University of Navarra

University of Navarra (UNAV) is a private research university located on the southeast border of Pamplona, Spain.

The history of the University of Navarra (UNAV) can be traced back to 1952, when Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, the founder of Opus Dei, founded the Estudio General de Navarra. The Estudio General was a corporate work of the apostolate of Opus Dei, meaning that it was a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Christian values through education and research.

In 1955, the Estudio General established the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. In 1958, the IESE Business School was founded. In 1960, the Holy See granted the Estudio General the status of a university, and it was renamed the University of Navarra.

In the early years, UNAV focused on teaching and research in the humanities and social sciences. In the 1960s and 1970s, the university expanded its offerings to include engineering, medicine, and other sciences.

UNAV has also been a pioneer in international education. In 1963, the university established the first study abroad program for Spanish students. Today, UNAV has over 1,000 exchange agreements with universities around the world.

UNAV is committed to social service and outreach. The university has a number of programs that provide assistance to the poor and marginalized. UNAV also has a strong commitment to interreligious dialogue and cooperation.

Throughout its history, UNAV has been guided by its Christian values. The university is committed to providing its students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their careers and in life.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Navarra is positioned as the #249 top university in the world, which makes it the #5 top university in Spain. The university's global rank is improved by 31 points from last year.