University of Alcalà
Contact Information
Email: eugloh@uah.es
Address:Pza. San Diego, s/n, 28801 - Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Spain
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
University website:Alcalá
Introduction
The University of Alcalá is a globally connected, comprehensive, and research-focused institution, serving 22,000 students and 3,000 staff members, including over 2,200 academic faculty and researchers. The University of Alcalá’s three campuses host nine faculties:
• Historical Campus- Located in the centre of Alcalá de Henares, 30 kilometres from Madrid, this campus offers studies in Humanities, Business, Architecture, and Social and Legal Sciences. Its historic buildings, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Scientific-Technological Campus- Situated on the outskirts of Alcalá, this campus specialises in Science, Health Sciences, and Engineering. It hosts the University Hospital, multiple research centres, the Royal Botanical Garden, sports facilities, university residences, and IT services.
• Guadalajara Campus- Located 25 kilometers from Alcalá and 55 kilometers from Madrid, in the centre of Guadalajara, this campus offers programmes in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, and Architecture. It benefits from excellent transport connections to both Alcalá de Henares and Madrid.
History
The University of Alcalá was founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros, the Regent of Spain. More information on the history of the university can be found here
Highlights
The University of Alcalá is a globally connected, comprehensive, and research-focused institution, serving 22,000 students and 3,000 staff members, including over 2,200 academic faculty and researchers. With three campuses—Historical, Scientific-Technological, and Guadalajara—the university offers 45 undergraduate degrees, 87 official postgraduate programs, including master and PhD programs, and a broad range of lifelong learning courses across diverse disciplines. The University of Alcalá’s three campuses host nine faculties.
Services and Facilities
Transport
The Historical Campus is connected to the Science and Technology Campus by bus line 2, which runs every 10 minutes. To reach the Guadalajara Campus from either the Historical or Science and Technology Campus, you can take the Cercanías C2 train line.
• Historical Campus
Accessible from Madrid in about 40 minutes via train (C2 or C7 Cercanías lines) from Atocha station, or 30 minutes by bus (Line 223) from Avenida de América. By car, it takes roughly 25 minutes via the A-2 motorway. From Madrid-Barajas Airport, bus Line 824 connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3 directly to Alcalá de Henares.
• Scientific-Technological Campus
Reachable from Atocha station in about 45 minutes on the C2 line, stopping at Alcalá Universidad, or a 35-minute bus ride (Line 227) from Avenida de América. By car, it's around 30 minutes via the A-2 motorway.
• Guadalajara Campus
Approximately 60 minutes from Atocha by train (C2 line) or bus (Lines 221 and 221A). Driving takes about 45 minutes via the A-2 motorway.
Services:
The university provides open-access computer labs and a wide network of wireless access points across all campuses, including access to the Eduroam network.
Students, teaching and research staff, administrative staff, and other groups associated with the Univeristy of Alcalá can apply for their university card (TUI) either in person or online via the TUI application portal.
Libraries
The University has nine libraries and study spaces distributed across its campuses, offering a total of 2,761 seats. The main library features a Violet Point, a space promoted by the Equality Unit and supported by volunteers, offering information and support on issues related to sexual harassment and discrimination for members of the University of Alcalá.
Accomodation
Each campus has two student residences that primarily offer long-term stays, but short-term stays are sometimes available:
Historical Campus: Residencia San Ildefonso and Residencia Lope de Vega
Science and Technology Campus: Ciudad Residencial Universitaria (Campus Village) and Residencia Giner de los Ríos
Guadalajara Campus: Residencia Príncipe Felipe and Residencia Universitaria "Los Guzmán"
Culture, Arts, Sciences, and Society
The University of Alcalá is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities and is globally renowned for its excellence in teaching the Spanish language and culture. Alcalingua, the University of Alcalá’s language centre offers courses in Spanish and other foreign languages, focusing not only on language instruction but also on the cultural and social aspects of the countries where the languages are spoken.
Cultural and student life- The University of Alcalá offers a vibrant and diverse student life, supported by numerous clubs and associations, managed by the Student Council.
International students receive support from the local Alcalá Erasmus Student Network, Volunteering, sustainable initiatives and development cooperation
Sports
The Sports Service at the University of Alcalá offers a wide range of sports activities with modern, comprehensive facilities located on the Science and Technology Campus. Whether you're interested in competitive team sports in university leagues or prefer occasional hiking excursions, there’s something for everyone. The programme also includes racket sports schools (paddle tennis, table tennis, badminton), as well as classes for Pilates, volleyball, martial arts, and Zumba. Additionally, the gym is open every day of the week.
Student Life and Associations
The University of Alcalá offers a vibrant and diverse student life, supported by numerous clubs and associations and managed by the Student Council. The university hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, with a monthly cultural agenda available on their website.
International students receive support from the local Erasmus Student Network, which assists them in navigating both academic and social aspects of university life and helps foster a sense of belonging.
Community engagement is a core value at Alcalá, with students encouraged to participate in various volunteer programs that benefit the local community. Details can be found here.
The university is also committed to sustainability and development cooperation, implementing various eco-friendly initiatives. Learn more here
Health and Well-being
Disability Support
Inclusivity and providing support and resources for individuals with disabilities is a key priority for the University of Alcalá. More information can be found on their website (Spanish version only).
Catering
The University of Alcalá cafeterias and canteens are available to all members of the university community in buildings across each campus, offering discounted prices. They provide a wide selection of beverages, breakfasts with pastries, toast, sandwiches (both hot and cold), and a self-service cafeteria with various dishes to choose from. In some buildings, there are canteens reserved exclusively for administrative and academic staff. Additionally, microwaves and vending machines are available. More information here.
On the Historical Campus, located in the city centre of Alcalá, the university is surrounded by a variety of external bars and restaurants.
Cost of Living in Spain
The cost of living in the Alcalá de Henares region is relatively high. We advise you to calculate your budget in advance for a smoother arrival in Spain.
