Spain

Organisational autonomy: medium low

The election of the executive head must be validated by an external authority and their selection criteria are stated in the law. The dismissal of the executive head must follow a procedure stated in the law and must be confirmed by an external authority. The main governing body, a board/council-type body, includes a small minority of external members. Universities can decide on their academic structures and can create both for-profit and non-profit legal entities.

Financial autonomy: medium low

Universities receive funding on an annual block grant basis with no restrictions on the allocation of funding. They can keep surpluses and own buildings. They can borrow money with the approval of an external authority. Tuition fees for all students at all levels are set by the regional governments within limits established at the federal level.

Academic autonomy: medium low

Universities negotiate overall student numbers with public authorities. Admission to Bachelor programmes is co-regulated, while at Master level universities can set admission criteria. All new degree programmes at Bachelor and Master levels must be submitted for prior accreditation to be funded, and doctoral programmes can only be introduced after accreditation. Universities are not able to choose either quality assurance mechanisms or providers.

Staffing autonomy: medium low

Universities can only recruit senior staff among candidates already accredited by an external authority following a procedure stated in law. Salaries for all senior academic staff and a majority of senior administrative staff are set externally in line with civil servant status. Dismissals are strictly regulated due to the civil servant status of senior academic staff and most senior administrative staff. Universities can decide on promotions but must follow a procedure stated in law.