India Invites Spanish Universities to Set Up Campuses Under NEP 2020 Boosting Study in Spain Opportunities

When one talks about study abroad space, they often forget that policy conversations hint at invitations. High-level bilateral talks were held in New Delhi. The Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan invited top Spanish universities to establish their campuses in India. Both countries are developing approaches to boost the academic ties. Moreover, the move is in line with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

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The focus remains on joint degrees, research partnerships, and innovation in emerging technologies. But it signals something more… more than just a diplomatic dialogue. It is a new phase of transnational education. The same example was witnessed when India invited Canadian universities to open campuses to boost academic collaboration. The ties will also strengthen the opportunities for MBBS in Europe.

Study in Spain for Indian students can benefit from this collaboration. 

• Greater academic presence in India
• Reshaped mobility pathways
• Lower overall costs
• Expanded access to European degrees without relocating

A world-class European education is now in reach… it's not just aspiration but reality.

India Invites Spanish Universities to Set Up Campuses

In the meeting, Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) was present with more than 30 senior academic leaders. The delegation met 70 Indian institution representatives. As a study abroad enthusiast, we can say that the conversations have clearly moved past ceremonial handshakes and photo ops. It is now a real, roll-up-your-sleeves collaboration.

Dharmendra Pradhan said India is “open, ready, and welcoming” to foreign universities.

What Was Discussed in India-Spain Talks?

We can expect more formal MOUs later this year. The following are the highlights of the current development:

• Joint and dual degree courses
• Staff and student mobility
• Research partnerships
• Innovation and startup collaboration
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies
• Ethical and human-centred research models

Why Spain Is Interested in India?

It is an established fact that India now possesses the biggest talent pool of students. Apart from this, India is also in need to internatioanlisation of its higher education institutions. On the other hand, Spain is planning to diversify its recruitment market. So Madrid eyes India’s massive youth population and policy reforms. 

The Ambassador of Spain to India, Juan Antonio March Pujol’s statement is worth mentioning. He said that academic collaboration is now a bilateral priority.

Also, Madrid and New Delhi are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations. The milestone has been officially known as Spain-India Dual Year 2026. The initiative aligns with it.

Also Read: MBBS in Europe for Indian Students

What This Means for Students Planning to Study in Spain?

Study in Spain for Indian students will get numerous advantages. If Spanish universities open branch campuses in India:

• Tuition and living costs could be reduced
• Students earn European degrees 
• Without full overseas relocation
• Credit transfers between India and Spain become smooth
• Multilingual programs expand

Study in Spain: Current vs Potential Model

What potential changes can we expect from India-Spain education ties?

AI and Emerging Technologies in Focus

The meeting comes at a time when the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is going on. The meeting also highlights artificial intelligence, innovation, and ethical research areas.

This means that technologya nd AI sectors will reap the most benefits of this tie. 

A European Shift in India’s Transnational Landscape

Being a study abroad consultant, we, at Select Your University, observed that India’s transnational education ecosystem has been dominated by English-speaking countries for a long time. And if Spain comes, its entry will add a strong European dimension.

Broader collaboration could mean:

• Expanded subject options
• Increased Spanish-language pathways
• Greater EU research access
• Stronger industry-academia links

The Bigger Picture

When two countries’ education goals reflect each other, momentum follows the path. In 2026, India is set to position itself as a global education destination and higher education hub. Spain is also working to expand its education footprint. The time is strategic. Students need to make notes here. Indo-Spanish academic collaboration is going to solidify with the new policy formations and other diplomatic measures. 

As both countries move from dialogue to delivery, it is not just going to increase mobility. It will shape the next generation of globally minded people.