Are you planning on studying abroad in Valencia, Spain but you haven’t decided where to enroll yet? Discover the best universities in Valencia with us! 

Spain has so many beautiful places where you can spend your semester/year abroad, but Valencia is a truly unique town; definitely one of the best for international students and young professionals.
Why are we telling you that? Well, keep reading and discover all the perks of living in Valencia and which are the best universities, business schools and academies here, among the top ranked in Spain.

More information about studying in Spain

Before getting started with our guide about the best universities in Valencia, let’s have a brief look at the Spanish educational system and the pros of studying in Spain. 

The higher education system in this country has been growing in the past two decades to keep up with the other countries in Europe. Therefore, it now counts with advanced technologies in the learning process and a lot of practice and projects (individual or in group).
Moreover, the business related Master’s degrees and MBA programs are considered one of the best in the world.

Spain has is higher education system divided into 3 stages, according to the EHES (European Higher Education Space):

1. Grado (undergraduate studies, Bachelor 's degree).

2. Master (Master’s degree, graduate studies).

2.1 Maestria (it is an “unofficial” Master degree which consists of 1 or 2 years of practical studies and specialization).

3. Doctorado (postgraduate studies).

If you’re a foreign student coming to study in Spain (without any study abroad program or agreement with your home university), you need to pass an admission test called Selectividad. If you pass this exam, which is available one or twice each year in a lot of countries, then you can apply and enroll in a Spanish university.

On the other hand, if you are coming to Spain only for a short time, with a specific program such as Erasmus Plus (or any other valid here), you don’t need to worry about these exams. 

Reasons why you should study abroad in Valencia

Studying abroad in Valencia will most likely rock your world! If you are looking for a lifetime and challenging experience, this is exactly what you need.

Spending some time abroad is a must-do adventure in your 20’s (or whenever you want...it is never too late!). Why?

You’ll learn new languages and get in touch with different cultures, broaden your horizons, push and challenge yourself to try new things. You will grow your personal and professional network and by sharing an apartment in Valencia, you will meet a new family abroad!

If you still need one more push to convince yourself, here are a couple reasons to try out one of the best universities in Valencia and choose this city to live your Spanish experience:

1. Valencia is a multicultural city, with a great international scenario and still it preserves the most beautiful Spanish traditions.

2. The extraordinary architectural features in Valencia will definitely amaze you.

3. Not only city life, but also beach life! Valencia has one of the best coasts in Spain: many restaurants, beach bars, chiringuitos where to spend your free time.

4. The nightlife in Valencia is really one of a kind! 

5. Valencia has a great public transport, bike rentals and the city centre is super walkable. Moreover, you will be able to easily travel around Spain and buy cheap flights for other European destinations.

Our list of the top universities in Valencia and where to choose your accommodation

The Comunidad Valenciana (the region) has several universities and business schools: 

- 6 public universities among Valencia, Castellón and Alicante

- 7 private universities in Valencia

Here’s an overview of the best universities in Valencia. If you already have a rough idea where you are going to study and you are looking for an accommodation, click here to choose among the best rooms in Valencia or have a look at this article to discover more about the best neighborhoods for international students.

Universitat de València

The University of Valencia is one the public institutes in town. It’s one of the most important and ancient universities in Spain (it was founded in 1499). It offers a wide range of disciplines, touching basically all fields of knowledge: engineering, economics, law, social sciences, experimental sciences, educational sciences, humanities, health sciences.

If you are enrolling at Universitat de Valencia, check out these amazing rooms in Pla del Real and these rooms in Benimaclet,  only a few minutes from the campus!

Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (UPV)

The Polytechnic, one of the best universities of Valencia, is a prestigious public institution and a leader in research, hosting around 40,000 students. 

The UPV offers modern and flexible degrees and postgraduate programmes responding to the highest educational quality control systems.

It is the only Spanish technological university ranked among the best in the world according to the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). It is also among the top 150 universities in the world that are less than 50 years old (Times Higher Education Index).

If your academic experience is going to be at UPV, you may want to have a look at these shared apartments in Camins al Grau, one of the closest areas to the campus. 

ESIC Business & Marketing School

ESIC is a group of prestigious Spanish business schools, with over 50 years experience in training for the business environment and marketing studies.

Their focus is on practical academic training, which allows their students to get in touch with the real labor market, being surrounded by highly qualified professionals and acknowledging the latest trends.

ESIC is centrally located, therefore the best choices for the accommodations are: rooms in Camins al Grau, rooms in Pla del Real or rooms in Russafa.

Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU)

This is a Catholic private university whose aim is to develop innovative educational projects always referring to the perspective of the Christian humanism values.

What is truly unique about CEU is that it probably is the most international university in the region of Valencia. Around 25% of the students come from abroad, more precisely, from more than 70 countries.

This university is located in the outskirts of Valencia, around 12 km far from the city centre. But no worries, you can easily reach the campus by bus and metro. The best neighborhoods to live in order to get the fastest route to the university are Russafa and the Pla del Real area.

 Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU)

VIU is one of the most famous online universities in Valencia, boasting more than 15.000 students around the world (81 countries). It has a really innovative educational methodology carried on by the best professionals in the labor market. 

The educational offer at VIU includes the faculties of: Health Sciences, Arts, Humanities and Communication, Social and Legal Sciences, Education Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology. 

The central position of VIU will let you have a wide choice in terms of accommodation. You can pick whichever neighbourhood you like! The closest ones are: Camins al Grau, Pla del Real or Russafa.

Universal Arts School (UA)

It is one of the most recent universities in Spain, founded in 1994 as a CGI specialized center (Computer Generated Images). Famous for its intense and efficient training, it offers courses in Infographics, 3D Animation, Video Games, Cinema, Advertising and Special Effects. And also in Graphic Design, Post-Production, Viral Video, Short Film, Fashion Films and Web design.

Check out these rooms in La Saïdia, one of the best neighborhoods for UA students!

ESAD - School of Dramatic Art of Valencia

Last but not least, Valencia also offers higher education for Art disciplines and this center is the best one if you want to kick off a career in Dramatic Art, Stage Direction, Dramaturgy and Scenography. An important thing to keep in mind is that a graduation at ESAD is equivalent to a University Degree.

ESAD is located in the university area of Valencia, right next to the other campuses. Therefore, you can choose among several neighbourhoods in the city centre such as Camins al Grau, Pla del Real or Russafa.

Our brief journey among the best universities in Valencia is over, but yours is just begun! Choose your university and start planning your experience abroad with us.