
Barcelona is a popular study destination for international students, with a well-structured educational system, a wide range of degree programs, exceptional academic resources, and a low cost of living compared to other European cities. The city has over 11 universities and counts almost 200,000 students, making it one of the biggest university cities in Europe. The University of Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are the top universities in Barcelona, known for their globally proficient education. The city also offers a wide range of master's and postgraduate courses that attract international students from all over the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of students enrolled in Barcelona universities | Almost 200,000 |
| Number of universities in Barcelona | 11 (5 public and 6 private) |
| Number of international students in Spain | 224,080 (2021/2022) |
| Number of female international students in Spanish universities | 131,268 |
| Number of students enrolled in Spanish universities | 1.4 million (over the past decade), 1.55 million (2021), 1.72 million (2022/2023) |
| Number of universities in Spain | 80 (majority public) or over 89 |
| Popularity for Erasmus students | High |
| Cost of living rank | 267 out of 515 cities globally |
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What You'll Learn
- Barcelona is one of Europe's biggest university cities
- The University of Barcelona and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona are the city's top universities
- Barcelona has a low cost of living compared to other European cities
- The city's universities offer courses in English, Spanish, and Catalan
- International students can work part-time and full-time during holidays

Barcelona is one of Europe's biggest university cities
The University of Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are the top universities in the city, known for their globally proficient education. Barcelona is also home to more than 30 international business schools and cultural centres, where local and international students can pursue higher education under the mentorship of some of the world's top industry experts. The city's universities offer a wide range of degree programmes, including economics, business, management, marketing, computer science, and cultural studies. A knowledge of Spanish is not a mandatory requirement for applying to a university in Barcelona, making it accessible to international students.
Barcelona is a popular study destination, offering a well-structured educational system, a diverse range of degree programmes, and exceptional academic resources. The city's vibrant lifestyle, sunny weather, and numerous cultural opportunities also attract students from around the world. The cost of living in Barcelona is relatively affordable compared to other European cities, and the city has a low ranking on the Numbeo Cost of Living Index. In addition to its universities, Barcelona has 68 parks and 55 museums, contributing to its rich cultural environment.
International students in Barcelona can take advantage of the city's many shared flats and student residences, with accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The city's universities also provide student visas and accommodation services, as well as study abroad and exchange programs that promote language development and cultural interaction. Barcelona's reputation as a leading educational hub in Europe is further enhanced by its dynamic and engaging atmosphere, making it a desirable choice for students seeking a holistic educational experience.
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The University of Barcelona and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona are the city's top universities
Barcelona is one of the best university cities in the world, with more than 30 international business schools and cultural centres. The University of Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are the city's top universities, known for their globally proficient education.
The University of Barcelona, founded in 1450, is a public research university with a deep academic tradition and frontier scientific knowledge. It is one of the biggest universities in Spain, with over 76,000 students, including 44,000 undergraduates and almost 19,000 master's and postgraduate students and doctoral candidates. The university has sixteen centres, clustered into six main campuses spread throughout the city and the surrounding area. The University of Barcelona has been ranked 1st in Spain in most of the 2024 rankings and is committed to academic excellence and research, with over 2,800 international agreements.
The Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona was the first of several new universities to be set up in Catalonia in 1968. It is a member of leading worldwide university networks, including the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the COIMBRA group (CG). The university has multiple campuses, with the Humanities Campus in the city centre serving as the main location. The University of Barcelona was the only university in Catalonia until the establishment of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in 1971.
Barcelona attracts thousands of international students each year with its high-level educational offerings, affordable living costs compared to other European cities, and its status as Spain's most-visited city. International students can choose from a diverse range of programs and degrees and obtain their Bachelor's, Master's, PhDs, or MBAs from top-rated institutions. English language programs are also available and require proficiency test scores from tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Advanced.
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Barcelona has a low cost of living compared to other European cities
Barcelona is a popular destination for international students, who are attracted by the high-quality education and the city's standard of living. The cost of living in Barcelona is considered relatively low compared to other European cities. While it is not the cheapest city in Europe, Barcelona offers a good quality of life for its cost.
A single person can expect to spend around €785 ($818) per month excluding rent, while a family of four would typically need €2,760 ($2,880) per month without rent. This is significantly lower than the costs of living in cities like London, Amsterdam, and Paris. However, it is important to note that Barcelona is the second most expensive city in Spain, after Madrid, and rent prices have been rising, especially in popular neighborhoods. The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in Barcelona is €1,219 ($1,271).
