University of Granada

University of Granada Overview

The University of Granada (UGR) is a prestigious public university founded in 1531 by Emperor Charles V in Granada, Spain. It has emerged as a leading educational institution with over 60,000 students, making it the fourth largest university in Spain. UGR's influence extends beyond Granada, as it operates campuses in Ceuta and Melilla as well.

UGR has garnered international recognition for its academic excellence and multicultural environment. It has been a preferred destination for European students participating in the Erasmus Programme, with nearly 2,000 students enrolling in the 2012/2013 academic year. Additionally, the university's Center for Modern Languages (CLM) attracts over 10,000 international students annually. Notably, UGR was voted the top Spanish university by international students in 2014, solidifying its reputation.

The university traces its roots back to 1526 when Emperor Charles V established a college in Granada to impart education in logic, philosophy, theology, and canon law. This foundation laid the groundwork for the birth of UGR on July 14, 1531, following a papal bull issued by Clement VII, which granted the establishment of a studium generale encompassing faculties of theology, arts, and canon law. The university proudly embraces its rich history, reflected in its motto "Universitas Granatensis 1531" and official seal, which incorporate the imperial double-headed eagle and symbols of the Spanish kingdoms from its founder's coat of arms.

The university's rectorate is housed in the Royal Hospital of Granada, a notable architectural structure dating back to 1526 and classified as a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) in Spain's heritage classification.

UGR has invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Granada Health Science Technological Park. This expansive park accommodates teaching spaces spanning 98,000 square meters, healthcare facilities covering 120,000 square meters, and research and business development areas encompassing 170,000 square meters. Collaborations with the Spanish CSIC institution further enhance the university's research capabilities.

The academic structure of UGR consists of five schools, 22 faculties, and 116 departments, each specializing in specific subject areas. These entities are located across five campuses in Granada, namely Centro, Cartuja, Fuentenueva, Aynadamar, and Ciencias de la Salud. Additionally, UGR maintains two additional campuses in Ceuta and Melilla, which are Spanish territories situated in Northern Africa.