The University of Barcelona (UB), formerly known as the Central University of Barcelona, is now one of the best universities worldwide and a top choice for international students. It was established in 1450 by royal charter of King Alfons el Magnànim, making it Spain's oldest continuously operating university and, by most measures, its strongest.

If you're considering UB as your next study spot, this guide is for you. It walks you through everything you need to know as an international student: from what makes UB stand out to how to apply, what it costs, and where you will live.

Why Study at the University of Barcelona?

Ranking

The University of Barcelona ranks #160 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #118 in CWUR 2025. It is also consistently listed among Spain’s top universities.

Subject rankings highlight its strongest areas. The university ranks top 15 globally for anatomy and physiology, top 45 for philosophy, top 47 for archaeology, and top 50 for library and information science. It also ranks 16th worldwide in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Spain’s Only LERU Member

UB is the only Spanish university in the League of European Research Universities. This network includes institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, University College London, ETH Zurich, and KU Leuven. Membership in LERU places UB among Europe’s leading research universities and gives students access to strong international research collaborations.

Research Opportunities

Students at master’s and doctoral levels often work with research institutes connected to the university, including:

• Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona (IRB Barcelona), known for research in molecular medicine and cancer biology

• August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), focused on clinical and translational medicine in partnership with Hospital Clínic de Barcelona.

• Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), specialising in oncology, neuroscience, and cardiovascular research

These institutes make UB a strong option for biomedical and life sciences students.

Notable Alumni

Notable graduates include musician Pau Casals, artist Joan Miró, sociologist Manuel Castells, and NBA champion Pau Gasol.

Courses at the University of Barcelona

The University of Barcelona offers programmes across 17 faculties, covering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. While many bachelor’s programmes are taught in Spanish or Catalan, English-taught options become more common at the postgraduate level.

Undergraduate Programs

UB offers around 74 bachelor’s degrees across disciplines such as science, humanities, health sciences, and business. Notable undergraduate programmes include:

• Business Administration and Management (partially taught in English)

• Physics, supported by strong links to research institutes

• Biomedical Science is, one of the few dedicated undergraduate programs of its kind in Spain

• Philosophy is ranked among the top 45 globally

• Archaeology is ranked among the top 50 worldwide

• Pharmacy and Chemistry, based at the university’s science campus

If you're applying to UB, always check the language of instruction for each course, as it may vary between modules.

Master’s Degrees

The university offers 170+ official master’s programmes and many specialist postgraduate courses. A significant number of these are taught fully or partially in English.

Examples include master's degrees in:

• Economics with the Barcelona School of Economics

• International Relations with the Barcelona Institute of International Studies

• Biomedical Research linked to institutes such as the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona, andthe  August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute

• Data Science

• Cognitive Systems and Interactive Media

• Nuclear Physics under the Erasmus Mundus Programme

• Environmental Sciences

Many Erasmus Mundus programmes offer full scholarships for selected international students and are taught in English across multiple European universities.

Doctoral Programs

UB offers around 48 doctoral programmes, providing direct access to its research institutes. Students in programmes linked to IRB Barcelona, IDIBELL, or IDIBAPS spend most of their time conducting research rather than attending classes. Supervisors are active researchers publishing in top journals.

Funding comes from national grants, European Research Council (ERC) projects, or Marie Curie fellowships, so competition is strong. Early contact with potential supervisors is recommended.

UB Campuses

Unlike many universities, the University of Barcelona doesn't have one central campus. Instead, its faculties are spread across different parts of the city.

Historic Building (City Centre - Eixample)

A 19th-century neo-Gothic landmark housing Mathematics and Computer Science, Philology and Communication, and Administration. Ten-minute walk to El Born, Gràcia, Sant Antoni, and Passeig de Gràcia.

Diagonal Campus (Les Corts / Diagonal)

The largest campus, home to Economics, Business, Law, and Education. Served by metro L3 and L5. The Economics faculty is a brutalist-modern landmark.

