Universidad de Almería
The Universidad de Almería (UAL) stands as a young and dynamic public university established in 1993, emerging from the province's growing need for higher education accessible to its population. Located on a modern campus overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, UAL has rapidly developed strengths in agricultural sciences, environmental studies, and health sciences that directly address regional challenges and opportunities. With approximately 14,000 students, the university maintains an intimate academic community while contributing significantly to the economic and social development of Almería province. Almería's unique position as Europe's largest concentration of greenhouse agriculture has shaped UAL's academic focus and research priorities. The university has developed internationally recognized expertise in intensive horticulture, water-efficient agriculture, and sustainable food production systems. Research partnerships with the agricultural industry create continuous knowledge exchange, with university innovations rapidly adopted by local producers who export fruits and vegetables throughout Europe. This synergy between academic research and economic activity distinguishes UAL's contribution to regional development. Beyond agriculture, the university has built strengths in nursing and health sciences, psychology, business administration, and humanities. The Faculty of Experimental Sciences leverages Almería's exceptional natural environment—including the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park and semi-desert landscapes unique in Europe—for environmental research and education. International engagement has grown through research collaborations, exchange programs, and recruitment of students interested in specialized programs that capitalize on UAL's distinctive expertise and Mediterranean location.
- 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
Campus life benefits from the excellent climate, with outdoor spaces busy throughout the academic year as students study, socialize, and relax between classes. The purpose-built campus includes sports facilities, green areas, and gathering spots designed with student life in mind. Many students come from Almería province itself, often commuting from home, while others from across Spain and abroad live in university residences or shared apartments. The student mix includes first-generation university students whose families work in agriculture and industry alongside those from more academic backgrounds. Student organizations plan activities ranging from cultural events to sports competitions to volunteer projects in the community. The beach is tantalizingly close, creating tensions between study responsibilities and the call of the waves on warm afternoons. Nightlife in Almería city caters to student budgets, with bars and clubs providing entertainment through the weekend hours. The smaller city atmosphere means students often encounter their professors and classmates outside university settings, creating a community feeling that larger cities lack.
Location & Surroundings
Almería sits at the southeastern corner of the Iberian Peninsula, where the mountains drop to the Mediterranean and the climate turns arid enough to host film shoots that have used the landscape as stand-ins for the American West and Arabian deserts. The city itself offers a pleasant mix of historic center, waterfront, and modern development, small enough to feel manageable while providing urban amenities. The Alcazaba fortress dominates the old town, a reminder of the region's Moorish past. Beaches extend along the coast, from busy urban strands to the protected coves of Cabo de Gata natural park. The famous plastic sea of greenhouse agriculture stretches across the campo de Dalías, an artificial landscape that supplies much of Europe's winter produce. Summer temperatures can be extreme, though the sea moderates coastal conditions. Transportation includes an airport with domestic and European connections, bus services throughout Andalucía, and limited rail links that are scheduled for improvement. Granada, with its Alhambra and larger city offerings, lies a couple of hours away by road.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Public university fees in Spain represent excellent value by international standards, and the Universidad de Almería follows regional pricing guidelines that keep education accessible. Living costs in Almería rank among Spain's lowest, allowing students to maintain comfortable lives on modest budgets. Shared apartments rent cheaply, meals out remain affordable, and entertainment costs stay reasonable. Part-time work opportunities exist, particularly in agriculture and tourism sectors that dominate the regional economy. Scholarships and grants help eligible students cover fees and expenses, with various programs available at national, regional, and institutional levels. Career outcomes vary by field, with agricultural sciences graduates finding employment in the greenhouse industry that defines the regional economy. Tourism programs prepare students for work along the coast and beyond. Business and technical graduates compete in broader Spanish labor markets, sometimes leaving the province for opportunities in larger cities. The university career service provides job search support, interview preparation, and connections with employers seeking young professionals. Some graduates pursue further study, while others enter the workforce directly after completing their degrees.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Universidad de Almería
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free