Welcome guide

University of Seville (USE)

A history that dates back to 1505

The University of Seville’s history dates back to 1505. Today, it is the second largest Spanish university and the largest in Andalusia. It has approximately 71,000 students and employs around 4,500 teaching and research staff and almost 2,500 services staff.

The University of Seville is a generalist university, embracing numerous different branches and areas of knowledge. It has has a total of 26 own public Centres, Faculties and Schools, and 6 private Centres. Although they are private, the University recognises the qualification that they award. Each Centre is responsible for managing its own students, lectures, organising their courses, and structuring their qualifications.

 

An extensive academic offer

In total, the University of Seville offers approximately 100 Bachelor’s Degrees, 157 Master’s Degrees and 32 PhD Programmes. The University of Seville also offers over 150 qualifications which supplement its official qualifications.

The University’s 130 Departments are home to all of its teaching and research staff, as well as organising teaching and implementing and undertaking research.

 

Visit USE website

Useful information to study in Seville

You will find here information about the documents you will need to prepare ahead of travelling to Spain, the administrative processes to follow before leaving your home country and some recommendations about how to find accommodation in Seville, among others.

Budget to plan

Before planning your trip to Seville, you need to take into account some initial costs. Budget more for your first month and bear in mind your travel costs.

Flight prices

These can vary considerably depending on the airlines and the time of year. The high-speed train AVE connecting Madrid and Barcelona with Seville is a convenient way to travel, but prices can sometimes be quite expensive. Click here to view prices and special offers. There are also bus, coaches and other rail services.

Accommodation

You will also have to pay rent and a deposit. If you are flat-sharing, you might have to pay double for the first month – the rent and a deposit. This deposit will usually be refunded when you leave. Click here for information from Universidad de Sevilla’s University Community Assistance Service (SACU) on accommodation prices and processes. Accommodation in a University Hall of Residence is approximately €500/month. Flat sharing, the most popular option among students, especially those coming from Europe, is approximately 200-€250/month per person there are usually three people sharing a flat. Prices tend to be higher and flats smaller in the Historic Quarter.

Living costs

The cost of living in Seville is lower than in other large Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, and lower than in cities in other Central and North European countries, as well as those in North America. The University of Seville has various self-service canteens offering a daily lunch menu for €4. In Halls of Residence, the price tends to be around €8, in popular bars and restaurants, prices are around €12. Bars offer a wide and varied range of tapas, for around €3-4 each. Other general expenses (cultural and recreational activities, sports)

Urban transport

Sevilla has a good bus map route with reduced prices using its buss pass. Click here for more information. Biking is also an extended practice in Seville. A public bike-renting service is available.

Study costs (books and other study materials)

Costs depend on the degree. In Faculties such as Fine Arts or in the Higher Technical School of Architecture, study materials costs can be somewhat higher. In general terms, thanks to the huge amount of digital materials and documents, as well as to the University’s libraries, costs are not particularly high.

Id document required

  • Incoming EU citizens only need their ID card or passport.
  • Non-EU citizens will need their passport and the correct visa.

Information on visa application procedures from the SACU can be found here. Alternatively, You can also get information from the Spanish Embassy and Spanish Consulates in your home country. You can contact the Centro Internacional de la Universidad de Sevilla for help with your visa process. More information on long stay visa information here or in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of Spain. 

Long-stay visa enables you to travel freely in the Schengen Space countries. These comprise most of the EU, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. You can apply to the Spanish Embassy in your home country to obtain detailed information. Should you need a residence permit please click here for information on how to obtain it.

Insurance

Before you leave your home country, we recommend that you take out health, travel, and repatriation insurance. For flat rentals, you should also take out housing insurance and civil liability insurance, which is important for interns. Please note that EU citizens’ health insurance is covered by their European Health Card. Non-EU citizens should have their own medical insurance.

Insurance information webs:

Banks

Opening a Spanish bank account is recommended where you are the account holder or joint account holder. There are many banks to choose from. Banco de Santander has a branch in the Rectorate that specialises in dealing with students.

