The Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) has received the highest budget in its history this year, exceeding €200 million and standing 35% above its 2023 budget. Balearic Islands President Margalida Prohens highlighted the funding at the opening of the 2026-2027 academic year and announced a further reduction in the maximum price of university meals, from €7.55 to €6.85 this academic year.
Prohens attended the formal opening ceremony of the new academic year at the UIB, where she reaffirmed the Balearic Government’s commitment to the public university and highlighted increased resources for teaching, research, innovation and attracting and retaining talent.
The record UIB budget forms part of the 2023-2026 programme contract. Prohens committed to ensuring that the new programme contract, due to be signed before the end of the year, provides the resources required for the university to continue pursuing its objectives of excellence.
“If we want to transform our economic and social model, we can only do so alongside a strong university with adequate resources,” Prohens said.
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UIB reaches its highest-ever budget as university meal price drops to €6.85Investment in research, innovation and talent
Prohens highlighted the quality and prestige of the Universitat de les Illes Balears and its contribution to the economic and social transformation of the islands. She also underlined the quality of research carried out at the UIB and its role as the Balearic Islands’ main centre for research, innovation and attracting talent.
This year, a regional €4 million call for research projects has been resolved, while a €1.5 million call for scientific equipment has been published. Around €6 million has also been allocated to predoctoral and postdoctoral contracts and technical support positions in strategic areas including artificial intelligence, biotechnology and energy efficiency.
The Talent Júnior grants aimed at attracting young researchers have received 57 applications from 15 countries. The Talent Sénior grants, intended to bring internationally recognised researchers to the islands, are expected to be published before the end of the year.
These initiatives are complemented by the new supercomputing and artificial intelligence centre being jointly promoted by the UIB and the Balearic Government.
New degrees and master’s programmes
The UIB’s academic offering this year includes a degree in Marine Sciences, a double degree in Mathematics and Physics and two new master’s programmes, for which the Balearic Government has provided €6 million.
They join the Pharmacy and Physical Activity and Sports Sciences degrees introduced during the current legislative term. In addition, the Consell de Govern approved the creation of the Universitat de les Illes Balears Faculty of Pharmacy this Friday.
A roadmap has also been announced for the progressive introduction of further programmes, including architecture, mechanical engineering and new double degrees, with the aim of expanding educational opportunities and allowing young people to pursue their vocation in the Balearic Islands.
Regarding infrastructure, construction of a new module for the Faculty of Sciences is expected to begin during the first quarter, backed by a €17 million contribution from the Balearic Government. Procedures have also begun to secure two plots at ParcBit for a new building dedicated to engineering studies.
Maximum university meal price reduced to €6.85
Prohens also announced a further measure aimed directly at supporting students’ finances. After a cap was introduced on campus cafeteria meal prices last academic year, the maximum price will fall again this year, from €7.55 to €6.85.
The measure accompanies a further expansion of the income thresholds for free university tuition. After the number of beneficiaries doubled last academic year, the thresholds have been expanded again for 2026-2027.
The Balearic Islands currently cover the full cost of tuition for students whose family incomes are up to 38% higher than the thresholds established by the Ministry, while maintaining the same academic criteria.
Prohens placed these measures within the framework of cooperation between the Balearic Government and the UIB and highlighted the university’s role in retaining talent, generating knowledge and transforming the Balearic Islands.
She concluded by congratulating the president of the High Court of Justice of the Balearic Islands, Carlos Gómez, on receiving the University’s Gold Medal and wished the entire university community a successful academic year.