Universidad de A Coruña
The Universidad de A Coruña (UDC) stands as a dynamic public institution in Galicia, northwestern Spain, established in 1989 from the historic roots of higher education in the region. With approximately 20,000 students across two main campuses in A Coruña and Ferrol, UDC has evolved into a comprehensive university recognized for its strong connections to maritime industries, engineering excellence, and commitment to bilingual education in Spanish and Galician. The university emerged from the reorganization of Spanish higher education, inheriting the legacy of technical schools dating back to the 19th century, and has since developed into a key driver of regional innovation and economic development. UDC distinguishes itself through its specialized focus on maritime sciences, naval architecture, and coastal engineering, leveraging its Atlantic coastal location to develop unique expertise in ocean-related disciplines. The university maintains strong partnerships with the shipbuilding industry, fishing sector, and port authorities, creating valuable pathways for student internships and research collaboration. Its commitment to applied research has resulted in numerous technology transfer agreements with regional and international companies, positioning UDC as a bridge between academic knowledge and industrial application. The institution has embraced internationalization as a strategic priority, participating actively in European exchange programs and establishing partnerships with universities across Latin America, particularly in countries with historical ties to Galicia. UDC offers several programs taught in English and has developed joint degree arrangements with partner institutions. The university is known for its supportive academic environment, relatively small class sizes compared to larger Spanish universities, and personalized attention to student development, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality education within a close-knit academic community.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at the University of A Coruna reflects both Spanish university culture and the particular character of Galicia as a region. Classes follow the continental European pattern of lectures in large halls supplemented by smaller seminar sessions, and the academic calendar includes examination periods in January and June that determine whether students advance or must retake courses. Student residences house some undergraduates, though many live in apartments throughout the city or commute from family homes in surrounding towns. The city offers affordable living by Spanish standards, with tapas bars, cafes, and restaurants providing social venues where students gather in the evenings. The botellón tradition of outdoor socializing continues despite official discouragement, with groups meeting in parks and plazas before moving to bars and clubs. Sports facilities on campus support recreational and competitive athletics, while the beaches and coastal paths provide settings for running, surfing, and swimming. Galician cultural activities including folk music, traditional festivals, and the distinctive gastronomy centered on seafood give campus life a regional flavor. The nearby cities of Santiago de Compostela and Ferrol provide additional options for weekend exploration, while the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago ends nearby, bringing travelers from around the world through the region.
Location & Surroundings
A Coruna occupies a peninsula on the northwestern tip of Spain, where Galicia meets the Atlantic in a landscape of rocky coastlines, green hills, and frequent marine mists. The city wraps around its harbor, with the medieval old town, commercial center, and university facilities spread across a compact urban area easily navigated on foot or by local buses. The famous Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse still in operation, stands at the point where the city meets the open ocean, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of the region's ancient maritime connections. The climate here surprises visitors expecting Mediterranean warmth, with mild temperatures year-round, frequent rain, and wind off the Atlantic shaping daily life. Summers bring pleasant conditions perfect for beach days at the urban beach of Riazor or smaller coves along the coast, while winters remain mild compared to continental Europe though gray and damp. The region's Celtic heritage shows in the music, festivals, and even the landscape, with ties to Ireland and Brittany that distinguish Galicia from the rest of Spain. Santiago de Compostela lies 45 minutes south, its famous cathedral the endpoint of pilgrimage routes that have drawn travelers for a thousand years. The wine-producing regions of the Rias Baixas offer weekend excursions, while Porto in northern Portugal sits within day-trip range.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Studying at the University of A Coruna costs remarkably little compared to private universities or institutions in other countries, with annual tuition for Spanish and EU students running under 1,500 euros for most programs. This accessibility reflects Spain's approach to higher education as a public good and makes university education achievable for students regardless of family income. International students from outside the EU pay somewhat higher fees but still far less than they would at comparable institutions in the US, UK, or Australia. Living costs in A Coruna remain modest by European standards, with student housing, food, and entertainment affordable on part-time work earnings or modest family support. Career outcomes connect strongly to the regional economy, with graduates finding positions in Galicia's businesses, schools, hospitals, and government offices. Technical graduates in engineering and computer science may find opportunities with larger Spanish companies or international firms with operations in the region. The university's career services help students prepare for the competitive Spanish job market, though youth unemployment rates in Spain make the transition from study to work challenging for many graduates. Those willing to relocate to Madrid, Barcelona, or abroad find their degrees recognized, while many prefer to build careers in the region they call home.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Universidad de A Coruña
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free