Are you looking to spend your semester abroad not in a student bubble, but right in the heart of authentic Spanish daily life—with centuries-old alleyways, over 300 days of sunshine a year, and a university that was already educating students when most European countries didn’t even exist in their current form? Then the Universidad de Murcia (UMU) in southeastern Spain is exactly the right place for you. As one of Spain’s oldest and largest universities, UMU combines academic tradition with a vibrant, international student body and the laid-back lifestyle of the Costa Cálida. On our website, you’ll find all the important information about the university, the city, and more, and learn how your dream of studying abroad at the Universidad de Murcia can become a reality. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be working on your next presentation surrounded by palm trees and orange groves, making your Erasmus semester in one of Europe’s sunniest regions a reality!
The roots of the University of Murcia date back to the year 1272, when King Alfonso X of Castile granted the Dominicans permission to establish the first center of learning in Murcia. After several attempts in the 19th century, the university was finally founded in its current form in 1915. This makes the UMU one of the oldest universities in Spain, while at the same time boasting a very modern present: With approximately 38,000 students, it is now the largest university in the Region of Murcia and one of the largest public universities in Spain overall. As a public university, UMU offers a broad range of disciplines, spanning business, law, and social sciences, as well as the humanities and natural sciences, all the way to medicine, sports science, and engineering. For students at Munich Business School, the Facultad de Economía y Empresa is of particular relevance, as it offers business programs at an internationally recognized level and maintains close ties with companies and institutions in the region. Instruction is based on the European Bologna System, ensuring that courses, ECTS credits, and exam formats are fully compatible with studies at MBS.
Internationally, UMU is exceptionally well-positioned: As part of the “Campus Mare Nostrum” network of excellence, which it shares with the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, it is one of the few Spanish universities to have been awarded the designation “Campus of International Excellence”. Through numerous Erasmus and exchange agreements, the university brings thousands of international students to Murcia every year while simultaneously sending its own students all over the world. Students at UMU therefore experience a vibrant mix of local and international peers and a campus life that is noticeably open to Europe and beyond.
Despite its size, UMU remains close to its students: Numerous student organizations, sports programs, language courses, and its own University Information Service (Servicio de Información Universitario) support exchange students from the moment they arrive until the end of the semester. Anyone looking for a change of perspective, wanting to combine practical business knowledge with the Spanish way of life, and wishing to benefit from one of Spain’s most traditional universities will find at the University of Murcia an environment that naturally combines academic excellence with a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Students at the Universidad de Murcia don’t experience a single, self-contained campus, but rather a network of several locations, each with its own unique character. The historic original campus, La Merced, is located right in the heart of Murcia, in a former 18th-century monastery, and is home to, among other things, the law school and the historic Antonio de Nebrija Library. Walking through the hallways here, you’re literally studying between historic monastery walls and the vibrant city life.
For students of economics—and thus also for MBS exchange students—the Espinardo Campus, located about six kilometers north of downtown, is particularly relevant. It is the largest and most modern campus at UMU: Sixteen faculties, including the Facultad de Economía y Empresa, are located here, complemented by lecture hall buildings, sports facilities, a swimming pool, a central library, and numerous cafés and green spaces. The campus is well connected to downtown by bus and tram, and its spacious, green grounds offer a pleasant contrast to the narrow streets of the old town.
The Espinardo Campus is the academic heart of UMU and, with its modern teaching buildings, laboratories, and research facilities, serves as the central hub for business students. In addition to the courses offered by the Facultad de Economía y Empresa, you’ll benefit here from spacious study areas, well-equipped computer labs, and an active student life featuring sports activities, dining halls, and student initiatives.
Murcia is located in southeastern Spain, just about 45 minutes from the beaches of the Costa Cálida and the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon. With a population of about 460,000, Murcia is Spain’s seventh-largest city. This makes it large enough to offer a vibrant student life, yet small enough to find your way around quickly. The historic old town, centered around the imposing cathedral, the Real Casino de Murcia, and the Segura River, invites you to stroll among tapas bars, squares, and small boutiques, while in the evening, the student nightlife is concentrated in neighborhoods like La Fama and San Antón. In terms of climate, Murcia is one of the sunniest regions in Europe: With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and mild winters, you can live, study, and play sports outdoors almost year-round. If you want to head to the beach between classes, you can reach the Mediterranean in less than an hour.
Murcia also scores high financially: Compared to Barcelona, Madrid, or even Valencia, the city is one of the more affordable places to study in Spain. A room in a shared apartment costs between 230 and 380 euros per month, depending on the location and amenities—often slightly more when utilities are included. Those who prefer a room in a student dorm should expect to pay around 380 euros per month. Overall, students in Murcia can often get by comfortably on around 700 to 900 euros per month, including rent, food, and leisure activities—which is significantly less than in Spain’s major cities. The best way to find housing is to start looking well in advance: especially at the start of the semester in September, affordable shared rooms and dorm spots are snapped up quickly, so it’s worth starting your search early through relevant portals or student networks.
Thanks to a large international community, numerous Erasmus events, and the open, warm nature of the people of Murcia, it’s easy to settle into student life in Spain. And for those who want to explore the region further, transportation options are plentiful: Valencia, Alicante, and Cartagena are all within easy reach, and the Región de Murcia Airport also provides convenient connections to other European cities for spontaneous weekend trips.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia in Spain—all as part of your bachelor’s degree program! You can complete your semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia as part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Business program at MBS through the Erasmus program. Learn more about our degree programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you’ll then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to give yourself the best chance of spending a semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in International Business program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first few semesters, you’ll learn key business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your Erasmus semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia. When you’ll study abroad in Murcia depends on when you started your degree program. If you began your bachelor’s program in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started in February, you’ll go abroad during your sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to provide you with advice and support as you plan your semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia and will answer all your questions regarding course selection, housing, and Erasmus formalities.
Once you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your Erasmus semester at the Universidad de Murcia, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Spain is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean way of life, make new friends with students from all over Europe, discover Murcia’s centuries-old history, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Spain will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three more semesters.
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also for an Erasmus semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of exchange spots is limited.
A semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia is a dream for many young adults—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Spain is a big step that requires careful planning and financing. To help you organize your experience as best as possible, this FAQ provides answers to common questions about studying at the Universidad de Murcia.
The University of Murcia is one of the oldest and largest public universities in Spain and is nationally recognized as a reputable, well-rounded institution of higher education. While it does not hold international business accreditations such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA, it is part of the “Campus Mare Nostrum” network of excellence, which has been recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, and maintains an extensive network of Erasmus partnerships. Anyone looking for a traditional public university with a wide variety of academic programs, a taste of everyday Spanish life, and plenty of international exchange opportunities will find an authentic and academically robust environment at UMU.
Murcia is one of the more affordable places to study in Spain, noticeably cheaper than Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia. A room in a shared apartment typically costs between 230 and 380 euros per month, while a spot in a student dorm costs around 380 euros. Including food, leisure activities, and transportation, you should expect total monthly costs of around 700 to 900 euros. If you combine your semester abroad at the Universidad de Murcia with your studies at Munich Business School as part of the Erasmus program, you’ll generally benefit from reduced or waived additional tuition fees. You can get detailed information about this at the MBS International Center.
The University of Murcia is a Spanish-speaking university where most regular courses are taught in Spanish. However, for Erasmus and exchange students, the Faculty of Economics and Business offers select courses in English, so a semester abroad is generally possible even without fluent Spanish skills. Since you’ll hear and speak a lot of Spanish in everyday life off campus in Murcia, it’s still worth learning at least the basics of the language before your semester abroad—this will not only make daily life easier but also help you connect with local classmates.
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