Mundet Campus (Horta-Guinardó)

North of the city near Parc de Collserola. Houses Psychology and Education. Residential and quiet. Accessible by metro L5 (Horta) and bus. Psychology is one of UB’s most competitive undergraduate programmes.

Bellvitge Health Sciences Campus (L'Hospitalet)

Next to Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge. Trains medicine, nursing, and dentistry students with clinical rotations in the hospital. 20-minute metro ride from central Barcelona (L1, Bellvitge).

Torribera Campus (Santa Coloma de Gramenet)

Small, specialised campus for the Faculty of Food and Nutritional Sciences. Accessible by bus from Sagrera metro station. Close-knit and purpose-built.

Science Campus (Pedralbes)

Home to biology, chemistry, pharmacy, earth sciences, and the Barcelona Science Park (PCB) with IRB Barcelona and the Institute for Nanobioengineering of Catalonia. Quiet, affluent area. For life sciences students, proximity to active research institutes is a major advantage.

Admission Process for International Students

The University of Barcelona admission process has several steps that can catch applicants off guard. Here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Credential Recognition

If you completed secondary or higher education outside Spain, your credentials must be recognised before UB can process your application.

• Non-EU students usually apply through UNEDassis to obtain a Credencial de Acceso.

• Submit official transcripts and translations if needed and pay the evaluation fee.

• Processing takes 8-12 weeks, so start early; same-month applications are often too late.
  
  

Step 2: Program Selection and Language Confirmation

• Check the language of instruction (Catalan, Spanish, or English).

• Verify admission prerequisites and whether the programme has a numerus clausus (fixed seats with competitive entry).

• Programmes like medicine, psychology, and biology are highly competitive, and entry grades are high.
  
  

Step 3: Online Application

Submit your online application via the UB portal with the following documents:

• Copy of a valid passport

• Official academic transcripts (certified/apostilled)

• Credencial de Acceso or EU equivalency document

• Language proficiency certificate
  Motivation letter (for postgraduate programs)

• CV (for postgraduate programs)

• 2 letters of recommendation (some master’s programs)

• Application fee: €90-€120 depending on the program
  
  

Step 4: Key Deadlines

Not all programmes have a spring intake. Always check the faculty-specific schedule before planning your application.

Step 5: Student Visa (Non-EU Students)

Programmes longer than 90 days require a Visado de Estudios (Type D student visa). Apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country.

Documents usually required:

• UB acceptance letter

• Proof of accommodation
  Proof of financial means (€600/month)

• Health insurance in Spain

Start the process at least three months before the semester. Some consulates require early appointments.

Step 6: Enrolment and NIE

After arriving in Spain:

• Complete in-person enrolment at your faculty.

• Non-EU students must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) for banking, housing contracts, and administrative tasks. Apply at the local Comisaría de Policía within 30 days.

• UB’s International Welcome Point (SAE office) can provide guidance.

Language Requirements

The University of Barcelona operates in three languages: Catalan, Spanish, and English. Incoming students often underestimate the role of Catalan.

Catalan at UB

Catalan is the primary language of instruction, even in programmes advertised as Spanish. Lectures, course materials, and exams may be in Catalan.

• Catalan is a distinct Romance language, not a Spanish dialect.

• Native Spanish speakers understand about 40-60% of written Catalan, which is less spoken.

• UB offers free Catalan courses through its Language Services office. Taking them seriously helps academically and socially. Locals notice and appreciate the effort.

Minimum Language Requirements

Some English-taught master’s programmes accept a home university certificate confirming a B2 level, saving the cost of a formal test.

Language Support

• UB’s School of Modern Languages offers courses in 30+ languages.

• Spanish and Catalan courses are widely available.

• Many are free for exchange/Erasmus students.

Tuition Fees (2025-2026 Estimates)

The University of Barcelona is a public university regulated by the Catalan government. Tuition is charged per ECTS credit (a full year is typically 60 ECTS). Fees vary by programme and student nationality. Exact figures per programme are available on UB’s official website.

