Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Spain • Founded 1495 • World Rank #563
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1495, the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (University of Santiago de Compostela) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Santiago de Compostela (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Galicia.
This institution also has a branch campus in Lugo. Officially recognized by the Ministerio de Universidades, España (Ministry of Universities of Spain), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC) is a large-sized coeducational Spanish higher education institution.
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC) 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 529-year-old Spanish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 40-49% making this Spanish higher education organization an averagely selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. USC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Address book entry for Universidad de Santiago de Compostela: location, phone, email, web, and social channels. The press or media office handles institutional inquiries; admissions handles student-specific queries.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.
Unit 19 items
- Faculty of Biology
- Faculty of Chemistry
- Faculty of Communication Sciences
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
- Faculty of Education Sciences
- Faculty of Geography and History
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Mathematics
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Philology
- Faculty of Philosophy
- Faculty of Physics
- Faculty of Political and Social Science
- Faculty of Psychology
- Higher Technical Engineering School
- University School of Labour Relations
- University School of Nursing
- University School of Optics and Optometry
Degrees
Also Teaching Qualification (CAP.-ICE), 3 yrs
Doctoral 30 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Agriculture
- Ancient Civilizations
- Art History
- Biology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cultural Studies
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Education
- Endocrinology
- Energy Engineering
- English Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Epidemiology
- Forestry
- Geography
- History
- Information Technology
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Medieval Studies
- Ophthalmology
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Statistics
Other 22 programs
- Agricultural Engineering
- Agriculture
- Aquaculture
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Food Science
- Food Technology
- Health Sciences
- History
- Law
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministerio de Universidades, España.
Arts and Humanities (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Philology
- Spanish
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration and Management (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Chemist
- Lab Researcher
- Quality Control Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Communication Sciences (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Journalism
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Business Studies (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.
Educational Sciences (Faculty) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Humanities and Social Science Education
- Teacher Training
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geography and History (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Geography
- History
Labour Relations (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Labour Law
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine and Dentistry (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Surgery
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (Faculty) 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.
Optics and Optometry (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Optics
- Optometry
Pharmacy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Philology (Faculty) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Classical Languages
- English
- French
- German
- Italian
- Native Language
- Philology
- Portuguese
- Romance Languages
- Spanish
Philosophy (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Physics (Faculty) 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.
Political and Social Sciences (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Psychologist
- Counsellor
- Clinical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
- Food Technology
- Industrial Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
- Nutrition
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Teacher Training (Faculty) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Teacher Training
Veterinary Science (Faculty) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Veterinary Science
Common Career Paths
- Veterinarian
- Animal Health Specialist
- Wildlife Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Agricultural Biodiversity and Rural Development (Research Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Management
- Agriculture
- Rural Planning
- Rural Studies
Aquaculture (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aquaculture
Ceramics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Technology
Criminology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Criminology
Educational Sciences (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Forensic Medicine (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Forensic Medicine and Dentistry
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Galician Language (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Native Language
Galician Studies and Development (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Regional Planning
High Energy Physics (Research Division) 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.
Industrial Law (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Commercial Law
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Industrial Pharmacy (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Neurology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Neurology
Nutritional Analysis and Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nutrition
Orthopaedics and Muscular-Skeletal Tissue Bank (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Orthopaedics
Technological Research (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Technology
Advanced Musical Studies of Galicia (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
International PhD (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Labour Relations (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Labour and Industrial Relations
- Labour Law
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.
Polytechnic Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering
- Engineering
- Forestry
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Work (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Social Work
Technical Engineering (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.
194 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Spain
Bachelor's Degree 58 programmes
Showing 10 of 58.
Master's Degree 79 programmes
Showing 10 of 79.
Doctorate 57 programmes
Showing 10 of 57.
How to apply to Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
A practical five-step guide to applying to Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Universidad de Santiago de Compostela offers 194 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 entry requirements
Each programme at Universidad de Santiago de Compostela 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
Prepare your application documents
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
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's online portal at www.usc.gal. 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
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +34 881 81 20 00. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
A short Q&A covering Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When did Universidad de Santiago de Compostela open?
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela traces its founding to 1495 (approximately 531 years ago).
Where can I find Universidad de Santiago de Compostela?
The institution is located in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Is Universidad de Santiago de Compostela public or private?
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela is a public institution.
How many students does Universidad de Santiago de Compostela have?
The institution has a student body of 20,000-24,999.
How is Universidad de Santiago de Compostela ranked?
It ranks #563 globally and #18 in Spain.
What qualification levels does Universidad de Santiago de Compostela offer?
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela delivers doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does Universidad de Santiago de Compostela have?
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela has 19 academic units.
Who recognises Universidad de Santiago de Compostela?
Yes, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela is recognised by Ministry of Universities.
How do I find Universidad de Santiago de Compostela online?
Universidad de Santiago de Compostela's official website is www.usc.gal.
Top-Ranked Universities in Spain
Top universities in Spain differ from flagship status: top is rankings-defined; flagship is often historically defined. The lists may overlap but are not identical.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Network-level rankings exist for some European University Association (EUA) groupings (e.g., U21, Universitas 21). These differ from country rankings and reflect coordinated members' shared performance.
Faculties at nearby universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Universidad de Santiago de Compostela share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study Social Sciences & Education
Other universities in Spain that teach Social Sciences & Education appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Universidad de Santiago de Compostela. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Compared with Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Students applying to Universidad de Santiago de Compostela often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Universidad de Santiago de Compostela on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
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