Erasmus guide Universidad de Salamanca
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Universidad de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain.
Snapshot
One of the world's oldest universities (founded 1218) in Spain's most beautiful student city — 25,000 students, 600+ Erasmus partners, and globally renowned Spanish language courses in a golden sandstone UNESCO heritage city.
Why students shortlist it
Historic university in a compact UNESCO-listed city, especially useful for Spanish language, humanities, law, sciences and health-related study. Strong fit for students who want walkable daily life and a classic Spanish university setting.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary); Cursos Internacionales for all Spanish levels; limited English-taught courses
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, 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.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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
| 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 | €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
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
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.
Campus Services
Student Life
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 Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active USAL Erasmus agreement. Spanish prep is critical.
Nomination deadline (Semester 1)
May 31
Home Erasmus coordinator nominates to USAL.
International Welcome Day
September
Attend — student card, Cursos Internacionales enrollment, ESN welcome.
Exam period
January / June
Confirm all convocatoria dates before booking travel.