Andorra Higher Education Enrolment Drops 26% in 2024-2025

Higher education enrolment in Andorra declined 26% for the 2024-2025 academic year, reaching 2,231 students compared to 3,015 the year before, according to statistics department data. The drop contributed to an overall school enrolment of 13,509 pupils, a 6.2% annual decrease yet 16.5% higher than in 2020-2021.

Short-cycle higher education saw the steepest fall at 31.8%, from 43 to 29 students, while bachelor's programmes dropped 29.6% to 1,977 from 2,808. Master's enrolments climbed 38.1% to 185 from 134, and doctorates rose 29%. Business administration and law fields accounted for 797 students, the largest share, while services had only one. Information and communication technologies expanded 24.6%, but natural sciences and health and welfare recorded major declines.

Pre-higher and vocational training edged down 1% to 11,278 students. Compulsory education levels showed small yearly dips, but bachillerat increased 4% to 1,274. Vocational training overall gained 2.1% to 526 students, led by sports activities despite a drop in computing.

Over four years, bachelor's enrolments jumped 251.5%, which the administration links to greater local university options.

The Education department issued 4,115 study grants, a 9.3% reduction from the prior year and 17.4% below 2020-2021 levels, with total spending of €2.35 million—down 11.8% annually. Primary education received the most grants at 1,734, including ski equipment support, while second-cycle university students got 56, a 32.5% decrease. First-cycle university studies took the biggest funding portion at €875,489.83, versus €56,664.78 for non-higher vocational training.

Public education spending reached €124.2 million, up 3.7% yearly and 8.7% from 2020-2021. Primary education led with €33.4 million, followed by secondary, and vocational training at €5.6 million.

Resident education attainment rose in 2024, with 57.3% surpassing secondary studies—up from the previous year—and 33.5% holding higher education qualifications, a three-point gain. Among 30- to 34-year-olds, 59% had completed higher studies.

In a separate development, the government approved an initial €1.6 million grant package for 2025-2026, supporting 1,251 students. Compulsory education received €977,817.56, including €748,792.90 for school meals, €195,901.88 for materials, €33,122.78 for transport, €2,250 for travel, €4,716.83 for overseas residences, and €1,617.19 for enrolment fees. Higher education grants totalled €593,744.62 for 268 students, prioritising overseas studies, then local and distance options. Beneficiaries receive 80% in December, with the rest in February and June. National study prizes got €13,499.47 for 12 students from 2024 and 2025.