Spain is a popular destination for students interested in international study programs. If you want to study at one of the best universities in Spain, our list of the best schools in Spain will help you choose the best college to pursue your academic programs.
The wide range of attractions in Spain, including exotic food and wine, quality education, football, art, culture, architecture, islands, and amazing people, ensures tourists and foreign students have an amazing experience. Each of the Spanish schools ranked in this article is an ideal destination for students looking to acquire bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from top universities in Spain.
What Attracts Students to Universities in Spain?
What attracts students to universities in Spain is the quality of education offered. Even though most of the academic programs in its public or private universities are taught in its official language, many students are drawn to the vibrant city life, diverse range of courses, tuition and living costs, student services, and career leverage it offers.
Spain Schools Ranked: An Overview
| Spain Rank | World Rank on Times Higher Education | World Rank on US News | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #156 | #188 | Pompeu Fabra University |
| 2 | #170 | #144 | Autonomous University of Barcelona |
| 3 | #193 | #87 | University of Barcelona |
| 4 | #251-300 | #399 | University of Navarra |
| 5 | #301-350 | #208 | Autonomous University of Madrid |
| 6 | #401-500 | #1081 | Universitat Ramon Llull |
| 7 | #401-500 | #212 | University of Valencia |
| 8 | #401-500 | N/A | University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia |
| 9 | #501-600 | N/A | CEU Universities |
| 10 | #501-600 | #346 | Complutense University of Madrid |
The Best Universities in Spain, Explained
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an undergraduate student or graduate student, choosing any of the public institutions or private institutions listed below guarantees you an incredible experience throughout your academic pursuits. Our information has been directly sourced from the websites of each of these schools.
1. Pompeu Fabra University
- Campus Location(s): Mar, Ciutadella, and Poblenou
- Acceptance Rate: 35%
- Graduation Rate: 62.15%
- US News Country Rank: #3
Pompeu Fabra University, which comprises seven schools, was founded in 1990 following the approval by the Spanish parliament. It promotes an academic culture, centered on promoting civic values and innovative research. It offers three knowledge areas: humanities and social sciences, health and life science, and information technology and communication science.
2. Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Campus Location(s): Bellaterra
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 58.62%
- US News Country Rank: #2
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public research and education institution located in a major city in Spain. It offers multiple bachelor’s and master’s degrees, graduate diplomas, and PhD programs in English to its international students. UAB also enables postgraduate students to participate in international research projects and innovation with its partners.
3. University of Barcelona
- Campus Location(s): Barcelona
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: n/a
- US News Country Rank: #1
The University of Barcelona is made up of 16 faculties and 10 specialized centers that offer 48 research programs, 73 bachelor’s degrees, 16 double degrees, and 150 master’s degrees to interested students. As a global leader in research and innovation, its efforts in areas such as neuroscience, marine biodiversity, cosmology, and prehistoric studies have had global impacts.
4. University of Navarra
- Campus Location(s): Pamplona, Madrid, San Sebastian, New York, Barcelona, Munich, and Sao Paulo
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 69.15%
- US News Country Rank: #9
The University of Navarra promotes a vibrant academic and social life amongst its college students. Its sports centers, museums, internship programs, financial aid, and diverse degree programs are a few of its attractions. Its research groups include biomedicine and health, humanities and social sciences, architecture, and experimental and environmental science.
5. Autonomous University of Madrid
- Campus Location(s): Madrid
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 61.33%
- US News Country Rank: #4
The Autonomous University of Madrid offers scholarships and grants programs to incoming and current students who display excellence in academic achievement or express financial need. Through the European Union and its government, it offers internationalization opportunities to students. You’ll find several mentor programs and double/multiple degree options for students.
6. University of Ramon Llull
- Campus Location(s): Barcelona
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 86.69%
- US News Country Rank: #36
The University of Ramon Llull is one of the Christain research schools in the beautiful city of Barcelona. You’ll find opportunities for scientific research grants and mobility scholarships for international students in this school. It comprises nine institutions, one affiliated center, three university institutes,13 schools, and faculties. It also offers dual degrees programs to students.
7. University of Valencia
- Campus Location(s): Blasco Ibanez, Tarongers, Burjassot, Ontinyent
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 58.5%
- US News Country Rank: #5
Through research and technological training, the University of Valencia promotes the growth of science and culture in Spain. It offers a wide range of degrees in architecture and engineering, social and legal science, arts and humanities, pure science, and health science disciplines. There are also dual degree options, grants, and financial aid for interested students.
8. University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia
- Campus Location(s): Vic, Manresa
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67.73%
- US News Country Rank: n/a
The University of Vic has a strong reputation and was founded in 1997, following the approval of the Catalan Parliament. UVIC offers multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields such as bioscience, health care, business, engineering, and education.
There are several mobility and exchange programs for international students, as well as international research opportunities for interested students.
9. CEU Universities
- Campus Location(s): Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 50.95%
- US News Country Rank: n/a
CEU Universities comprise three universities in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, making it the largest non-profit private school in Spain. Founded on Catholic Christian values, this education group is committed to both the academic and moral growth of its students. It has succeeded in creating alumni of global leaders in business, health, tech, and humanistic research.
10. Complutense University of Madrid
- Campus Location(s): Madrid, Somosaguas, Moncloa
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 57.51%
- US News Country Rank: #7
Students at the Complutense University of Madrid are offered a wide range of student services, including virtual campus and mobility support for international students. Although founded in 1499, this beautiful campus is still a major academic institution in Spain. You’ll find several undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as other non-degree study options.
How We Created Our List of the Best Schools in Spain
To create our list, we followed the Times Higher Education 2022 World University Rankings. This ranking was created by evaluating teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry outcomes of over 1,600 institutions from around the world. Complementary information was retrieved from the US News Best National University Rankings.
Is a Top University in Spain Right for You?
A top university in Spain is right for you. You’ll have an incredible experience if you’re looking for research opportunities, an inclusive campus, a double degree, and lesser tuition rates. College students who choose this country, gain the opportunity to learn the national language of Spain. They are also exposed to broader career opportunities, globally.
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Best Universities in Spain FAQ
Yes, students from all over the world can attend Spanish schools. You’ll easily find scholarships and grants, affordable cost of living, research centers and opportunities with partner institutions, as well as dual degree options for your academic pursuits in Spain.
Yes, several of its educational and research institutions have received international acclaim. The academic environment for American students and European students is positive. You’ll easily learn the Spanish culture, and enjoy the flexible academic curricula and affordable cost of living.
You can. Several popular courses and degree programs are taught in English in some Spanish universities to benefit international students. These schools also offer Spanish training programs to students who wish to improve their communication skills.
Depending on the degree program, schooling in Spain can take two to six years, unless it is an accelerated bachelor’s degree or popular courses like architecture or medicine.
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