Quick Summary
Situated in Barcelona, Spain, University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona) is a public established in 1450. Ranked #165 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 72000 students including 15% from outside Spain. Known for strengths in Anatomy & Physiology, Library & Information Management, Philosophy, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the highest-ranked university in Spain, offering world-class research opportunities in the heart of one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
Subject Strengths
Anatomy & PhysiologyLibrary & Information ManagementPhilosophyArchaeologyPharmacy & PharmacologyMedicinePsychology
Founded1450
TypePublic
Total Students72000
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio12
CampusUrban / City-integrated
Campus SizeMultiple urban sites across the city
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Clínic de Barcelona, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu
AccreditationANECA (Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#165
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#152
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#151
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Postgraduate Diplomas, Lifelong Learning
Programs
48
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
IBUB (Biomedicine), ICCUB (Cosmos), IDIBAPS, Barcelona Science Park (PCB)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ANECA (Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA7.0/10.0 (Scale varies for international equivalent)
GRENot Available
GMATRequired only for specific MBA programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June (International), July (Domestic)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · October / November
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply for credential homologation (UNEDassis) early; ensure proficiency in Spanish or Catalan for undergraduate degrees; focus on research interests for PhD applicants.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€2,100/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€12,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,600/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€16,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, Postgraduate Diplomas, Lifelong Learning programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Psychology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Law | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Business Administration | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Biology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHigh (Strong support through Feina UB)
Industry Connections
Strong links with BiocatBarcelona Science Parkand international technology hubs
Notable Alumni
Lluís Companys, Pau Claris, Gabriel Ferraté, Julio Cortázar (honorary)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Esports UB (Swimming pools, athletics tracks, tennis courts)
Student Clubs
Over 50 associations covering arts, debates, and social activism
Library Resources
CRAI (Learning and Research Resources Centre), 16 libraries, over 2 million volumes
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Global UB, Coimbra Group, LERU
Summer Programs
UB Summer School