Andorra University Rector Calls for Better Housing and Residency to Boost International Students

The University of Andorra (UdA) rector Juli Minoves called for improved student housing, simpler residency procedures, and expanded facilities to support greater international enrollment, during the opening of a CRUE seminar on Thursday in Sant Julià de Lòria.

Speaking before authorities outside the old Casa Comuna, Minoves noted that foreign students represent less than 10% of the UdA's approximately 700 degree-seeking undergraduates and up to 1,900 students overall, with the majority from Andorra. The proportion is higher in nursing, and the university is exploring new programs to draw more overseas applicants. Current classroom limits growth, but planned spaces at the Reig factory and from Andorra Telecom will boost capacity.

Minoves emphasized the need for a dedicated student residence amid high housing costs, along with easier periodic renewals of residency permits for international students. These administrative issues are under active discussion with the government and local bodies. "We need certain conditions that are not fully in place yet," he said.

He linked internationalization to multilingualism, maintaining Catalan as the main teaching language while offering one semester in English and increasing French content to foster ties with Spanish and French universities. Andorra should act as a meeting point for these cultures and its own, he added. The effort also covers research through the International Doctoral School, which enables theses in multiple languages and aids recruitment of foreign professors via partnerships.

The event, titled "Dimensió internacional de la universitat," drew around 20 Spanish rectors, vice-rectors, and international relations officials. Speakers included Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor, Spanish Ambassador Carles Pérez-Desoy, and CRUE President Eva Alcón, who noted Spanish universities have 8.8% foreign students—below targets and trailing the 20% in the UK or Australia. Sessions addressed cross-border challenges, featuring figures like Joan Ganyet from the Generalitat de Catalunya and Joan Guàrdia from the University of Barcelona.