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Date Published: 12/05/2025

Murcia invests in attracting international talent to its universities

Region of Murcia campuses ramp up foreign recruitment with English-language degrees and cutting-edge student support

The Region of Murcia is rapidly gaining ground as a top destination for international university students. With its blend of Mediterranean charm, academic excellence and forward-thinking strategies, Murcia’s three major universities—the University of Murcia (UMU), the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) and the Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM)—are making bold moves to attract students from all over the world.

While the Region has welcomed international students for years, efforts to recruit beyond Spain’s borders have intensified in the last five years. Today, more than 5,600 international students choose to study in Murcia annually, drawn by flexible degree pathways, bilingual courses and 100% English-taught curriculums.

UCAM, which has led the regional surge in international enrolments, has long prioritised attracting students from abroad. With attendees from more than 150 countries, the university continues to invest in global visibility.

“Furthermore, it's important to have agents that facilitate the penetration of your brand, have websites in several languages and a strong bilingual offering,” explained Pablo Blesa, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at the Catholic University.

“It's something we realised very early on; our students come from 150 countries, and we need to offer training in English; it's been a lot of work, but now we can do it,” he added.

The University of Murcia has also embraced attracting foreign students as a key mission.

“Internationalisation has become a strategic priority,” says Pascual Cantos, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at UMU.

The university actively participates in major global education fairs under the ‘Study in Spain’ brand, in coordination with SEPIE and ICEX.

“In these spaces, the University of Murcia works together with its partners in the European EUniWell alliance, establishing new collaboration agreements, seeking exchange partners and raising awareness of its academic offerings,” Mr Cantos said.

At the Polytechnic University of Cartagena, the international push is equally ambitious. Its EUt+ alliance with eight polytechnic universities across Europe simplifies study in different countries and credit recognition, making it easier for international students to study abroad.

The UPCT also enjoys significant traction with countries such as Morocco and Algeria, which maintain a strong tradition of studying in Granada for other degrees, but in the case of engineering (there is no polytechnic university in Andalucía), they often opt for Cartagena.

“We also offer doctorates to professors and students from other Ibero-American universities, and we are studying which training offerings can be converted to a hybrid format for master's degrees, which would concentrate internships in three months," explained Vice-Rector Manuel Ródenas.

Murcia’s universities are also backed by strong student services and lifestyle advantages. With sunny weather, a high quality of life, safety and affordability, the Region is a natural draw for young people seeking a rewarding academic experience.

UMU offers a popular ‘Buddy’ mentorship program, multilingual support and intensive Spanish language courses to help foreign students integrate, while UCAM is adding a new 700-bed residence hall adjacent to its campus to meet the growing demand.

Meanwhile, over at UPCT, a pilot programme currently in development will use AI to provide live subtitles in a student’s native language during Spanish-language lectures, all on their tablet.

According to Mr Ródenas, the initiative could open the door to an even wider audience.

In other news: Murcia gains three more Blue Flags this year, bringing its total to 36

Image: Pexels

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