Higher education in Barcelona 2024

For over half a century, Barcelona has held the distinction of being a renowned university city. The allure of Barcelona for international students seeking top-tier higher education stems from a variety of factors, including:

• Rich educational traditions dating back centuries.

• A unique and picturesque location.

• A pleasant Mediterranean climate and beautiful sandy beaches.

• Abundant cultural and historical attractions throughout Barcelona, coupled with delectable national cuisine that's a must-try.

• A vibrant multicultural environment.

In compliance with Spanish law, the pursuit of prestigious higher education is exclusively available within the precincts of universities. Spain boasts a successful roster of both public and private universities, numbering just over 50.

The academic year at Barcelona's leading universities is divided into two semesters. The first semester commences in mid-September and concludes on December 20th, while the second semester kicks off in January and wraps up in June.

As for the duration of programs, they typically span from 4 to 6 years. Instruction is predominantly delivered in Spanish and Catalan, although English-language educational programs are also offered to international students and applicants. Typically, English-taught courses are found in economic disciplines and at highly regarded business schools in Barcelona.

In the 2018 QS Best Students Cities international ranking, Barcelona proudly secured the 19th spot worldwide in terms of its appeal as a destination for foreign higher education. This ranking surpasses that of other Spanish cities. Additionally, five universities in Barcelona were included in the international list of the world's best universities.

Highlighting the continued popularity and demand for Barcelona's universities among international youth, several additional factors come into play:

A diverse array of leading public and private universities and business schools in Barcelona.

An extensive selection of high-quality educational programs, catering to a wide range of student interests and goals.

Instruction available in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Affordable tuition fees and cost of living.

An enriching extracurricular agenda.

Graduates benefit from abundant opportunities for successful and promising employment prospects.

To assist foreign students, we have compiled a list of the top 19 educational institutions offering higher education in Barcelona. International students, whether children, teenagers, adults, or college-level, can explore their preferred courses, paying attention to tuition fees, ratings, and reviews. SMAPSE managers stand ready to assist foreign students and their parents in making informed choices. We offer FREE services for enrolling in partner institutions, although availability is limited.

To enroll in universities in Barcelona, international students must fulfill the following criteria:

• Entrance Exams: All applicants are required to successfully pass entrance exams.

• Preparatory Courses: Specialized preparatory courses are available in Barcelona for international applicants. These courses provide essential training to help students pass the entrance exams.

• Program Start Dates: The preparatory programs typically begin in September and October.

Customized Preparatory Programs

Each international student receives a personalized preparatory program. The duration of these programs ranges from 3 to 9 months, depending on the student's proficiency in Spanish and their chosen faculty.

Recommendations for Course Duration

It's advisable to choose a course that lasts at least 7 months. This duration enables the issuance of a student visa with a residence permit for the study period.

Accommodations and Guardianship

For underage international applicants, guardian provision is possible. Accommodation options include student dormitories or host families.

No Concessions at Prestigious Universities

Regardless of the study program, prestigious universities in Barcelona require proficiency in Spanish and a second foreign language, often English, French, or German. Students must also select three additional subjects related to their faculty:

Social and Humanitarian Studies: Options include Spanish literature, modern world history, art history, Latin, Greek, mathematics, and philosophy history.

Technical Studies: Students can choose from mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and technical drawing.

Mandatory Subjects for All Faculties

All international applicants, irrespective of their faculty, must pass exams in Spanish, history, philosophy, and a second foreign language. It’s important to note that training in these disciplines is available through the preparatory programs.

The cost of attending a leading state university in Barcelona averages over 800 euros annually. In contrast, tuition at private universities starts from around 4,000 euros per year, reflecting the higher education in Barcelona fees.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

It is worth noting that this list is not limited to the universities presented in Barcelona. Each Russian applicant planning to receive an elite higher education in Barcelona will be able to choose for himself a university that meets his goals, preferences, as well as ambitions.

Several factors determine the tuition fees at higher education institutions in Barcelona:

• Educational Program Type: The nature of the program you choose can affect the cost.

• Type of Educational Institution: Fees vary between state and private universities.

• Accommodation Options: Depending on whether you choose on-campus housing or external living arrangements.

• Extracurricular Programs: Engaging in additional activities may influence overall expenses.

• Additional Costs Beyond Tuition

Besides the basic tuition fees at universities in Barcelona, there are other expenses to consider:

• Airfare: The cost of travel to and from Barcelona.

• Admission Expenses: Various fees associated with the application and enrollment process.

• Visa Services: Charges related to obtaining a student visa.

• Pocket Expenses: Day-to-day living expenses and personal spending.

Pursuing education in Barcelona, whether in renowned schools, prestigious colleges, or elite universities, offers numerous undeniable benefits:

• Internationally Recognized Institutions: The higher education institutions in Barcelona hold high international rankings.

• Expert Faculty and Advanced Facilities: Universities in Barcelona boast highly qualified teachers and state-of-the-art educational equipment.

• Modern Campus Infrastructure: Schools and universities feature cutting-edge campus facilities.

• Prime Coastal Location: The city's seaside setting is both beautiful and inspiring.

• Warm Climate: Barcelona's pleasant weather enhances the overall study experience.

• Rich Historical Heritage: The city is home to numerous historical sites, adding depth to the educational journey.

• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Barcelona hosts various events including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals.

• Positive International Reviews: The feedback from international students and their parents consistently praises Barcelona's educational system.

• Cost-Efficiency: The tuition fee to education quality ratio is among the best in Europe, reflecting the cost of higher education in Barcelona.

• Extensive Language Practice: Opportunities for language immersion in both Spanish and English.

• Career-Focused Learning: A strong emphasis on practical lessons for professional development.

• Multicultural Experience: Students gain invaluable experience living in a diverse, international community.