University preparation in Barcelona 2024

Barcelona ranks as one of the most favored Spanish cities for higher education. This popularity stems from its combination of diverse elements that every student dreams of: a remarkable array of both public and private universities, a multinational environment, and an abundance of bars, discos, pubs, and cafes, alive with activity both day and night.

Moreover, the inviting beaches and warm sea are especially appealing to students seeking relaxation after lectures. Studying abroad, particularly in a Spanish megacity like Barcelona, offers invaluable opportunities for international networking, internships in European companies, and post-graduation job searches in global firms.

The landscape of higher education in Barcelona is marked by a variety of institutions, including large public and private universities, polytechnic universities, and numerous language schools, making the city well-known for its educational offerings. Prominent among these is the University of Barcelona, one of the oldest universities in Europe, established in 1450. In collaboration with top universities in the USA, it has contributed significant discoveries in medicine. Pompeu Fabra University is noted for its research in biomedicine, communication technologies, and social sciences.

The Polytechnic University of Catalonia is acclaimed for its advancements in architecture, design, economics, medicine, and applied mathematics. A majority of these universities provide courses in Catalan, Spanish, and English, with university prep courses available for those preparing for university in Barcelona.

• Barcelona is A Welcoming City for International Students

• Preparing for University in Barcelona. Barcelona extends a warm welcome to all, especially foreign students who find the city very accommodating and quickly feel at home. Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Barcelona never fails to entertain with weekly concerts by world-renowned artists, major festivals, and significant fairs, including the famous La Fira.

• A City Rich in History and Culture. Steeped in history, Barcelona, often referred to as Spain's cultural capital, is home to hundreds of historical sites. It has been the residence and workplace of many greats like Pablo Picasso, Antonio Gaudi, and Salvador Dali, adding to its rich cultural heritage.

• University Prep Courses Barcelona: Excellent Infrastructure. Barcelona boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure, making it easy for students to navigate the city. The university area is conveniently located near various public transport options, including the metro, buses, taxis, trams, and funiculars.

• Modern Educational Facilities. The city's top universities are equipped with modern laboratories, and it also houses a significant Digital Technology Center, making it an ideal destination for students pursuing advanced studies.

• University Preparation Course Fees: Affordable Education. Education in Barcelona is reasonably priced, and many universities offer preferential housing options for international students, making it a cost-effective choice for those preparing for university in Barcelona.

• Mediterranean Climate: Ideal for International Students. The Mediterranean climate of Barcelona, with its mild winters and warm summers, is often a decisive factor for many international students. Additionally, its location on the Mediterranean Sea provides beautiful beachside settings, adding to the city's allure.

• Support for International Students. The Barcelona University Center is dedicated to assisting international students, offering help with finding housing and addressing other needs, ensuring a smooth transition into university life in Barcelona.

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.

Studying in Barcelona for foreign students offers the opportunity to graduate and enroll in the best universities around the world. The educational program in Barcelona is comprehensive enough to allow enrollment in foreign universities without the need for additional pre-university programs.

If a student's academic or language knowledge is insufficient, they must undertake a pre-university course. International colleges in Barcelona offer university preparation courses, including several types of programs:

• International Foundation

• International Baccalaureate

• A-level

• High School Diploma

Another effective method of preparing for university admission in Barcelona is through summer linguistic courses. It's important to pass a language exam and obtain a certificate confirming the level of foreign language knowledge necessary for university applications. Students should decide in advance on the language of instruction for their chosen program. For instance, if the university program is in English, the student will need to pass exams like IELTS or TOEFL. If the program is in Spanish, the DELE exam is required. The university preparation course fees in Barcelona cover these essential aspects of preparing for higher education.

Studying in Barcelona presents students with the opportunity to attend universities ranked among the top internationally. To gain admission to universities in Barcelona, one must pass specific exams such as EvAu, PAU, or PCE, the latter being specially designed for international students.

The best universities in Barcelona include:

• University of Barcelona

• Pompeu Fabra University

• Polytechnic University of Catalonia

• Universitat Oberta de Catalunya

A unique feature of Spanish universities is the availability of dual degree programs. Students have the option to complete a Spanish program in conjunction with an American or English one, thanks to the collaboration between universities. Popular fields of study in these institutions include:

• International Relations

• Business

• Finance

• Engineering

• Management

Tourism, Restaurant, and Hotel Management

Spanish degrees are recognized globally, and graduates often find employment in elite international companies. Foreign students in Barcelona have the opportunity to secure internships during their studies, which often lead to permanent job offers post-graduation. The university preparation courses in Barcelona, along with the associated fees, play a crucial role in preparing students for this level of academic and professional success.

Studying in Barcelona is accessible for schoolchildren, teenagers, and students from abroad, even those with limited financial means. In Spain, obtaining an education in English is significantly more affordable compared to countries like America, Canada, or England. Below is a table outlining the cost of studying in Barcelona, varying according to the chosen program:

• Pre-university program: Starting from 7,000 EUR

• Bachelor program: Starting from 11,000 EUR

• Master program: Starting from 12,000 EUR

• Doctoral studies: Starting from 12,000 EUR

These figures illustrate that Barcelona offers competitive and cost-effective options for various educational programs, making it a viable choice for international students seeking quality education at reasonable university preparation course fees.