Erasmus guide University of Barcelona
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain.
Study abroad at University of Barcelona: overview
Study abroad at University of Barcelona makes sense when the academic fit is stronger than the destination brand alone and you are honest about everyday logistics. The University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona — UB) is the oldest and largest university in Catalonia, founded in 1450, with over 60,000 students. Useful proof points: 60,000 students; Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.; Law, Economics and Business, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics). Before choosing, confirm teaching language, faculty seats and housing near the campus.
Enrollment
60,000 students
International Mix
Visible international community; confirm the current figure before making decisions.
Why students choose it
Best for students who want Law, Economics and Business, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) and are willing to check language, seats and campus rules before choosing. In barcelona, housing and the daily route matter as much as reputation.
Language of instruction: Spanish and Catalan (primary); English growing in sciences and social sciences
Exchange & application at University of Barcelona
Start with home-university nomination, then application, Learning Agreement, insurance and course approval. At University of Barcelona, rules can sit at faculty level, so do not promise yourself courses before they are validated.
✅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.
🧭Orientation Week
Events hub: https://web.ub.edu/web/ub/
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 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 & courses at University of Barcelona
Academics combine ECTS credits, exam calendars and faculty-level rules. Check prerequisites, the real teaching language of each course and whether course lists can change before enrolment.
📝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.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at University of Barcelona
For exchange, separate home tuition, local admin fees, insurance and living costs. Full-degree tuition is a different category and must be checked on the official fee page.
| 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 – all students | 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… |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Check official fee page | Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page. |
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…
Check official fee page
Full-degree fees depend on programme, credits and region; do not mix them with exchange status.
Check official fee page
Non-EU/EEA students can face different programme rules; verify the official page.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at University of Barcelona
Housing near University of Barcelona should move in parallel with the application. Compare residence, private room, transport route and contract terms before arrival.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Barcelona
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at University of Barcelona
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, library, wellbeing services and student groups from week one. Asking early prevents small admin mistakes from becoming blockers.
🛡️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 at University of Barcelona
Student life depends on repeatable routines: associations, sport, ESN or faculty groups. Do not wait for the campus to do all the work; join repeated channels early.
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 & 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 exchange dates at University of Barcelona
The critical dates are nomination, application, fee or registration steps, course selection, housing, arrival and exams. Keep resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Typically April–May for Fall intake
Check official exchange office after home institution nominates.
-
2
Spring nomination & application
Typically October–November for Spring intake
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
-
3
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.