36 best universities in Spain in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
University of Barcelona
Average rank: #172
No. 1University of Barcelona
Largest public Catalan university, national leader in research and rankings.
No. 2Autonomous University of Barcelona
Major public Catalan university, research leader, globally ranked.
No. 3Pompeu Fabra University
Public Barcelona university, ranked among Spain’s and Europe’s best.
No. 4Autonomous University of Madrid
Prestigious public Madrid university, research leader in sciences.
No. 5Complutense University of Madrid
Spain’s largest university, prestigious in research, sciences, and humanities.
No. 6University of Granada
Major public Andalusian university, research leader, ranked among Spain’s best.
No. 7Public University of Navarre
Public Navarre university, recognized in engineering, sciences, and health.
No. 8University of Valencia
Major public Valencian university, leader in research, sciences, and humanities.
No. 9Charles III University of Madrid
Public Madrid university, recognized in law, economics, and engineering with an international focus.
No. 10Ramon Llull University
Private Catalan university recognized for management, engineering, communication, and design.
No. 11University of the Basque Country
Major public Basque university, research leader in sciences, engineering, and medicine.
No. 12Polytechnic University of Valencia
Public Spanish polytechnic university, leader in engineering, technology, and innovation in Valencia.
No. 13University of Seville
Historic public Andalusian university, leader in sciences, engineering, and humanities.
No. 14University of Malaga
Dynamic public Andalusian university, recognized in computer science, telecommunications, and sciences.
No. 15Polytechnic University of Catalonia
Major public Catalan university of engineering and architecture, leader in technology.
No. 16University of Santiago de Compostela
Historic public Galician university, recognized for research in sciences and humanities.
No. 17Polytechnic University of Madrid
Major public Spanish university, leader in engineering, technology, and applied research.
No. 18University of Murcia
Public Andalusian university founded in 1272, renowned for research in sciences, health, and technology.
No. 19University of Salamanca
Spain’s oldest university (1218), prestigious in humanities, law, and health.
No. 20University of La Laguna
Historic public Canary Islands university, recognized in astrophysics, sciences, and health.
No. 21University of Zaragoza
Historic public Aragonese university, recognized for research in sciences, engineering, and medicine.
No. 22University of Alcalá
Historic public university founded in 1499, UNESCO World Heritage site.
No. 23University of Vigo
Public Galician university recognized for research in sciences, engineering, and marine technologies.
No. 24University of Oviedo
Historic public Asturian university, strong in sciences, engineering, and health.