Quick Summary
Situated in Barcelona, Spain, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona is a public established in 1968. Ranked #175 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 37166 students including 14% from outside Spain. Known for strengths in Veterinary Science, Archaeology, Arts & Humanities, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UAB offers a high-ranking international environment with a centralized green campus, excellent research opportunities, and proximity to Barcelona.
Subject Strengths
Veterinary ScienceArchaeologyArts & HumanitiesSociologyGeographyEconomicsEducation
Founded1968
TypePublic
Total Students37166
Intl Students14%
Faculty Ratio12.8
CampusSuburban / Campus-based
Campus Size263 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Hospital de Sabadell
AccreditationMinistry of Universities of Spain, AQU Catalunya
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#175
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#201-250
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#201-300
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degrees, and lifelong learning courses
Programs
68
PhD Programs
Broad selection of MOOCs and specific online Master's and Graduate diplomas
Online Programs
UAB Research Park (PRUAB), Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Universities of Spain, AQU Catalunya
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPANot Available
GRENot mandatory for most programs (optional for some specialized Masters)
GMATNot mandatory (optional for Business programs)
SATNot required (Spanish PAU/EBAU system or UNEDasiss for international students)
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July (General undergraduate), May-June (Masters)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November (Limited programs)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For international undergraduates, processing credentials via UNEDasiss is crucial. For Master's, focus on a strong research proposal and CV.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€2,500/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€4,000/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$33
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€13,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableUAB Solidarity Foundation, Santander Scholarships, Erasmus+, MAEC-AECID, Collaboration Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidSpanish Ministry of Education grants, AGAUR grants (Catalonia)
Work-StudyAvailable through collaboration grants in departments and university services
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degrees, and lifelong learning courses programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Veterinary Medicine | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| International Relations | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Nanotechnology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$32,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with the local business hub in Barcelona and Vallès, with over 3,000 agreements
Industry Connections
UAB Research Park integrates over 50 research institutes and companies
Notable Alumni
Pere Aragonès (President of Catalonia), Joan Laporta (President of FC Barcelona), Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría (Former Deputy PM of Spain)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, Vila Universitària (On-campus housing)
Sports Facilities
UAB Physical Activity Service (SAF) includes pools, gym, football pitches, and indoor courts
Student Clubs
Over 50 student organizations covering culture, politics, sports, and science
Library Resources
9 specialized libraries with over 1 million volumes and extensive digital repository
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, UAB Exchange Programme, SICUE (Spain)
Summer Programs
UAB Barcelona Summer School (offering various credit-bearing courses in English)