Jaume Carot, parish priest of the UIB, on CEU San Pablo: "It's not one of the worst private universities"

PalmThe rector of the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Jaume Carot, has welcomed the arrival of new private universities in the Balearic Islands. "The novelty is ADEMA as a new university and, in addition, the operation of an affiliated center (Beato Luis Belda) at CEU San Pablo," said Carot, who also admitted that he would prefer there were no more private centers: "We are a staunch defender of public education, but it's not within my purview," he added. Currently, he noted, there are already two private centers: Alberta Giménez, affiliated with the Pontifical University of Comillas, and the Tourism Center at Felipe Moreno, affiliated with Antonio de Nebrija University for years. What he considers relevant, in relation to CEU, is that "a university is arriving that, within the landscape of private universities, is not among the worst; some only respond to a business model, and this is not the case with CEU San Pablo." Furthermore, it incorporates degrees in the health sciences.

Luis Belda University plans to open its doors in the 2026-2027 academic year in the former Riskal building in Palma, where €40 million will be invested between the acquisition (already completed in June) and the adaptation of the space for university activities. It will have capacity for approximately 2,000 students and will initially offer four degrees: Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Psychology. Pharmacy and Dentistry will be added the following year. It is estimated that between 200 and 300 students will enroll in the first year, and around 30 professors will be needed. The selection process for these professors has already begun with the support of professional associations. However, despite the announcements and the declaration of intent, its final location for the next academic year is not yet confirmed: the plan is to move into the Riskal building, which has already been acquired, but the repeal of the decree that declared the CEU project strategic and reclassified the land as educational has reportedly stalled this process.

As for ADEMA, it has the explicit support of the party that supports the government. The PP (People's Party) registered a bill to create the new private university promoted by ADEMA, which will be called the University of Mallorca. The party requested its urgent processing, considering that the educational needs of students in the Balearic Islands must be addressed as soon as possible. This has provoked criticism from the opposition.

No competition

Carot rejects the notion that the UIB has to compete with new projects to attract students: "To begin with, the most expensive degrees are Medicine and Nursing, and here they cost 1,200 euros a year, while in private universities they exceed 20,000." He recalls that last year, there were 600 applications for 35 Pharmacy places. Where there might be some friction is in hospital placements: "They can compete for the placements, but they will be ours first. The training provided by the UIB is in no way inferior to what already exists or what may come," the rector argues. He also emphasizes that public university faculty must pass a state accreditation and then a competitive examination: "In private universities, the selection is often digital. Appointed arbitrarily," he added.

Regarding a possible exodus of professors to the private sector, he considers it unlikely: "I doubt it. There might be some competition, but I doubt it. An assistant professor with a doctorate in the public sector has a guaranteed academic career, and for the past year, the government has been providing a bonus to help offset the cost of living in the Balearic Islands: about 500 euros net. I don't know if it's not feasible that they'll leave," he explains. However, there are also associate professors, who might be tempted by the financial conditions offered by private institutions.