The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) has specific language requirements for international students, depending on the program and level of study. Since many programs are taught in Spanish, Catalan, and some in English, students are generally required to demonstrate proficiency in one or more of these languages.

Here’s a breakdown of the typical language requirements at UB:

1. Undergraduate Programs

• Spanish and Catalan are the primary languages of instruction for most undergraduate programs.
• Language Proficiency:
  • Applicants should typically demonstrate a B2 level of proficiency in Spanish (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CEFR).
  • Catalan is also widely used, but knowledge of Catalan is not always mandatory. However, students are encouraged to learn Catalan after enrolling, as the university offers free Catalan courses.
• Proof of Spanish Proficiency:
  • DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language): A B2 level certificate is usually required.
  • SIELE (International Spanish Language Evaluation Service): Another accepted proficiency test.
  • Applicants from Spanish-speaking countries or students who completed their prior education in Spanish may be exempt from providing language proof.

2. Graduate and Master’s Programs

• Graduate programs are offered in Spanish, Catalan, and increasingly, English. The language of instruction for each program is typically specified in the program details.
• Spanish or Catalan:
  • Similar to undergraduate programs, a B2 level in Spanish is often required for programs taught in Spanish.
  • Some graduate programs also offer courses in Catalan, though Spanish proficiency is usually more emphasized.
• English Programs:
  • Many graduate programs, especially those with an international focus (like business, economics, and some sciences), are offered entirely or partially in English.
  • For programs taught in English, students are usually required to demonstrate an English proficiency of B2 or higher, depending on the program.
• Proof of English Proficiency:
  • TOEFL: A minimum score of around 80-90 (Internet-based).
  • IELTS: A score of 6.0-6.5 or higher.
  • Cambridge English: Certificates like the First Certificate (FCE) or higher.
  • Applicants from English-speaking countries or students who completed previous studies in English may be exempt.

3. Doctoral Programs

• Language requirements for PhD programs vary depending on the field of study and the language of the dissertation. Some PhD programs are conducted in Spanish, Catalan, or English, or a combination of languages.
• Proficiency requirements depend on the specific program and the language of instruction. For PhD programs in English, candidates are typically required to provide proof of C1-level proficiency in English.
• Language of the research publications and thesis submission may also dictate the language proficiency needed.

4. Free Language Support

• UB offers language courses to help international students adapt:
  • Spanish and Catalan courses: Available at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. These courses are often free or heavily subsidized for international students.
  • Language exchange programs: UB has a language exchange program where students can practice their language skills by interacting with native speakers.

5. Erasmus and Exchange Students

• For exchange students, especially those coming through the Erasmus program, language requirements can be flexible depending on the specific agreement between UB and the home university.
• Many programs provide courses in English to accommodate exchange students, but knowledge of Spanish or Catalan is recommended for day-to-day life in Barcelona.

6. Special Cases

• Some programs have bilingual tracks, where students can take courses in both Spanish and English, or Spanish and Catalan. In such cases, students must meet the language requirements for both languages.

Summary of Language Requirements:

1. Undergraduate Programs:
   • Spanish (B2) and/or Catalan proficiency, with an emphasis on Spanish.
   • DELE or SIELE certificates may be required.
2. Graduate/Master’s Programs:
   • Programs in Spanish/Catalan require B2-level proficiency in Spanish.
   • Programs in English require B2-level proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS scores).
3. Doctoral Programs:
   • Vary by program; some require C1-level proficiency in English or Spanish.
4. Language Support:
   • UB offers free or low-cost Spanish and Catalan courses to help international students improve their proficiency.

Application procedure

The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) offers a wide range of courses and specializations across various fields of study. It is one of Spain’s leading universities, known for its strong emphasis on research and its comprehensive selection of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Here’s an overview of some of its key course specialities by faculty:

1. Faculty of Economics and Business

• Specialities:
  • Economics
  • Business Administration and Management
  • International Business
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Marketing
• Notable Programs: UB’s Master in Economics and Master in International Business are among the most popular and internationally recognized programs in the business field.

2. Faculty of Law

• Specialities:
  • Law
  • Criminology
  • Labour Relations
  • Public Law
  • International Law
  • Human Rights
• Notable Programs: The Master's in International Law and Globalization and Master’s in Human Rights are standout programs that attract both local and international students.

3. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• Specialities:
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Public Health
  • Clinical Psychology
• Notable Programs: UB is renowned for its Medicine and Pharmacy programs, consistently ranked among the top in Spain and Europe. It also offers a Master in Public Health in collaboration with other prestigious institutions.

4. Faculty of Science and Engineering

• Specialities:
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Geology
  • Computer Science
• Notable Programs: The Physics and Chemistry programs at UB are internationally recognized for their excellence in research and education. UB’s Master in Environmental Engineering is also highly regarded.

5. Faculty of Psychology

• Specialities:
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Work and Organizational Psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Science
• Notable Programs: The Master in Clinical and Health Psychology and Master in Neurosciences are standout programs in this faculty, reflecting UB’s strength in psychological research.

6. Faculty of Fine Arts

• Specialities:
  • Fine Arts
  • Design
  • Conservation and Restoration
  • Art History
• Notable Programs: UB’s Fine Arts program is among the most prestigious in Spain, with a strong emphasis on both creative practice and art theory.

7. Faculty of Philology and Communication

• Specialities:
  • Spanish Language and Literature
  • English Studies
  • Catalan Studies
  • Classical Philology
  • Linguistics
  • Communication and Journalism
• Notable Programs: UB is well-known for its Spanish and Catalan Studies, as well as its programs in Communication and Media Studies.

8. Faculty of Education

• Specialities:
  • Primary Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Educational Technology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Special Education
• Notable Programs: The Master’s in Educational Psychology and Master’s in Educational Technology are particularly renowned for their focus on modern teaching methodologies and educational innovation.

9. Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science

• Specialities:
  • Pharmacy
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Food Science and Technology
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Notable Programs: UB’s Pharmacy program is one of the best in Spain, offering cutting-edge research opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology.

10. Faculty of Earth Sciences

• Specialities:
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Meteorology
  • Environmental Geology
  • Hydrology
• Notable Programs: UB’s Geology program is highly respected, with specializations in hydrology, earthquakes, and environmental geosciences.

11. Faculty of History and Archaeology

• Specialities:
  • History
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Cultural Heritage Management
• Notable Programs: UB has a strong reputation for Archaeology and Art History, with significant contributions to the study of Mediterranean civilizations and cultural heritage.

12. Faculty of Geography

• Specialities:
  • Human Geography
  • Urban Studies
  • Spatial Planning
  • Environmental Geography
• Notable Programs: The Master in Territorial Planning and Management and Master in Urban Studies are highly recognized, with a focus on sustainable development and environmental impact.

13. Faculty of Chemistry

• Specialities:
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
• Notable Programs: UB’s Master in Analytical Chemistry and Master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are among the most advanced in Europe.

14. Faculty of Information and Audiovisual Media

• Specialities:
  • Library and Information Science
  • Audiovisual Communication
  • Journalism
  • Digital Content Management
• Notable Programs: UB’s Master in Digital Content Management is a leading program that prepares students for the evolving digital landscape in media and communication.

Research - University of Barcelona

Bachelor's degrees - Studies portal - University of Barcelona

Scholarships and study grants

International student help

Jobs - University of Barcelona

The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) is home to many renowned professors who have made significant contributions in their fields of study. These faculty members are recognized both nationally and internationally for their research, publications, and influence. Here are some of the top professors at UB across different disciplines:

1. Prof. Joan Ramon Resina

• Field: Comparative Literature and Iberian Studies
• Department: Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
• Notable Contributions:
  • A leading scholar in Catalan Studies and Comparative Literature.
  • His research focuses on cultural memory, nationalism, and the relationship between literature and urban space, particularly in the context of Barcelona and Catalonia.
  • Widely published, he has written several influential books and articles on Catalan identity and culture.

2. Prof. Ramón y Cajal

• Field: Medicine and Neuroscience
• Department: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Notable Contributions:
  • One of the leading researchers in neuroscience at UB, contributing significantly to studies on neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Has received multiple research grants and awards for his work on brain function and the cellular mechanisms of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
  • Publishes in top-tier neuroscience journals and frequently collaborates with international research institutes.

3. Prof. Carme Torras

• Field: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Department: Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics
• Notable Contributions:
  • A pioneer in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, particularly known for her work on assistive robots for the elderly and disabled.
  • She is a member of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona and has been awarded numerous accolades for her contributions to AI research.
  • Prof. Torras has authored several books and is a key figure in European robotics research initiatives.

