Spain's Infanta Sofia selects Lisbon as her academic destination for higher education.
Infanta Sofía to Study Political Science and International Relations at Forward College in Lisbon
Infanta Sofía, the youngest daughter of the Spanish monarchs, has chosen Forward College in Lisbon as the university for her higher education. The private institution, founded in September 2021, offers a three-year degree program in Political Science and International Relations.
Located on Rua das Flores in the Chiado area of Lisbon, Forward College is a unique learning environment, operating across three European cities: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin. This multicultural setting provides students with a diverse and international education experience.
The university is affiliated with the London School of Economics (LSE), which guides its academic programs and recognises its degrees within the European Higher Education Area. This ensures the validity of the degrees in Spain and across the EU.
Founded by Boris Walbaum, Celine Boisson, and Jeffrey Sampson, Forward College aims to shape future leaders who can "cultivate the life and world we want to see tomorrow." The institution admits about one in eleven applicants and serves a diverse student body representing over 40 countries.
Infanta Sofía’s education trajectory at Forward College represents a distinct path compared to her sister Princess Leonor, who is currently completing her military career. Sofía headed to Wales in 2023 to pursue her International Baccalaureate at Atlantic College before starting her university education.
The tuition for the three-year program at Forward College is approximately €18,500 per year. As is customary for Spanish royals, Infanta Sofía’s education will be funded through the official allowance of the monarchy.
Infanta Sofía will arrive in Lisbon in September to begin her studies. Prior to her university education, she had two conditions for choosing a university: it must be close to Spain to fulfill her institutional duties, and it must equip her for her role in the Spanish crown.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, which Infanta Sofía received on the day after her 18th birthday, is awarded for extraordinary acts of a civil nature that benefit the Nation or contribute significantly to fostering relations of friendship and cooperation between the Spanish Nation and the rest of the International Community.
[1] Forward College Official Website: https://forwardcollege.org/ [2] BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62452173 [3] LSE News: https://www.lse.ac.uk/news-events/news/2021/september/lse-partners-with-forward-college-to-offer-a-new-undergraduate-programme-in-political-science-and-international-relations
At Forward College, Infanta Sofía will pursue Education-and-Self-Development, specifically a degree in Political Science and International Relations, following her choice of the institution for her higher education. This lifestyle decision aligns with Forward College's mission of cultivating individuals capable of shaping a better world, as the private college aims to produce future leaders in business and beyond.
