When it comes to studying in Spain, the University of Barcelona(UB) is one of the first names you will hear and for good reason. It is Spain’s top-ranked public university, known globally for academic excellence, research, and a vibrant campus life in the heart of Catalonia.
Founded in 1450, University of Barcelona combines centuries of tradition with modern teaching methods. With over 90,000 students, including thousands from around the world. It offers a perfect blend of history, international diversity, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Whether you are into humanities, science, law, medicine, or economics, UB has the resources, reputation, and connections to help you go far; and you will get to do it all in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Barcelona?
The acceptance rate at the University of Barcelona is estimated to be between 65% and 75%, depending on the program.
UB is a public university, so entry is open to qualified applicants who meet academic and language requirements. Competitive programs like Medicine, Law, or Psychology may have lower intake rates, while other faculties are more accessible; especially for EU or exchange students.
How Do You Apply as an International Student at the University of Barcelona?
You can apply through the University of Barcelona’s online portal or via the Spanish national system (UNEDasiss or Access Portal), depending on your course and nationality.
Application steps can vary slightly based on whether you are applying for a Bachelors or Masters degree.
Bachelors Degree Application:
- High school diploma equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato
- Pre-enrollment via UNEDasiss or Catalan University Admissions System
- Proof of Spanish language proficiency (usually B2 level for Spanish-taught programs)
- Legalized and translated academic documents
- National ID or passport
Masters Degree Application:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English (IELTS 6.0+) or Spanish (DELE/SIELE)
- CV or resume
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters (some programs)
Application Timeline:
- Applications usually open in April or May
- Most deadlines close by June or early July
- Classes start in September or early October
What Courses and Programs Are Offered at UB?
The University of Barcelona offers over 70 Bachelor’s, 150+ Masters, and 50+ PhD programs across all major academic fields.
Most undergraduate degrees are taught in Spanish or Catalan, while many Masters degrees are now available in English.
Popular Bachelors Programs:
- Law
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Biomedical Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Philology and Modern Languages
English-Taught Masters Programs:
- Master in Economics
- Master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
- Master in Cognitive Science and Language
- Master in Public Health
- Master in Business Research
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (various subjects)
UB is also known for dual degrees, research tracks, and Erasmus+ exchange partnerships with over 600 universities globally.
How Much Does It Cost to Study at the University of Barcelona?
Tuition fees at UB are affordable, ranging from €1,000 to €4,000 per year depending on the degree and number of credits.
As a public university, tuition is regulated and subsidized by the Spanish government. Fees for EU and non-EU students are similar in most cases.
Average Tuition Fees (per year):
| Program Type | Estimated Tuition |
| Bachelor’s | €1,000 – €1,700 |
| Master’s | €2,000 – €3,500 |
| PhD | €600 – €1,000 |
Note: Some international programs or Erasmus+ tracks may have higher costs.
Cost of Living in Barcelona:
| Expense | Monthly Estimate |
| Rent (shared) | €350 – €600 |
| Food | €200 – €300 |
| Transport | €40 – €55 |
| Utilities/Internet | €60 – €90 |
| Personal Expenses | €100 – €200 |
Expect to spend around €800 to €1,100/month as an international student living in Barcelona.
Are Scholarships Available for International Students?
Yes, the University of Barcelona offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to international students.
Some are directly provided by the university, while others are granted by the Spanish government or external organizations.
Scholarships You Can Apply For:
- UB Grants and Fee Reductions
– Based on academic merit or financial need
– Partial or full tuition coverage - Spanish Government (MAECI) Scholarships
– For students from specific countries
– Includes tuition, travel, and living allowance - Erasmus+ Mobility Grants
– For exchange students across EU and partner countries - Fundación Carolina Scholarships
– For Latin American students in Master’s programs
Some scholarships are automatically considered during admission, while others require separate forms and early submission especially for non-EU students.
What Are the Intakes and Deadlines?
The University of Barcelona has one major intake per year in September/October, and the application period typically runs from March to July.
| Stage | Timeframe |
| Applications Open | March – May |
| Deadline | Late June – July |
| Results Announced | July – August |
| Classes Start | September – October |
Some Master’s programs offer a second intake in February, but it’s not available across all faculties.
