4 Best Public Universities in Barcelona for International Students
Barcelona is one of the cities in Spain you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Barcelona can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 7 universities you can find in Barcelona, and 4 of them are public universities. Although your choices might seem few, you’ll take less time looking over them and making your final choice.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Barcelona, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain |
| 2 | Autonomous University of Barcelona | Barcelona, Spain |
| 3 | Pompeu Fabra University | Barcelona, Spain |
| 4 | Polytechnic University of Catalonia | Barcelona, Spain |
Public Universities in Barcelona
1. University of Barcelona
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.
2. 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.
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.
4. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Barcelona?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Barcelona can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Barcelona charge up to 8,779 Euros for bachelor’s and 6,740 Euros for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Barcelona. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.