Top Universities in Spain

Amongst the biggest and most visited European countries, Spain has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many popular academic institutions in the world which attract a large number of international students every year. Most importantly, Spain not only has affordable living costs compared to other countries, but it also has a low education fee that enables you to study without having to worry much about straining your pockets. If you aspire to experience the cosmopolitan bustle of Europe and get a globally accredited degree, then Spain is the perfect study destination for you! Through this blog, we have collated a comprehensive list of top universities in Spain and their popular programs you must consider to begin your academic journey in the Land of the Rabbits.

Why study in Spain?

Earning a degree does not have to be a tedious, dull, or difficult experience, especially if you choose to study at one of Spain’s many schools or universities. Spain has everything, from the serenity of sandy beaches to the warm breezes of the coast, unique perspectives from the tops of rolling mountains, and the rush and bustle of cities. You may witness not only the obvious distinctions in Spain’s natural landscapes but also cultural diversity, thanks to its seventeen autonomous regions.

While sipping coffee and admiring Gaudi’s architecture on the streets of Barcelona, listen for the delicate lisp of Catalan, check for the Moorish influence while touring the Alcazar of Seville, or spend a day getting lost in Madrid’s Prado museum. You will undoubtedly encounter something fresh and intriguing wherever you go. With world-renowned schools and institutions all around you, you’ll be able to learn while having fun and eventually graduate with a world-class degree.

Which University in Spain is the Best for International Students?

Choosing where to study abroad is an exciting yet terrifying journey, so first and foremost, congrats on your decision to study in Spain; you’ve made a fantastic choice. Now that you’ve narrowed down your study abroad destination, you’ve probably realized that Spain has a plethora of good institutions and universities to select from.

Don’t worry; that’s why you’ve come to this page and are continuing your search for the ideal location for you (see, you’re already doing a fantastic job). Some Spanish institutions are more welcoming to international students than others; some have a large student body while others want to keep class sizes small; and each is located in a distinct environment, ranging from the coast to rolling hills.

The ideal Spanish college for you is out there; all you have to do is seek it. You’ve come to the correct site if you’re seeking English-speaking universities in Spain, universities in Madrid, universities in Barcelona, or international universities in Spain. We hope that this list of the finest institutions in Spain that welcome international student will be of assistance to you in your quest.

Top Universities in Spain

If you’re interested in applying for higher education in Spain and pursuing their quality imbued degree courses but are unable to locate a suitable university as per your chosen course, we have curated a list of top universities in Spain as featured in the QS University Rankings 2022:

University	QS World University Rankings 2022
University of Barcelona	168
Autonomous University of Madrid	207
Autonomous University of Barcelona	209
Universidad Complutense de Madrid	223
Universitat Pompeu Fabra	248
University of Navarra	266
IE University	317
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya	319
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid	351
Universitat Politecnica De Valencia	371

In the following sections, we have given a rundown of some of the top universities in Spain in terms of their key features, programs offered, and related details.

University of Barcelona

Established in 1450, the University of Barcelona is another eminent mention in our list of top universities in Spain as it has ushered the country into being an epicenter of knowledge, critical thinking, and scientific progress. The university offers numerous courses that satisfactorily pander to the requirements of the needs of students. The University of Barcelona has a distinguished prestige in the academic circle, locally and at a global level too. University’s wide range of courses includes Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Nuclear Physics, Biological Anthropology, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Engineering, Clinical Investigation, Analytic Philosophy, Pure, and Applied Logics, Actuarial and Financial Sciences, Actuarial and Financial Sciences. Its research publications outnumber any other institution in Spain.

Autonomous University of Madrid

The Autonomous University of Madrid was founded in 1968 when educational reforms were introduced and quickly established its fame as one of the top universities in Spain. Presently, it has approximately 30,000 students enrolled in its hundreds of different programs, including its 94 top-level research programs. The Autonomous University of Madrid has a total of 59 cutting-edge departments and eight other research and doctorate Institutes. This university offers a range of different courses which are, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Mathematics and Applications, English Applied Linguistics, Literary and Cultural Studies in Great Britain and Anglophone Countries, International Economics, Molecular Biomedicine, Theoretical Physics among many others.

