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Picturing yourself in Seville but not sure where to study? Or just curious about the city’s universities? From major public institutions like the University of Seville to small private universities, Seville is packed with options and has something for every student.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Seville’s five main universities – including top courses, campus life and career opportunities – so that you can be an expert on the subject! Ready to learn? Let’s go!
University of Seville
The University of Seville (US) is the big name in town – and for good reason! Founded in 1505, it’s one of Spain’s oldest universities and also one of the largest with a massive population of nearly 70,000 students.
The main building is housed in the breathtaking former Royal Tobacco Factory just south of the city centre, flanked by the iconic Plaza de España and lush greenery of Murillo Gardens and María Luisa Park.
It has several other sites throughout the city, including the Reina Mercedes Campus, the Ramón y Cajal Campus and the Pirotecnia Campus – all within walking distance or a short bus ride from one another.
Top-quality teaching is a guarantee no matter what you choose to study, but US particularly stands out for law, education, engineering, architecture and agricultural sciences. Job prospects are also excellent, thanks to its impressive internship programme.
As you’d expect from a university of this size, the social life is buzzing. There are countless clubs to get involved in and campus events taking place daily, along with a large international student community.
Location is another major highlight. The main campuses are fully integrated into the urban fabric of Seville, with time outside of class spent in the many plazas, cafes and tapas bars that characterise life in the city.
Locations: La Palmera-Reina Mercedes, Giraldo Sur, San Bernardo, Macarena
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: #14
International ranking: #462
Source: QS World University Rankings
Pablo de Olavide University
Founded in 1997, Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) may not have the history of US, but it’s quickly built an excellent reputation as one of Spain’s top young universities thanks to its progressive approach to teaching and international focus.
The university is housed on a single campus not far from the residential district of Montequinto, just outside the city. There’s plenty of green space, lots of modern facilities and the more secluded location creates a strong community feel.
Still, UPO is well-served by public transport – it has its own metro station which gets you to Nervión in little over 10 minutes, and regular buses to the city centre stop right outside campus – so you really get the best of both worlds!
In terms of courses, the university broadly focuses on humanities, social sciences and life sciences – top-ranked subjects include law, history and sports science. There’s a strong emphasis on practical learning, with many degree programmes involving internships.
UPO is especially popular with international students, who make up more than 10% of the student body. A large number of courses are taught in English – one of the main reasons for its international appeal.
Locations: Montequinto
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
International University of Andalusia
If you’re looking to study at postgraduate level, the International University of Andalusia (UNIA) is a standout choice. It has four campuses spread throughout Andalusia, with its headquarters on Seville’s Isla de la Cartuja.
Here you can study a mix of master’s and doctorate degrees, accredited professional programmes and intensive short courses in fields ranging from environment and sustainability to human rights and international relations.
As the name suggests, there’s a big international presence among both students and faculty. Owing to its older student population, campus life typically revolves around professional networking and specialised academic work.
The campus itself is housed on the site of a stunning 15th-century monastery, providing a truly unique setting for your studies. It’s just a short walk across the river from Seville’s historic centre, so you’re also close to the buzz of city life.
Locations: Isla de la Cartuja
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Loyola University
One of Seville’s two private universities, Loyola University (ULoyola) was founded in 2010 as part of the prestigious worldwide network of Jesuit universities – though it traces its roots back to 1963 through the Faculty of Economic and Business Sciences of Córdoba.
This fast-growing institution has three campuses scattered across Andalusia – one in Granada, another in Cordoba and the main one based just outside the town of Dos Hermanas, about 12km south of Seville.
Courses cover most areas of study, with the only exceptions being humanities and natural sciences. Business, law and engineering are particularly popular, and there are also lots of dual degrees offered which allow you to combine multiple subjects.
As a private institution, ULoyola charges slightly higher fees than Seville’s public universities, but for the extra cost you get smaller class sizes, fantastic career opportunities and a state-of-the-art campus with top learning facilities.
Locations: Dos Hermanas
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
CEU University Fernando III
Another contender that’s emerged in recent years, CEU University Fernando III serves as the Seville branch of CEU Universities – one of the largest private education networks in Spain, which also has universities in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
It opened in 2024, so the campus is super-modern, with lots of green space and some great sports facilities. It’s based in the provincial town of Bormujos, about 25 minutes from central Seville, with solid transport connections for getting to the city.
Currently, the university offers a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across the fields of business, law, education, sports science and computer science. Like ULoyola, there are lots of options for dual degrees, so you can pursue different academic interests.
It’s also a private university and offers various grants and scholarships to help cover those higher fees. The student community is small but fast-growing, so if you’re looking for an intimate learning environment with a strong community vibe, it could be a great fit!
Locations: Bormujos
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: #35
International ranking: #1201-1400
Source: QS World University Rankings
Seville: a university city
Few cities compare to Seville when it comes to the sheer variety of universities on offer – whether you’re looking for traditional academics or career-focused learning, a campus right in the city centre or out in the suburbs, the city has something for everyone!
There are five major universities in Seville: the University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University, the International University of Andalusia, Loyola University and CEU University Fernando III. The University of Seville is by far the biggest, with the others having a more specialist focus.
What’s the best university in Seville?
The ‘best’ university in Seville depends on what you’re looking for. The University of Seville tops most ranking systems, but Pablo de Olavide University and the International University of Andalusia are popular with international students. If you’re looking for a private university, Loyola University and CEU University Fernando III are both great options.
How many students are there in Seville?
It’s estimated there are more than 80,000 students in Seville. The majority – close to 70,000 – study at the University of Seville, while Pablo de Olavide University has over 10,000 students enrolled. There are also smaller student populations at the International University of Andalusia, Loyola University and CEU University Fernando III.
