Erasmus guide Universidad de Granada
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidad de Granada in Granada, Spain.
Snapshot
Spain's third-largest and one of its most historic universities (founded 1531), UGR is Erasmus Europe's most popular destination by inbound student volume — 4,000+ exchange students per year in a Moorish university city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.
Why students shortlist it
Public university spread across Granada, with strong humanities, Arab studies, law, medicine-related fields, sciences and education options. Good fit for students who want Spanish-language study in a lower-cost Andalusian university city.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary); Centro de Lenguas Modernas offers Spanish courses for exchange students; limited English-taught courses in some faculties
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, PRADO application, academic transcript, learning agreement, Spanish language proof, and valid health insurance for Spain.
Nomination Process
Your home Erasmus coordinator submits your nomination to UGR's Relaciones Internacionales. UGR then contacts you directly with PRADO application instructions.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a Spanish visa. Non-EU students staying over 90 days need a Spanish student visa (Tipo D) — apply at Spanish consulate at least 8 weeks before arrival. UGR provides the admission letter for the visa.
Buddy System
UGR ESN Granada (Erasmus Student Network) and the Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales buddy programme pair exchange students with Spanish and Erasmus student volunteers.
Orientation Week
UGR Welcome Day and ESN Granada Welcome Week run at semester start — registration, student card (ISIC), city orientation, and social events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Second semester (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Non-EU students: apply for Spanish student visa at least 8 weeks before arrival.
- EU students: bring European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or get private insurance.
- Apply for NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) at local police station shortly after arrival if staying over 3 months.
- Register UGR enrolment with your faculty office first week — needed to activate student card.
Academics
Course Registration
Course pre-selection on learning agreement approved by receiving faculty. Final registration via PRADO/Secretaría Virtual after arrival. Confirm course availability — popular subjects may cap for exchange students.
Credit System
Spain uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
Spanish 0–10 scale: 0–4.9 = Suspenso (fail), 5–6.9 = Aprobado, 7–8.9 = Notable, 9–10 = Sobresaliente/Matrícula de Honor. Grade conversion tables provided by UGR.
Exam Culture
Written exams at end of semester (convocatoria de junio/enero). Some courses use continuous assessment — oral presentations and practicals. Arrive with good Spanish to engage fully.
Library Access
UGR Library Network (Biblioteca Universitaria de Granada) — 16+ libraries across faculties plus digital collections. Central Library open 7 days/week during exam periods.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to UGR (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to UGR. Living costs in Granada: €600–900/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal — one of the … |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | €750–1,500/year | Andalusian public university fees for EU students. Low income may qualify for becas (Spanish scholarships). |
| Full degree – non-EU | €2,500–7,000/year | Non-EU fees depend on programme and apply supplement above EU rate. Medicine and Architecture at higher end. MAEC-AECID and UGR international scholarships av… |
€0 to UGR (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to UGR. Living costs in Granada: €600–900/month including accommodation, food, transport, and personal — one of the …
€750–1,500/year
Andalusian public university fees for EU students. Low income may qualify for becas (Spanish scholarships).
€2,500–7,000/year
Non-EU fees depend on programme and apply supplement above EU rate. Medicine and Architecture at higher end. MAEC-AECID and UGR international scholarships av…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — EHIC for EU students (Centro de Salud registration recommended); private insurance required for non-EU visa.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
UGR Student Health Services — basic medical care and orientation to local health centres.
Mental Health
UGR Unidad de Atención Psicológica (UAP) — free psychological support for enrolled students. Appointment-based. Also CLM peer support for exchange students.
EHIC + Spanish Centro de Salud
Free (EHIC + free Centro de Salud registration)
Best option for EU students — register at local Centro de Salud for full Spanish NHS-equivalent access.
Private insurance (Adeslas, Sanitas)
€150–400/year
Required for non-EU student visa. Also useful for dental and specialist care.
Campus Services
Oficina de Relaciones Internacionales
Central UGR contact for Erasmus exchange — nomination, PRADO application, learning agreements, and arrival support.
Centro de Lenguas Modernas (CLM)
UGR's world-renowned Spanish language and culture school — exchange students can combine academic studies with intensive Spanish courses.
ESN Granada
Very active ESN chapter running welcome trips, flamenco nights, Sierra Nevada excursions, and buddy matching.
UGR Sport Centre
Sports facilities across UGR campuses — gym, pool, courts, and student sport clubs.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- ESN Granada
- UGR Sport
- Faculty student delegations
Buddy Program
ESN Granada and UGR International buddy programmes pair exchange students with Spanish and international student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- UGR Sport Centre (gym, pool, padel)
- Sierra Nevada ski resort (30 min from campus)
- Flamenco dance classes throughout the city
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend UGR Welcome Day and ESN Granada events — student card, faculty registration, and first social connections.
- Register at local Centro de Salud if EU — free Spanish public healthcare access.
- Learn the tapas rule: every drink comes with a free tapa in Granada — fundamentally changes the budget maths.
- Visit the Alhambra early — book tickets online in advance; same-day tickets often unavailable.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active UGR Erasmus agreement and target faculty. Spanish language level is critical — start early.
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to UGR Relaciones Internacionales.
PRADO application
June
Complete UGR online PRADO application + learning agreement after nomination confirmation.
Welcome Day / ESN Granada Welcome
September
Attend welcome events — student card, faculty orientation, and ESN welcome week.
Exam period
January / June
Written exam sessions (convocatorias) — confirm dates before booking return travel.