Autonomous University of Barcelona

Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public university in Catalonia, Spain.

The history of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) begins in the Second Spanish Republic, when there were plans to create a second university in Barcelona. However, the Civil War and the following years of poverty under the dictatorship prevented these plans from being realized until 1968.

On June 6, 1968, the decree on the creation of the UAB was officially promulgated. One month later, the first four faculties were created: Philosophy and Arts, Medicine, Science, and Economics.

In the early years, the UAB faced a number of challenges, including a lack of funding, facilities, and faculty. However, it quickly grew and developed into a leading university in Spain. By the end of the 1970s, the UAB had over 20,000 students and 1,500 faculty members.

The UAB played an important role in the transition to democracy in Spain. It was a center for student activism and dissent against the Franco regime. After the death of Franco in 1975, the UAB played a leading role in the development of the Catalan language and culture.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the UAB continued to grow and develop. New faculties and research institutes were created, and the university's international profile grew. In 1993, the University Ville was inaugurated as a student residence integrated inside the campus complex.

The UAB is also a highly international university, with students and faculty from all over the world. It has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2024, Autonomous University of Barcelona is positioned as the #149 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Spain. The university's global rank is improved by 29 points from last year.