Infanta Sofía Begins Political Science Studies in Lisbon as Part of Pan-European Forward College Program

Infanta Sofía, the younger daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, has quietly embarked on a new chapter of her life abroad. At just 17 years old, she has begun her first year of university studies in Lisbon, enrolling at Forward College to pursue a degree in Political Science and International Relations. The move, reported by El País, underscores the royal family’s commitment to providing its daughters with international, future-focused education while reflecting broader trends among European royals studying outside their home countries.

A New Academic Journey

Forward College is a relatively young institution known for its innovative approach to higher education. Based in Lisbon, it operates on a “multi-city” model: students complete different phases of their degree in several European capitals. For Sofía, this means she will spend her first year in Lisbon, the second in Paris, and the final year in Berlin.

Her chosen field of Political Science and International Relations is especially significant given her family’s role. While Sofía is not in the direct line of succession—her sister, Princess Leonor, is the heir to the throne—her academic focus reflects the monarchy’s broader emphasis on cultivating public-spirited, internationally minded young royals.

The degree, spanning three years, combines rigorous academic study with practical skills, aiming to prepare graduates for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and policy leadership.

The Cost of Royal Education

According to El País, tuition at Forward College starts at around €18,500 per year. Additional costs, including accommodation and living expenses, raise the figure further. In Lisbon, Sofía is staying in student housing, paying between €590 and €690 per month. The arrangement is modest compared to the grand palaces associated with royalty but typical of student life abroad.

The choice of Forward College, while costly, highlights the Spanish royal family’s investment in preparing its younger daughter with a cosmopolitan education. The transparency around fees and living arrangements also reflects the public interest in how taxpayer funds intersect with royal privileges.

Following in Leonor’s Footsteps, But Differently

Sofía’s move comes just as her elder sister, Princess Leonor, has completed her secondary education at UWC Atlantic College in Wales and begun rigorous military training in Spain. Leonor’s trajectory is firmly tied to her future role as queen, including preparing for her constitutional duty as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

By contrast, Sofía’s path is more flexible. As the “second daughter,” she has greater freedom to shape a personal identity beyond direct succession. Her choice of Political Science and International Relations still signals engagement with public life, but without the same immediate responsibilities. This difference underscores the evolving nature of royal roles: heirs prepare for leadership, while siblings often explore careers in philanthropy, diplomacy, or academia.

Why Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin?

The Forward College model emphasizes mobility as a key part of learning. Lisbon, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and growing reputation as a hub for international students, offers Sofía both anonymity and diversity in her first year abroad. Paris, as a global capital of diplomacy and politics, provides immersion in the heart of European affairs. Berlin, with its history of transformation and leadership within the EU, completes the tri-city experience.

For Sofía, this progression offers exposure to different languages, cultures, and political contexts. It also prepares her to engage with Europe as a whole, rather than being confined to Spain’s perspective alone.

Balancing Normalcy and Royalty

Living in student housing represents a deliberate attempt to provide Sofía with a sense of normal student life. Sharing facilities, studying in common spaces, and navigating the independence of living abroad are experiences she would not find within palace walls.

Royal watchers note that Queen Letizia, herself a former journalist and advocate for education, has emphasized the importance of giving her daughters experiences that ground them in ordinary life. Princess Leonor’s years at Atlantic College reflected that ethos, and Sofía’s move to Lisbon follows in the same spirit.

Nevertheless, security remains a concern. While details are not publicized for safety reasons, it is understood that discreet measures are in place to ensure her protection, even as she blends into the student environment.

Public and Media Reactions

Spanish media has largely responded positively to the announcement of Sofía’s studies. Commentators highlight the symbolic value of a Spanish royal receiving education in Portugal, a neighboring country with deep historical and cultural ties. The choice of Political Science also resonates at a time when international relations are in flux and Spain plays an active role in the European Union.

Some critics, however, have raised questions about the cost, especially given the challenges facing ordinary Spanish families in affording higher education. Royal household representatives emphasize that Sofía’s education is privately funded by her parents, not through the annual budget allocated to the monarchy.

Among young Spaniards, Sofía’s choice has sparked interest and admiration. Social media conversations often compare her student experience to that of Leonor, with many praising the sisters for representing a modern, relatable image of royalty.

A Broader Royal Trend

Sofía’s move to Lisbon reflects a broader trend of European royals seeking education abroad. Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium studied in Oxford and London, while Princess Alexia of the Netherlands attended UWC Atlantic College alongside Leonor. Such choices highlight the increasingly global orientation of royal families, aiming to prepare their children for leadership in interconnected societies.

By engaging with international peers, royals gain perspectives that can help them serve as bridges between nations. In Sofía’s case, her education may prepare her for roles in Spanish diplomacy, humanitarian work, or cultural initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Over the next three years, Sofía will navigate a demanding academic program while adapting to life across three different European cities. Her journey will not only shape her personally but also influence public perception of Spain’s younger princess.

Whether she pursues a career linked to the monarchy or forges her own path, the experience promises to equip her with valuable tools: critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and exposure to the institutions shaping global politics.

For the Spanish monarchy, her studies signal continuity with tradition—education, discipline, and service—while also embracing modern expectations of openness and relatability. Sofía’s time in Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin is likely to be closely followed by media and the public alike, as she matures into a figure whose role may be less defined than her sister’s but no less meaningful.

Conclusion

Infanta Sofía’s decision to study Political Science and International Relations at Forward College represents more than just a personal milestone. It reflects the monarchy’s investment in preparing its younger generation for meaningful contributions in a complex world.

With tuition costs, modest student housing, and a program spanning Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin, Sofía is stepping into an education designed for global citizenship. While she may not be destined for the throne, her path underscores the evolving role of royals in the 21st century: to embody tradition while engaging directly with the realities of modern society.

As Spain watches its princess navigate university life abroad, her journey will likely become part of the broader narrative of a monarchy striving to remain relevant, relatable, and respected in contemporary Europe.