Autonomous University of Barcelona

One of the renowned and top universities in Spain, the UAB was founded in 1968 with only four departments operating initially, Philosophy and Arts, Economics, Medicine, Science. The university provides more than 80 undergraduate degree programs that cover almost every field of study. These undergraduate courses are globally recognized and renowned for providing the required skills and practical experience for the students to compete with their peers. Further, postgraduate programs ingrain students with diverse and interdisciplinary knowledge for employment purposes. With more than 60 outstanding research programs provided, some of the major disciplines offered at the Autonomous University of Barcelona are Biomedical Sciences, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Biochemistry, Archaeology, Socio-Cultural Gender Studies, Aeronautical Management, Industrial Engineering, Applied Research in Economics and Business, Management, Organization, and Business Economics.

University of Valencia

The University was established at the turn of the fifteenth century in the year 1499. It provides a whole landscape of various study programs and different areas of knowledge. This is one of the top universities in Spain which also offer double degree programs. Furthermore, it has more than 100 graduate courses and a whopping 64 research programs. Its academic programs are encompassing and include all the skills necessary for a student throughout the professional career. Its courses are Applied Paleontology, Biomedical Research, Human Rights, Democracy and International Justice, Business Strategy, Advanced English Studies, Molecular Approaches in Health Sciences, Molecular Nanoscience, and Nanotechnology, etc. It has a reputation for groundbreaking research with nearly 3000 publications in its baggage.

Universitat Rovira i Virgili

Established in the year 1991, the history of Universitat Rovira I Virgilli goes back to the 16th century when it was established to teach Grammar, Arts, and Theological studies. URV’s degree programs embrace different fields including engineering, health, humanities, etc. The institution is hailed amongst the top universities in Spain and gives special focus on research forays of its academic staff and primarily aims at enhancing the quality of all its research material. It offers qualifications in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Energy, International Markets, Fermented Beverages, International Master on Wine Tourism Innovation, Energy Conversion Systems and Technologies, Nanoscience, Materials, and Processes: Chemical Technology at the Frontier. 

Best Business Schools in Spain

Here are some of the top business schools in Spain that you must know about:

University	QS World University Rankings 2022
IE Business School	9
IESE Business School	11
Esade Business School	13
EU Business School	131-140
EADA Business School	141-150
ESIC Business and Marketing School	151-200
EAE Business School	201+
GBSB Global Business School	201+

Public Universities in Spain

Several public universities are available for students who wish to study in Spain. These universities provide a simple, convenient, and efficient educational quality for their students. Here is a list of top public universities:

• University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Barcelona
• Autonomous University of Madrid
• Complutense University of Madrid
• Pompeu Fabra University
•  University Carlos III of Madrid
• Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Polytechnic University of Valencia
• University of Zaragoza
• Polytechnic University of Madrid

Facts About Spain

The following are some quick facts about Spain.

• Spain is a monarchy. King Felipe VI is the current king.

• For living expenses, students will require an average of €10,800-13,200 (US$12,200-14,940) each year (though figures are higher in larger cities)

• The Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar, France, Andorra, Portugal, and the Atlantic Ocean are all close by.

• Spain is one of just three nations in the world that has both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, along with France and Morocco.

• Official language: Castilian, sometimes known as Spanish, is the world’s second most commonly spoken first language. Basque, Catalan, and Galician are among the most widely spoken regional languages.

• Andalusia, Andorra, Aragón, Asturias, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Catalonia, Extremadura, Galicia, Gibraltar, La Rioja, Madrid, Murcia, Navarre, New Castile, Old Castile and León, and Valencia are the 17 regions that make up the Basque Country.

Thus, we hope that this blog has helped you explore the top universities in Spain and their popular programs on offer! Planning to study in Spain? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to help you find the best course and university and further assist you throughout the admission process. Sign up for a free consultation session with us today!