The rapid rise of one of Spain’s private universities in a prestigious European ranking could shift the balance of power in the education and job markets. For Spanish families choosing a university, this is a signal: traditional leaders are no longer the only ones who guarantee employability for graduates. New competitors are coming to the forefront, offering not just a diploma, but real prospects for employment.
Reputation and demand
The Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM) is now ranked among the best for academic and professional reputation out of nearly 5,000 European universities. In the latest QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026, the university placed in the 301+ bracket for these key indicators. This achievement is due not only to the quality of education but also to how employers rate UCAM graduates. A high employment rate has become one of the main factors in its success.
Globally, UCAM is ranked in the 511-520 group, making it one of the top ten private universities in Spain. This accomplishment stands out against fierce competition: QS analyzes nearly five thousand educational institutions. The university focuses on practice-oriented learning closely linked to business and the real economy. This approach speeds up graduates’ integration into the professional world.
International recognition
QS specifically highlighted UCAM’s achievements in internationalization. The university is home to students from 127 countries, ranking it among the top 252 European universities for international student enrollment. In Spain, UCAM holds the ninth position by this metric. The university’s proactive efforts to attract students and faculty from abroad foster a multicultural atmosphere on campus and create new opportunities for the exchange of experience.
Among Spanish universities, UCAM ranks 15th in terms of the proportion of international faculty, marking a significant leap compared to previous years. The university is expanding its range of English-taught programs: studies are available in business administration, dentistry, sports sciences, psychology, veterinary medicine, and international relations, as well as a number of master’s degrees.
Rising research impact
A significant achievement has also been the increase in scientific activity. Over the past year, the number of UCAM’s scientific publication citations grew by a third, excluding self-citations. This indicates that the university’s research is becoming increasingly visible and sought after within the scientific community. The focus is on applied projects that respond to real societal needs.
A special place is held by the UCAM HiTech incubator, which in a short time has become a national hub for supporting startups in the fields of health, sports, and nutrition. More than 300 young companies have received support here, and over 800 people have completed entrepreneurship training programs. The incubator is home to projects in artificial intelligence, finance, marketing, and business management, alongside its own scientific research, which includes a molecular biology laboratory and the UCAM-SENS initiative.
Expansion and new campuses
In 2026, UCAM continues to grow: a new campus was recently opened in Madrid (UCAM-COE), joining existing locations in Murcia and Cartagena. In September, classes will begin in Torrejón de Ardoz, offering programs in physiotherapy, psychology, nursing, nutrition, and food technology. Currently, the new campus is already hosting classes for 200 students studying both online and in person.
Such development confirms that UCAM is becoming a prominent player not only at the national level but also across Europe. The university combines academic ambition, international openness, scientific drive, and strategic infrastructure expansion. All this is transforming the landscape of higher education in Spain and setting new standards for private universities.
