The education of Infanta Sofía is once again in the media spotlight after new details about her academic future have come to light. The choice of her nextuniversity, its location, and the cost of the degree have caused a flood of comments and some commotion.
Infanta Sofía, youngest daughter of King Felipe VI and Letizia, has kept a lower profile than her sister, Princess Leonor, but her academic journey continues to generate interest. At 18 years old, she is beginning a new stage marked by an education that strengthens her training in the field of international relations.
After finishing her studies at UWC Atlantic College in Wales, Sofía de Borbón is ready to continue her path at an institution with a strong international character. During these years, she has completed her baccalaureate with students from different countries in an environment based on cooperation and leadership. She will now expand on this educational model with a university education also oriented toward the global sphere.
Infanta Sofía's new university stage
Infanta Sofía has chosen to study for a degree in politics and international relations at a private university.
The degree is designed to adapt to each student's interests. In addition to the required courses, students can add electives such as philosophy, history, or economics, depending on the number of credits enrolled. Language classes are also part of the program, which is essential for a real international immersion experience.
The university describes this stage as "a unique journey across countries, living, learning, and forging lifelong friendships." This approach is part of the program's appeal, which aims to train leaders prepared to face global challenges, with a critical vision and adaptability. The university also offers internships at European institutions, opening doors to future positions in international or diplomatic organizations.
New controversies after news of the university Sofía will attend and the cost of her studies
As is often the case with the royal family's decisions, Infanta Sofía's university choice has not gone unnoticed. The decision to study outside Spain has sparked divided opinions among those who desired her to continue her education at a national institution. For some, it is incomprehensible that she is not choosing a Spanish university, especially as a member of the Royal House.
Meanwhile, the high cost of the degree has not gone unnoticed and has been the subject of criticism. Many point out that such an amount seems inconsistent with the economic reality most families in Spain experience. It is also questioned that, while many students struggle to access university, so many resources are allocated to private education abroad.
However, there are also those who value her being educated in an international environment, consistent with the role she could play in the future. Academic preparation in different European capitals can provide a more global vision and skills that, in other contexts, would be difficult to acquire. Even so, the debate remains open.
A private university
Infanta Sofía will study at Forward College, a private university with an innovative academic approach. This institution has an uncommon feature: its program takes place in three different European cities. She will spend her first year in Lisbon, the second in Paris, and the third in Berlin, as part of a multicultural experience designed to enrich both academic and personal aspects.
Forward College works in collaboration with the University of London and is academically directed by the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The program, which is taught entirely in English, has a strong practical component and aims to prepare its students to operate in complex political and social environments at the international level.
A high cost, but with housing included
The program chosen by Infanta Sofía has an annual cost of €18,500 (about $20,100). According to Forward College's website, this amount includes housing in university residences in each of the cities where the studies take place. The full program, if there are no changes in fees, would have a total cost close to €55,500 (about $60,400).
In addition to housing, the price covers classes in small groups—no more than 15 students. The teaching model combines theory with skills such as debate, academic writing, and public speaking. Although the cost may be considered high, the university highlights its personalized approach as one of the key pillars of its educational offering.