SPAIN · PAMPLONA
University of Navarra
non-profit · Founded 1952 · Languages: en, es
In short
The University of Navarra is a private, non-profit Catholic research university in Pamplona, Spain, consistently ranked as the top university in Spain and globally recognized for graduate employability. It offers a wide range of programs across multiple campuses, with a strong international community and award-winning green campus.
Key facts
- Type
- Non-profit
- Founded
- 1952
- Students
- 12,779
- International students
- 2,500
- Acceptance rate
- 55%
- Tuition (intl)
- €8–18k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Location
- Pamplona, Spain
The University of Navarra is a private, non-profit Catholic research university in Pamplona, Spain, founded in 1952 by Saint Josemaria Escriva. Consistently ranked the number one university in Spain by the CYD Ranking and among the best globally for graduate employability (38th worldwide, Times Higher Education 2024), it serves approximately 12,800 students from over 100 countries. Across its campuses in Pamplona, San Sebastian, and Madrid (IESE), the university offers comprehensive programmes in medicine, law, business, communication, science, engineering, humanities, and theology. Its award-winning 113-hectare Pamplona campus is the largest park in the city.
Why study here
- Ranked #1 in Spain by the CYD Ranking and top employer-preferred university (QS Europe 2024).
- Global top-40 for graduate employability (Times Higher Education Emerging Ranking 2024).
- Internationally renowned IESE Business School, among the world's top MBA programmes.
- Beautiful, award-winning 113-hectare campus in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre.
- Vibrant international community with 100+ nationalities and strong extracurricular culture.
Student life
Student life at the University of Navarra is defined by a strong community spirit and rich extracurricular culture. Pamplona's campus — awarded the Green Flag and one of the world's favourite parks — provides a beautiful, walkable setting. Students participate in sports (including rugby and padel), debate clubs, volunteering initiatives, and cultural events. International students are supported by dedicated services and the International Committee. Pamplona is a vibrant, safe, and affordable mid-sized Spanish city, famous for the San Fermin festival.
Fees
InternationalApproximately EUR 8,000-18,000 per year depending on programme (business and medicine at the higher end); IESE MBA carries separate higher fees.
HomeSimilar to international rates as the university is private; approximately EUR 7,500-17,000 per year.
LivingPamplona is one of Spain's most affordable major cities: approximately EUR 700-1,000 per month for accommodation, food, and transport.
The university offers a range of scholarships and financial aid; students are encouraged to apply early and consult the admissions office for current fee schedules and scholarship availability.
Admissions
Undergraduate entrySpanish Selectividad (Evau) or recognised equivalent international qualification; programme-specific entry tests may apply (e.g., medicine)
Master and doctoral programmesRelevant bachelor degree; some programmes require professional experience or interviews
International studentsCredential evaluation required; dedicated international admissions support available
IELTS Academic6.5 for English-taught master programmes
TOEFL iBT90 for English-taught master programmes
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade C or above
Rankings
CYD Ranking#1 in Spain (overall)
QS World University Rankings Europe 2024Best university in Spain according to employers
Times Higher Education Emerging Ranking 2024#38 globally for graduate employability
Times Higher Education (subject areas)4 teaching areas among world best (Economics, Law, Arts & Humanities, Health)
UI GreenMetric Ranking 2024#531 globally for sustainability
University scholarships
University of Navarra Merit ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction for high-achieving undergraduate applicants
International Student ScholarshipPartial fee support; amount varies by programme and year
IESE MBA ScholarshipMerit and need-based; up to 50% of programme fee for eligible candidates
Accreditation
The University of Navarra is recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education as an official private university. Its programmes hold numerous professional accreditations including AACSB (Business), ABA-style accreditation for Law, and European medical standards for its Faculty of Medicine and Clinic.
