University of Granada
Universidad de Granada
A 1531 foundation in the city of the Alhambra, and one of Europe's busiest Erasmus destinations.
- Students
- 57,320
- 46,777 undergraduates
- International
- 10%
- of students
- Tuition
- €758
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 1531
About UGR
The University of Granada grew from a college founded by Emperor Charles V in 1526 and became a studium generale by papal bull on 14 July 1531. Its rectorate is in the Royal Hospital, a 16th-century building, and it still uses historic sites such as the former Jesuit College of San Pablo, now the Faculty of Law.
It is one of Spain's largest universities, with 57,320 students in official degrees in January 2026 (46,777 of them undergraduates), 3,901 teaching staff, 97 bachelor's and double degrees and 124 departments. Teaching takes place on five campuses in Granada and in the North African cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The UGR says it is Europe's leader for both incoming and outgoing Erasmus students, and about 10% of its undergraduates are international.
Degrees are taught mainly in Spanish, so a B2 level is strongly recommended. Fees are among the lowest in Europe: about 758 euros for a first year of 60 credits, and Andalusia refunds 99% of the price of every credit you pass first time from your second year. It suits students who want a big, traditional Spanish university in an affordable, lively city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.
Universitas Granatensis 1531
“University of Granada, 1531” — university motto
Why students choose UGR
First-year fees are about 758 euros (12.62 euros per credit), and Andalusia's 99% rebate on credits passed first time can cut later years to a few euros.
The UGR says it is the most popular European university for Erasmus+ exchange students and leads Europe in incoming and outgoing Erasmus numbers.
The Modern Languages Centre, Confucius Institute and Centre for Slavic Cultures teach about 10,000 local and international language students each year.
Granada is 40 minutes from the Mediterranean coast and 30 minutes from the Sierra Nevada ski resort, and the university notes it is one of Spain's least expensive cities.
Admissions
2027-28 entry (dates below are from the 2026-27 admission cycle, for reference)
Selectivity
The UGR publishes no overall admission rate. Places in each degree are allocated through the Andalusian single university district (Distrito Único Andaluz) in order of admission mark, so cut-off marks vary by degree and year.
Typical entry requirements
| Spanish Bachillerato + PAU | Admission mark above the degree's cut-off, calculated with the Andalusian weighting parameters for 2026-27 (new parameters apply from 2027-28) |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma / European Baccalaureate / EU and reciprocity diplomas | UNEDasiss accreditation of the admission mark; apply in the Andalusian pre-enrolment (in 2026 these applicants could apply until 7 July) |
| Other foreign secondary diplomas | Homologation to the Spanish Bachillerato by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum mark rule for the foreign-student phase |
| English language | Undergraduate teaching is mainly in Spanish. The UGR says a Spanish level of at least B2 is not required but highly recommended. English tests are not required for Spanish-taught bachelor's degrees. |
Deadlines
- Andalusian pre-enrolment (Distrito Único Andaluz), ordinary phase Non-binding Passed11-22 June 2026 (2026-27 cycle)
First allocation published 3 July 2026, with enrolment or reservation from 3 to 9 July; second allocation 16 July.
- IB, European Baccalaureate and EU/reciprocity diploma holders Non-binding Passed7 July 2026 (2026-27 cycle)
Applicants on this route who applied after 30 June could submit only one application.
- Degrees with remaining places Non-binding Passed25-30 September 2026 (2026-27 cycle)
A late window for degrees that still had free places.
2027-28 dates are not yet published; the dates shown are from the 2026-27 Andalusian calendar and are past. Expect the main pre-enrolment window again in June 2027, straight after the PAU.
How to apply
Apply online through the Andalusian single university district portal (Distrito Único Andaluz), which handles admission to all Andalusian public universities; list your preferred degrees in order. Places are allocated in successive rounds (adjudicaciones), after which you must enrol, reserve your place or stay on the waiting list within a few days. International applicants first obtain a UNEDasiss accreditation or Ministry homologation.
What admissions looks for
- An admission mark above the cut-off for your chosen degree, the only ranking criterion in the district.
- Strong results in PAU subjects weighted for the degree, following the Andalusian weighting tables.
- A valid access credential: Spanish Bachillerato with PAU, UNEDasiss accreditation or a homologated foreign diploma.
- Enough Spanish to follow classes; the UGR recommends at least B2.
Tips for applying to UGR
- 1 Check the Andalusian weighting parameters: new ones apply from 2027-28 entry, and choosing the right PAU subjects can change your mark significantly.
- 2 IB and EU applicants should request their UNEDasiss accreditation early so the mark is ready for the June pre-enrolment.
- 3 Watch every allocation list: if you are admitted you must enrol or reserve your place within the stated window or lose it.
- 4 Pass your subjects first time: Andalusia rebates 99% of the price of each credit passed at first enrolment, so repeats are the real cost.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in EUR
Andalusia's fee rebate (bonificación) covers 99% of the price of credits passed at first enrolment, applied to the following year, for all students at Andalusian public universities who do not hold a Ministry of Education grant. Spanish Ministry of Education grants cover fees for eligible low-income students. Repeat enrolments cost much more per credit.
