Erasmus guide University of Valencia
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Valencia in Valencia, Spain.
Snapshot
Large classic public university with one of Spain's strongest Erasmus identities, multiple campuses, and a city context that is unusually easy for exchange students to enjoy.
Why students shortlist it
Spain's fourth-largest university and Valencia's historic research institution, founded in 1499. Strong Erasmus culture, full academic breadth, and located in one of Spain's most affordable and enjoyable cities for students.
Teaching languages: Spanish and Valencian (primary); English growing in sciences and social sciences
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
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. A minimum GPA of 2.5–3.0/4.0 or equivalent is typically required. Spanish B1–B2 or English B2 for English-taught courses. Confirm agreement specifics with your home university.
Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination, the host university sends the application package. Self-applications not accepted.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Use the current UV incoming calendar after nomination | Faculty and programme timing should be checked through UV's incoming pages |
Arrival Checklist
- Register at the UV International Relations office and collect your student card.
- If non-EU: apply for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at local police station within 30 days of arrival.
- Register for courses via the online academic portal.
- Set up institutional email and intranet access.
- Attend mandatory international student orientation.
- Open a Spanish bank account (BBVA or CaixaBank recommended for students).
Academics
Course Registration
Course choice depends on faculty approval, campus location, and timetable overlap, so exchange students should confirm practical logistics early.
Credit System
ECTS-based. Valencia is easier to navigate than Barcelona, but campus spread still matters.
Grading System
Spain uses a 0–10 scale. Pass mark is 5. Suspenso (0–4.9), Aprobado (5–6.9), Notable (7–8.9), Sobresaliente (9–10), Matrícula de Honor (10, top 5% only). ECTS equivalencies on official transcript.
Exam Culture
University of Valencia follows Spanish semester rhythm with continuous assessment weighted 40–60% and a final written exam carrying the rest. Mandatory attendance for seminars, labs, and clinical placements; lectures generally not tracked. Resit (segona convocatòria) in July covers failed modules. Erasmus-heavy faculties (Filologia, Economia) have well-organized incoming support and English-track options. Valencian-language courses common — verify language of instruction.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80) | Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 760–1,100/year | Valencia region: ~€12.74/credit × 60 = ~€764/year. Non-EU same rate as EU. UV is a comprehensive research university — one of Spain's most affordable full-de… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80)
Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st…
EUR 760–1,100/year
Valencia region: ~€12.74/credit × 60 = ~€764/year. Non-EU same rate as EU. UV is a comprehensive research university — one of Spain's most affordable full-de…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible public-care access for eligible EU students
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private international student insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
International Relations support
Admissions follow-up, arrival guidance, and incoming-student coordination.
Student Service (UV)
University of Valencia student service: centralised management for all academic procedures, information support (SEDI), and UVempleo for job placement and career support.
Support & Enquiries (UV)
University of Valencia academic support and enquiries: guidance on enrollment, grants, study plans, UVDisability service, language centre, and IT support.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UV student life combines classic public-university scale with one of Spain's strongest Erasmus cultures.
Buddy Program
Newcomers should combine official welcome routes with ESN en UV for the fastest social landing.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus and city sport options with easy access to park and beach routines
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN en UV - the main public Erasmus network linked to the University of Valencia and the easiest practical entry point for exchange students.
UV welcome-session channels - the main official route for newcomer coordination before classes start.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm your campus before picking the exact neighborhood.
- Join ESN en UV immediately.
- Use the welcome sessions to clear up admin and timetable confusion quickly.
- Build your weekly rhythm around campus, bike or tram time, and the beach-side social scene.
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Typically April–May for Fall intake
Check UV incoming pages after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Typically October–November for Spring intake
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.