The ULL leadership, halfway through its term, has highlighted advancements in student support and a significant increase in international exchanges. However, it has identified funding as the main pending challenge for the university.
“"We have increased international trips from about 750 to 1,300 this last academic year, and this is because we are paying Erasmus travel grants in advance."
The institution has reached 21,000 students, a level similar to that before the Bologna Plan in 2014-2015, demonstrating good health in terms of enrollment. Despite this success, the university is underfunded compared to other smaller Spanish institutions.
The ULL is in a constant process of adaptation, reviewing its 47 degrees and 38 official master's programs, and developing new qualifications such as Aerospace Engineering or Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis. It is also working on expanding its physical presence with the Extended Campus project, seeking full on-site education at the South Campus and in La Palma.
“"With the Extended Campus project, we aim to offer one hundred percent in-person teaching at our South Campus and in La Palma starting next academic year."
Research is a fundamental pillar, with the ULL positioned among the top 20 Spanish universities and 702nd worldwide according to the Shanghai ranking. Furthermore, the teaching staff has been rejuvenated, reducing the average age from 57 to 54 years in the last three years and making nearly 500 stable staff hires.
Collaboration with the business sector is strong, with almost 2,000 companies partnered for internships. One year after graduation, 63% of ULL graduates are already employed, and the unemployment rate for PhD holders is virtually zero in the Canary Islands. The university also promotes micro-credential programs and lifelong learning for adults.
Regarding infrastructure, the renovation of the faculties of Education and Medicine is a priority. The Education project is in tender, and the Medicine project is progressing with land evaluation, expected to be ready for tender early next year.
