Private company

National University of Distance Education

Logo: UNED. Alberto Corazón, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

Spanish distance learning and research university

The National University of Distance Education (Spanish: Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED) is a distance learning and research university founded in 1972 and is the only university run by the government of Spain. The headquarters is located in Madrid, with campuses in all Spanish autonomous communities. There are 14 study centers and 3 exam points in 13 countries in Europe, the Americas and Africa.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1972Founded1

The National University of Distance Education (Spanish: Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, UNED) is a distance learning and research university founded in 1972 and is the only university run by the government of Spain. The headquarters is located in Madrid, with campuses in all Spanish autonomous communities. There are 14 study centers and 3 exam points in 13 countries in Europe, the Americas and Africa. The University awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as non-degree qualifications such as diplomas and certificates, or continuing education units.2

Corporate structure

National University of Distance Education sits at the top of its group. 5 entities, 2 countries on record. Switch between the flow chart and the network, and select any entity to see its details.

  • National University of Distance Education Madrid
    • Campus UNED Guinea Ecuatorial Subsidiary
      • Biblioteca UNED Bata Subsidiary · Bata, Equatorial Guinea
      • Biblioteca UNED Malabo Subsidiary · Bioko Norte, Equatorial Guinea
    • Biblioteca de la UNED Subsidiary · Spain

Built from subsidiaries, stakes and holdings from Wikidata (CC0); major holders from Schedules 13D and 13G. Each entity in the chart links to its source.

The story

Founded in 1972 with the stated purpose of providing education opportunities via a distance education system - in which students are taught while not being physically present - UNED awards the same qualifications as other Spanish universities and has the same entry requirements.

At UNED, undergraduate students study independently using official course materials provided online or by mail, such as textbooks, study guides, exercises, and multimedia resources. Because UNED is a distance learning university, students must organize their own study schedules and manage their time carefully to keep up with the course content. They can also attend online or in-person tutoring sessions and participate in forums or study groups to clarify doubts and practice.

When it comes to exams, students must register in advance to take their tests at official UNED examination centers located in various cities across Spain and internationally. Exams usually take place at the end of each semester and can be written, oral, or a combination, depending on the subject. During the exam, students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the material by answering questions or completing exercises within a fixed time.

Importantly, all exams are supervised by proctors at these examination centers. The supervisors verify student identity, ensure that exam rules are followed, and monitor the exam room to prevent cheating or any unfair behavior. This supervision guarantees the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process. While some courses may include continuous assessment through assignments or online activities, the final supervised exams are the main method used to evaluate students and award credits toward their degrees.

From Wikipedia’s article on National University of Distance Education, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Leadership

Who has led National University of Distance Education, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Board members and other officers (1)

Subsidiaries and ownership

Subsidiaries

From Wikidata.1

Timeline

  1. 1972Founded Founded1