What are the best universities in Barcelona?

Do you want to go to one of the best universities in Barcelona and Spain but don't know which one is for you? Look no further, this is what you need.

The universities in Catalonia always stand out on any ranking, on both a national and worldwide level. In this article I will tell you a little bit about each universities so that you can see which one is the most suited to you.

Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)

We are used to always asking, how many years of experience everything has; in fact, it seems that we should have started working as soon as we could walk. However, this university is a great example that you don't need years of experience to be the best or excel at something.

In less that thirty years, UPF has already topped the list of the best universities and it continues moving up in the ranking of Spanish universities in 2019. As if that wasn't enough, it also ranks among the top 200 universities in the world, which also places it as the best at a national level.

Here you can study any of the 27 degrees, 33 masters or 9 doctorates that are offered. You can be sure that you will be given quality education by very competent teachers. Furthermore, the education that they offer is at the level of the best universities in Europe.

Do you want to go further? You can also do a double degree, joints degrees and even degrees in English in its faculties.

Among all the degrees that stand out, it is one of the best universities to study Law and Business Administration and Management in Spain. If you want to go for it all, why not study the double degree of Law and Business Administration and Management at the best university?

Not only does it stand out in the field of Economics and Business, but 8 of its degree courses have reached the top 5 in the Spanish university degrees ranking, in the newspaper 'El Mundo'.

Not bad for the millennial generation, eh?

On the other hand, just because the university is modern, doesn't mean that it doesn't have spectacular historical buildings. Have a look at it's library, 'Dipòsit de les aigües':

This water tank was built in 1846 with the help of Gaudí. After the university was opened, it became this spectacular library. I am sure that it would not be so hard to study there for hours.

Studying at a university of this level can be exhausting, it is even worse that it is so close to the beach! What better way to relax after class?

Although if you are not in the 'Campus del Mar' and the walk to the coast is a little longer from the Ciutadella campus, you can also go through the zoo and the Ciutadella park. If your degree is taught at the Poblenou campus, you can always treat yourself after a hard day by shopping at the Glories shopping centre.

If you need a little more information you can visit the official website or read Agustí's experience.

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)

Let's face it, we were all disappointed that school wasn't how it was in High School Musical. If you are one of those who are still waiting to see what student life would be like in an American movie, this is the university for you.

Even though UAB is not in the centre, it makes up for it with an enormous university complex. There you have everything that you could imagine and much more. You will find yourself in somewhere as normal as a green area and swimming pool to a veterinary hospital.

There are also perfectly equipped sets for the communication students; So it is not surprising that this is considered the best university in Spain in this field! I could get stuck talking about his magnificent facilities, but why don't you take a look at it's virtual tour?

Well, if you want to live in that perfect bubble, you have to study. It will not be a problem, since the level of education is equal to the level of it's facilities. This university ranks at the top of the best universities of Barcelona and Spain, and it also stands out of the world wide university ranking lists. Not bad, eh?

As if that weren't enough, the number of degrees that have reached the top 5 in the ranking of Spanish universities by degree is impressive: 24!

There is no doubt that it is among the best universities in Spain by degree and I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind spending hours studying in a campus there.

Not to mention the environment, the community is very commited to social work. If you want to get a better idea of what you can expect from university life at UAB, take a look at Lucinda's experience.

The University of Barcelona (UB)

If Pompeu Fabra university seemed too modern and you prefer something more classical, UB is for you. It was founded in 1450 and is the oldest in the city, but don't worry: although the buildings are historic, the facilities are modernized.

The different campuses are scattered throughout the city, some even in the heart of the city centre. The Humanities campus is located in the square 'Plaça de la Universitat', in the UB historical building.

Do you know that they have the second most important university library in the country? Now you don't have any excuses for not studying whatever degree you choose.

Let's talk about academics, because although the university is a tourist attraction, as a student you will be interested in other things.

You can be assured about the quality of the education, as this Catalan university also ranks among the best universities in Spain in different rankings.

In fact, if you want to play it safe and not end up in one of the worst schools for medicine in Spain, once again UB is the most important in the country and on a global level. We could say that it is the best university in Barcelona to study medicine.

Not only this, but it is the best university in Barcelona to study nursing. In addition, 73 of it's other degree courses also appear in the ranking of the best universities degrees by the newspaper 'El Mundo'.

Yes, you have read correctly. But it is not surprising that it has such a wide variety of course, in fact it has 16 faculties.

You'll have everything you need to study and, at the same time, you'll think you're at Hogwarts while you relax in one of its beautiful courtyards. By the way, you won't be alone in the yard, as there are a lot of cats to keep you company. If you don't believe me then you can take a look at the the association that cares for them, Universigats.

I am sure that with all of the possibilities you will find what you are looking for. If you have any doubts, you can always take a look at it's official website, or read what other students have wrote about their experience.

Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)

What do you like more, engineering, architecture or sciences? Barcelona is your city. UPC came second in a ranking of universities in Spain in 2018. It is not only highlighted at a national level but it is even among the leading universities in Europe.

There are few universities that offer these degrees to such a high quality. I wouldn't think twice about studying something in this field!

Engineering and sciences may not be your thing, but this university offers more. In fact, it is one of the best universities for studying design in Barcelona, where you can develop your art and creativity and learn to use the best technology for design.

Not all of it's campuses are in Barcelona city, there are are some located in nearby cities. You can take a look at all of its schools, faculties and where they are located on it's official website.

Remember that Barcelona is very well connected and it will be difficult to choose between all the options. The location will not be a problem!

In addition, not only will you have the certainty that you will receive the best education, but you will also be able to test all your skills thanks to the great research that the do at UPC. You will want to be asked what you're studying so you can leave everyone in shock.

If you want to look at the opinion of students of UPC, you can read Ramiro's experience.

Ramon Llull University (URL)

All that I have mentioned until now are the best public universities in Barcelona, which, as you can see, are also the best public universities in Spain.

However, you could be looking for something more exclusive, so I will also talk about one of the best private universities in Barcelona. The quality of the Catalan education system is remarkable, since URL is also one of the best private universities in Spain.

You will get a quality and very personal education, since the groups are smaller and the teachers are very attentive. This university is made up of 11 prestigious institutions, which are not only recognised nationally, but also internationally, such as La Salle or the Superior School of Business Administration and Management.

As well as being the best university in Barcelona to study Business Administration and Management, it is also one of the best universities in Barcelona to study Law.

You can take a look at it's official website or read Júlia's experience to find out more about URL.

All of the universities have something in common that makes them an amazing option: the city of Barcelona. It doesn't matter if you spend one semester there or four years: you will never have enough time to see everything that it offers. It is a beautiful city that is full of art and culture, with a thousand things to do.

Don't know where to start? I advise that you take a look at this article about what to do for a weekend in Barcelona.

And if what you want is to broaden your horizons, take a look at the best universities in the world.

Don't forget!

If you're looking for accommodation, we can help you out. Erasmusu offers hundreds of options to choose from, between rooms in a shared flat, studios, university halls and apartments for all of Barcelona so that you can find the perfect home before you even arrive in the city.

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