Universidad de Cantabria
Santander, Spain • Founded 1972 • World Rank #958
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1972, the Universidad de Cantabria (University of Cantabria) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Santander (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Cantabria.
Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Universidades, España (Ministry of Universities of Spain), Universidad de Cantabria (UC) is a large-sized coeducational Spanish higher education institution. Universidad de Cantabria (UC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 51-year-old Spanish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. UC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Universidad de Cantabria. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Universidad de Cantabria's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are summarised below. Use this section to gauge institutional weight before drilling into specific programmes.
Academic Structures
The colleges, schools, and faculties that house Universidad de Cantabria's degrees are below. Clinical units and teaching hospitals are often part of medical schools, with separate governance arrangements.
Unit 12 items
- Faculty of Economics and Business Studies
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Sciences
- School of Altamira
- School of Civil Engineering
- School of Industrial Engineering and Telecommunications
- School of Nautical Studies
- School of Nursing
- School of Teacher Training
- School of Technical Mining Engineering and Environmental Engineering
Degrees
Also Titulo propios (second degree) 2 yrs
Doctoral 18 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Archaeology
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Geography
- Health Sciences
- Heritage Preservation
- History
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Law
- Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Production Engineering
Other 31 programs
- Archaeology
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Economics
- Foreign Languages Education
- Genetics
- Geography
- History
- Industrial Engineering
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
- Machine Building
- Management
- Marine Engineering
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Mining Engineering
- Nautical Science
- Naval Architecture
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Physics
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Tourism
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Universidades, España.
International Centre for Mathematical Meetings (CIEM) (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Economics and Business Administration (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Humanities (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Geography
- History
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philosophy and Humanities (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Foreign Languages Education
- Geography
- History
- Philology
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Financial Studies (Foundation) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
Biomedicine and Biotecnology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Hydraulics Institute "IH Cantabria" (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Water Science
Common Career Paths
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Officer
- Climate Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Prehistoric Research (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- History
Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
Common Career Paths
- Biomedical Engineer
- Medical Device Specialist
- Clinical Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Civil Engineering (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Structural Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Industrial and Telecommunications Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Industrial Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Maritime Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Engineering
- Marine Transport
- Nautical Science
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mines and Energy Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Look through Universidad de Cantabria's programmes by level or filter for keywords. Programme-level scholarships exist alongside institution-wide ones; the programme page typically lists them.
100 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Spain
Bachelor's Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master's Degree 45 programmes
Showing 10 of 45.
Doctorate 20 programmes
Showing 10 of 20.
How to apply to Universidad de Cantabria
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Universidad de Cantabria, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidad de Cantabria offers 100 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Universidad de Cantabria has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Universidad de Cantabria's online portal at web.unican.es. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +34 942201001. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad de Cantabria
Frequently asked questions about Universidad de Cantabria, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When did Universidad de Cantabria open?
Universidad de Cantabria traces its founding to 1972 (approximately 54 years ago).
Where can I find Universidad de Cantabria?
The institution is located in Santander, Spain.
Is Universidad de Cantabria a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Universidad de Cantabria have?
The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.
Where does Universidad de Cantabria stand in university rankings?
Universidad de Cantabria is ranked #958 globally and #30 in Spain.
What programmes are available at Universidad de Cantabria?
Programmes at Universidad de Cantabria cover doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Universidad de Cantabria have?
The institution comprises 12 academic units.
Who recognises Universidad de Cantabria?
The institution holds recognition from Ministerio de Universidades, España.
Where can I learn more about Universidad de Cantabria?
You can find Universidad de Cantabria online at web.unican.es.
Top-Ranked Universities in Spain
Industry partnerships of Spain's top universities signal employer engagement at the apex of the system. Lower-ranked institutions including Universidad de Cantabria may still partner with strong employers locally.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Coordination on academic calendars among European University Association (EUA) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between Universidad de Cantabria and other members.
Faculties at nearby universities
Nearby institutions to Universidad de Cantabria often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Engineering & Technology
Industry advisory boards on Engineering & Technology programmes signal employer engagement and curriculum currency. Check whether each Spain alternative to Universidad de Cantabria publishes its industry partners.
Universities Compared with Universidad de Cantabria
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Universidad de Cantabria in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
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