Changes in the Spanish university (1975-2025): expansion, reorganization and financing

Abstract

This article describes the changes that have taken place in Spanish universities over the fifty years since the transition to democracy began in 1975. It focuses on the expansion of university education, the organization of academic degrees, and the financing of universities, including scholarships and study grants for university students. The approach used is the analysis of the main statistical indicators and legal texts approved in relation to these issues. All of this is accompanied by secondary sources that allow for a reconstruction of the evolution of the university and its changes. The article notes that, during the democratic period, the university expanded, the academic degrees were reorganized, and funding increased, including scholarships and study grants. The balance of democracy is clearly positive. However, some areas for improvement are discussed, based on international comparisons and a more detailed analysis of each dimension. Some challenges to be addressed in the future are identified and some university policy proposals are suggested to address them.

Key words: University, Spain, Democracy, University policy, Higher Education, University spending, University degrees.