Campus Rural connects university students with rural communities to boost local development and counter demographic decline.
TACKLING RURAL DEPOPULATION
Across Europe, small municipalities face population decline, aging demographics, and limited access to essential services. These challenges threaten the vitality of rural areas and deepen territorial inequalities. Meanwhile, university students increasingly seek meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that align with their academic and personal growth.
LINKING UNIVERSITIES AND RURAL AREAS
Campus Rural is an innovative initiative led by Spain’s Ministry for the Demographic Challenge, in partnership with the Ministry of Universities, the Conference of Rectors, and the Student Federation. It enables university students from all disciplines to undertake internships in rural areas for 2 to 5 months. Coordinated with public universities across the country, the programme allows students to contribute their knowledge to local development while gaining real-world experience. Interns receive a €1,000 monthly grant (90% funded by the ministry, 10% by universities), and local entities participate at no cost.
BUILDING FUTURES AND COMMUNITIES
Since its launch in 2022, Campus Rural has facilitated more than 1,500 internships across all Spanish regions. The initiative supports rural revitalisation by attracting young talent, strengthening the social fabric, and encouraging innovation at the local level. It creates strong ties between students and communities, fosters entrepreneurial thinking, and brings fresh perspectives to rural challenges. With expanding university participation and proven results, Campus Rural is a scalable model for rural regeneration and student engagement throughout Europe.