What’s Student Life Like in Barcelona?
Studying at UB means living in one of Europe’s most iconic cities- with sun, culture, nightlife, beaches, and world-class food all around you.
The university has multiple campuses across the city, from historic buildings to modern research centers. On campus, you’ll find:
- Student unions, clubs, and events
- Sports facilities and cultural spaces
- Language exchange meetups
- Free Catalan and Spanish language support
- International student services and Erasmus networks
Outside campus, you’ve got Barcelona – a city full of history, beaches, concerts, street festivals, and late-night tapas. It’s safe, diverse, and perfect for student living.
How Is the University of Barcelona Ranked Globally?
UB consistently ranks as Spain’s top public university and one of the best in Europe.
Latest Rankings (2025):
| Ranking Body | Global Rank |
| QS World | #164 |
| Times Higher Ed | Top 200 |
| Shanghai Ranking | Top 150 |
UB stands out especially in:
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Philosophy and Humanities
- Physics and Chemistry
- Economics and Business
- Law and International Relations
It’s also a part of CIVIS – the European Civic University Alliance, boosting its international focus and research collaborations.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about studying in Spain and want a university that’s respected, affordable, and located in one of the best cities in Europe – the University of Barcelona is hard to beat.
You get academic excellence, a massive choice of degrees, real scholarship opportunities, and a student life that goes way beyond campus. Sure, learning Spanish or Catalan might be part of the package, but the reward is a globally recognized degree and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So if you’re ready to learn, explore, and live in one of the world’s top student cities; UB is definitely worth your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate at the University of Barcelona?
University of Barcelona has an estimated acceptance rate of 65% to 75%. It varies based on program demand and applicant competition.
2. Can I study in English at the University of Barcelona?
Yes, several Master’s programs are offered entirely in English, while most Bachelor’s programs are in Spanish or Catalan.
3. What are the tuition fees for international students?
Bachelor’s cost €1,000–€1,700 per year. Master’s programs are around €2,000–€3,500 depending on the credits.
4. Are scholarships available for non-EU students at UB?
Yes, international students can apply for university grants, Erasmus+, MAECI, and Fundación Carolina scholarships.
5. Do I need Spanish to apply to UB?
Yes, for most undergraduate programs. For English-taught Master’s, Spanish isn’t required.
6. When does the academic year start at UB?
The academic year usually begins in September or early October for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs.
7. What is the cost of living in Barcelona as a student?
Students typically spend €800–€1,100 monthly, covering rent, transport, food, and personal expenses.
8. Can I work part-time while studying at UB?
Yes, international students can work up to 20 hours per week with a valid Spanish student visa.
9. Does UB provide on-campus housing?
UB doesn’t have dormitories, but it helps students find private accommodation or student residences.
10. How can I apply for a scholarship at UB?
Some are automatic, while others need a separate application with academic or financial documents.
11. Is UB good for science and research programs?
Yes, UB ranks highly in health sciences, chemistry, physics, and biomedical research.
12. Can I apply to UB without IELTS?
For Spanish-taught programs, you’ll need Spanish proof. English-taught programs require IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
13. How long are Master’s programs at UB?
Most Master’s programs last 1 to 2 years depending on the ECTS credits and structure.
14. Is Barcelona safe for international students?
Yes, Barcelona is considered a safe, student-friendly city with great public transport and services.
15. Can I stay in Spain after graduating from UB?
Yes, international students can apply for a 12-month post-study job search visa after graduation.
16. Is UB part of Erasmus+?
Yes, UB is a leading Erasmus+ partner with 600+ exchange agreements worldwide.
17. Does UB offer PhD programs for international students?
Yes, UB offers PhD programs in sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
18. How many international students study at UB?
UB hosts thousands of students from over 130 countries across its campuses.
19. What’s the teaching style at UB?
UB combines lectures, seminars, group projects, and independent research with a focus on academic depth.
20. Is UB better than other Spanish universities?
UB is ranked #1 in Spain for many disciplines and offers strong global recognition, especially in research.