Lately, I’ve been helping some junior students with their university search, and I’ve noticed that many focus solely on Madrid and Barcelona. However, Spain has many other excellent public universities, such as the University of Girona in the Catalonia region. I wonder if anyone on this forum is familiar with this university, including some of its famous alumni from the University of Girona? It seems it’s not well-known internationally, but it’s actually a fantastic value-for-money option.
The city of Girona itself is a huge plus! It’s just over an hour from Barcelona by train, but the cost of living is much lower, and the atmosphere is more relaxed. It’s one of the filming locations for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, and the cobblestone streets and cathedral in the old town are full of character. When you’re not busy with studies, it’s easy to travel to the south of France or go skiing in Andorra, making its location absolutely perfect.
About the University of Girona
Returning to the university itself, the University of Girona is a relatively young public institution, officially established in 1991, but it has grown rapidly. Its campuses are spread throughout the city, blending modern facilities with historic buildings seamlessly. In some subject rankings, UdG performs impressively. While its overall reputation might not match that of giants like the University of Barcelona or the Autonomous University of Madrid, in specific fields—particularly tourism, water resources, food science, and robotics—its research and teaching quality are highly acclaimed.
Popular Fields of Study
I’ve put together a list of its key faculties and specializations to serve as a reference for students choosing a university. These areas often reflect the expertise of its faculty and leadership, including the rector of the University of Girona, who is an AI specialist:
| Faculty | Key Areas |
|---|
| Faculty of Tourism | Top-tier in Spain, with flagship programs in Hotel Management, Tourism Planning, etc. |
| Faculty of Sciences | Water Resources Research, Environmental Science, Chemistry, etc. |
| Polytechnic School | Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Robotics and AI |
| Faculty of Arts | Catalan Philology, History, Cultural Heritage Management |
For students considering studying at the University of Girona for a master’s degree, many of UdG’s official master’s programs offer excellent value. The application process is similar to other Spanish universities, primarily focusing on your undergraduate GPA and the relevance of your previous coursework. Since it’s not one of the hyper-competitive universities, the application pressure is relatively lower. Personally, I believe that if you’re looking for a quiet and comfortable study environment and prioritize program relevance and teaching quality over the prestige of a ‘big-name’ university, then the University of Girona is definitely worth your serious consideration.
Are there any current UdG students or alumni here? Or anyone who has applied before? Please come and share your real experiences with student life and the application process! For example, are classes taught mainly in Spanish or Catalan? Is it easy to find accommodation? Let’s discuss and share information!
