Castilla-La Mancha expands university tuition fee exemptions

The Regional Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports of Castilla-La Mancha has expanded the exemptions for the payment of public university tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, extending free tuition to students with an extraordinary Bachillerato award, victims of gender-based violence, and tutored minors. The measure is detailed in Order 127/2026, of September 2, published in the Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha (DOCM) number 172, of September 8, 2026, page 31552, with official reference [2026/6454].

The regulation modifies Order 74/2026, of May 19, which established the public prices for studies leading to official degrees and academic services provided by the region’s public universities. According to the text, the reform responds to the need to “implement measures integrated into regional policies to support talent trained in the regional educational system,” with the aim of favoring the continuity of university studies and strengthening the retention of academic talent in the Autonomous Community. The order, signed by Minister Amador Pastor Noheda, enters into force the day following its publication.

Exemption for extraordinary Bachillerato awards

Section 4 of Article 9 of the modified order recognizes a total exemption from the payment of public tuition fees for those who have obtained an extraordinary award or honors (matrícula de honor) in Bachillerato, or in other post-compulsory education that allows access to official university studies. The exemption applies the first time the student enrolls in university studies and reaches first-year subjects.

If the recognition was obtained at a center in Castilla-La Mancha, the exemption extends to the subjects of the second year of enrollment in the degree.
It applies up to a maximum of 60 credits for undergraduate degrees and 72 credits for double undergraduate degrees.
It only affects subjects enrolled in for the first time, not second or subsequent enrollments.
It does not cover secretarial fees or individual student insurance.

Free tuition for victims of gender-based violence and tutored minors

Article 11 extends the total exemption to women victims of gender-based violence as referred to in Organic Law 1/2004, as well as their daughters and sons under twenty-five years of age and minors under their guardianship, care, or custody. Victims of sexual violence under the terms of Organic Law 10/2022, for the comprehensive guarantee of sexual freedom, also benefit.

Victim status must be accredited by the means provided for in Article 23 of Organic Law 1/2004 or in Article 37 of Organic Law 10/2022.
The exemption does not affect administrative fees and tariffs.

Likewise, section 9 of the same article recognizes a full exemption for persons who are or have been under an administrative protection measure of guardianship or trusteeship, or in a situation of special vulnerability, as referred to in article 33 of Law 7/2023, of March 10, on the Care and Protection of Children and Adolescents of Castilla-La Mancha. In this case, the exemption also extends to administrative fees and rates.

Discount for newly enrolled students

Article 13 modifies the discount applicable to newly enrolled students who are not entitled to the tuition scholarship from the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports because they do not meet some of the general, academic, or economic requirements. To benefit, the student must meet one of these requirements:

Having passed the PAU or EvAU in Castilla-La Mancha, or the University entrance exams (for those over 25, 40, and 45 years old) in the region.
Having obtained an International Baccalaureate Diploma, a Bachibac degree, a Higher Vocational Training Technician degree, a Higher Plastic Arts and Design Technician degree, or a Higher Sports Technician degree from any center in the region.

The reform, processed in accordance with the principles of good regulation of Law 39/2015, is based on the competence attributed by Decree 108/2023 and the authority of article 23.2.c of Law 11/2003. With this expansion, thousands of students at public universities in Castilla-La Mancha will be able to access free tuition, a measure that seeks to retain regional academic talent and facilitate access to higher education for groups in situations of vulnerability.

Source: Official Gazette of Castilla-La Mancha, no. 172, September 8, 2026, III. Other Provisions and Acts, page 31552 (official reference: 2026/6454).