- 12.62 euros
- Price per credit, first enrolment
- 99% of each credit passed at first enrolment, from the second year
- Andalusian rebate
- Pass all 60 first-year credits and the second year costs about 7.50 euros in tuition
- Example (Junta de Andalucía)
- 59.10 euros (first year only)
- Academic record opening fee
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters, with ordinary and extraordinary (resit) assessment periods
Translation and Interpreting
Taught at a dedicated Faculty of Translation and Interpreting, in a university that also runs large Modern Languages, Confucius and Slavic culture centres.
Computer Engineering (ETSIIT)
Taught at the School of Computer and Telecommunication Engineering (ETSIIT) on the Aynadamar campus.
Medicine and health sciences
Based at the Health Sciences Technology Park, one of the UGR's main campus developments.
Philology and Humanities
The tradition of Federico García Lorca, Joaquín Sabina and historian Américo Castro, all UGR students.
Art History
Studied by novelist Antonio Muñoz Molina and conductor Pablo Heras-Casado, in a city built around the Alhambra.
Spanish language courses (Modern Languages Centre)
About 10,000 local and international students a year learn languages at the CLM, Confucius Institute and Centre for Slavic Cultures.
Research
- The UGR has 19 research institutes and hosts a Centre for Scientific Instrumentation.
- In 2026 UGR researchers reported a key clue to how dolomite forms at low temperatures, from work in the Nerja Cave, and a UGR project led to the discovery of a previously unpublished J. R. R. Tolkien document in Oxford.
- The university is a member of the Coimbra Group, whose 2026 conference it hosted, and of the Arqus European University Alliance.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Economics and Business
- Faculty of Translation and Interpreting
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Faculty of Psychology
- Faculty of Political Sciences and Sociology
- School of Computer and Telecommunication Engineering
- School of Architecture
Most UGR undergraduate degrees include internships in companies, NGOs or other organisations, and the Employment and Work Placement Office (CEP) supports students during and after their studies.
Student life
Granada is a student city: the UGR says about 70,000 of its 240,000 residents are UGR students or staff, so almost one in three people is linked to the university. Classes are spread over five campuses in the city, including Fuentenueva, Cartuja, Aynadamar and the Health Sciences Technology Park, plus Ceuta and Melilla. University canteens serve cheap lunches and take-away dinners, an Accommodation Management Office helps with residences, shared flats and homestays with older people, and the UGR Mentor Programme pairs international students with locals. Flamenco, jazz, tango and theatre festivals fill the calendar.
- Europe's leading university for incoming and outgoing Erasmus students, by the UGR's account.
- University dining halls on several campuses with low-cost daily menus.
- UGR Mentor Programme for international students.
- Sports, theatre, film forum, volunteering and student associations.
Housing. The Accommodation Management Office offers options including university residences, halls, shared student flats and intergenerational homestays; there is no guaranteed room.
Location
Granada is a mid-sized Andalusian city of about 240,000 people at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, crowned by the Alhambra and the old Moorish quarter of the Albaicín, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of Spain's cheapest cities for students, the Mediterranean coast is about 40 minutes away and skiing about 30 minutes.
Nearest airport: Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX)
Notable alumni
- FG Federico García LorcaPoet and playwright of the Generation of '27; studied law, literature and composition
- AC Américo CastroCultural historian and literary critic; graduated 1904
- AM Antonio Muñoz MolinaNovelist, Prince of Asturias Award winner; studied art history
- JS Joaquín SabinaSinger-songwriter and poet; studied philology
- PH Pablo Heras-CasadoConductor; studied art history and acting
- AV Antonio Vidal-PuigEndocrinologist and metabolism researcher; trained in endocrinology at the UGR medical school
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at the University of Granada?
About 758 euros for a first year of 60 credits (12.62 euros per credit) plus a one-off 59.10 euro record fee. From the second year, Andalusia rebates 99% of the price of credits you passed first time.
Are courses at the University of Granada taught in English?
Undergraduate teaching is mainly in Spanish, and the UGR strongly recommends at least B2 Spanish. Some master's programmes are offered in English or bilingually.
How do I apply to the University of Granada?
Through the Andalusian single university district (Distrito Único Andaluz) pre-enrolment, which in 2026 ran from 11 to 22 June (until 7 July for IB, European Baccalaureate and EU-diploma holders). International applicants first need a UNEDasiss accreditation or a homologated diploma.
Do international students need to take the PAU for Granada?
Not if they hold an EU or reciprocity-country diploma, the IB or the European Baccalaureate; they use a UNEDasiss accreditation instead. Other foreign diplomas must be homologated by the Spanish Ministry of Education.
Is Granada a good city for students?
The UGR says about 70,000 of Granada's 240,000 residents are linked to the university, and describes the city as one of Spain's least expensive, with the Sierra Nevada and the coast close by.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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