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Meta title: University of Barcelona: Admission and Fees 2027/28 | StudyU
Meta description: University of Barcelona for non-EU applicants: Catalan preinscripció, homologación and PCE, teaching languages, $20.09 (€17.69) per credit, housing and costs.
Last modified: 2026-09-24

# University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona, UB)

The University of Barcelona is a Catalan public university founded in 1450, with more than 60,000 students in 17 faculties. It is joint 165th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and still first among Spanish universities, and =145th in THE 2026. Bachelor's study is inexpensive even for non-EU students: in 2026/27 a credit costs $20.09 (€17.69), about $1,210 for a 60-credit year. The real hurdles are elsewhere. Most teaching is in Catalan and Spanish, and applicants with non-EU school certificates need a final homologación and completed entrance exams to take part in the June admission round, which in 2026 ran from 2 to 26 June.

Main façade of the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona on the Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Vanbasten 23 / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fachada_de_la_Universidad_de_Barcelona.JPG), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Location | Barcelona: historic city centre, Diagonal and Mundet campuses; sites in L'Hospitalet, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Joan Despí and Badalona |
| Founded | 1450 |
| Rankings | QS WUR 2027: =165 (first in Spain); THE WUR 2026: =145; ARWU 2026: 151–200 |
| Size | 60,000+ students, 17 faculties, 10 affiliated centres, 15 partner university hospitals |
| Languages | Catalan and Spanish; English in some subjects, with a few programmes mostly in English |
| Bachelor's fee, 2026/27 | $20.09 (€17.69) per credit — about $1,210 (€1,061) per 60 ECTS, with no non-EU surcharge |
| Master's fee, 2026/27 | $21.99 (€19.37) per credit for EU citizens and residents; the non-EU rate for students without residence is stated on each programme page |
| Bachelor's admission (2026 benchmark) | June round 2–26 June; September round 16–17 September |
| Housing | one hall of residence, two university residences, one affiliated hall; private residences through Barcelona Centre Universitari |

## Who the University of Barcelona suits {#section-1}

| In favour of UB | Possible obstacles |
| --- | --- |
| Spain's top university in QS 2027 and THE 2026 | Catalan dominates many programmes: in biology, 77% of teaching is in Catalan |
| Bachelor's tuition of $20.09 (€17.69) per credit, the same for every student | The June round requires a final homologación; an application receipt is not enough |
| Medicine and health sciences with 15 partner hospitals; clinical medicine and pharmacy rank 51–75 in the ShanghaiRanking 2026 subject tables | The Spanish language and literature exam is compulsory, so strong Spanish is essential |
| Spain's only member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) | Master's programmes can cost non-EU students several times more than residents (three to five times at neighbouring UAB) |
| Buildings in the city centre and a large student city | Few university residence places; most students rent privately |

UB is a strong choice for students ready to study in Spanish and to pick up Catalan in the first year, especially in medicine, pharmacy, biology, mathematics, economics and law. If you want a bachelor's taught entirely in English, the [Autonomous University of Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-barcelona), with its dedicated list of English-taught degrees, or [Pompeu Fabra University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-pompeu-fabra) may fit better. The guide to [universities in Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-barcelona) compares the city's options.

## Which language will you study in? {#section-2}

Check this first. Every UB programme page shows the share of teaching in each language. From the bachelor's catalogue the university published in early 2026:

| Programme | Catalan | Spanish | English |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Biology | 77.3% | 19.9% | 2.7% |
| Biochemistry | 70.8% | 19.2% | 10% |
| Business Administration and Management (ADE) | 35.9% | 50.2% | 13.1% |
| Economics | 44.5% | 43.3% | 12.2% |
| Law | 38.7% | 57.9% | 3.5% |
| Archaeology | 90.6% | 9.1% | 0.3% |
| International Business (Empresa Internacional) | — | — | 73.6% (plus 26.4% other languages) |

In short, you need Spanish almost everywhere and Catalan in many science and humanities programmes. International Business is the main option for studying mostly in English. UB also takes part in the inter-university bachelor's in bioinformatics with UAB, UPC and UPF, which is taught in English. For English-taught options across the country, see [English-taught degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-english-taught-degrees-spain).

## Which faculties does UB have, and where are they? {#section-3}

The 17 faculties are: biology; chemistry; earth sciences; economics and business; education; fine arts; geography and history; information and audiovisual media; law; mathematics and computer science; medicine and health sciences; nursing; pharmacy and food sciences; philology and communication; philosophy; physics; and psychology.

UB is a city university without a single campus. Its sites are in Barcelona's historic centre, on the Diagonal and Mundet campuses, and in nearby municipalities: L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Joan Despí and Badalona. Clinical training for medicine and health sciences takes place in 15 partner university hospitals, and ten affiliated centres complete the network. Because sites are spread across the city and suburbs, check your faculty's address before you look for housing.

## Bachelor's admission with a non-EU school certificate {#section-4}

In Catalonia, admission is run centrally by the regional government (Generalitat), not by each university. A single pre-registration (preinscripció) covers all seven public universities. For school-leavers from non-EU systems, the rules are stricter than in Madrid.

### Conditions for the June round

1. A final homologación of your school certificate, issued by Spain's Ministry of Education (or by the Catalan Department of Education if you already live in Catalonia). The application receipt (volante) is not accepted in June.
2. Passed entrance exams: the Catalan PAU, another region's EBAU, or UNEDasiss PCEs. Four subjects are compulsory: Spanish language and literature; a foreign language (English, German, French or Italian); history or history of philosophy; and one modality subject. The modality subject can be mathematics, mathematics for social sciences, general science, Latin, musical analysis, performing arts or artistic drawing.
3. Score calculation. The average of the four compulsory subjects must be at least 4. Your access mark = 0.4 × that average + 0.6 × your school grade on the homologación credential, and it must be at least 5.
4. Optional subjects. You can take two more subjects that carry extra weight for your chosen degree in the Catalan weighting table. The admission mark goes up to 14.

If you have passed the exams but the homologación is still pending, submit the June pre-registration anyway. When the ministry decides, upload the credential with your exam results and notify the Catalan Access Office (Oficina d'Accés a la Universitat). If everything arrives before pre-registration closes (usually at the end of October), your mark is calculated and you are placed according to your list of preferences, subject to remaining places.

### The September round

In September you can apply with homologación but no exams, or even with just the homologación receipt. These applicants are placed last, the receipt holders after those with a credential. Popular programmes are out of reach this way.

In practice, a school-leaver who graduates in 2027 can hardly obtain homologación in time for the June 2027 round. Realistic strategies are: take PCEs in spring, submit the June pre-registration and add the homologación before autumn; use the September round for programmes with vacancies; or plan to start a year later. Our guide to [studying in Spain after 11 years of school](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-spain-university-after-11-years-of-school) explains UNEDasiss and PCEs, and [applying to Spanish universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities) covers the overall logic.

### Pre-registration calendar: 2026 as a guide to 2027/28

| Stage | 2026 dates |
| --- | --- |
| June preinscripció | 2–26 Jun |
| First allocation | 10 Jul |
| "Final allocation" confirmation | 10–15 Jul |
| Second allocation | 23 Jul |
| Third to seventh allocations | 4 Sep, 15 Sep, 23 Sep, 7 Oct, 14 Oct |
| September preinscripció | 16–17 Sep |
| September-round allocations | 25 Sep, 1 Oct, 14 Oct |
| UNEDasiss PCE, spring | register 16 Mar – 28 Apr; exams in Spain 25–29 May |

The Generalitat publishes the 2027 calendar early in the year; the 2026 version was last updated on 27 February.

## How to apply for a master's at UB {#section-5}

UB accepts master's applications from January, and the process closes by September at the latest. Each faculty and programme sets its own windows, so check the programme page. For competitive programmes, apply in the first months of the year.

If your degree was awarded outside the European Higher Education Area, you have two routes: homologación at the ministry, or a UB pre-check without homologación in which the university confirms that your degree matches the Spanish level and gives access to master's study in the issuing country. Admission to a master's does not recognise your degree for any other purpose. Profile, language and document requirements are listed on each programme page. See [master's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain).

## How much does UB cost? {#section-6}

Fees at Catalan public universities are set every year by the regional government. For 2026/27:

| Programme | Price per credit | Year, 60 ECTS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's, first enrolment in a subject (all students) | $20.09 (€17.69) | $1,210 (€1,061) |
| Non-professional master's, EU citizens and residents | $21.99 (€19.37) | $1,330 (€1,162) |
| Professionally qualifying master's, EU citizens and residents | $20.09 (€17.69) | $1,210 (€1,061) |
| Master's for non-EU students without residence | separate programme rate | shown on the programme page |

At bachelor's level the Catalan decree does not set a separate price for foreigners: a credit costs $20.09 (€17.69) for every student. Administrative fees and insurance are added according to the university's price list. Catalan public universities charge non-EU master's students without residence a separate rate. Neighbouring UAB, for example, set it at $75–115 (€66–100) per credit for 2026/27, or $4,520–6,850 (€3,960–6,000) for 60 credits. UB lists the rate for each programme on its page; check it before applying rather than budgeting on the base $21.99 (€19.37). If you are paying from Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## How can you cut costs? {#section-7}

Catalan and Spanish national grants are designed for residents, so newcomers on a student visa should not rely on them. Realistic options:

- the low bachelor's fee is itself the main saving: a full year of tuition costs less than one month in a Madrid colegio mayor;
- Erasmus Mundus consortium scholarships in joint master's programmes involving UB are open to all nationalities;
- the "Viure i Conviure" programme, in which students live rent-free with an older person in exchange for company and help with everyday tasks;
- part-time work of up to 30 hours a week under a student permit, if compatible with your studies.

See [scholarships in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-spain) and [working while studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-spain).

## Where can UB students live? {#section-8}

According to UB, the university has one hall of residence (colegio mayor), two university residences and one affiliated hall. They offer meals and an active student community, but places are limited. Private student residences can be found through Barcelona Centre Universitari (BCU). Most international students rent a room in a shared flat. Check the contract and the landlord before paying a deposit; [student housing in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-spain) explains how.

## What does living in Barcelona cost? {#section-9}

The official benchmark for Barcelona and its surroundings comes from the neighbouring Autonomous University of Barcelona (its international student handbook, updated in July 2025): $910–1,370 (€800–1,200) a month for housing and daily expenses. That covers a room at $285–570 (€250–500), food at $285–395 (€250–350), transport at $68–91 (€60–80) and personal spending at $180–250 (€160–220). Housing is the largest item, so use the upper end of the range for your first estimate. Under-30s can use the T-jove pass: unlimited travel across all zones for 90 days. The guide to the [cost of studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-spain) builds a full-year budget including visa costs.

## Pros and cons for applicants from Russia and the CIS {#section-10}

Pros:

- one bachelor's price for everyone: $1,210 (€1,061) a year in credits, with no non-EU surcharge;
- first in Spain in QS 2027 and THE 2026;
- PCEs can be taken outside Spain; the September 2026 session listed a centre in Moscow;
- a large international city with internships and jobs.

Cons:

- the June round requires a final homologación, while school-leavers only receive their certificate in late June;
- Catalan dominates many programmes, so you will be learning a second local language in your first year;
- master's programmes can cost non-EU students several times more than residents, so check the rate on the programme page;
- you will need to find housing yourself, as UB residence places are limited;
- the visa is issued by the Spanish consulate, and UB has no say in it. See the [Spanish student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-spain) guide.

## Mistakes to avoid {#section-11}

- Judging a programme by its name. An English title does not mean English teaching; check the language shares on the programme page.
- Applying for homologación in June. For the Catalan June round, the ministry's decision must already be in hand.
- Taking PCEs without Spanish. Spanish language and literature is one of the four compulsory exams.
- Mixing up Madrid and Catalan rules. In Madrid you can apply with a homologación receipt; in Catalonia's June round you cannot.
- Looking for housing before you know your faculty. UB's sites are spread across Barcelona and its suburbs.

## Checklist before the June round {#section-12}

- You have shortlisted 3–6 programmes and checked their Catalan, Spanish and English shares and weighting tables.
- Your Spanish is strong enough for the Spanish language and literature exam.
- You are registered for the spring PCE session: four compulsory subjects and up to two optional ones.
- You requested UNEDasiss accreditation at least six weeks before pre-registration closes.
- You applied for homologación as soon as you received your school certificate and kept the receipt.
- You submitted the June preinscripció on time, even without a homologación decision.
- Your annual budget includes Barcelona rent, insurance and proof of funds for the visa.

## Where UB stands in the rankings {#section-13}

| Ranking | Position | Comment |
| --- | --- | --- |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | =165 | first in Spain; 160th in 2026 |
| THE World University Rankings 2026 | =145 | first in Spain; Arts and Humanities 2026: 82 |
| ARWU 2026 | 151–200 | the only Spanish university above the 201–300 band |
| ShanghaiRanking subject tables 2026 | 51–75 | mathematics, ecology, clinical medicine, pharmacy |

## Working during and after your studies {#section-14}

A student permit allows up to 30 hours of work a week if compatible with your studies. On the local job market, Spanish and Catalan are a clear advantage. After graduating you can switch to a job-search permit under the rules in force when you finish. Medicine, law and psychology require separate professional authorisation.

## FAQ {#section-15}

### Can I apply to the University of Barcelona after 11 years of school?

Yes, no extra school year is needed. But the June round requires a final homologación and passed PAU or PCE exams, including Spanish language and literature, so many applicants plan to start a year later or use the September round for vacancies. See [university in Spain after 11 years of school](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-spain-university-after-11-years-of-school).

### How much does a bachelor's at UB cost for an international student?

In 2026/27, $20.09 (€17.69) per credit — about $1,210 (€1,061) for 60 credits, plus administrative fees. There is no separate non-EU price at bachelor's level.

### Do I need Catalan?

No Catalan certificate is required for admission, but many programmes are taught largely in Catalan. Check the language shares on the programme page and plan time for a course.

### Does UB teach in English?

The International Business bachelor's is taught mostly in English, as is the inter-university bachelor's in bioinformatics. Elsewhere, English appears in individual subjects; there are more options at master's level.

### When should I apply for 2027/28?

Use the 2026 calendar as a guide: June preinscripció from 2 to 26 June, September preinscripció on 16–17 September. Master's applications open in January and close by September, depending on the programme.

### How much does a master's cost for a non-EU student?

The base $21.99 (€19.37) per credit applies to EU citizens and residents. Non-EU students without residence pay a separate rate, which UB states on each programme page. For reference, UAB charges $75–115 (€66–100) per credit in 2026/27.

### Can StudyU help me apply to UB?

Under a service agreement we shortlist programmes by teaching language, plan homologación, UNEDasiss and PCEs for Catalan rules, prepare documents and support the preinscripció and visa stages. Admission is decided by the Generalitat and the university, homologación by Spain's Ministry of Education and the visa by the consulate.

## Sources {#section-16}

- [UB: the university, campuses and key figures](https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/the-university)
- [UB: faculties](https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/faculties)
- [UB: life at the UB and accommodation](https://web.ub.edu/en/web/ub/life-ub)
- [UB: bachelor's catalogue with teaching-language shares](https://web.ub.edu/es/web/estudis/buscador-grados)
- [UB: master's programme page — application period and non-EHEA degrees](https://web.ub.edu/es/web/estudis/w/masterdegree-M280P)
- [Generalitat: applicants from foreign education systems](https://universitats.gencat.cat/es/acces-universitat/acces-segons-perfils-estudiants/estudiant-sistema-educatiu-estranger/)
- [Generalitat: 2026 pre-registration calendar](https://universitats.gencat.cat/es/preinscripcions/calendari/)
- [Generalitat: 2026-2027 tuition prices](https://universitats.gencat.cat/es/acces-universitat/sobre-preus-beques/preus-estudis-universitaris/)
- [UAB: 2026-2027 prices including non-EU rates (PDF)](https://www.uab.cat/doc/preus2025_2026)
- [UAB: practical guide for international students (PDF)](https://www.uab.cat/doc/handbook-uab-ca1)
- [UNEDasiss sessions and exam centres](https://unedasiss.uned.es/convocatorias)
- [QS World University Rankings: Universitat de Barcelona](https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universitat-de-barcelona)
- [THE World University Rankings: University of Barcelona](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/university-barcelona)
- [ShanghaiRanking: University of Barcelona](https://www.shanghairanking.com/institution/university-of-barcelona)
- [UAB: work authorisation for non-EU students](https://www.uab.cat/web/estudis/masters-i-postgraus/masters-universitaris/autoritzacio-de-feina-1345662922893.html)
- [TMB: T-jove](https://www.tmb.cat/es/tarifas-metro-bus-barcelona/t-jove)

Dollar amounts use the ECB rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355), rounded to the nearest $10.

For all Spanish universities and the general application route, see [Study in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain). If you want to know whether you can make Catalonia's June round or should plan a year ahead, [send us a request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Master's Degree in Spain: Admission with a Non-EU Degree and 2027 Costs](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain)
- [English-Taught Degrees in Spain: Where to Study Without Spanish and What It Costs in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-english-taught-degrees-spain)
- [Studying in Spain After 11 Years of School: How to Apply with a Russian Certificate in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-spain-university-after-11-years-of-school)
- [Applying to Spanish Universities: A Step-by-Step Plan for Non-EU Applicants in 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities)
- [How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia)
- [Studying in Spain for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain)

Updated: September 2026