For many years, Barcelona has been considered one of the main educational centers in Europe. The city attracts students from around the world not only with its cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle, but also with a wide selection of universities offering quality education in a variety of fields.
The capital of Catalonia is home to both some of the oldest public universities and modern private institutes focused on international standards. Let’s take a look at which universities in Barcelona are considered the best and what distinguishes them from each other.
University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona, UB)
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Spain, founded in 1450. The University of Barcelona offers programs in almost every area of knowledge: from humanities and social sciences to medicine, natural sciences, and technology. The UB campuses are located in different parts of the city, allowing students to be at the heart of Barcelona’s cultural and professional life. The university actively participates in international exchanges and collaborates with leading universities worldwide. UB is a fully public educational institution.
Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, UAB)
UAB is known for its modern approach to education and interdisciplinary programs. Founded in 1968, the university quickly gained a reputation as one of the most dynamic and innovative institutions in the country. The main campus is located in Bellaterra, near Barcelona. UAB offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and is actively engaged in scientific research in the fields of biosciences, social and human sciences, and technology. The university is also renowned for its academic mobility programs.
Pompeu Fabra University (Universitat Pompeu Fabra, UPF)
Founded in 1990, this university quickly became one of the top universities in Spain. UPF stands out for its modern approach to education, emphasis on international cooperation, and high standards in teaching and research. The university is particularly strong in social sciences, economics, communications, political science, and biomedicine. UPF is a public university chosen by those seeking relevant knowledge and innovative educational methods.
Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, UPC)
UPC is the leading technical university in the region, specializing in engineering, architecture, technology, and applied sciences. Founded in 1971, the university ranks among the top institutions for training professionals in high-tech industries. UPC campuses are spread across the city, making educational infrastructure easily accessible. The university works closely with companies and research centers, which helps students secure internships and jobs in their field.
Open University of Catalonia (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, UOC)
UOC is one of the pioneers of distance and online education in Spain. Since 1994, the university has offered flexible programs for students who value the opportunity to study in a format that suits them. UOC offers dozens of bachelor’s, master’s, and professional development programs in humanities, communications, IT, law, psychology, healthcare, and business. The university focuses on modern educational technologies and an individualized approach.
Private universities in Barcelona
Barcelona is also home to private universities that focus on personalized education, international connections, and preparing highly sought-after professionals. Some of the most well-known include:
- Ramon Llull University (Universitat Ramon Llull, URL) — includes centers such as ESADE, Blanquerna, and La Salle. The university emphasizes academic quality, professional ethics, and international programs.
- International University of Catalonia (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, UIC Barcelona) — offers practice-oriented programs and personalized student support. Main fields: medicine, architecture, communications, education, and law.
- Abat Oliba CEU University (Universitat Abat Oliba CEU) — specializes in social sciences, law, communications, and education, with a strong focus on humanistic values and ethics.
How much does it cost to study in Barcelona?
The annual tuition at public universities in Barcelona depends on the chosen program and the number of credits. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the price per credit is 17.69 euros. For a standard year (60 credits), a student will pay between 1,100 and 1,200 euros, not including administrative fees. At private universities, tuition can be significantly higher and depends on the field of study and program level.
Barcelona continues to strengthen its position as one of the best cities in Europe for higher education. Students here find not only high-quality academic programs but also broad opportunities for professional and personal development.
