Erasmus guide Universidad de Salamanca
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidad de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.
Study abroad at Universidad de Salamanca: overview
Study abroad at Universidad de Salamanca makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The Universidad de Salamanca (USAL), founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of León, is one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in Spain. Useful proof points: 25,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Law and Jurisprudence, Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies, Humanities and History. Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
25,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Law and Jurisprudence, Spanish Language and Hispanic Studies, Humanities and History and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In salamanca, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Spanish (primary); Cursos Internacionales for all Spanish levels; limited English-taught courses
Exchange & application at Universidad de Salamanca
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At Universidad de Salamanca, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, transcript, learning agreement, Spanish proof, health insurance.
📨Nomination Process
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to USAL's Servicio de Relaciones Internacionales. USAL contacts student directly with application instructions.
🛂Visa Support
EU/EEA: no visa. Non-EU: Spanish student visa (Tipo D) — apply at Spanish consulate at least 8 weeks before arrival. USAL provides admission letter.
👥Buddy System
ESN Salamanca and USAL Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Spanish volunteers.
🧭Orientation Week
USAL Welcome Day and ESN Salamanca Welcome Week run at semester start.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| First semester (Sep–Jan) | May 31 | June 30 |
| Second semester (Feb–Jun) | November 30 | December 31 |
Arrival Checklist
- Non-EU: Spanish student visa at Spanish consulate — allow 8 weeks.
- EU: EHIC card for healthcare. Consider private dental/vision supplement.
- Get NIE number at Salamanca police station if staying over 3 months.
- Enroll in Cursos Internacionales Spanish course — even advanced students benefit enormously.
Academics & courses at Universidad de Salamanca
Academics combine ECTS credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝Course Registration
Course selection via USAL portal after admission. Cursos Internacionales (Spanish language) registrations handled separately. Build backup list for popular subjects.
🎓Credit System
Spain uses ECTS. Full-time semester = 30 ECTS.
💯Grading System
Spanish 0–10 scale: 5 = minimum pass. 5–6.9 = Aprobado, 7–8.9 = Notable, 9–10 = Sobresaliente. Grade conversion tables provided.
✍️Exam Culture
Written final exams (convocatoria) plus continuous assessment in some courses. Oral components in humanities and law.
📚Library Access
USAL Library Network — historic main library plus faculty-specific collections. Some of Spain's oldest manuscripts held here.
Tuition & fees at Universidad de Salamanca
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | €0 to USAL (pay home institution fees only) | Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to USAL. Salamanca is one of Spain's most affordable cities: €550–800/month total living costs. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | €750–1,400/year | Castilla y León public university fees for EU students. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | €2,500–6,000/year | Non-EU fees vary by programme. USAL International and MAEC-AECID scholarships available. |
€0 to USAL (pay home institution fees only)
Erasmus exchange students pay no tuition to USAL. Salamanca is one of Spain's most affordable cities: €550–800/month total living costs.
€750–1,400/year
Castilla y León public university fees for EU students.
€2,500–6,000/year
Non-EU fees vary by programme. USAL International and MAEC-AECID scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Universidad de Salamanca
Housing near Universidad de Salamanca should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Salamanca
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Universidad de Salamanca
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes.
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
🏥Campus Clinic
USAL student health services — basic medical and psychological support.
🧠Mental Health
USAL psychological orientation service — free appointments for enrolled students.
EHIC + Spanish Centro de Salud
Free
Best option for EU students.
Private insurance (Adeslas, Sanitas)
€150–350/year
Required for non-EU visa.
Student life at Universidad de Salamanca
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
Student Clubs
- ESN Salamanca
- USAL Sport Centre
- Faculty associations
Buddy Program
ESN Salamanca and USAL Buddy Programme pair exchange students with Spanish volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- USAL Sport Centre
- Running along the Tormes river
- Day-trips to Ávila and Segovia (1 hour by bus)
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend USAL Welcome Day — student card, faculty registration, and ESN events.
- Enroll in Cursos Internacionales from day one — transforms your Spanish immediately.
- Explore the Plaza Mayor at sunset — Salamanca's golden sandstone glows, especially at dusk.
- Get NIE number if staying over 3 months — police station appointment, bring passport + admission letter.
Key exchange dates at Universidad de Salamanca
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Before nomination
Confirm active USAL Erasmus agreement. Spanish prep is critical.
-
2
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to USAL.
-
3
International Welcome Day
September
Attend — student card, Cursos Internacionales enrollment, ESN welcome.