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Navarra · Spain
Degree in Applied Management
The Degree in Applied Management is a unique program in Spain designed to train experts in managing processes, resources, and people. It emphasizes command of at least three languages and strong communication skills, making graduates highly valued by companies. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge in business management, communication, digital tools, and humanistic development. This degree is ideal for students with an international outlook who enjoy teamwork, prefer practical learning, and are interested in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Operations, Logistics, Marketing, Corporate Communication, International Trade, or Human Resources. The curriculum is structured around four core knowledge areas: business and organization management, communication and languages, digital management tools, and humanistic development. The methodology is "learning by doing," incorporating project-based learning with real companies to foster student autonomy and practical application of knowledge.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Navarra · Spain
Degree in History
The Degree in History at the University of Navarra is designed for students with a deep interest in humanity's past and a desire to understand its impact on the present. This program fosters a critical and reflective attitude towards historical events and contemporary issues. It encourages a strong capacity for reading, analysis, and the development of both oral and written communication skills. Students will cultivate discipline in managing their time and tasks, and embrace an open attitude towards discussion and the exchange of ideas, aiming to contribute their knowledge and concerns to their peers. A fundamental aspect of the historian's work, the pursuit of veracity, is emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Navarra · Spain
Master in Advanced Nursing Practice
This Master's program is designed for nursing professionals who hold a diploma, bachelor's, or graduate degree in Nursing and are interested in advancing their knowledge and skills. It is particularly beneficial for those with at least one year of professional experience who are keen on research and improving patient care. The program aims to equip nurses with advanced practice skills to become agents of change, capable of enhancing patient well-being and their surrounding environment through critical thinking, logic, and creativity.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
18 mo
Duration
University of Navarra · Spain
Master in Advanced Practice in Nursing
The Master in Advanced Practice in Nursing is designed for nurses seeking to enhance their clinical expertise and advance their careers. This program focuses on developing advanced skills in evidence-based practice, critical judgment, and patient care within specialized areas. It aims to equip nurses with the knowledge and abilities to lead in complex healthcare environments.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
University of Navarra · Spain
Master's Degree in Advanced Nursing Practice
This Master's program equips you to lead the next generation of nursing by redefining the future of the profession. You will integrate research, clinical expertise, and transformative leadership to drive real improvements in the quality of care and health outcomes. The program focuses on developing advanced practice nurses who can excel in community care, chronic patient management, end-of-life care, and high-complexity situations like ICUs and emergency departments. With over 20 years of experience training leaders in advanced practice, the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Navarra offers a curriculum designed for professionals seeking to make a significant impact.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
11 mo
Duration
University of Navarra · Spain
Master's Degree in Family: Education, Mediation and Family Research
This Master's program offers a rigorous and creative academic approach to understanding the family from an interdisciplinary perspective. It combines insights from humanities and experimental sciences to explore family dynamics, aiming to foster personal growth and maturity for all family members. The program focuses on enhancing family capabilities and provides a comprehensive view of family structures and relationships.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Spain
full fundingBarcelona Institute of Economics (IEB), University of Barcelona
IEB PhD Scholarships in Economics at the University of Barcelona
Open to applicants who will have completed a Master's degree in Economics by the summer before enrolment and who wish to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Barcelona. Candidates must apply for admission to the UB PhD in Economics programme and separately send a statement of purpose to the IEB calls address. Selected scholars carry out research under IEB Research Program members and take on teaching responsibilities for applied economics courses in Public Economics at the undergraduate level. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline are considered. Applicants should confirm the master's completion requirement and documents on the official UB page.
full
Funding
€17k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona)
UIC Barcelona Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities seeking bachelor's, master's or PhD study at UIC Barcelona. Different lines target different groups: International Excellence Scholarships are for international undergraduates, Academic Excellence Scholarships reward strong academic performance in selected degrees, and Pre-University Competition Grants are for high-school students who submit a research project. Most awards reduce tuition rather than covering living costs, and conditions vary by programme.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMinistry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport of Spain
Spanish Government Scholarships
Open mainly to Spanish nationals and, for several lines, EU citizens resident in Spain who are enrolled or admitted to an official Spanish university or vocational programme. Income-based general grants (Becas MEC) test household income and academic performance, while research and postdoctoral contracts such as Juan de la Cierva and Ramon y Cajal require relevant degrees and a research project. Exact eligibility differs per programme and is fixed in each annual call.
full
Funding
€6k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingBarcelona School of Economics (BSE)
Barcelona School of Economics Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants who hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent, with at least 180 ECTS credits for Bologna degrees) from an accredited institution, typically in economics, finance, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or business administration. Applicants must show an advanced level of English (TOEFL iBT 90 or higher, or IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher) unless they are native speakers or completed a prior degree in English. A strong academic record, strong quantitative skills, and two reference letters are required; the GRE General Test is recommended but not mandatory.
partial
Funding
—
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What rankings does the University of Navarra hold?
+
The University of Navarra is ranked #1 in Spain by the CYD Ranking and is considered the best university in Spain according to employers by QS World University Rankings Europe 2024. It is also ranked #38 globally for graduate employability by Times Higher Education Emerging Ranking 2024.
What are the approximate tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition fees for international students range from approximately EUR 8,000 to EUR 18,000 per year, depending on the program. Business and medicine programs are at the higher end, and the IESE MBA has separate, higher fees.
What are the living costs like in Pamplona?
+
Pamplona is considered one of Spain's most affordable major cities. Monthly living expenses for accommodation, food, and transport are approximately EUR 700-1,000.
What English proficiency scores are required for master's programs?
+
For English-taught master's programs, the university typically requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 90, or a Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate with a grade of C or above.
Does the University of Navarra offer scholarships?
+
Yes, the university offers various scholarships, including the University of Navarra Merit Scholarship for undergraduates and the International Student Scholarship for partial fee support. The IESE Business School also offers merit and need-based scholarships for its MBA program.
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