition is processed Benefit from dedicated international student quotas Get priority appointments at Spanish consulates in the US According to The Local Spain, the Spain-focused edition of The Local, Europe's leading English-language digital news publisher aimed at expats, migrants and international visitors, the fast-track system will also support the transfer of academic records and validation of completed coursework for students midway through degrees in the US. A reaction to tightened US rules In recent months, US embassies have ramped up scrutiny of student visa applications. Many students, especially those perceived to hold left-leaning political views, have faced delays or denials. Although a temporary visa suspension was lifted, pending review of applicants' social media profiles, the uncertainty has prompted many to consider alternatives. The move has not gone unnoticed in Spain. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge finds its way — even when others shut the door,' said Elma Saiz, Minister of Migration. She added that consulates in the US would prioritise student visa applications under the new scheme, and Spanish police stations would speed up issuing Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) to affected students, professors and researchers. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it. We want to offer these young people the opportunity to continue their education in our country,' said Saiz. €200,000 research grants for US scientists Spain is also trying to attract US-based scientists who feel squeezed out by the Trump administration's policies. The Ministry of Science and Innovation has announced that researchers moving to Spain under a separate initiative will receive an additional €200,000 in project funding. Diana Morant, the science minister, said the scheme would support scientists 'disregarded' in the US. Challenges due to new immigration law However, the programme may face a few hurdles. Spain's new Immigration Law, which came into effect on May 20, brings in additional requirements for student visas. These include shorter initial stay periods before students can apply for residence permits, new timelines for submitting academic progress reports, and stricter conditions around health insurance and housing documentation.
Local Spain
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Spain
Spain to fast-track admission for foreign students blocked by Trump
President Donald Trump has recently been cracking down on higher education, telling US embassies around the globe to half student visa interviews as his administration expands social media vetting for these applicants. In a bid to try and attract those foreign students who can't or may not want to study in the US anymore, the Spanish government is to approve a new fast-track programme on Tuesday which will allow those affected by the immigration restrictions imposed by the Trump administration to study at Spanish universities more easily. Although the visa suspension has now been lifted, pending reviewal of students' social media profiles, the situation is precarious, and many are reconsidering a move to the US. The programme has been dubbed "EduBridge to Spain". This fast-track solution for international students allows candidates to benefit from the offer at different stages of their education, from high school to university or even from Bachelor's to a Master's. It will allegedly mean that students will not experience delays in continuing their studies in Spain while qualifications from their countries of origin are being recognised, quite the claim by authorities given that Spanish bureaucracy is notoriously slow and painstaking. The fast-lane approach will also include different measures such as the easy transfer of academic records, and validation of completed courses if the student is already studying for a university degree in the United States. According to the Spanish government, they will ensure that consular offices in the United States will expedite the granting of visas and that police stations will also expedite the issuance of Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) for students, professors, and researchers. 'Spain wants to be a country where knowledge opens the way, even when others block it; we want to offer these young people the opportunity to continue their education in our country, contributing to their talent. Their future cannot be trapped by decisions unrelated to their efforts and merit,' explained the Minister of Migration, Elma Saiz. One issue that the new programme may run into, however, is that Spain also recently passed a new Immigration Law, which came into force on May 20th, featuring a raft of new measures for many types of visas, including student visas. This could actually make it more difficult for US students to get visas due to a reduction in the length of stay before getting a residence permit, changes to deadlines for submitting academic reports, medical insurance and proof of accommodation. The unintended situation has already led to dozens of applications being frozen or denied, according to various reports in the Spanish press. The Association of American University Programmes in Spain (Apune) explain that the requirements are ambiguous and, in many cases, difficult to comply with as prior payment of enrolment fees is required, but many Spanish universities do not charge tuition fees until September. In addition to students, Spain has also been trying to attract US scientists fleeing the Trump administration with €200k in extra funding. Spanish Minister of Science and Innovation Diana Morant explained that the focus is on researchers who are being "disregarded" by the Trump administration. She said that US-based scientists selected for this programme will receive additional funding of €200,000 for each project they're working on.
