Erasmus guide University of Barcelona
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
Snapshot
Historic, broad, and deeply tied to the city: a strong choice for exchange students who want Barcelona's full cultural and academic mix in a major public university.
Why students shortlist it
Spain's most comprehensive research university and historically the country's best, with a beautiful modernist campus in Barcelona's Eixample district. Strong in sciences, humanities, pharmacy, and law — with Barcelona's unrivalled lifestyle.
Teaching languages: Spanish and Catalan (primary); English growing in sciences and social sciences
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. A minimum GPA is usually required (typically 2.5–3.0/4.0 or equivalent). Spanish language proficiency (B1–B2) required for Spanish-taught programmes; English B2 for English-taught. Check agreement specifics with your home university.
Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination the host university sends the application package. Self-applications not accepted.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty-specific; check with the exact UB faculty after nomination | The host faculty's international office confirms the live process and timing |
Arrival Checklist
- Register at the university's International Office and collect student card
- If non-EU: apply for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at local police station within 30 days
- Register for courses via the online academic portal
- Set up institutional email and intranet access
- Attend mandatory international student orientation
- Open a Spanish bank account (recommended: BBVA or CaixaBank for students)
Academics
Course Registration
Course access depends heavily on the host faculty, so exchange students should confirm language, timetable fit, and campus location before finalising a study plan.
Credit System
ECTS-based. Mixing courses across far-apart UB sites can create commuting friction in Barcelona.
Grading System
Spain uses a 0–10 numerical scale. Pass mark is 5. Grade categories: Suspenso (0–4.9), Aprobado (5–6.9), Notable (7–8.9), Sobresaliente (9–10), Matrícula de Honor (10, awarded to top 5% only). Official transcript with ECTS grade equivalencies issued by international office upon departure.
Exam Culture
Mix of written exams and continuous assessment (participación, trabajos, parciales). Exam periods at end of each semester. Many courses include mid-semester partial exams (parciales). Attendance may be compulsory — check each course syllabus.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80) | Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 2,000–4,000/year | Catalonia: ~€33/credit × 60 = ~€2,000/year Grado, Masters ~€50–65/credit. Non-EU same as EU. UB is Catalonia's oldest and largest university — strong in medi… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80)
Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st…
EUR 2,000–4,000/year
Catalonia: ~€33/credit × 60 = ~€2,000/year Grado, Masters ~€50–65/credit. Non-EU same as EU. UB is Catalonia's oldest and largest university — strong in medi…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible public-care access for eligible EU students
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private international student insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Language and cultural support
Catalan and local-culture activities that help exchange students settle into the real academic context.
Student Services (UB)
University of Barcelona student services: student support, financial aid, library, sports (100,000 m² facilities), languages, disability support, and career services.
Student Support Service (SAE)
UB SAE: information, guidance, and support for student life — from sports to voluntary initiatives, Catalan language classes, language learning, and grant applications.
Services for Exchange Students (UB)
UB services specifically for incoming exchange students: student insurance, virtual campus, sports, libraries, careers, and language school information.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UB student life is broad, but exchange students benefit most from combining faculty-level activities with citywide groups.
Buddy Program
The reception programme and exchange portal are the main official newcomer routes.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport and city sport options spread across multiple sites
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Barcelona UB - the clearest public Erasmus community for UB students, with welcome events, trips, and social plans.
UB reception programme and language-exchange activities - the most official campus-linked route for meeting other incoming students and practicing local languages.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm which UB faculty and campus you are actually attached to.
- Join ESN Barcelona UB in your first week.
- Double-check course languages before you lock your final timetable.
- Choose housing with commute reality in mind, not just neighborhood aesthetics.
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Typically April–May for Fall intake
Check official exchange office after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Typically October–November for Spring intake
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.