Campus Rural 2026: rural companies can incorporate UV students without cost

Key data

Rural entities that need young talent have a concrete opportunity in 2026: the Ministry and Universitat de València have formalized the renewal of the Campus Rural program, which allows incorporating university students in internships without the company or entity assuming the financing cost. The Resolution of June 5, 2026 publishes the agreement between the General Directorate of Policies against Depopulation and Universitat de València, with entry into force on June 1, 2026.

This agreement is not new: it renews and updates the collaboration initiated in 2022, incorporating the experience accumulated in previous editions of the program. For rural entities, the message is direct: they can benefit from students in internships without direct cost, making this program a real incentive to attract talent to rural areas.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement regulates the incorporation of Universitat de València into the Campus Rural program, a national program coordinated by the Ministry through the General Directorate of Policies against Depopulation. These are the key elements of the agreement:

The Ministry publishes annually a Guide that establishes the requirements and suitability criteria that must be met by both host entities and students. The university, for its part, manages autonomously the entire process within its scope: call, selection of participating entities and selection of students.

Economic and operational impact

For rural entities, the economic impact is positive and direct: they can incorporate university students in internships without assuming the financing cost, which is entirely covered by the State. This eliminates the main economic barrier that small companies and rural entities usually face when incorporating young talent.

From an operational perspective, there are two key aspects to consider:

• Budget limit: The number of months of funded internships has an annual limit subject to state budget availability. Positions are not unlimited, so accessing the selection process early is relevant.
• Centralized management by the university: The rural entity does not manage the program's bureaucracy directly with the Ministry. It is Universitat de València that coordinates the call, which simplifies the process for the company or host entity.
• Curricular and extracurricular internships: The entity can receive both students who perform mandatory internships from their degree program and students who perform them voluntarily, which expands the profile of available candidates.

For municipalities, associations of municipalities and small companies in areas at risk of depopulation, this program also represents a talent attraction tool with potential for medium-term loyalty.

Who does it affect?

• Private companies located in depopulated rural areas that want to incorporate students in internships without direct cost.
• Local public administrations (town councils, municipal associations, provincial councils) in rural municipalities at risk of depopulation.
• Non-profit entities (associations, foundations, cooperatives) with activity in rural areas.
• Students from Universitat de València who want to perform curricular or extracurricular internships in rural environments.
• HR managers and executives of rural organizations seeking to incorporate university talent with public financing.

Practical example

An agri-food company based in a depopulated rural municipality in the Valencian Community wants to incorporate a student of Business Administration and Management to support commercial management for several months. Thanks to the Campus Rural 2026 program, it can apply for participation as a host entity through Universitat de València.

The process would be as follows:

1. The company applies as a host entity in the call managed by Universitat de València.
2. The university evaluates the suitability of the entity according to the criteria established in the Ministry's annual Guide.
3. If selected, the university assigns a student (curricular or extracurricular) to the company.
4. The financing of the internships is covered by the State, within the limit of agreed months available that year.
5. The company receives the student's support without assuming the direct cost of their compensation.

This scheme allows a rural SME to access qualified university talent with minimal economic burden, something that would otherwise be unfeasible for many rural organizations.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if the entity is in an eligible depopulated rural area: The program is specifically aimed at rural areas at risk of depopulation. Check if your municipality meets the criteria before starting the process.
2. Consult the Ministry's annual Guide: The Ministry prepares a Guide each year with updated requirements and suitability criteria. It is the reference document to know if your entity can participate.
3. Contact Universitat de València: Since the university manages the entire call and selection of entities, the first operational step is to contact the internship services of Universitat de València to learn about deadlines and registration procedures as a host entity.
4. Act quickly: The number of months of funded internships has an annual limit subject to budget availability. Positions are limited and allocated by call.
5. Define the student profile needed: Determine what degree and skills you need so that your application is more precise and increases the chances of being selected as a host entity.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-12789