The Junta grants 210,000 euros to the UEx for the Social Council

The General Directorate of Universities, under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of the Regional Government of Extremadura, has resolved to grant a direct subsidy, without a prior call for applications, to the University of Extremadura to finance the “UEx. Social Council” program during the year 2026. The grant, amounting to 210,000 euros, is formalized through the Resolution of July 30, 2026, published in the Official Gazette of Extremadura number 167, dated August 28, 2026 (reference 2026062198).

The subsidy is granted via the direct award procedure under articles 22.4.c) and 32.1.a) of Law 6/2011, of March 23, on Subsidies of the Autonomous Community of Extremadura, as it is not possible to promote public competition since the University of Extremadura is the only institution providing the public higher education service in the region. The application was submitted on June 30, 2026, by Mr. Enrique Pandiella Hevia, Vice-Rector for Economic Affairs by delegation of the University Manager, and is financed from the General Budgets of the Autonomous Community for 2024, extended for 2026.

A budget divided into six lines of action

The total amount of 210,000 euros is distributed among the various expenditure groups provided for in the program report:

• Operating expenses: 24,000 euros, including a compensation of 6,000 euros to the Secretariat of the Social Council for management functions of the Alliance.
• “Extremadura is Future” Alliance: 20,000 euros for conferences, events, and awards.
• Dissemination of university activities: 33,000 euros for the hiring of a communication technician at 75% of a full-time position.
• Review of annual accounts: 17,000 euros, awarded to Verum Auditores, SL.
• ANECA Evaluation: 16,000 euros for remunerative supplements for teaching and research staff.
• Social aid: 100,000 euros in four modalities.

The “Extremadura is Future” Alliance

The Alliance, promoted by the UEx Social Council, is a public-private collaboration agreement that seeks to mobilize Extremaduran society, with a special interest in young people, under the motto “Extremadura is Future”. The adhering entities commit themselves through an adhesion agreement signed between the Social Council, the University of Extremadura, the University-Society Foundation, and the participating entity, structured into six axes:

• Axis I. Paid Internship Plan and promotion of entrepreneurship.
• Axis II. Alumni Plan and mentoring program.
• Axis III. Sustainable Economy Observatory.
• Axis IV. Extremadura is Future Forum.
• Axis V. University-Society Awards.
• Axis VI. Communication Plan.

Social aid and payment conditions

The bulk of the budget, 100,000 euros, is allocated to extraordinary grants for undergraduate and master’s students at the University of Extremadura, divided into four categories: grants for academic performance (30,000 euros), for unforeseen situations or special needs (25,000), for travel for curricular internships (25,000), and for students with severe disabilities and support assistant needs (20,000).

Payment will be made in two installments of 105,000 euros each: the first following the notification and express acceptance of the grant, and the second once 50% of the aid has been justified. The beneficiary must accept the grant within 15 days of notification, and expenses must be executed between January 1 and December 31, 2026, with full justification provided before February 28, 2027.

The resolution reinforces the role of the Social Council of the University of Extremadura as an interrelation body between the university and Extremaduran society, guaranteeing the financing of its activities, the dissemination of university life, and economic support for students, in a year where public-private collaboration and the attraction of young talent are central to the regional strategy.

Source: Official Gazette of Extremadura, no. 167, August 28, 2026, section III (official reference: 2026062198).