Spanish royal to study in Lisbon, Paris, Berlin

Infanta Sofía of Spain, the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, is set to embark on a new academic journey this fall, marking a pivotal moment in her life as a member of the Spanish royal family.

The Spanish royal household has confirmed that the 17-year-old royal will pursue a degree in Political Science and International Relations at Forward College — a private European institution known for its cross-border academic model and ties with the prestigious London School of Economics. The program will take Sofía to Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin over the course of her three-year undergraduate studies.

This will be Sofía’s first major step into an academic path independent from that of her older sister, Princess Leonor, the heir to the Spanish throne. While Leonor continues her rigorous military education — currently concluding naval training before advancing to studies with the Spanish Air Force — Sofía is preparing to transition into civilian university life with a focus on global affairs.

According to HOLA!, Sofía personally selected the program after weighing various academic opportunities. Her decision, however, came with two important guidelines agreed upon within the royal household: the cities had to be close enough to allow her to return to Spain as needed for official duties, and the course had to reflect the broader goals of supporting the monarchy’s role in public service and diplomacy.

While she made the choice herself, it was important that the curriculum align with the monarchy’s interests, HOLA! reported, citing sources close to the family.

Forward College, which operates in partnership with academic institutions in the United Kingdom, including the London School of Economics, admits only about one out of every eleven applicants. It caters to a diverse student body from over 40 countries and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, leadership, and applied projects.

The tuition for the program is reported to be around €18,500 per year (approximately $20,160 USD). As is customary for royal children, Sofía’s studies will be financed through the official allowance granted to the monarch.

The move to Forward College represents not only a shift in education but also a glimpse into Sofía’s future role within Spain’s constitutional monarchy. Political Science and International Relations are seen as disciplines that may complement her future engagements, especially as younger royals across Europe take on more modernized and internationally focused responsibilities.