The University of Andorra (UdA) officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 academic year in the country on Tuesday, 7 October, at a ceremony presided over by the Head of Government, Xavier Espot, together with the Rector of the University, Juli Minoves. The inaugural lecture was delivered by the President of the European University Association (EUA), Josep M. Garrell, who defended the European initiative to promote university alliances, highlighting their transformative potential. At the same time, he pointed out several challenges that must be addressed for the initiative to succeed and to prevent universities that are not part of these alliances from being perceived as second-tier institutions.

During the event, the Rector announced the approval of the University of Andorra’s new Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, whose main objectives are to consolidate the institution as the University of the Pyrenees, to grow progressively in a cross-border context both in terms of academic provision and student numbers, to expand the urban campus at Plaça de la Germandat, and to address challenges such as improving the reception and stay of international students.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Activity Report for the 2024–2025 academic year, during which 16 regulated degree programmes and 94 continuing education programmes were offered. The total number of students reached 1,910, including 682 enrolled in regulated programmes and 1,227 in continuing education.

Juli Minoves reported that the 2025–2026 academic year has begun with 685 students enrolled in regulated programmes, a figure higher than that of the previous academic year, despite declining demographic trends in the surrounding region and increasing competition. He also highlighted the significant rise in new student enrolments, which stand at 236, representing a 9% increase compared to the previous year. The Rector further announced the creation of two new applied research institutions, reinforcing the UdA’s role as a national research reference: the University Institute for Health Research (IURS) and the Interdisciplinary Observatory of History, Political Science, International Relations and European Union (OHPI-EU).

For his part, the Head of Government, who formally declared the academic year open, welcomed the fact that the University continues to grow with “rigour, a forward-looking vision and a strong commitment to public service”. He also pledged to continue working closely with the institution to promote new lines of research, consolidate an academic offering aligned with labour-market needs, and strengthen international cooperation.

The inaugural ceremony concluded with the presentation of official degrees to those who completed their DPA, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral studies during the 2024–2025 academic year. This 35th graduating cohort of the University of Andorra, comprising 116 graduates, represents a new historic record and confirms the institution’s sustained growth. Graduates received their state-recognised degrees from the Minister for Institutional Relations, Education and Universities, Ladislau Baró, the Minister of Health, Helena Mas, and the Rector of the University of Andorra, Juli Minoves.

Pictures of the event

Video of the event

Date of publication: 7 October 2025