PRESENT AND FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SPAIN

Abstract

Historically the Spanish university has been closely tied to the European elitist model, devoted to culture, pure science and research. More recently it has found itself facing the necessity of answering the demands made ‘by economic development.

The socio‐cultural changes and the advances taking place in the country during the 1960s have produced an explosion in the student population and in the number of those from the lower social strata who are demanding higher education. A widespread policy of scholarships which developed in the 1970s resulted in the university's becoming accessible to those who previously did not have the financial means. But these positive developments are the cause of difficulties which face Spanish higher education. They are analysed in the following article written for “Higher Education in Europe” by Professor Julio R. Villanueva, former Rector of the University of Salamanca and former President of the Spanish Rectors’ Conference. Professor Villanueva is the current Chairman of the CEPES Advisory Committee.