Spain Grants University Access to Foreign Students Barred by Trump's Visa Ban

• Spain has opened its doors to foreign students blocked from studying in the US under new visa policies by President Donald Trump
• The move grants affected students expedited access to Spanish universities and part-time work rights
• With this shift, Spain aims to boost its academic standing and attract global talent

In a decisive move to position itself as a leading academic destination, Spain announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, that it had approved accelerated access to its universities for foreign students barred from entering the United States under President Donald Trump’s visa restrictions.

According to a statement by the Spanish Migration Ministry, students who were unable to pursue or complete their studies in the US due to the suspension of visas would now be allowed to switch their academic trajectory to Spain.

These newly granted visas also permit part-time work, offering international students both educational and economic incentives.

This policy shift comes in the wake of Trump’s confrontations with several top U.S. universities, including a high-profile clash with Harvard University.

The former president has accused these institutions of fostering antisemitism amid widespread student protests advocating for Palestinian rights during the Gaza conflict. In response, Trump halted funding for investigations and threatened to revoke the university’s tax-exempt status.

In contrast to Trump’s immigration curbs, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is actively promoting immigration, citing its positive economic impact.

This divergence has led several European countries, notably Spain, to increase research grants to attract displaced academic talent and scholars affected by U.S. policy changes.

Spain has consistently ranked among the top destinations for American-based international students. According to the Open Doors website, Spain is the third most popular country for students seeking to study abroad, trailing only the United Kingdom and Italy.

Annually, more than 20,000 students apply for visas to pursue academic programmes in Spanish institutions.

With this policy shift, Spain is not only offering refuge to students caught in political crossfire but also strengthening its position as a global hub for higher education and research innovation.

Spain's visa alternatives amid US restrictions

Spain offers a range of visa options catering to travellers, workers, students, and residents. Whether for short-term tourism or long-term relocation, applicants can choose from Schengen visas, work permits, residency visas, and more, depending on the purpose and duration of their stay.

Spain’s visa policies are overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and are designed to support mobility while ensuring compliance with EU regulations.

US: Trump cancels international students' visas

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revoked the F-1 visas of 10 international students studying at Colorado universities, sparking concerns among affected individuals and institutions.

The University of Colorado reported that four students were impacted, while Colorado State University confirmed six cases.

Both universities expressed their commitment to supporting international students and urged those affected to seek assistance from their campus international student offices or their home country embassies.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng