10 reasons why you should study in Barcelona

Barcelona is the number one choice for students wanting to study in Spain. Curious why? We give you 10 reasons why you should study in Barcelona.

Marle

2 minute read

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Updated on 25 Feb 2025

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Studying

Every year, 20,000 international students come to Barcelona to study. Before you get ready to move to Barcelona and search for student rooms in Barcelona, discover 10 reasons why we think you should study in Barcelona. Chances are you'll be packing your bags in no time!

Whether students are doing a full time study at a university in Barcelona, following an Erasmus program, or attending a language school for the summer, Barcelona remains a top choice.

According to QS Best Student Cities 2023, Barcelona scores 38th in an international comparison with 120 other cities. Barcelona is also one of the best cities to live in Spain!

Barcelona's home to 7 universities and opens the doors to hundreds of Bachelor and Master programs for (international) students. What's better, most programs are taught in English.

For ambitious students, Barcelona boasts of Spain's top universities! The University of Barcelona (UB) and Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona make it into the global top 200 of the QS World University Rankings every year.

The Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, ESADE Business & Law School or IESE Business School share a strong standing.

Students in Barcelona can live comfortably on their student budget. On average, the cost of living for students in Barcelona is €1,110 per month. This includes rent for a room, groceries, public transport costs, and eating or going out.

Besides your monthly budget, it's also good to know that studying in Spain won't leave you trapped in debt, unlike the high tuition fees in the US.

Thanks to the countless scholarships in Spain, you could study for free at one of the 7 universities in Barcelona.

The CEU San Pablo Foundation creates opportunities for undergraduate students to receive a scholarship through the CEU Merit Program. This means that they cover 100% of the tuition fees and renew the scholarship every year (if you meet the requirements).

Every year, 20,000 international students mingle with Barcelona's 188,000 students. More than 5,000 international students are in Masters or Postgraduate programs. Another 2,000 doctoral programs spread across 7 universities.

Boredom is a stranger in Barcelona. The vibrant metropolis is a magnet for events and attractions. The nightlife is bustling and during the day you can visit the many museums or art galleries in Barcelona or feast on mouth-watering tapas.

When you're ready to explore more, check out some of the best cities to visit near Barcelona for a day trip or a weekend away. Living in this city opens up so many options!

Studying in Barcelona means moving your workplace from the library to the chiringuitos (beach bars).

The urban beach becomes your second living room, a place where you can meet friends after class, clear your head with a run or do yoga at sunset.

Year-round sun-kissed skin and merienda on a terrace. In Barcelona, you have sun and warm weather almost all year round.

From March to November, you can do your sports activities on the beach without fear of rain or cold. And from March, the first terraces open so you can taste tapas outdoors.

When it's 28 degrees in July and August, the beach becomes your permanent go-to place.

While Barcelona ranks as one of the top cities to study in Spain, it is also a great destination for expat workers. You can find internships during your study years and then apply for English speaking jobs after graduation. Or, if you're more entrepreneurial, become a freelancer in Spain.

In the Catalan capital, you will find a cultural contrast that you won't find in any other Spanish city. The variety of the autonomous region in Spain runs through the language, culture and food. What more could you want from a student city, especially if you're enthusiastic about cultural experiences?

Ready to study in Barcelona? Don't forget to explore student-friendly accommodation in Barcelona before your arrival so you can have a stress-free start to the next chapter of your life.