Universities and admissions in Barcelona

Universities in Barcelona for Russian speakers — in brief

Public: Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Autònoma (UAB), Politècnica (UPC), Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Private/business: ESADE, UIC, Ramon Llull.

Cost (for non-EU):

• public universities: ~€1,700–4,000/year for undergraduate (credit-based fees), master’s €2,500–5,000
• private: €9,000–18,000/year

What is needed:

• diploma recognition (homologación) + PCE exams (UNEDasiss)
• language: Spanish DELE B2; some UB/UAB courses are in Catalan; English-language programs available (IELTS)
• apply through UNEDasiss and the university

Residence permit: student visa → TIE after arrival. Proof of funds ~€600/month.

Data as of 2026. Source: UNEDasiss, UB/UAB.

Barcelona: affordable programmes and enrolment

The most affordable option is public universities (UB, UAB, UPC, UPF): undergraduate programmes run ~€1,700–4,000/year for international students (charged per credit).

Undergraduate admissions:

1. Homologación of school leaving certificate (Spanish Ministry of Education)

2. PCE exams via UNEDasiss

3. Application by score via UNEDasiss / Generalitat (Catalunya)

Language: Spanish DELE B2; some undergraduate courses at UB/UAB are taught in Catalan — check in advance. Master’s programs are often in English (IELTS).

Scholarships: Becas MEC, university grants, Erasmus+ after enrollment.

Data as of 2026. Source: UNEDasiss, Generalitat de Catalunya.

Barcelona: documents, degree recognition, student residence permit

Documents:

• school certificate + apostille + sworn translation
• homologación / credencial UNEDasiss
• DELE B2 or IELTS
• international passport, photos, criminal record certificate, health insurance

Master’s: bachelor’s diploma + apostille; recognition is at the university’s discretion.

Visa → residence permit:

• student visa (estancia por estudios) at the consulate
• funds of ~€600/month (IPREM)
• upon arrival — TIE; study ›6 months allows part-time work up to 30 hrs/week

Private: ESADE, UIC, Ramon Llull — €9,000–18,000/year.

Data as of 2026. Source: Spanish consulate, UB.