Accommodation

Gather information about accommodation and how to find it as soon as you start planning your mobility. Sevilla is a destination city that welcomes many international visitors and as such it offers a wide range of accommodation. There are many dedicated websites offering halls of residence, flatshares, hotels, hostels and boarding houses.

  • Accommodation services is managed by SACU, the student services office of the University of Seville.

Ride to campus

The easiest way to get to Sevilla is to fly in to Aeropuerto de Sevilla (SVQ) airport.
The city also has excellent rail and road links. For rail travel information, click here:

Universidad de Sevilla has 17 locations spread over the city.

The main ones are:

  • Campus Reina Mercedes
  • Campus Ramón y Cajal
  • Campus Macarena
  • Campus Isla de la Cartuja
  • Rectorado

Sevilla is almost completely flat. It is located on the Guadalquivir plain and has around 700,000 inhabitants. This number rises to over 1 million if we include those living in the metropolitan area. Getting around the city is really easy.

How to get around in Seville:

  • Buses run by TUSSAM, this is the local municipal bus company and has a wide network of routes covering all areas of the city. More info here.
  • Underground line, running on an East-West axis. More info here .
  • Taxi services, including Radiotaxi, Teletaxi and Airport Taxis.
  • Cycling, Sevilla has around 200 km of cycle lanes – the largest cycle lane network in Spain. Click here for information about the municipal bike hire scheme. Cyclists might also find this page on cycling routes useful.

Here you will find some recommendations to get around Seville, arrange a health insurance if needed or register at the University of Seville.

Academic registration at the university

The Home University will send the official nominations of their students to the University of Sevilla in accordance with the instructions sent by the International Centre of the University of Sevilla. Candidates who do not have the EU-nationality will automatically receive an Admission / Invitation Letter from the University of Sevilla and upon request, any other accepted candidates. Once nominated by their university and accepted by the University of Sevilla, these students will obtain in their home country a username and password enabling them access to the virtual secretariat of the University of Seville and to pre-select the courses they wish to study.  Once in Seville, students will have to register at the International Centre.

Your Academic registration

The student learning agreement must be approved by the student, the Home Institution and the Host Institution, the University of Seville. To this end, incoming students must hand in this agreement to the International Vice dean or Vice director at the corresponding Faculty or University School in Sevilla. It is recommended to send it in advance by email.

The registration document at the International Centre must match with the Learning Agreement. In case of disparity between the Registration data and the Study Agreement, the student must draft as quickly as possible a New Learning Agreement that coincides with the enrolment.

Some links of interest

  • General instructions here
  • List of International Relations Officers of the 32 Centres, Faculties and Schools of the University of Seville here

Every semester the international centre organizes a welcome ceremony for all incoming international students.  Furthermore, on each of the Centre where incoming students are received, those responsible for its internationalisation will organize an additional welcome event to inform incoming students of the specific issues of each Centre.

Student cards

Once the incoming student has been accepted, he or she may request through the online secretary office of the University a student card that allows access to libraries, some parking lots of the University Campuses and ticket discounts for some cultural events.

Transport plan

Buses run by TUSSAM

This is the local municipal bus company and has a wide network of routes covering all areas of the city. A one-way ticket costs € 1.40 and it can be purchased on board, although there are also rechargeable multi-trip cards (bonobus) with which you pay for each trip at a lower price than the one-way ticket. More info here.

Underground line

Running on an East-West axis. More info here.

Taxi services

Radiotaxi, Teletaxi and Airport Taxis.

Cycling

Sevilla has around 200 km of cycle lanes – the largest cycle lane network in Spain. Click here for information about the municipal bike hire scheme. Cyclists might also find this page on cycling routes useful.

Mobile plan

In Sevilla you will find a well-developed mobile network and plenty of operators to choose from.

Health insurance

Generally, all incoming international students are provided with the “seguro escolar”, a school insurance, which is also compulsory for national students. This is a complementary insurance, providing coverages additional to those provided under the European Health System Card or other private insurances for travel, repatriation, etc.

Health – Complementary coverage

Students who have subscribed a private health insurance can use these services.

