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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
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.
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1001 | 1201 | 1001 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Based on 100 reviews
This university offers an excellent academic environment with dedicated professors, modern facilities, and a diverse community. It encourages innovation and critical thinking, preparing students for success.
As an international student, my experience at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU has been very positive so far. From the moment I started the admission process, the staff were very supportive and always willing to help. On Welcome Day, I really appreciated being able to discover all the opportunities the university offers. I was introduced to �Global Point,� a club for international students, as well as the language service, which has helped me a lot since I am not yet fluent in Spanish. I also liked that each degree had its own welcome session, where the professors introduced the course and students had the chance to get to know each other. I also enjoy the small classes because they make it easier to participate and learn. This allows the professors to take their time to explain things and really pay attention to each student. I not only enjoy the lectures, but I also really appreciate when guest speakers come to give presentations, I have found these sessions very interesting and insightful. Outside of lectures, I also love what the campus has to offer. I find the Aula Magna especially fascinating and beautiful, and I think it�s special that exams are held there. I was also welcomed very kindly by the director of the choir, who allowed me to play the piano in the Aula Magna so I can keep practicing. The campus itself is beautiful with an amazing view over the whole city. Overall, I am very happy here and really enjoying the start of my studies.
For two years, I studied Community Health Service, where I built a strong foundation in health promotion, disease prevention, first aid, hygiene, and community health education. My training strengthened my communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills while teaching me the importance of compassion, responsibility, and serving others. Through this experience, I learned to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and developed a commitment to improving the well-being of my community. Although I am now pursuing my goal of studying engineering, the discipline, resilience, and service-oriented mindset I gained from Community Health Service will continue to guide me throughout my academic and professional journey.
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!
How helpful were your teachers?
How diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
How simple was it to apply to your programme?
How was your everyday life?
Did the university provide support for your career development?
Wishlist