University of Granada, Spain

We talked to Mr José Antonio Naranjo Rodríguez, Vice-Rector for students and employability at the University of Granada. Here he tells us a bit more about the University, and why Granada is an excellent choice for international students.

About the University of Granada

'The University of Granada (UGR) is a public university situated in the historic city of Granada. The University was officially founded by the Emperor Charles V in the year 1531 and built on a centuries-old teaching tradition dating back to the madrasahs of the Nasrid dynasty of Granada. Therefore, it is one of the most significant universities in Europe in terms of its historical importance.'

'Five of UGR’s seven campuses are spread out across the city of Granada, while the University’s campuses in the North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla make it one of the few genuinely intercontinental universities in the world. We also maintain strong historical ties with institutions and universities in Latin America. UGR can be seen, therefore, as a bridge between Europe and Latin America on the one hand, and between Europe and North Africa on the other.'

'UGR offers a wide range of quality academic programmes with an international vocation. We teach more than 70 degrees in all areas and have an extensive offer of other courses (continuing education, virtual courses and summer schools).'

UGR: Facts and figures

'Approximately 70 000 individuals – students, researchers, lecturers, and administrative and support staff – are directly linked to UGR, making it the 2nd largest university in Spain. This university community has turned Granada, with its 240 000 inhabitants, into a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.'

'According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2022 (ARWU), UGR is the 4th highest-ranked university in Spain and has 33 areas among the top in the world. Furthermore, we rank 30th in the world for Food Science and Technology. We also rank in the Top 100 for Hospitality & Tourism Management and Mathematics, and in the Top 150 for Computer Science and Engineering, and Nursing.'

International students

'International students make up a considerable cohort at UGR: approximately 11 per cent of our undergraduate programme students, 26 per cent of our master’s students and 35 per cent of our doctoral candidates. Many of our international students come from Latin America and Morocco.'

'Here are a couple of testimonials from former students at UGR:'

Cambridge International students

'We welcome students who apply with Cambridge International qualifications.'

'We require three Cambridge International A Levels (Grades A–E) together with five Cambridge IGCSEs (Grades A–C). There are no English language requirements at undergraduate level, because we do not offer English-taught programmes at this level.'

'More information can be found at Universidad de Granada’s Admission foreign students webpage.'

Why should Cambridge International students choose UGR?

'UGR is the perfect choice for Cambridge International students, for a number of reasons:

Excellence: Recognised for quality in teaching, research, culture and services, UGR is one of the top universities in Spain according to international rankings.

A truly international experience: Welcoming and cosmopolitan, with 11 percent international students at bachelor level, UGR is a very popular destination for Erasmus+ students. We offer a wide range of mobility programmes through more than 800 exchange agreements with institutions around the world.

Language-learning opportunities: More than 10 000 students enroll annually for foreign language and Spanish courses at our Modern Language Centre, the Russian Centre and the Confucius Institute (Chinese).

Top facilities and services: We offer a wide range of quality services in all aspects of university life (Wi-Fi network, accommodation, libraries, canteens, culture, sports, special needs, etc.).

An ideal university city: In Granada, the University blends into the city, with its centres and campuses distributed throughout the city, giving it a unique student environment (with nearly 57 000 students in an urban area of 240 000 inhabitants). The city of Granada, safe and modern, has a privileged location halfway between the sea (the Mediterranean coast is 40 minutes away) and the mountains (the ski resort of Sierra Nevada is 30 minutes away).

Immersed in history and culture: A historic, cultural university city, Granada is a popular destination for study and tourism, with a rich and varied cultural offer (flamenco, jazz, theatre, comedy, poetry) and a unique gastronomy (tapas).

Commitment to sustainable development: UGR is a university committed to the objectives of sustainable development, promoting local and international volunteering activities to our students.

We are a university open to the world. You will have a unique experience with us.'