Brussels – In 2023, Spain recorded one of the lowest percentages of women enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs within the European Union, standing at 28.6%. This figure is below the EU average of 32.2% and significantly trailing the EU’s target of 40% by 2030, as detailed in the European Education and Training Monitor 2025 published on Thursday.
Breaking down the fields, women made up 47.8% of students in natural sciences and mathematics (compared to the EU average of 51.5%), while the percentage in engineering was 27.1% (27.7% in the EU) and in information and communication technologies, it was 15.9% (20.3% in the EU).
Additionally, only 11.2% of students in intermediate vocational training were women, which is lower than the European average of 15.4%.
At the doctoral level, the representation of women was somewhat better than in intermediate vocational training and lower levels of higher education.
The report highlights that narrowing the gender gap in ICT could assist Spain in achieving its Digital Decade objectives for 2030.
Overall, in 2023, 24.7% of higher education students in Spain were enrolled in STEM programs, which is below the European average of 26.9% and reflects a decrease of 1.2 percentage points since 2015.
The Education and Training Monitor 2025 prioritizes STEM disciplines, as fostering interest in these fields supports the EU’s goal of strategic autonomy and enhances competitiveness and technological leadership, according to the report.
It notes that the demand for STEM professionals in Spain is increasing significantly faster than the available supply, particularly in ICT, resulting in a shortage of qualified personnel in these areas.
According to the Public State Employment Service, Spain requires over 1.39 million additional ICT specialists to achieve the EU’s Digital Decade goal of having 10% of total employment in ICT sectors.
“This suggests that Spain, currently at 4.4%, is unlikely to meet the 2030 target,” the report states.
In terms of enrollments in STEM disciplines, engineering was the leading field in Spain, making up 51.2%, followed by ICT at 26.9% and natural sciences and mathematics at 21.9% each.
Conversely, only 2.4% of total doctoral enrollments in 2023 were in ICT, which is below the EU average of 3.8% and not meeting the proposed target of 5%.
Despite advancements, the Monitor indicates that gender disparities remain prevalent across all STEM fields.
Spain lacks a specific STEM strategy but is implementing a digital skills plan along with various initiatives. (November 13)
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