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Barcelona is best known for its unique architecture, sun-soaked beaches and incredible cuisine – but it’s also home to a huge range of universities. In fact, there are seven major universities scattered across the city, along with a selection of specialist schools.
With so many options on offer, finding the right fit as a student can be challenging. That’s why we’ve summarised everything you need to know about Barcelona’s universities, covering everything from courses to campus life...
Universities in Barcelona
From centuries-old institutions that rank among the best in the country to innovative new universities rethinking the way higher education is delivered, Barcelona boasts a diverse mix of universities catering to different disciplines and learning styles.
University de Barcelona
Founded in 1450, the University of Barcelona (UB) is the city’s oldest and largest university. It consistently ranks as the top university in Barcelona and competes with Complutense University of Madrid for the title of Spain’s best university.
UB is spread across several locations in the heart of Barcelona, with the historic main building sitting pretty on Gran Via. Its curriculum covers pretty much all bases, with world-leading programmes in medicine, natural sciences, arts and humanities.
As a public institution, UB’s tuition fees are very reasonable – especially compared to the US and UK – with the university attracting a big international community. There are plenty of student clubs and events on offer, too, making for one of the best social scenes in Spain.
Locations: Eixample Esquerra,Montbau, Les Corts, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Badalona
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: #2
International ranking: #165
Source: QS World University Rankings
Autonomous University of Barcelona
Another elite university that ranks among the best in Spain, the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is based about 20km outside the city of Barcelona in the town of Cerdanyola del Vallès, on the other side of the Collserola mountain range.
Its sprawling, self-contained campus offers a different vibe from Barcelona’s other universities, with plenty of green space and some amazing facilities for that classic campus experience. Still, you’re only around 30 minutes by train to the city centre.
UAB excels in social sciences, business and humanities, while it’s also one of the best places in Spain to study medicine. Many of the university’s programmes are taught in English and Spanish, making it a popular choice for international students.
Locations: Bellaterra, El Guinardó
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: #3
International ranking: #175
Source: QS World University Rankings
Pompeu Fabra University
Founded in 1990, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) may be one of Spain’s youngest public universities – but it’s quickly built a stellar reputation across its core academic areas of social science, humanities, business, communications and life sciences.
UPF’s three campuses each cater to different disciplines, and they’re all based in central Barcelona – a major draw for many students. It's a smaller university than the likes of UB and AUB, but it actually has a bigger share of international students.
Locations: Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta, Poblenou
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: #265
International ranking: #6
Source: QS World University Rankings
Polytechnic University of Catalonia
Specialising in technology and engineering, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) is the go-to for future engineers, architects and tech wizards. It ranks highly across a range of technical disciplines, including architecture, computer science and civil engineering.
UPC has multiple campuses, with the main one based in the Les Corts district – the facilities here are top-tier and include several world-class research facilities. The university also has close ties to Barcelona’s tech sector, with graduates highly sought by local firms.
Locations: Les Corts, La Mina, Barceloneta
Funding: Public
Spain ranking: #9
International ranking: #371
Source: QS World University Rankings
Ramon Llull University
Barcelona’s leading private university, Ramon Llull University (URL) is made up of eight specialised schools – mostly based in central Barcelona – covering everything from design and engineering to business, humanities and social science.
It's home to one of the best business schools in Spain, while it also has a strong reputation for law, psychology and communications. Tuition fees are higher than at public institutions, but for the extra cost, you get smaller classes and more personalised teaching.
Locations: Eixample Esquerra, Sarrià, Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova, Pedralbes
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: #15
International ranking: #466
Source: QS World University Rankings
International University of Catalonia
Founded in 1997, the International University of Catalonia (UIC Barcelona) is a modern university with a strong vocational focus. It offers a wide range of programmes across the fields of business, social science, architecture, law, communications and health sciences.
It’s one of the top universities in Spain for dentistry and nursing – so worth considering if you’re interested in these fields – with medicine another standout. The university also offers lots of double degrees, giving you the chance to combine two different subjects.
Locations: Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Abat Oliba CEU University
A small institution of roughly 3,000 students, Abat Oliba CEU University (UAO CEU) is another solid option if you’re looking for small class sizes and lots of contact time with faculty members.
It serves as the Barcelona branch of CEU Universities – one of the largest private university networks in Spain – which also has universities in Madrid, Seville and Valencia. Courses span the fields of law, business, communications, humanities and health sciences.
Locations: Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Business schools in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to several top business schools – some affiliated with universities, others running independently. Either way, these institutions offer some amazing courses that you should definitely consider if you’re looking to go into the world of business.
IESE Business School
Part of the University of Navarra – one of Spain’s most prestigious universities – IESE Business School consistently ranks as one of the world’s best business schools. It has a global reach with campuses in Spain, the US, Germany and Brazil.
The Barcelona site is based in upscale Pedralbes and offers amazing views over the city. Teaching draws heavily on the case method – an approach that puts you in the shoes of real-life business leaders, giving you an insight into the world of management.
Locations: Pedralbes
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: #1
International ranking: #3
Source: FT Global MBA Business School Rankings
ESADE Business School
As we’ve already noted, Ramon Llull University’s business school – ESADE Business School – has a sterling reputation. Its full-time MBA programme is regarded as one of the best in the world, with key expertise in finance, international management and entrepreneurship.
Also based in Pedralbes, the main campus is home to top business networks and resources like ESADE BAN and the ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute. Being part of URL, you also get the same access to clubs and facilities as other students at the university.
Locations: Pedralbes, Sant Cugat del Vallès
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: #2
International ranking: #8
Source: FT Global MBA Business School Rankings
EADA Business School
While not as highly ranked as ESADE and IESE, EADA Business School is another excellent option with a broad range of programmes. It’s especially well known for management and finance, with a strong focus on leadership training and personal coaching.
The main campus is based in Eixample Esquerra, right in the heart of Barcelona, with a secondary facility outside the city on the mountain slopes of Collbató for intensive leadership programmes.
Locations: Eixample Esquerra, Collbató
Funding: Private
Spain ranking: #4
International ranking: #100
Source: FT Global MBA Business School Rankings
Barcelona: a university city
With such a wealth of top universities and schools, Barcelona really has something for every student. Not only that, but you also get to spend your free time in one of the most exciting and culturally rich cities in the world! What’s not to like?
Barcelona is home to seven major universities, including globally recognised institutions like the University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. There are also dozens of smaller schools and colleges scattered across the city focusing on specific fields like business, music and design.
How many students are there in Barcelona?
It’s estimated there are at least 200,000 university students living in and around Barcelona, making it one of the most popular student cities in Europe. A significant number of these – more than 30,000 – come from abroad with the city attracting students from over 170 countries.
What’s the best university in Barcelona?
This depends on what you’re looking for! The University of Barcelona and the Autonomous University of Barcelona are major universities that place highly in global ranking systems. The Polytechnic University of Catalonia is a top choice for technical fields, while IESE Business School and ESADE Business School are two of the world’s best business schools.
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