University and higher studies
University studies
The local university system offers high-quality teaching, with an international focus that includes degrees offered in collaboration with other universities.
All qualifications are regulated by the European Credit Transfer System, which guarantees the harmonisation of university qualifications and student mobility.
There are five state universities in the Barcelona area :
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
- University of Barcelona (UB)
- Open University of Catalonia (UOC)
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF)
In addition, there are also four private universities:
- Abat Oliba University, CEU
- International University of Catalonia (UIC)
- University of Ramon Llull (URL)
- University of Vic (UVic-UCC)
You can visit their websites to find out their admission requirements and academic programmes.
And, should you need help, you can visit the Barcelona University Centre (BCU), an official welcome and support service for university students, lecturers and researchers who come to Barcelona.
For further information on higher education in Catalonia, visit the Catalan regional government's Study in Catalonia website.
Further information on studying and researching in Barcelona.
Recognition and validation of studies
When you move to a new city you may have to obtain official recognition of a qualification or certification of studies you have carried out and achieved in another country. The process is called recognition and involves validating a qualification obtained abroad, having compared it with the studies carried out here. This will enable you to continue studying at the following educational level or working in your profession.
There is another process called validation and this refers to recognising the studies carried out in another country, although no qualification has been obtained. This allows students to complete the courses to obtain their qualification.