Spain's Infanta Sofia selects Lisbon as her academic destination
Sofia, the youngest daughter of Spain's royal family, is embarking on a new chapter in her life as she begins her university education. In September, she will arrive in Lisbon to study Political Science and International Relations at Forward College.
Founded in September 2021 by Boris Walbaum, Celine Boisson, and Jeffrey Sampson, Forward College is a private university with campuses across three major European cities: Lisbon, Paris, and Berlin. The college offers a specialized three-year Political Science and International Relations degree program, which Sofia has chosen to pursue.
The curriculum at Forward College is designed to develop cognitive, social, emotional, and practical intelligence, preparing students for navigating and shaping a rapidly changing world. Its academic programs are guided and recognized by the prestigious London School of Economics within the European Higher Education Area.
Classes at Forward College are conducted in small groups with no more than 15 students, emphasizing a personalized teaching model that combines theory with practical skills like debate, academic writing, and public speaking. The tuition for the program, which covers tuition and housing in university residences across the cities where the studies take place, is approximately €18,500 (about $20,160 USD) per year.
Sofia's decision to attend university is a departure from her sister Princess Leonor, who is pursuing military training. Princess Leonor was not present at Sofia's 18th birthday celebration, as she was at sea aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, completing her military career.
Sofia celebrated her 18th birthday in April of this year and marked the occasion with her parents, who were present at the celebration. Prior to her university studies, Sofia completed her International Baccalaureate at Atlantic College in Wales in 2023.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic, which Sofia received 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.
Sofia's university campus in Lisbon is located on Rua das Flores, in the Chiado area. As a member of the Spanish royal family, she will have to fulfill her institutional duties alongside her studies. The Infanta's parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, were present at her graduation ceremony.
[1] Forward College Official Website: https://forwardcollege.com/
[2] Forward College Brochure: https://forwardcollege.com/brochure/
- Sofia's decision to study Political Science and International Relations at Forward College is not only a step towards her education-and-self-development, but also a potential influence on her future lifestyle and involvement in politics.
- While Forward College offers a specialized education in politics, their overall curriculum aims to equip students with the cognitive, social, emotional, and practical skills needed for general-news navigation and shaping a dynamic business environment.
