7 Best Universities In Barcelona For International Students 2025
Barcelona is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Spain. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.
Out of 7 universities in Barcelona, University of Barcelona and Autonomous University of Barcelona are the top-performing schools in Barcelona. This list covers both public and private institutions in Barcelona.
In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Barcelona. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Barcelona.
| Rank | University | Country | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Barcelona | Spain | Public |
| 2 | Autonomous University of Barcelona | Spain | Public |
| 3 | Pompeu Fabra University | Spain | Public |
| 4 | Polytechnic University of Catalonia | Spain | Public |
| 5 | Ramon Llull University | Spain | Private |
| 6 | International University of Catalonia | Spain | Private |
| 7 | Abat Oliba CEU University | Spain | Private |
How do I get admission to the best universities in Barcelona?
Applying to the universities in Barcelona involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Barcelona to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!
How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Barcelona?
Tuition fees at Barcelona’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 1,061 Euros to 10,400 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,980 Euros to 10,400 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Barcelona!
As we cover the best universities in Barcelona for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.
Top Universities in Barcelona for International Students
The University of Barcelona (UB) is a public university in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It was founded in 1450 and is considered one of the country’s oldest and largest universities. As Spain’s top university, UB is home to world-class research foundations and facilities. Undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs are available from 18 faculties at the university.
The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is a leading public university in Spain, consistently ranked as one of the best in the country and within the top 200 in the world. Founded on the values of autonomy, democracy, and social commitment, UAB has grown exponentially over the decades to offer programs across multiple disciplines.
Pompeu Fabra University is renowned for its excellent research, high-quality programs, and outstanding faculty. It is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Spain and consistently belongs among the nation’s top 5 in various university rankings. As it continues to grow, the university seeks to contribute to social change by providing an academic environment where knowledge and culture can evolve.
The Polytechnic University of Catalonia, or Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC) in Spanish, is a public university in Spain. Also called BarcelonaTech, it is one of Europe’s leading technical universities, offering a wide range of engineering and technology programs. UPC is committed to building a sustainable and fair world and contributing through research, knowledge dissemination, and technology transfer. It aims to produce graduates who are lifelong learners, possessing the ability to think critically, work in diverse teams and adapt well to change. The university has a major presence in Catalonia, with nine campuses spread across Barcelona and nearby towns.
Ramon Llull University offers 120 official degrees in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. The university focuses on student development and growth, providing them grant and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, it has top notch facilities which includes 13 faculties, and 3 academic institutes. Quality of life services are also afforded to student like the University Smart Card, Eduroam Wifi connection, and Career Services and Job Banks.
The International University of Catalonia is a private university in Barcelona, Spain. It operates two campuses in Barcelona and San Cugat del Vallés. Currently, the university provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in economics, social sciences, communication sciences, humanities, and medicine, as well as a law school in collaboration with IONA College.
Abat Oliba CEU University boasts its 95-percent graduate employability rate, 130 international university collaborations, and over 4000 international internship programs. The university offers a variety of programs in the fields of Law, Economics, Social Sciences, Communications, Education, and Health Sciences. These programs are conducted in two ways: on-site classes and Blended learning. Students are also allowed to get assistance through the Language Service, and Counselling and Psychological Services.
We know that choosing your dream school in Barcelona not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.
So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Barcelona, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Barcelona! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!