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The university agreement in Madrid: what does not change and what remains pending
Thousands of families face a new academic year with the country’s highest university fees in Madrid. The recent agreement between the regional government and universities does not substantially alter the cost borne by students.
The agreement includes a significant overall investment through to 2031, but part of this funding depends on external contributions and the system’s own income, such as fees. This maintains the current structure, where the financial burden still largely falls on families.
Although a budget increase has been announced, the actual growth is more limited when looking at the full period covered by the agreement. Furthermore, it does not make up for the loss of purchasing power accumulated in recent years, especially after inflation.
Another key issue is the lack of an annual guarantee. The implementation of the agreement depends on the budget for each year, which introduces uncertainty about whether it will actually be fulfilled over time.
The debate, far from focusing on access to university, has shifted towards figures and funding models that do not address the underlying problem.
For many families, the cost of studying will remain a decisive factor when choosing a degree or university. This can limit options and increase financial pressure on households. It also affects access to higher education, especially for those who rely on grants or have limited resources.