Doctoral fees are notably low compared to most European universities. If you are a funded doctoral student through a research grant or a Marie Curie fellowship, these fees are covered by the grant.

Scholarships for International Students at UB

The University of Barcelona and Barcelona offer several funding opportunities for international students. Key scholarships include:

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Degrees (EMJMD)

• Fully funded for non-EU students: covers tuition, monthly stipend (€1,400), travel, and settling-in allowance.

• UB participates in multiple EMJMD programmes.

• Deadline: December–February for the following academic year.

• Highly competitive.

La Caixa Foundation Scholarships

• Merit-based scholarships for international graduate students.

• Open to students in science, social sciences, arts, and health.

• Based in Barcelona.

• More info: obra-social.lacaixa.es

UB-Specific BRD Grants

• Partial funding for doctoral students, covering training and thesis costs.

• Apply through UB’s research office.

• Spanish Ministry of Education Scholarships

• Government-funded (600 awards per year).

• Prioritises students from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

• Available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes at Spanish public universities.

Fundación Carolina

• Supports Latin American, African, and Asian students for master’s and doctoral studies.

• The application opens each January.

Tip: For Erasmus Mundus programmes, apply before December 31 for the September intake. Check UB’s admissions office or web.ub.edu for currently active EMJMD programmes.

Student Accommodation Options near the University of Barcelona

Now for the part you’re probably thinking about the most: accommodation. Casita makes it easy to find a place near the University of Barcelona, with lots of student accommodation options just minutes away, including:

• Alba Viu is around a 14-minute walk from UAB Campus Bellaterra, so it’s easy to get to uni. The studios are modern and come with all bills included, plus WiFi and cleaning. You’ll also have access to a swimming pool, fitness studio, and even a cinema room for downtime.

• Vita Pedralbes is just a 5-minute walk from ESADE and IESE, so getting to class is easy. The studios are modern, and you’ve got access to an outdoor pool, gym, and rooftop terrace. Rent covers pretty much everything, including WiFi, bills, weekly cleaning, and even free breakfast on weekdays.

• Xior Collblanc is about a 10-minute walk from the Diagonal Campus, right in the lively Collblanc area. You can choose between studios or suite-style rooms, and there are plenty of shared spaces like study rooms and a gym. It’s also really well connected, with bus and metro links nearby that go straight to Barcelona Airport.

• Xior Paseo de Gracia is in a great central spot, just a short walk from both Paseo de Gracia and Avenida Diagonal. The building has a strong focus on sustainability and offers loads of shared spaces, including a rooftop terrace, cinema room, and gym. There’s also a 24/7 reception, and all your bills are included in the rent.

• Garbí Student Residence is right next to Sants Train Station, so it’s ideal if you want to stay well connected. The residence has everything you need, from study areas to a gym, a cinema, and a rooftop sun terrace. You can choose between full-board meals or self-catered studios, depending on what suits you.

• Livensa Living Diagonal Alto is around 10 minutes from UB and UPC campuses and sits just above the Finestrelles shopping centre, which is super convenient. It comes with great extras like an infinity pool, gym, sauna, library, and a rooftop terrace with mountain views. WiFi and utilities are all included, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs.

Ready to Study at the University of Barcelona?

Choosing the University of Barcelona means studying at one of Spain’s most respected institutions, with strong global rankings, standout subject areas, and access to leading research centres. Whether you're applying for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, UB offers a wide range of programmes and opportunities, especially if you're interested in research-driven fields. Planning ahead is key, from getting your credentials recognised and meeting language requirements to applying on time and preparing your visa.

Tuition fees are relatively affordable compared to other European destinations, and there are several scholarships available if you apply early. Just as important is where you’ll live, as the right accommodation can make daily life much easier, whether you want to be close to campus or well connected to the rest of the city. With everything in place, you’ll be ready to settle into Barcelona and make the most of your time at UB.