4 Cheapest Universities in Barcelona for International Students

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In Barcelona, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Spain without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Barcelona, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 7 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Barcelona, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Barcelona for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Barcelona ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,061 Euros - 1,107 Euros 71%
Polytechnic University of Catalonia 2,253 Euros - 6,360 Euros 39%
International University of Catalonia 4,500 Euros - 10,400 Euros -23%
Pompeu Fabra University 6,800 Euros - 8,779 Euros -86%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 3,655 Euros for universities in Barcelona.

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1. Autonomous University of Barcelona

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.

2. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

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.

3. International University of Catalonia

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.

4. Pompeu Fabra University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Barcelona for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Barcelona ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Autonomous University of Barcelona 1,980 Euros - 4,980 Euros 55%
Polytechnic University of Catalonia 2,593 Euros - 4,150 Euros 41%
Pompeu Fabra University 5,750 Euros - 6,740 Euros -31%
International University of Catalonia 7,200 Euros - 10,400 Euros -64%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 4,382 Euros for universities in Barcelona.

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1. Autonomous University of Barcelona

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Autonomous University of Barcelona should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,980 Euros to 4,980 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Polytechnic University of Catalonia

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Polytechnic University of Catalonia. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Polytechnic University of Catalonia is 2,593 Euros to 4,150 Euros.

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.

3. Pompeu Fabra University

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 tuition fee at Pompeu Fabra University for incoming international master’s students is 5,750 Euros to 6,740 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. International University of Catalonia

Another affordable university to consider in Barcelona is International University of Catalonia.

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.

The tuition fee in International University of Catalonia for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,200 Euros.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Barcelona?

Applying to cheap universities in Barcelona requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Spain for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Barcelona?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Barcelona. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Barcelona is the Autonomous University of Barcelona, which offers Geology, Mathematics, and Art History to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Autonomous University of Barcelona offers Advanced Genetics, Aeronautical Management, and Egyptology.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Barcelona, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Barcelona as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Barcelona for international students was helpful!