The Abat Oliba CEU University has its origin in the University Centre Abat Oliba CEU, created by the San Pablo CEU Foundation in 1973 by means of and adscription agreement with the Barcelona University.
It started classes in its first headquarter in the Pearson Avenue in Barcelona in 1974 and, since then, has trained more than 8,500 university graduates.
In 1993, it moved to the Bellesguard Campus, and as Teaching Centre of Superior Studies Abat Oliba CEU, started teaching all of its degrees in Law and Business Management, as well as the first stage of the Economics degree.
Education
Its current structure comprises three faculties (Law and Business; Communication, Education and Humanities; and Health and Life Sciences) in which undergraduate and graduate studies are taught. One of the University’s most defining features is the satisfaction of its students and the high employability rate of its graduates, as demonstrated in various studies by independent bodies.
Research
At the Abat Oliba CEU University (UAO CEU) the Vice-Rectorate for Research and Transfer, which includes the Research Management Unit (UGI), the Office for the Transfer of Research Results (OTRI), and the International Relations Service, is tasked with supporting the research of our teaching and research staff, and promoting and coordinating this research in line with the nature of the
Career
The Work Placement and Employment Service has extended the scope of careers advice thanks to a collaboration agreement signed between the Catalan Employment Service (SOC) and Catalan universities. The aim of the Professional Careers Service is to favour the insertion of beneficiaries in the labour market through guidance and counselling actions. The aim is to improve the employability of the students through training in professional tools and skills, necessary for the job search, by means of individual and group sessions.
Top reasons to study here
Inspired by the Catholic intellectual tradition, Abat Oliba CEU University trains and educates students to be morally responsible individuals.
The mission of Abat Oliba CEU University is to provide students with a comprehensive education based on excellence.
The second main area is employability and the professional development of students in the labour market.
The Abat Oliba CEU University Student Council is the body that represents students. It is made up of all the delegates and sub-delegates elected at the beginning of each academic year for each of the years and degree programmes at UAO CEU.
Library services
The Library Service is here to support study and research activity, and our main mission is to meet the educational and scientific needs of the University. The Library, founded in 1975, is a member of the following library networks:
CCUC. Collective Catalogue of Catalan Universities
REBIUN. Spanish Network of University Libraries
San Pablo CEU Foundation Library Network
Sports facilities
Our University is a member of the Association of University Sports Clubs of Catalonia and our Sports Service, which coordinates sports-related activities at Abat Oliba CEU University, was founded in 1985.
The Service takes part in university championships, coordinates social tournaments for indoor football and padel, and organises trips every year to compete with other universities in Spain and abroad. We also organise weekend excursions, such as ski trips, adventure raids, scuba diving, kayaking on the Costa Brava and sailing courses.
Abat Oliba CEU University has agreements with gyms to promote regular sporting activity.
Student clubs
The shared experience of reading is at the very core of Western civilisation. The Abat Oliba CEU University Reading Club hopes to bring together students, teachers and PAS staff around selected literary creations, whose analysis will help us to grow as people and strengthen the bonds that bind together our educational community. The Reading Club is open to everyone, and meetings are held regularly, providing participants with plenty of notice.
Abat Oliba - CEU UniversityOverview
Abat Oliba - CEU UniversityRankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 29.6%Spain
Top 25.4%Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1001
By TopUniversities
Climbed 200 places compared to 2025
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2024
2025
2026
1001
1201
1001
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
My overall study experience was positive and valuable. I particularly liked the opportunity to develop my academic knowledge, improve my communication and computer skills, and learn from experienced teachers. The study environment helped me become more confident and responsible.
However, some areas could be improved, especially practical learning opportunities, updated study resources, career guidance, and access to modern technology. More practical training and interaction with professionals would make the learning experience even better.
Overall, I would summarize my study experience as educational, challenging, and beneficial for my personal and professional development.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromNov 2025 - Dec 2030
Posted onSep 2026
4/5
scholarships on minority courses
What I really liked about my study experience was the supportive learning environment, the knowledge and skills I gained, and the opportunity to interact with both lecturers and other students. The practical aspects of the course were particularly valuable because they helped me understand how to apply what I learned in real-life situations.
One area that could be improved is providing more practical training opportunities, better access to learning resources, and more regular feedback from lecturers. More support for students who may face academic or financial challenges would also make the experience better.
Overall, I would summarise my study experience as valuable, educational, and personally rewarding. It helped me develop academically and professionally while giving me greater confidence in my abilities and preparing me for my future career.
Posted byAnonymous
Studied fromSep 2024 - Apr 2028
Posted onSep 2026
3/5
Mechanical Engineering
I have a neutral experience. I want to study in Spain.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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