Financial help

You can find more information about scholarships and study grants from the University of Sevilla here.

Please be aware that scholarships and grants for foreign students must be convened, managed and paid by the home universities of the incoming students. Exceptionally, the Erasmus+ KA107 International Mobility program for credits may offer some scholarships in the event of an Interinstitutional Agreement between the student’s home University and the University of Sevilla. More info here or at this url. 

Migration department

For any further information please click here

Residency permits

Non EU-students must obtain a residence permit depending on how long they are going to stay in Spain. Further information here.

Introduction

The University of Seville’s history dates back to 1505. Today, it is the second largest Spanish university and the largest in Andalusia. It has approximately 71,000 students and employs around 4,500 teaching and research staff and almost 2,500 services staff.

The University of Seville is a generalist university, embracing numerous different branches and areas of knowledge. It has has a total of 26 own public Centres, Faculties and Schools, and 6 ascribed private Centres. Although they are private, the University recognises the qualification that they award. Each Centre is responsible for administering its own students, teaching them, organising their courses, and structuring their qualifications.

In total, the University of Seville offers approximately 100 Bachelor’s Degrees, 157 Master’s Degrees and 32 PhD Programmes. Universidad de Sevilla also offers over 150 Qualifications which supplement its official qualifications.  The University’s 130 Departments are home to all of its teaching and research staff, as well as organising teaching and implementing and undertaking research.

Academic calendar

The Academic Year usually starts in the third week of September. In general terms subjects are one semester long, each semester being worth an average of 30 ECTS European Credits. Each credit represents between 25 and 30 hours of work. These include theoretical, classes, practical teaching, tutorials individual student work and examinations and evaluations.

The first semester lasts from late September to early February of the following calendar year, while the second semester starts in mid-February and finishes in early July. The final day of July and the whole of August are regarded as a Recess period. During the first half of September there is an extraordinary examination call. This is a second chance for students who did not pass subjects in February or July.  Click here to consult the Student Assistance Centre (CAT) academic calendar for the 2022-2023 academic year. Please bear in mind that every Academic Year the dates will vary.

Summer school

The University of Seville offers a wide range of open courses of differing lengths, nature, and cost, principally in Spanish for anyone, including incoming international students, to follow.

This offer is administered by the Centro de Formación Permanente, which is in charge of all of the University’s non-official courses. On occasion, Universidad de Sevilla can prepare specific programmes for international students as part of its Study Abroad programme.

Language courses for international students

All incoming international mobility students can choose a semester-long Spanish course. These courses are given by the University’s own language school, the Instituto de Idiomas de la Universidad de Sevilla.

Classes are taught at European Language Framework levels A2, B1, B2 and C1. You can choose one level and if you pass it in the first semester, you can do the next level during the second semester. If you do not pass, you can repeat the same level.

You can also sign up to the tandem programme, where you will be paired up with a Spanish student for mutual cultural exchanges.  The SACU also has its own language exchange programme.

Engagement centre

Incoming Mobility and Welcome Section in Centro Internacional, Avenida Ciudad Jardín, 20-22, 41005, SEVILLA will provide you with all of the administrative information that you need, as well as advising and orienting you. The Centro Internacional will also put you in contact with other Centres, Units and Services. Click here for more information.

Each of our 32 Centres / Faculties / Schools has a Vice-Deaconate of International Relations which also provides you with the necessary information and advice, especially in academic and curricular terms. Asociación Erasmus ESN Sevilla is an association of former Erasmus students. the Universidad de Sevilla’s Student Council, or CADUS can provide you with information on activities for and by international students. Click here for more information.

Libraries

The Universidad de Sevilla large centralised University Library has branches in the Rectorate and all of the University’s Centres and departments.

The library has a large fund of books, publications, and documents, both printed and in digital format. Using their library ticket, all students and staff can consult the library’s online catalogue, as well as accessing its free lending service. Click here for more information.

Canteens

Universidad de Sevilla has several canteens dotted around its campus offering quality menus at popular prices.
Click here for more information.