4. Prof. Marta Soler Gallart

• Field: Sociology and Education
• Department: Department of Sociology
• Notable Contributions:
  • An influential sociologist known for her research on education, social inclusion, and inequality.
  • She is particularly recognized for her work on dialogic learning and how it can reduce educational inequalities.
  • She has collaborated with the European Union on various educational projects and has written extensively on social inclusion practices in schools.

5. Prof. Fernando Albericio

• Field: Chemistry and Biomedicine
• Department: Faculty of Chemistry
• Notable Contributions:
  • A world-renowned expert in organic chemistry and peptide synthesis, with applications in drug development.
  • He is the former director of the Barcelona Science Park, a hub for scientific research and innovation.
  • Has authored over 600 research articles and holds numerous patents related to drug synthesis, making significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry.

6. Prof. Jordi Alberch

• Field: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology
• Department: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Notable Contributions:
  • A leading researcher in the field of neuropharmacology, focusing on Huntington’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
  • He is the coordinator of several European research projects on neurological diseases and has received multiple awards for his contributions to neuroscience.
  • Prof. Alberch's research has had a significant impact on understanding and developing therapies for brain diseases.

7. Prof. Maria Teresa Etxebarria

• Field: Environmental Chemistry
• Department: Department of Analytical Chemistry
• Notable Contributions:
  • Specializes in environmental pollution and the analysis of contaminants in water, air, and soil.
  • Her work has been pivotal in understanding the impact of human activities on the environment, particularly in urban areas.
  • She has published extensively and is involved in numerous international environmental projects.

8. Prof. Xavier Sala-i-Martin

• Field: Economics
• Department: Faculty of Economics and Business
• Notable Contributions:
  • A highly influential economist, known for his work in economic development, inequality, and globalization.
  • He has served as a professor at both UB and Columbia University and is a prominent voice in international economic policy debates.
  • Prof. Sala-i-Martin is also well-known for his involvement with the World Economic Forum, particularly for the Global Competitiveness Report.

9. Prof. Laura Rius

• Field: Philosophy
• Department: Department of Philosophy
• Notable Contributions:
  • A leading scholar in ethics and moral philosophy, with a particular focus on bioethics and philosophy of medicine.
  • She has written extensively on the ethical implications of advances in biotechnology and healthcare.
  • Prof. Rius is involved in various ethics committees and has contributed to policy development at national and international levels.

10. Prof. Manuel Castells

• Field: Sociology
• Department: Faculty of Sociology
• Notable Contributions:
  • Known for his groundbreaking work on the information society, urban sociology, and the role of technology in societal change.
  • His book, "The Information Age: Economy, Society, and Culture", is a seminal work that has been translated into numerous languages.
  • Prof. Castells is a leading authority on the effects of the digital revolution on society and is often invited to speak at global forums on technology and society.

The Universitat de Barcelona (UB) has a long history of academic excellence and research, but while the university itself does not have a Nobel Prize attributed directly to its name, it is associated with notable Nobel laureates through its alumni and faculty.

Here are some key individuals connected to UB who have received the Nobel Prize:

1. Santiago Ramón y Cajal (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1906)

• Field: Neuroscience
• Connection to UB: Santiago Ramón y Cajal is one of the most famous alumni of UB. He studied medicine at the university and went on to become one of the founding figures of modern neuroscience.
• Contribution: He won the Nobel Prize for his pioneering work on the structure of the nervous system, particularly for discovering the individual structure of nerve cells (neurons) and formulating the Neuron Doctrine, which revolutionized the understanding of the brain and nervous system.
• He is often referred to as the father of modern neuroscience.

2. Joan Oró (Nobel-Prize-Nominated Scientist)

• Field: Biochemistry
• Connection to UB: Joan Oró studied chemistry at UB before becoming a leading biochemist, contributing significantly to the field of astrobiology and the study of the origin of life.
• Contribution: While he did not win the Nobel Prize, he was considered for it due to his research on the synthesis of amino acids and other essential biomolecules, which had a profound impact on understanding the chemical evolution of life on Earth.

3. Other Nobel Laureates Connected to Barcelona:

While not directly linked to UB, several Nobel laureates have strong ties to the city of Barcelona, where UB plays a central academic role:

• Severo Ochoa (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1959) was a Spanish-American physician and biochemist who studied in Spain and contributed to the study of RNA synthesis. While he didn’t attend UB, his research influenced many institutions in Spain.