SPAIN · BARCELONA
Pompeu Fabra University
public · Founded 1990 · Languages: en, ca, es
In short
Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) is a public research university in Barcelona, founded in 1990 and known for its strengths in biomedical informatics, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It offers a dynamic, international environment with many master's programs taught in English.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1990
- Students
- 15,801
- International students
- 3,500
- Acceptance rate
- 35%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–8k/yr
- Languages
- EN, CA, ES
- Location
- Barcelona, Spain
Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) is a public research university in Barcelona, Spain, founded in 1990 by the Government of Catalonia. Despite its youth, UPF consistently ranks among Europe's leading universities, excelling in biomedical informatics, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. The university combines rigorous academic standards with an international outlook, attracting students and researchers from around the globe. Its central Barcelona campuses place students at the heart of one of Europe's most dynamic and culturally rich cities.
Why study here
- Engage with cutting-edge research in Biomedical Informatics, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Benefit from an international environment with numerous master's programmes taught entirely in English.
- Study in Barcelona — a dynamic, culturally rich city with excellent public transport to all campuses.
- Join a university consistently ranked among Spain's and Europe's top research institutions.
- Access comprehensive student support including career guidance, psychological assistance, and a dedicated mobility office.
Student life
Beyond academics, UPF encourages students to engage in campus life through various activities. The university provides cafeterias, bookstores, printing services, and study rooms. Support services include career counselling, psychological support, and a mobility office. For international students, the International Programmes Office offers dedicated assistance, helping with visas, accommodation, and integration into Barcelona life.
Fees
InternationalFor non-EU/non-EEA students, annual tuition fees for the Master in European Politics and Society are 8,000 EUR (2019/2020 academic year). For the Master in Brain and Cognition or Intelligent Interactive Systems, non-EU students pay 5,749.8 EUR.
HomeFor EU/EEA students, annual tuition fees for the Master in European Politics and Society are 4,500 EUR (2019/2020 academic year). For the Master in Brain and Cognition or Intelligent Interactive Systems, EU students pay 1,302 EUR.
LivingMonthly living costs in Barcelona typically range from €900–€1,400 including accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Tuition fees listed are specific to certain master's programmes and may vary. Fee waivers of 20% may be available for students from European Economic Area (EEA) countries for some programmes.
Admissions
DiplomaTranslated copy of a bachelor's or master's diploma, or confirmation of ongoing studies.
Second DiplomaCopy of a second diploma (completed bachelor's OR high school diploma).
PassportCopy of passport.
Proof of ResidenceProof of place of residence issued within 12 months (e.g., ID, driver's licence, work/study certificate).
TranscriptsTranslated transcript of marks and academic results from previous studies.
CVCurriculum Vitae.
Motivation LetterMotivation letter outlining research interests and career goals.
Letters of Recommendation2 letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
Supplementary QuestionnaireCompleted supplementary questionnaire indicating study track preferences.
TOEFL iBTMinimum 87 (programme dependent)
IELTSMinimum 6.5 overall (programme dependent)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025265
Rànquing CYD 2026Podium State-level
University scholarships
Erasmus Mundus ScholarshipsFull tuition + monthly stipend
Excellence Scholarship Award50% tuition fee for second year
Accreditation
UPF is accredited by the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency (AQU Catalunya) and is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) associate network.
Programs
a selectionPompeu Fabra University · Spain
Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Marketing
This four-year Bachelor's Degree provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and multicultural training for students interested in managing companies on a global level and leading their international expansion. The program is taught 100% in English, equipping you with the necessary techniques, skills, and knowledge to become a professional in international business and marketing. You will gain a deep understanding of global business operations, develop strategies for international market entry, and enhance your ability to communicate and negotiate effectively in various languages, with a strong emphasis on English. The curriculum is designed to prepare you for diverse roles in multinational corporations and international organizations.
Bachelor's
Level
€9k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Pompeu Fabra University · Spain
M.A. in World History
The M.A. in World History at Pompeu Fabra University offers a comprehensive exploration of global historical processes. This program aims to equip students with advanced analytical skills to understand interconnectedness across different cultures and eras. You will engage with diverse historiographical approaches and develop your research capabilities in a dynamic academic environment.
Master's
Level
€9k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Pompeu Fabra University · Spain
Master Degrees in Economics and Business
Pompeu Fabra University, in collaboration with the Barcelona School of Economics and the UPF Barcelona School of Management, offers Master's degrees entirely taught in English. These programs are designed to foster a truly international learning environment, with approximately 90% of students coming from outside Spain. The master degrees cater to students seeking advanced analytical and quantitative skills for careers in policy, consulting, finance, or academia.