Activities at university

As well as the study/research activities in each of its three cycles, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and PhD, Universidad de Sevilla also offers diverse cultural and sporting activities, mainly through the following Services:

As well as the University’s offer, other bodies and organisations, such as Asociación Erasmus Student Network Sevilla, offer their own activities. This Association also offers a buddy programme.

International relations contacts

Incoming mobility students and staff can contact the Centro Internacional de la Universidad de Sevilla and its Welcome and Incoming Mobility Section at the following physical address: Centro Internacional. Avenida Ciudad Jardín, 20. 41003 SEVILLA. Find it here on Google maps.

You can also email us at one of the following addresses: welcome@us.es, relint3@us.es, relint14@us.es

For more country-specific administrative questions, click here or contact us at one of the following email addresses: relint3@us.es, relint14@us.es, relint19@us.es, relint21@us.es, relint23@us.es, relint25@us.es, y relint34@us.es.

For academic questions, contact those in charge of International Relations in your Centre / Faculty / School. Click here for more information.

Students’ house

It is the umbrella organisation for most of the principal function dealing with international mobility and internationalisation, your main reference place is the International Centre, located in: Avenida Ciudad Jardín, 20-22 – 41005 SEVILLA

Find it here on Google maps.

University health service

If you have a problem, you can contact SEPRUS (Universidad de Sevilla’s Health and Safety Service) where you will be given advice.

Click here for more information.

Click here for information on psychological counselling.

Alumni

Click here for information concerning Universidad de Sevilla alumni. You can also consult Universidad de Sevilla’s Alumni Council, or CADUS here.

Extra scholar activities

Information on extracurricular activities can be found here or on this website, home to several different university associations.

Student jobs

The situation is different for EU and non-EU students.

Click here to view the legislation on employment for international students.

Tips

As Seville is on a plain, it is flat and is perfect for strolling around. Take your time to get to know the city. Its Casco Histórico is the largest and most important Historic Quarter in the whole of Spain.

In winter the climate is quite temperate while the summers are hot. Spring and autumn are undoubtedly the best seasons for enjoying the city to the fullest.

As it was the largest city on the Iberian Peninsula, and then again in Spain between the 12th and 17th centuries, Sevilla is a cultural and monumental treasure house.

Today Sevilla is the capital of Andalusia, the most populous – and by area the second-largest – of the 17 Autonomous Communities that make up modern Spain. Neither must we forget the rich historic and cultural heritage to be found and admired in Andalusia as a whole.

Enjoy strolling along Sevilla’s streets, squares, and avenues.

Savour the atmosphere in its innumerable bars and their wide range of tapas. Life in our warm Mediterranean climate is mostly lived on the streets and it is seasoned with a high level of socialising.

Learn and deepen your knowledge of Spanish. Today Spanish is the second most widely-spoken of the 7,000 documented languages to be found in the world’s 195 States.

An interesting way to get to know the city is through the many free tours run by a variety of companies. As well as the typical free tour of the Casco Histórico, there are others around the Santa Cruz Quarter and Triana – all ideal to really discover the essence of Sevilla.

There are also bus tours. During the tour around the city, usually from one of its most important points of interest to another, the on-board commentary will tell you what there is to see and will explain the most important details.

Sevilla, with its excellent communications, is the ideal springboard for visiting all of Andalusia’s most important cities, as well as other interesting and picturesque towns.

We would especially recommend the following:

  • Visit cities such as Córdoba, Granada, and Cádiz.
  • The Parque Nacional de Doñana national park, located in the Guadalquivir Delta’s wetlands, is the largest in Spain.
  • There are also other Nature Parks in the nearby sierras: Sierra Morena; parts of this range include the Sierra de Aracena in the province of Huelva and Sierra Norte de Sevilla to the North of Sevilla, Serranía de Ronda to the South-West, the spectacular Sierra Nevada is located farther away in Eastern Andalusia and is home to the highest mountains on the Iberian Peninsula.
  • If you want to go to the beach, the Costa de la Luz is a long Atlantic coastline where the provinces of Huelva and Cádiz face the sea. This is an immense, almost uninterrupted, beach of golden sands that stretches for hundreds of kilometres and in places it is hundreds of metres wide.
  • You can also enjoy cultural tourism, visiting museums and monuments and taking in the townscapes of the Autonomous Community’s towns. Neither must we forget gastro-tourism and, for the more active, there are many wonderful places to go hiking and enjoy numerous outdoor activities.
  • Andalusia, with its mountain ranges and extensive plains, is at a crossroads. Andalusia is where the Mediterranean and Atlantic, and two continents – Europe and Africa – meet. This, then is a territory with an enormous geographical and cultural wealth. It is well-worth getting to know.

