There have been a lot of posts about universities in Madrid and Barcelona on the forum lately, so today I’d like to switch things up and introduce a public university I’m personally very fond of—a more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ choice: the University of Extremadura, or UEx for short. Many of you might not be familiar with it, as it’s located in the autonomous community of Extremadura in western Spain, bordering Portugal. This region, home to the University of Extremadura in Spain, isn’t a major tourist hotspot. But for that very reason, it has preserved its authentic Spanish charm, and the cost of living is incredibly affordable!
UEx is a large, comprehensive public university with four main campuses, the two most important being in Cáceres and Badajoz. The Cáceres campus is the one I recommend most highly. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture. Walking on its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Studying here is brimming with romantic ambiance! Moreover, the veterinary program at the Cáceres campus is renowned throughout Spain and even Europe—it’s truly their crown jewel program.
The other main campus is in Badajoz, the largest city in Extremadura, which is a bit more modern and convenient. Its strengths lie in economics, engineering, and medical programs. Overall, UEx has solid academic credentials, particularly in fields like agricultural science, veterinary medicine, heritage conservation, and information technology. For those interested in the University of Extremadura’s English name and application details, and if you want to escape the hustle of big cities to focus on your studies, this is an excellent choice.
UEx Application & Life Tips
| Feature | Cáceres Campus | Badajoz Campus |
|---|
| City Vibe | UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, tranquil and classic | Region’s largest city, relatively modern |
| Strong Programs | Veterinary Medicine, Nursing, Tourism, Arts & Humanities | Engineering, Medicine, Economics, Sciences |
| Cost of Living | Extremely low | Low |
| Best for Students Who… | Love history, culture, and a quiet environment | Prefer city life and convenient transportation |
When it comes to daily life, we have to talk about the prices here. It’s no exaggeration to say that Extremadura is one of the cheapest regions in all of Spain. A month’s rent can be just one-third to one-half of what you’d pay in Madrid or Barcelona. Going out for tapas and a drink is also impressively cheap. Plus, this is the homeland of Iberian ham, so for Jamón Ibérico lovers, it’s absolute paradise! Of course, there are downsides. It’s a bit more isolated, so there are fewer large-scale entertainment and shopping options, and traveling to other major cities takes more time.
So, if you’re looking for great value for money, want to dive deep into authentic Spanish culture, and don’t mind a ‘beautiful but quiet’ study environment, then the University of Extremadura is a niche hidden gem that you should seriously consider. Its application process is also generally more accessible compared to mainstream universities. Are there any UEx alumni here? Feel free to share your real experiences in the comments below to help out future students!
