Spain’s Council of Universities has given the green light to two new degree programs that mark a decisive step in preparing talent for the economy of the future: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Biomedical Engineering. Both programs will be offered at the public universities of Granada (UGR) and Jaén (UJA), following a verification process that overturned initial objections from Andalusia’s Agency for Scientific and University Quality.

This decision represents a milestone for the Spanish university system, as it incorporates two disciplines that will concentrate much of the labor market’s demand in the coming years. The rapid rise of artificial intelligence across all industries, combined with the growing intersection of technology and healthcare, makes these degrees strategic for strengthening national competitiveness and addressing future workforce needs.

University leaders in Granada and Jaén celebrated the approval as both an academic and social victory. They emphasized that these programs respond not only to the growing demand from students, but also to the need for public universities to lead innovation—ensuring they are not sidelined by private institutions.

The expected impact is twofold. On one hand, the move will create a regional hub for talent and business in AI and biomedicine. On the other, it will open opportunities for local students who previously had to move to other regions or countries to pursue such studies. The measure also carries political weight, underscoring the importance of supporting public universities as engines of equity and progress.

Despite the authorization, the new degrees will not begin until the 2025/2026 academic year, due to administrative and enrollment timelines. Nevertheless, both universities have already begun preparations, designing curricula that balance academic excellence with employability in competitive markets.

With this initiative, Spain aligns itself with the international trend of expanding education in artificial intelligence and biomedical technologies—fields that not only generate knowledge but are also set to sustain economic and social growth for decades to come.

Source: El País – “The Government Authorizes Degrees in AI and Biomedical Engineering in Granada and Jaén”