[6] In 1526 a college was founded in Granada by Holy Roman Emperor Charles V for the teaching of logic, philosophy, theology and canon law.

[7] On 14 July 1531, the establishment of a studium generale with the faculties of theology, arts and canon law was granted by a papal bull by Clement VII, marking the birth hour of the university.

[7][8] This explains its motto "Universitas Granatensis 1531" and his official seal, based in its founder coat of arms with representations of the imperial double-headed eagle and Spanish kingdoms.

UGR also plays a major role in scientific output, placing high in national ranks and being one of the best world universities in computing and mathematics studies.

The UGR began admitting international students in 1992 with the founding of the School for Languages (Centro de Lenguas Modernas).