The University of Alicante was founded in 1979. It originated as an extension of the university of Orihuela, which closed down in 1834, and in more modern times grew out of the Centre for University Studies created in 1968. At present it has over 30,000 students on a magnificent campus covering over one million square metres, of which about 70% are green zones.
Despite its relative youth, this is a very dynamic and innovative university, occupying a notable position in Spain in the field of research. The university has a higher school and faculty, five colleges and eight university institutes, and offers 26 bachelor degrees, 17 diploma courses and six special degrees. It has extensions in Havana (Cuba), Orihuela, Cocentaina and Benissa.
The province also has an ultra-modern university called Universidad Miguel Hernández, founded in 1997, with its seat in Elx, although campuses are sited in the towns of San Juan, Altea and Orihuela, where students can study towards eight bachelor and five higher engineering degrees, five assistant engineering degrees and four diplomas.
