
University of Oviedo
A University where History and Tradition Meet Innovation and Diversity
The University of Oviedo (UNIOVI) is a public university in Oviedo, Spain. It is one of the oldest universities in Spain, with a history that dates back to 1608. It is also the only University in Asturias, a region with a rich cultural and natural heritage. It is named after Oviedo, the capital city of Asturias, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The history of UNIOVI begins with the foundation of a General Study by Fernando de Valdés Salas, bishop of Oviedo and president of the Council of Castile. The General Study was authorized by King Philip III in 1604 and inaugurated in 1608. It offered courses in theology, canon law, arts, and medicine. In 1769, it was transformed into a Royal University by King Charles III.
Over time, UNIOVI expanded its academic offer and research activities by creating new faculties and departments in various fields of knowledge. As a result, it currently has a wide range of educational options across its 15 faculties. These faculties cover disciplines such as arts and humanities, biology, chemistry, commerce, tourism and social sciences, economics, and business, geology, law, medicine and health sciences, philosophy and education, psychology, teacher training, and education. The University also has two polytechnic schools of engineering in Gijón and Mieres.

UNIOVI offers bachelor’s degrees (4 years), master’s degrees (1-2 years), and doctoral degrees (3-5 years) in more than 200 study programs covering a wide range of disciplines. Some of these programs are taught in English or other languages such as French or German. UNIOVI also offers postgraduate courses for lifelong learning and professional development.
The Ministry of Education classifies UNIOVI as an advanced research and education university. It has over 50 research centers and groups equipped with modern facilities and equipment and participates in numerous national and international research projects.
UNIOVI is a member of several academic networks and associations such as CRUE (Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities), EUA (European University Association), AUF (Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie), CAMPUS IBERUS (Campus of International Excellence) or EUCEN (European University Continuing Education Network). In addition, UNIOVI has established partnerships with more than 300 universities from over 60 countries worldwide for student exchange programs, joint degrees, or collaborative research activities
UNIOVI has around 19,000 students enrolled in its study programs, including over 1,500 international students from several countries. In addition, UNIOVI offers its students various opportunities for personal and professional growth, such as scholarships, internships, competitions, cultural events, or sports activities.