Students associations

Please find below some links of your interest:

City maps

Some of the many maps available on the website.

Useful addresses, venue, adresses and contact numbers

  • Information and Tourism Offices +34 954 21 00 05 / +34 954 78 75 78
  • Sevilla City Council 010 or 954 59 06 00
  • Sevilla Airport  91 321 10 00
  • RENFE railway 912 320 320
  • TUSSAM 955010010

Emergency

Please use the following contact numbers in case of emergency.

  • Dial 112 (all emergencies)
  • Dial 091 or 954 289 300 to reach The National Police
  • Dial 092 to reach the Local police service or 062 for the Civil Guard Service.

In the event of a health emergency, the contacts are as follows:

  • Health emergency  061
  • Red Cross 95 435 01 35
  • Ambulances: 061/954359135
  • Firefighters: 080 – 081 – 112

Pharmacies and doctor appointments

Spain has a high quality healthcare system, ensuring universal coverage for all residents. Healthcare in Spain consists of both private and public healthcare.

Check with your local Spanish embassy to see if any agreements are in place between Spain and your home country. If you don’t have the right to state healthcare, you will have to organize private health cover.

Those not covered by state insurance Card or the European Health Insurance IC card will need to take out private medical insurance.

In an emergency you can go straight to a hospital (Urgencias). Only the public hospitals provide free treatment.

When you go to a Spanish hospital you will need to show your social security card or proof of private insurance.

Primary healthcare in Spain is delivered through GP surgeries a (general practitioner) and health centers (centro de salud or centro de Asistencia Primaria or CAP).

Pharmacies are usually open on Monday to Friday from 9.30am-2pm and 5pm-9.30pm, and Saturdays from 9.30am-2pm. There is usually a notice on the pharmacy window or door with details of the nearest 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia de guardia)

More information on 24-hour pharmacies and opening hours here

Acronyms

  • US or USE = University of Sevilla
  • C.I. = International Centre
  • SACU = Service of Assistance to the University Community
  • CICUS = Centre for Cultural Initiatives of the University of Sevilla
  • CADUS = Students’ Council of the University of Sevilla
  • SARUS = Service for Religious Activities of the University of Sevilla

Don’t miss the opportunity to have fun, meet new people and expand your social networks.

But at the same time don’t forget to study, study in depth, practice sports, get to know another culture and move in a different environment: International mobility programmes are a unique opportunity – make the most of it!

Academic calendar

Academic Calendar

In the Spring Sevilla celebrates its most important festivities: Holy Week, and the April fair.

Holy Week in Sevilla is one of the most important social and ethnographic social and ethnographic festivities in Spain and is celebrated, depending on the full moon after lent, between March 22 and April 25.

The Sevilla Fair (Feria de Abril de Sevilla) generally begins two weeks after the Easter Holy Week, and runs seven days. Each day the fiesta begins with the parade of carriages and horse riders, at midday.

For the duration of the fair, the fairgrounds and a vast area on the far bank of the Guadalquivir River are totally covered in rows of casetas, individual decorated marquee tents which are temporarily built on the fairground.

More information here.

Green Mobility in Seville

Would you like to move around in Seville in the most sustainable way? This guide provides practical examples of how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from the transport sector. Check out our list of tips on public transportation in Seville, cycling in the city & other means of transportation, how to live sustainably in the region and the support offered by the University of Seville in this regard.

 

Seville Green Mobility Guide