Every year, 20,000 international students come to Barcelona to study. Why's this city the top choice for students to spend their Erasmus programme, full-time studies or language schools?

Follow our 10 reasons why you should study in Barcelona and chances are you'll be packing your bags in no time. Promise, you won't regret the decision.

1. Barcelona is the most popular student city in Spain

With its sunny sandy beach blended with urban flair, Madrid can't compete with the Catalan capital for students. Year after year, Barcelona ranks as the top student city in Spain. It's also one of the best cities to live in Spain!

According to QS Best Student Cities 2023, Barcelona scores 31st in an international comparison with 120 other cities, just behind Singapore.

2. Choose between 7 top-notch universities

Barcelona's home to seven universities and opens the doors to hundreds of Bachelor and Master programs for (international) students. What's better, most programmes are taught in English. It couldn't be easier for internationals!

For ambitious students, Barcelona boasts of Spain's top universities! The University of Barcelona (UB) and Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona make it into the global top 200 of the QS World University Rankings every year.

The Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, ESADE Business & Law School or IESE Business School share a strong standing.

3. Living in Barcelona costs less than the European average

Being a student means turning over every penny. Your go-to supermarket's the discounters and your student card gets you one discount after another. Right?

The good news's that in Barcelona, students live comfortably on their limited student budget without having to cut back.

Compared to other major European cities, the cost of living in the Barcelona is 18.2% lower than in London.

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Expect a cost of living in Barcelona of around €776 (excl. rent).

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What's best, studying in Spain won't leave you trapped in debt like the tuition fees do in the UK.

4. With a bit of luck, you can study for free

Countless scholarships open the doors to the seven universities every year, for free!

The CEU San Pablo Foundation creates opportunities for undergraduate students to receive a scholarship through the CEU Merit Program. This means that they cover 100% of the tuition fees and renew the scholarship every year (if you meet the requirements).

5. Immerse yourself in the international hotspot for students

Every year, 20,000 international students mingle with Barcelona's 188,000 students. More than 5,000 international students are in Masters or Postgraduate programmes. Another 2,000 doctoral programmes spread across seven universities.

As you can see, nations from all over the world come together in Barcelona to form a large international network. In the Catalan capital, you will always find connections in the expat circle or immerse yourself in the student life of the Spanish people.

6. Living la vida loca

Boredom's a stranger in Barcelona. The vibrant metropolis's a magnet for events and attractions with its cultural diversity and international flair. The nightlife's bustling, and during the day you can feast on mouth-watering tapas.

What's even better: as an international, you don't have to compromise your quality of life despite language barriers. In the international bars and restaurants, you can mingle with the crowd and strike up a conversation with everyone. Even in supermarkets, someone will always help you in English.

7. Create your student-beach-balance

Studying in Barcelona means moving your workplace from the library to the chiringuitos (beach bars).

The urban beach becomes your second living room, a place where you can meet friends after class, clear your head with a run or do yoga at sunset.

8. Savour good weather all year round

Year-round sun-kissed skin and merienda on a terrace. In Barcelona, you have sun and warm weather almost all year round.

From March to November, you can do your sports activities on the beach without fear of rain or cold. And from March, the first terraces open so you can taste tapas outdoors.

When it's 28 degrees in July and August, the beach becomes your permanent go-to place.

9. Beyond a place to study

All student cities have one common characteristic: they last for one period of your life, namely your student days. Yet in Barcelona, you can make a seamless transition from your studies to the working world.

Barcelona offers entrepreneurs, freelancers and startup enthusiasts a stepping stone to their first job.

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With 1,197 startups, Barcelona's emerging as an innovative hub in Europe.

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10. Discover the cultural diversity of Catalonia

In the Catalan capital, you will find a cultural contrast that you won't find in any other Spanish city. The variety of the autonomous region in Spain runs through the language, culture and food.

Ready to study in Barcelona? Don't forget to explore student-friendly accommodation in Barcelona in advance of your arrival so you can have a stress-free start to the next chapter of your life.

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