Master's
Level
€9k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Pompeu Fabra University · Spain
Master in Accounting and Financial Management
This Master in Accounting and Financial Management is designed to prepare both national and international students for leadership roles within the financial departments of any organization. It offers a strategic, global perspective on business finance, enabling you to make impactful decisions and optimize financial processes. The program focuses on practical application, using real-world cases and current data to develop decision-making skills in complex financial environments. Graduates will be equipped to create value from day one and are prepared for careers in finance, accounting, or management control. The curriculum includes common core modules in accounting, finance, and business strategy, followed by a specialization in either Corporate Finance, Controlling, or International Finance and Accounting. Elective courses and a Master’s Final Project, which can involve an internship, provide further practical experience. The program also prepares students for globally recognized certifications such as CFA, CIMA, and ACCA.
Master's
Level
€14k
Tuition
10 mo
Duration
Pompeu Fabra University · Spain
Master in Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (EMAI)
The European Master in Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (EMAI) is a two-year master's program offering a unique international experience across four European countries. Students will study in three different countries during the first year, choosing from specialized tracks in Intelligent Decision Making (Spain), Robotics (Italy), Cybersecurity (Netherlands), or Data Science (Slovenia). The second year focuses on a Master's Thesis, which can be completed within an academic research group or an industrial setting at one of the consortium universities.
Master's
Level
€9k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Pompeu Fabra University · Spain
Master in Corporate and Strategic Communication
This Master's program in Corporate and Strategic Communication is designed for individuals aiming to manage and lead communication strategies in a dynamic and evolving organizational landscape. It prepares you to develop and implement comprehensive communication plans, covering crucial areas such as corporate identity, reputation, internal and digital communications, crisis management, public relations, branding, and social responsibility. The program emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach, guided by experienced professionals and involving collaborations with companies on real-world communication challenges. It is delivered by the UPF Barcelona School of Management, recognized for its academic excellence.
Master's
Level
€12k
Tuition
10 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Spain
full fundingBarcelona Institute of Economics (IEB), University of Barcelona
IEB PhD Scholarships in Economics at the University of Barcelona
Open to applicants who will have completed a Master's degree in Economics by the summer before enrolment and who wish to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Barcelona. Candidates must apply for admission to the UB PhD in Economics programme and separately send a statement of purpose to the IEB calls address. Selected scholars carry out research under IEB Research Program members and take on teaching responsibilities for applied economics courses in Public Economics at the undergraduate level. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline are considered. Applicants should confirm the master's completion requirement and documents on the official UB page.
full
Funding
€17k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona)
UIC Barcelona Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities seeking bachelor's, master's or PhD study at UIC Barcelona. Different lines target different groups: International Excellence Scholarships are for international undergraduates, Academic Excellence Scholarships reward strong academic performance in selected degrees, and Pre-University Competition Grants are for high-school students who submit a research project. Most awards reduce tuition rather than covering living costs, and conditions vary by programme.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMinistry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport of Spain
Spanish Government Scholarships
Open mainly to Spanish nationals and, for several lines, EU citizens resident in Spain who are enrolled or admitted to an official Spanish university or vocational programme. Income-based general grants (Becas MEC) test household income and academic performance, while research and postdoctoral contracts such as Juan de la Cierva and Ramon y Cajal require relevant degrees and a research project. Exact eligibility differs per programme and is fixed in each annual call.
full
Funding
€6k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingBarcelona School of Economics (BSE)
Barcelona School of Economics Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants who hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent, with at least 180 ECTS credits for Bologna degrees) from an accredited institution, typically in economics, finance, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or business administration. Applicants must show an advanced level of English (TOEFL iBT 90 or higher, or IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher) unless they are native speakers or completed a prior degree in English. A strong academic record, strong quantitative skills, and two reference letters are required; the GRE General Test is recommended but not mandatory.
partial
Funding
—
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Pompeu Fabra University?
+
Tuition fees vary by program. For example, the Master in European Politics and Society costs 8,000 EUR annually for non-EU/EEA students. The Master in Brain and Cognition or Intelligent Interactive Systems costs 5,749.8 EUR for non-EU students (2019/2020 academic year). Fee waivers may be available for some EEA students.
What are the English language requirements for master's programs?
+
For master's programs taught in English, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 87 or an IELTS score of 6.5 overall is generally required, though specific scores can be program-dependent.
What documents are typically needed for master's program applications?
+
Application documents usually include a translated copy of your diploma, transcripts, passport, proof of residence, CV, a motivation letter, and two letters of recommendation. Some programs may also require a supplementary questionnaire.
What are the main research strengths of Pompeu Fabra University?
+
Pompeu Fabra University excels in research areas such as biomedical informatics, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It is recognized as a leading research institution in Spain and Europe.
What is the estimated cost of living for students in Barcelona?
+
Monthly living costs in Barcelona, including accommodation, food, and transport, typically range from €900 to €1,400.
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