In short
The University of Barcelona is Spain's largest public research university, offering a wide range of programs in a vibrant European city. It is known for its strong academic rankings, affordable tuition fees compared to other major destinations, and extensive international connections.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1450
- Students
- 63,000
- International students
- 13,000
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–2k/yr
- Languages
- CA, ES, EN
- Location
- Spain
The University of Barcelona (UB), founded in 1450, is Spain's largest public research university with over 63,000 students. Spread across Barcelona's urban fabric, it offers more than 70 bachelor's, 180 master's, and 50 doctoral programmes in fields ranging from humanities and health sciences to engineering. UB is consistently ranked among Spain's top universities and is an active member of the European Higher Education Area, making it a prime destination for international students seeking a world-class education in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
Why study here
- One of Spain's top-ranked universities, globally recognised in QS, THE, and ARWU rankings.
- Located in Barcelona — a world-class city offering unmatched cultural, social, and professional opportunities.
- Broad academic portfolio across 16 faculties, with growing provision of English-taught master's and short programmes.
- Affordable EU-regulated tuition fees and competitive costs compared with UK or US equivalents.
- Strong Erasmus+ network and international research partnerships facilitate global academic mobility.
Student life
The University of Barcelona offers a vibrant student life with over 100 student associations spanning academic, cultural, sports, and social interests. UB's Sports Service provides facilities and over 60 activities at subsidised rates. The city itself extends student life dramatically — beaches, museums, parks, concert halls, and a renowned culinary scene are all within easy reach. The university's psychological support, disability services, and career guidance offices ensure comprehensive pastoral care.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU international students typically pay €1,000–€1,700/year for bachelor's degrees and €2,000–€3,500/year for master's degrees, depending on program.
HomeEU/EEA students pay regulated Catalan public fees: roughly €1,000–€1,700/year for bachelor's and €1,500–€3,000/year for master's degrees.
LivingMonthly living costs in Barcelona range from €900 to €1,300, covering accommodation (student residence from €550/month), food, transport, and personal expenses.
Fees are set annually by the Generalitat de Catalunya and are subject to change. Doctoral students pay a nominal annual supervision fee of a few hundred euros.
Admissions
Undergraduate (EU students)Accreditation of the Baccalaureate via UNEDassis plus Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU) or equivalent.
Undergraduate (Non-EU students)Homologation of pre-university qualification to the Spanish Baccalaureate; in some cases specific PAU tests are required.
Master's degreesRelevant bachelor's degree or equivalent; specific requirements vary by programme and include academic transcripts, CV, and statement of purpose.
Doctoral programmesOfficial master's degree or equivalent; admission by the doctoral programme committee.
IELTS Academic6.0–7.0 depending on programme
TOEFL iBT80–100 depending on programme
Cambridge C1 AdvancedGrade C or higher
PTE AcademicVaries by programme
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025149
US News Best Global Universities 202487
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023151
THE World University Rankings 2024201
University scholarships
Spanish Ministry of Education General ScholarshipVaries (need + merit based)
AGAUR Scholarships (Government of Catalonia)Varies
UB Master's and Doctoral ScholarshipsTuition waivers or stipends by faculty
Accreditation
Fully accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and recognised within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Member of the Coimbra Group and the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Barcelona · Spain
Doctoral Programmes at the University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona offers a wide range of doctoral programs across various disciplines. These programs are designed to foster advanced research and provide students with the opportunity to contribute to their chosen fields. Students will engage in in-depth study and research under the guidance of experienced faculty, preparing them for academic careers or high-level research positions in public and private sectors. The doctoral programs emphasize the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and independent research capabilities. The curriculum is structured to allow for specialization within broad fields of study, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches where appropriate. The university is committed to providing a stimulating research environment that supports innovation and scientific discovery. Admission to these programs is competitive and based on academic merit and research potential. The University of Barcelona aims to attract talented individuals from around the world, contributing to a diverse and international academic community.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of Barcelona · Spain
Master's Degree in Advanced Statistics and Operations Research
The Master's Degree in Advanced Statistics and Operations Research is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of statistics and operations research. This program aims to equip graduates with the analytical and quantitative skills necessary to tackle complex problems in various fields, including business, finance, industry, and research. The curriculum integrates statistical modeling, data analysis, optimization techniques, and simulation to foster a comprehensive understanding of decision-making processes in uncertain environments.
Master's
Level
€4k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Barcelona · Spain
Master's Degree in Urban Ecology
The Master's Degree in Urban Ecology at the University of Barcelona is a two-year program designed for students interested in understanding and managing the complex interactions between urban environments and their ecological systems. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the ecological processes that shape cities and explores strategies for creating more sustainable and resilient urban ecosystems. Students will gain knowledge in areas such as urban biodiversity, ecosystem services in cities, urban metabolism, climate change adaptation in urban areas, and the social dimensions of urban ecology. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing graduates for a variety of roles in urban planning, environmental management, research, and policy. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on expertise from ecology, geography, sociology, and urban planning. It aims to equip students with the analytical and practical skills needed to address the environmental challenges of growing urban populations and to contribute to the development of sustainable cities.
Master's
Level
€5k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of Barcelona · Spain
University Master's Programs (Foreign Qualifications)
The University of Barcelona offers a range of master's programs designed for students who have completed their prior education outside of Spain. These programs are structured to provide advanced knowledge and skills in various disciplines, preparing graduates for specialized careers or further academic pursuits. The university is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience, leveraging its strong academic tradition and research capabilities. International students will find a diverse and inclusive environment, with opportunities to engage with faculty and peers from around the world. The master's programs aim to foster critical thinking, innovation, and a global perspective.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Spainfull 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 the University of Barcelona?
+
Non-EU international students typically pay between €1,000–€1,700 per year for bachelor's degrees and €2,000–€3,500 per year for master's degrees. These fees are set annually by the Generalitat de Catalunya and may change.
How much does it cost to live in Barcelona as a student?
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Monthly living costs in Barcelona generally range from €900 to €1,300. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Student residences start from approximately €550 per month.
What are the English language requirements for admission?
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For English-taught programs, you typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0–7.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80–100, depending on the specific program. Cambridge C1 Advanced with a Grade C or higher is also accepted.
What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate admission for non-EU students?
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Non-EU students generally need their pre-university qualification to be homologated to the Spanish Baccalaureate. In some cases, specific entrance exams (PAU) may also be required.
Does the University of Barcelona offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, the university offers several scholarships, including those from the Spanish Ministry of Education, the Government of Catalonia (AGAUR), and specific UB Master's and Doctoral Scholarships which may cover tuition fees or provide stipends.
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