Have you ever wondered why international students select universities in Spain? It could be due to the presence of well-established universities. Spain has 89 Spanish universities, which are divided into 50 public universities and 39 private universities. Many courses and degrees are available in English, either completely or partially.

In this blog, we will explore the top universities in Spain for international students to provide all the information they may need.

Top Universities in Spain for International Students

According to Times Higher Education, the top four universities in Spain for 2026 are the University of Barcelona, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra University and the University of Navarra.

The University of Barcelona (UB)

History

The University of Barcelona (UB) was founded in 1450. As one of Spain's premier public universities, UB offers exceptional higher education and research opportunities across six campuses in Barcelona.

Education

UB serves a diverse student body of over 44,000 undergraduate students and nearly 19,000 master's, postgraduate and doctoral candidates. According to QS, around 15% of the students are from overseas and of over 122 different nationalities.

The University of Barcelona is one of the best universities in Spain, with 17 faculties, including Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Economics and Business, Education, Fine Arts, and Law.

 

It also houses over 100 departments, such as Arts, Conservation and Restoration, Biochemistry and Physiology, and Classical, Romance, and Semitic Languages, as well as Geography and the History of Art.

According to QS rankings by subject in 2025, the University of Barcelona was one of the top 100 universities worldwide in fields such as:

• Life Sciences and Medicine: 55th

• Natural Sciences: 79th 

• Arts and Humanities: 83rd

The University of Barcelona ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide in several fields, such as:

• Archaeology

• Philosophy

• Pharmacy and Pharmacology

• Biological Sciences, 

• Psychology

• Environmental Sciences

• Education

Students Life

The cost of living in Barcelona can vary depending on each student's lifestyle. However, the city is known for its affordability in food, accommodation, and transportation. Students can explore the city using public transportation, which offers student discounts, or by bicycle, as cycling is a popular option throughout the city.

Casita can help you find the best accommodation options near the campus while you study in Spain, offering great deals and competitive prices. Here are some of them:

• The Loft Town

• Xior Collblanc

• Poblenou

• Terrassa Can Telar
  
  
  

At UB University, you will participate in a variety of physical activities in a city that encourages an active and healthy lifestyle. As part of the university community, students have full access to 100,000 square meters of open space, which includes:

1. Stadium
2. Track
3. Rugby pitch
4. Natural and artificial football pitches
5. Tennis courts
6. Paddle courts 
7. Pool

The University of Barcelona is committed to promoting culture. It shares its rich history and artistic heritage through exhibitions and events, guided tours, and concerts. You can also explore its collections online via the Virtual Museum or participate in events celebrating notable historical figures.

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (AUB)

History

The University is one of the second-best public universities in Spain. It was founded on June 6, 1968, and offered only four majors: Arts, Science, Medicine, and Economics. At the time, there was no dedicated campus, so lectures were conducted in various locations throughout the region.

Specifically, lectures for Arts and Philosophy took place in a monastery, while medical lectures were conducted at the Hospital de Sant Pau. A year later, classes for Science and Economics were held in central Barcelona.

Education

The Autonomous University of Barcelona the top universities in Spain for international students. According to QS Rankings in 2025, the UAB University was among the top 100 universities in the world in seven fields:

• Veterinary Science 27th

• Modern Languages 72nd

• Linguistics and Sociology both 81st

• Economics 91st

• Archaeology and Geography between 51 and 100

These study areas are available at all educational levels, from bachelor's degrees to doctorates. The university provides outstanding academic programs in all disciplines, offering more than 100 bachelor’s degrees, 300+ postgraduate programmes and nearly 90 PhD programs.

The university offers some bachelor's degrees fully in English, along with various other degrees that include subjects taught in English.

Student Life

Student life at UAB provides a variety of academic, social, cultural, and recreational activities on the spacious Bellaterra campus. The campus offers sports facilities such as gyms, playing fields, soccer and beach volleyball courts, and a swimming pool, all of which promote physical wellness and encourage team sports.

"Cultura en Viu" offers a diverse cultural program featuring over 125 annual events, including theatre performances, dance shows, music concerts, exhibitions, and movies. There is the annual festival known as "Festa Major," which is held on campus and includes performances, games, and community gatherings.

As an international student, one of the most important things for you, besides the university, is the accommodation. Casita has available accommodation everywhere, so let’s suggest some of the nearest properties to make it easy when you study in Spain:

• Vita Pedralbes

• Plaza Universitat H4

• Diagonal Alto

• Alba Viu

Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)

History

The UPF was founded in 1990 and is one of the top universities in Spain for international students. It started with 300 students in a building in Barcelona and has grown into a large institution with seven schools and eight departments.

Education

Students can choose from many majors, including Arts and Humanities, Archaeology, Business and Economics, Languages and Literature, and Computer Science.

The UPF offers many bachelor’s programs taught in English, such as Business, Management and Administration, Human Biology, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and Mathematical Engineering. The duration of the studies is four years.

Student Life

UPF provides a diverse array of activities to ensure your time there is unforgettable. You can participate in the theatre workshop, join the choir or orchestra, and take part in creative competitions such as the Sant Jordi Contest. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to explore cultural events throughout Barcelona.

There are numerous accommodations available near Pompeu Fabra University. You can explore options to stay close to your campus and attend your lectures on time:

• The Social Hub Barcelona

• Smart double bedroom close to Parc Joan Miró

• Neat double bedroom close to Parc de les Rieres d'Horta

• Xior Diagonal Besòs

The University of Navarra

History

This is the fourth-best university. It is a private institution that is situated on the southeastern edge of Pamplona, Spain. It officially opened on October 17, 1952, with 48 students enrolled in the School of Law. The institution expanded quickly, establishing the School of Philosophy and Letters (now known as Humanities and Social Sciences) in 1955 and the Liberal Arts Institute in 1960.

Education

Approximately 4,374 international students enrolled at the university in the last academic year, largely due to its bilingual language courses.

The institution provides degrees across various disciplines, including architecture, communication, humanities, social sciences, medicine, and theology. Currently, the university offers 38 Bachelor’s degrees, 43 Master’s degrees, and 19 doctoral programs.

According to the QS World ranking by subject 2025, the University of Navarra has a good place among the universities in different subjects, such as:

• Business Management and Administration 42nd

• Theology and programs of study on religion 43rd

• Markting 50th

• Accounting and Finance 64th

• Communication and Media programs of study between 51 and 100

• Nursing between 51 and 100
  
  

Student Life

At the University of Navarra, sports are considered essential to students' comprehensive education. The university offers numerous sports facilities and clubs, including a mountain club, a running club, and a cycling club.

We discussed life on campus; now, let's talk about life off campus and nearby accommodation options:

• Micampus Pamplona

• Calle del Sadar, Pamplona

• H5 Francisco Bergamín

• Travesía de Jesús Guridi, Pamplona
  
  

Choosing the Best University in Spain

After reviewing the top universities in Spain, have you chosen one yet? If you’re still undecided, here are some tips to help you make a decision. 

First, consider the city where the university is located and the institution’s reputation. Also, think about the cost of living and the availability of housing in the area. 

Second, check the language of instruction to see if your chosen program is offered in English, Spanish, or a combination of both. 

Third, establish a budget to estimate your total expenses for the academic year, including tuition fees, rent, and daily living costs.

These steps will help you make a decision without stress. Try to make your university life unforgettable and full of memories. For more information related to the top universities in Spain, you can read Best Spanish Universities for International Students.