University of Santiago de Compostela

Programme Details

Minimum mark 60%

Level Undergraduate

Language/s B1 Spanish for most programmes, B2 Spanish for the Faculty of Philosophy

Agreement Scope English and Related Literature & Language and Linguistic Science

department exchange

Exchange Places 4 full year places for Language & Linguistic Science students in 2026/27

1 full year place for English & Related Literature students in 2026/27

University of Santiago de Compostela exchange students website

Events and information sessions

Overview

About:

Founded in 1495, The University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) is one of the world's oldest universities in continuous operation. Its two campuses are both located in cities declared to be Cultural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Santiago de Compostela, capital of the region of Galicia and last step of the medieval pilgrimage way of Saint James, and Lugo, which was a very important city during the Roman period.

The university received the accreditation of Campus of International Excellence by the Ministry of Education which recognised USC as one of the most prestigious universities in Spain. The university also ranks 5th in Spain's best universities and 4th amongst public universities.

Highlights:

The Camino de Santiago is one of the most famous European pilgrimages, with its routes being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many opportunities to learn about its significance, or even walk part of the route yourself! The city itself boasts both a historic quarter, full of impressive churches and monasteries and historic palaces and also the very best of Galician contemporary art and architecture. Santiago de Compostela may be small, but it does have a lively nightlife scene. The Old Town is filled with small pubs, old taverns, and tapas bars. The university is a UniverCity model, which is a university town with an integrated campus. Every corner of the city and all university premises can be reached in less than 15 minutes, as everything is within walking distance

Location:

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain

Academic information

Courses / Modules:

For information about the degree courses on offer, see the course catalogue. Theoretical classes are taught to large groups - 80 to 100 students - while practical ones are taught to smaller groups - formed by 30, 20 or even 8 students.

Credit (Full-time Load per term):

You must take a full credit load while on exchange. University of Santiago de Compostela uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values. 30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.

Teaching Periods:

Teaching takes place over two semesters. The first semester starts at the beginning of September and ends before the Christmas holidays, followed by exams in January. The second semester starts at the beginning of February and ends towards mid-May, followed by exams in June.

Language:

B1 Spanish required. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in Spanish classes - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit.

Student life

Accommodation:

Private accommodation

USC provides information about the accommodation options for international students.

They advise that most students share a flat with other students, as there are many fully-furnished flats and apartments on offer in the city (generally around €150 to €250 per person per month).

USC offers some rooms at the university residence halls. There are a number of places set aside for international students, as well as a specific application deadline, and the relevant information is usually published in April. Generally, 100 places are offered and the price, per student and month, in a double room is around €250. An offer of a room in university halls is not guaranteed, but take into account that where rooms re offered to international students this is always in double rooms.

Some students prefer to live with a Spanish family. USC does not manage this type of accommodation, but provide more details on how to arrange this on their accommodation pages.

Orientation / Welcome week:

Information about the orientation will be made available to students who have been accepted for study prior to arrival.

Support Services:

The International Office (SRE) provides advice and guidance to incoming exchange students.

USC offers many other support services to the university community which support students with varying needs in their studies and in general university life. Each student also has their own coordinator, who will help you adapt to your studies at USC.

The university offers a programme called VoLANGteer which allows students to form pairs – one visiting student and one from the USC - who can meet to develop their language skills and to take part in different activities such as going to the theatre or to sporting events, cultural activities etc.

Visas:

You may need a visa to study in Spain. If you are a UK National you must refer to the Travel Advice page for Spain and its Living in Spain guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate. If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries. You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange.

Health insurance:

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

USC also provide more information on health insurance requirements.

Student experiences

Ryan, Language and Linguistic Science student, 2016/17

“My experience has quite honestly been life-changing. I have gained a lot of confidence in my foreign language skills and problem-solving skills. It has also allowed me to meet people and make friends with people from all over the world, some of whom I am confident will remain lifelong friends.”

Helena, Language and Linguistic Science student, 2019/20

"From the variety of Galician cuisine available on every street you walk down (brilliant for seafood lovers) to the historical architecture, Santiago really has it all."

Joseph, Language and Linguistic Science student, 2019/20

"The amount of green spaces in Santiago de Compostela put every English city I have visited to shame: there are parks everywhere."

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website!

Useful links

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Top Tips for Studying in Spain

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking:

Monthly budget: The university gives a student's estimated monthly cost of living as €600-800,
Banking: Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees so that you can take cash out easily without opening a bank account. There are several companies that offer these cards, such as Caxton, Starling, Monzo and Moneycorp.

Staying Connected:

Phone contracts: You can buy a pay-as-you-go SIM from most phone shops; the main providers are Orange, Movistar, Vodafone, and Yoigo plus there are also a number of smaller providers
Making plans:
- Erasmus events are a great way to meet people initially. There are often ESN Facebook pages for your destination where you can be updated with any events happening in your local area
- Going to language exchanges, meeting friends of friends, going out and learning to find your way around, talking to people who are local/previous Erasmus students/people who have been working there a few years.
- Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone either, you will thank yourself for it later.
Call or send a postcard to your friends and family at home: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family or having a quick catch-up on the phone can make all the difference and can help you feel a bit more settled.

Food:

Food shopping: There are several nearby supermarkets (such as Mercandona) and also hundreds of bars and restaurants and food markets in the city
On-campus: USC also offer canteen meals

Paperwork and bureaucracy:

Be organised: There will be a lot of paperwork to do throughout the year, so be as organised as possible. Make a list of things that need to be done and by when and start working your way through it as soon as you can. The earlier you do it, the better, as sometimes it can take quite a while for documents to be signed and approved.
Remember your supervisor: They are here to help. If you are struggling with your the amount of paperwork, both your supervisor in York and your host institution are there to support you if you feel stuck or overwhelmed. Try to relax and just ask people if you are unsure.

What I wished I'd known...

Public holidays: there are many national holidays in Spain. So be prepared as shops and transport will likely be affected on these days
Lifestyle: People in Spain tend to eat very late in the evenings, but it is because there is a siesta period in the afternoon so, shops close in the mid-afternoon
Timetabling: At USC you are required to make your own timetable, so make sure you are organised and ask your supervisors for support if you are struggling to manage your time

Contact Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors

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