Integration of foreign students into the Spanish education system

The integration of foreign students into the education system is essential for fostering social cohesion and reducing inequalities. Education plays a pivotal role in integrating immigrant populations, promoting both social and cultural inclusion. This study examines this issue within the context of Spain. To assess the progress made, a specific set of indicators based on a mixed-method approach is used, evaluating the integration of migrant students throughout their entire educational journey: before entering the education system, during their time within it, and after leaving it.

Key findings

The data reveal that foreign students face significant challenges in accessing the education system in Spain, particularly at more advanced stages. The school enrolment rate for foreign students stands at 49%, which is 33% lower than the 73% enrolment rate for native students. However, there is a positive trend: since 2013, the enrolment rate for foreign students has been increasing at a faster pace, gradually closing the gap.

Once enrolled, foreign students tend to perform worse academically compared to their native peers. This academic lag translates into a delay of slightly more than 1 year of schooling for foreign students, and slightly less for natives with migrant parents. The lower academic performance of young immigrants results in a repetition rate of 50%, which is double that of native students at 22%. The authors highlight that, in addition to socio-economic factors, other significant barriers to integration include students’ sense of belonging and the school climate.

This academic underperformance also leads to higher early dropout rates among foreign students. For every Spanish student who drops out of the education system, slightly more than 2 foreign students do so. Although the dropout rate has generally been decreasing over time, mirroring the trend among Spanish students, there has been an uptick in dropout rates among foreign students in recent academic years.

As a consequence of these challenges, the educational attainment levels of foreign students are significantly lower than those of native students. There is a higher proportion of foreign students with a maximum education level below the baccalaureate, and a lower proportion with higher education qualifications. While Spanish students have shown a clear trend towards improving their educational levels, this trend has been less pronounced among foreign students, only becoming noticeable in the last 5 years. Additionally, gender disparities are evident, with women generally achieving higher educational levels than men.

Conclusions and policy recommendations

The findings indicate that there is still considerable progress to be made in the educational integration of foreign students in Spain. Although there have been improvements in recent years, these efforts need to be accelerated to ensure that foreign students receive education under the same conditions and with the same opportunities as their native counterparts. Delays in achieving this convergence can hinder societal progress, particularly given the significant impact that educational levels have on other aspects of integration. Ensuring that these young individuals can fully develop their potential and contribute to society is crucial.

To address these challenges, the report recommends several policy measures. Enhanced language support programmes are essential to helping foreign students overcome language barriers, which are a primary obstacle to their academic success. Additionally, teacher training on cultural diversity and inclusive teaching strategies is crucial to creating a supportive learning environment. Community engagement is also vital, as collaboration between schools, families, and local communities can provide a more holistic support system for foreign students. Developing comprehensive policies that address both academic and social integration needs is imperative. These policies should include provisions for specialised language programmes, teacher training, and intercultural activities. By implementing these recommendations, Spain can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for foreign students, ultimately promoting social cohesion and reducing inequalities.