Lately, I’ve noticed that discussions about studying in Spain always seem to focus on the famous universities in Madrid and Barcelona. The competition is fierce, and the cost of living is high. Today, I want to talk about a lesser-known but truly hidden gem of a public university: the University of Extremadura.
UEx is located in western Spain, right next to Portugal, and it’s the main public higher education institution in the Extremadura region. It’s not a university where all faculties are packed onto one campus; instead, it’s spread across four cities: Badajoz, Cáceres, Mérida, and Plasencia. Badajoz and Cáceres are the two largest main campuses, each with its own focus. The old town of Cáceres is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so studying there would be an amazing experience!
How to Choose a Program and Campus?
UEx offers a comprehensive range of programs, from humanities and social sciences to engineering, agriculture, and medicine. Its veterinary science, agricultural engineering, and information engineering programs are quite renowned in Spain. I’ve put together a simple table to help you understand the faculty distribution across the main campuses:
| Campus | Main Faculties/Fields |
|---|
| Badajoz | Faculty of Sciences, School of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Economics and Business Sciences |
| Cáceres | Faculty of Law, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Teacher Training, Faculty of Arts and Humanities |
| Mérida | Engineering Design, Information Technology, Geomatics |
| Plasencia | Forestry Engineering, Nursing, Business Administration |
The Biggest Advantage: Value for Money!
Now for the best part! Living in Extremadura, the most significant advantage is the incredibly low cost of living! Compared to Madrid where rent can easily be 400-500 euros a month, here at the University of Extremadura, it can be less than half that, saving you a lot of money. You get to experience a more authentic Spanish lifestyle here, rather than being surrounded by tourists. Of course, a potential drawback, as you might find in some English info about the University of Extremadura, is that it’s not as bustling as a big city and has fewer entertainment options. But for students who want to party all night focus on their studies, it’s a perfect choice.
If you’re on a budget but still want a degree from a reputable public university and to experience authentic Spanish culture, UEx is definitely worth adding to your list. Are there any current students who can share their experiences? Or if you’re also considering this university, let’s connect and share information!