Despite the rising costs, Barcelona still offers a good value for money when compared to other European cities. The city provides a range of accommodation options, from shared flats to student residences, catering to different budgets. Additionally, the safety, food, weather, location, mobility, culture, nightlife, and healthcare all contribute to making Barcelona an attractive place to live.
The salaries in Barcelona are generally lower than in other major European cities, which can make saving money challenging. However, with careful budgeting, it is possible to save 30-40% of your income while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
In conclusion, Barcelona offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities. While there have been increases in rent and food prices, the city still provides a good quality of life, a vibrant culture, and a safe environment, making it a popular choice for students and expatriates alike.
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The city's universities offer courses in English, Spanish, and Catalan
Barcelona is a multicultural city that attracts thousands of international students every year. The University of Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) are the city's top universities, known for their globally proficient education. Barcelona is also home to over 30 international business schools and cultural centres. The city's universities offer a diverse range of programs and diplomas, including Bachelor's, Master's, PhDs, and MBAs.
The University of Barcelona (UB) offers courses in humanities and social sciences, with popular subjects including Spanish literature, history, art history, Catalan studies, and linguistics. UB also offers courses specifically designed for international students, such as art history, business administration, Catalan, film and media studies, geography, political science, sociology, and Spanish. While Catalan and Spanish are the primary languages of instruction at the undergraduate level, several universities in Barcelona offer courses in English, including the University of Barcelona.
The University of Barcelona offers a range of courses taught in English, including some degree programs with coursework in English. Additionally, UB Estudios Hispánicos provides intensive language study in Spanish and Catalan, from beginner to advanced levels. The university also offers courses in English for international students, such as the option to take courses taught in Spanish within the Estudios Hispánicos program, which accommodates various proficiency levels.
Universitat Pompeu Fabra, another public university in Barcelona, offers programs in medicine, humanities, economics, business, social sciences, law, and ICT. 13% of its students are international. Similarly, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, also known as BarcelonaTech, offers programs in engineering, mathematics, and architecture, with 11% of its students coming from abroad. This university provides three undergraduate degree programs and 37 graduate programs taught entirely in English.
Overall, Barcelona's universities offer a diverse range of courses in English, Spanish, and Catalan, catering to a large international student population. The city's rich cultural heritage, vibrant expat community, and high-quality educational institutions make it a desirable destination for students from around the world.
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International students can work part-time and full-time during holidays
Barcelona is a popular destination for international students, attracted by the quality of its universities and the range of master's and postgraduate courses on offer. The city is home to more than 30 international business schools and cultural centres, as well as top-rated universities such as the University of Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB). While the exact number of university students in Barcelona is unclear, it is known that in 2017, over 1.5 million students enrolled in Spanish universities, with more than 190,000 of those studying for a master's degree. Of these university students, one in four is a foreigner, and Spain is the preferred country for Erasmus students.
International students in Barcelona have the opportunity to work part-time, as long as the working hours are outside of school hours. This provides a great opportunity for students to gain work experience and earn some income during their studies. During holidays, international students are permitted to work full-time, allowing them to further enhance their financial situation and gain valuable skills in a full-time work environment.
The cost of living in Barcelona is relatively affordable compared to other European cities, which makes it an attractive option for students. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, including shared flats and student residences, catering to different budgets and preferences. Additionally, Barcelona has a lot to offer in terms of culture and leisure, with 68 parks and 55 museums to explore.
For international students considering Barcelona as their study destination, it is important to note that a knowledge of Spanish is not a mandatory requirement for applying to universities in the city. However, proficiency in English or Spanish may be required, depending on the chosen language of instruction. Universities in Barcelona accept English proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Advanced.
In conclusion, Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers international students a high-quality education and a rich cultural experience. With the opportunity to work part-time during studies and full-time during holidays, students can gain valuable work experience and support their financial needs. The city's affordable living costs, diverse accommodation options, and numerous educational institutions make it a desirable choice for students from around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
Barcelona is one of the biggest university cities in Europe, with almost 200,000 students.
There are 11 universities in the autonomous community of Catalonia, of which Barcelona is the capital. Five are public universities and six are private.
Barcelona has a relatively low cost of living compared to other European cities. It is also Spain's most visited city, with 68 parks and 55 museums. The city has approximately 1.6 million residents and is located right next to the sea.
The most popular degree programs in Barcelona are economics, business, management, marketing, computer science, and cultural studies.











































