How to Study Abroad in Barcelona: 2025 Guide

Studying abroad in Barcelona is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students looking for both academic advancement and a culturally enriching experience.

In this guide, we will cover popular questions and topics about studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. From what to think about when finding an academic program to visa applications and adapting to life in this incredible city.

Whether you're still trying to decide if studying abroad in Barcelona is right for you or you've already started the process and are looking for more information, you'll find helpful info here.

?? Please note: The information in this article is for US citizens studying abroad in Barcelona.

How to study abroad in Barcelona

Before you begin your journey, it's really important to get a feel for the logistics. Regardless of the who, what, where, when, why, and how, there are steps that you will generally need to go through to set the process into motion.

Typically, students looking to study abroad in Barcelona need to:

• Find a university program (or other qualifying program) in Barcelona.
• Ensure they meet the minimum admission requirements of the university/program.
• Find out whether or not they need a Spanish long stay visa.
• Find out whether or not they meet the minimum qualifications for a long stay visa.
• Apply for admission to the University/program in Barcelona.
• Apply for a Spanish long stay visa.
• Move to Spain!

Let's take a look at some of these steps in more depth, starting with the first.

How to find a university in Barcelona

To study abroad in Barcelona, it's important to select an academic program that aligns with your academic and career goals.

Because the program you choose is in Barcelona, it's also important to make sure that the language the course is taught in is a language that you have proven proficiency in, whether that's English or Spanish.

Some programs may only be offered in one language or the other.

If you're studying abroad by way of your current university in the States, they will be able to show you which schools they partner with and which programs are available. This can make the process of finding your program much easier as you can work with a counselor/advisor.

If you're not currently enrolled in a university or don't want to go through your university's exchange program, there are also third-party agencies that offer programs. Keep in mind that their services may involve additional fees.

It's also possible to find a university or program entirely on your own. Make sure you pay attention to all of the details when you do this, like whether or not the university accepts international candidates and if the credits transfer.

University minimum requirements in Barcelona

Like universities in the US, universities in Barcelona may have minimum requirements for admission.

Requirements can include things like area of study, whether or not you have a degree already and where it's from, GPA, and language proficiency.

Make sure you understand what the admission requirements are and that you can meet them.

Do you need a long stay visa to study in Barcelona?

Whether or not you need a long stay visa to study abroad in Barcelona depends on four key factors (they must all apply to you).

• Your nationality. If you are NOT an EU/Schengen country citizen, you most likely need a long stay visa.
• Program length. You're studying in Spain for more than 90 days.
• Enrollment. You have received an acceptance letter for an academic program in Barcelona.
• Visa qualifications. You meet the visa qualifications.

If all of these statements are true, you likely need a long stay visa for Spain.

What are the visa qualifications?

The official Spanish Embassy website clearly states that applying for a long stay visa has a number of key requirements, including:

• Acceptance. To apply for a long stay visa for Spain, you have to have a valid acceptance letter from a Barcelonian (Catalan) educational institution.
• Enrollment. You must be enrolled as a full-time student, which means a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Financial means. You have to be able to prove that you can financially provide for yourself during the length of your entire stay.

While these are three key requirements for your visa application, there are other documents that you will have to show when you apply. This includes a valid passport that meets specific requirements, proof of health insurance, and more.

We've written a complementary guide all about study abroad visas in Spain that can give you more details about the application process.

Apply for admission

If you're studying abroad through your current university or a third party program, they may handle some of the logistics for you. Make sure you check with them about how they normally facilitate the process and what is expected of you ahead of time.

Regardless, it's important to choose a program that:

• Appeals to you and supports your professional goals.
• Is conducted in a language you're proficient in.
• Has minimum requirements that you're able to meet.

Remember: You need to apply for admission before you begin the visa application process! It's mandatory.

Apply for your visa for Spain

Finally, once you've chosen a program and have received an acceptance letter, congratulations are in order! While you've passed a significant milestone, it's now time for the official visa process to begin.

When applying for a visa to study abroad for a year in Barcelona, the process is as follows:

• Make sure you understand the visa requirements and which documents you will need to include in your application.
• Collect all of the necessary documents in the requested formats. For example, original physicals and photocopies, or notaries.
• Schedule an in-person visa appointment. Currently, students must attend an in-person visa appointment in order to apply. This appointment needs to take place in your country of residence at the appropriate partnering visa application center. In the states, that is BLS. There are multiple BLS locations in the States, but you may have to travel across state lines to go to the one that serves your region. More information about this can be found on BLS's official website as well as the Spanish Embassy's.
• Attend your in-person appointment. At this appointment, bring ALL of the required documents in the requested formats. Here, a visa officer will go through your file to make sure that it is complete. They will also take your biometrics (fingerprints). At the appointment, you will pay your visa/service fees and your completed application will be forwarded for decision making.

Tips for moving to Barcelona

Barcelona is famous for its blend of modern urban life and old-world charm.

Celebrated for stunning architecture, its alluring Mediterranean climate, and a dynamic cultural scene that blends Spanish and Catalan influences, it's a popular destination for students around the world.

As you're gearing up for the big move, keep in mind that while your academics are a huge priority, adapting to daily life in a new environment is equally as important to your success and happiness.

The language

Official advice from Spanish embassies recommends familiarizing yourself with Spanish and Catalan if you haven't already done so.

While English is spoken in tourist areas, having a basic understanding of Spanish—or even Catalan—can enhance your experience and make it a little bit easier to adjust to a new city.

Learning a few key phrases, as well as the local cultural norms, can help you move through your day more easily, whether that's on the metro, grabbing a drink at the bar, or grocery shopping.

Safety

Another important thing to be aware of when it comes to Barcelona is its high rate of pickpocketing. While Barcelona is considered a safe city, pickpocketing is a big issue there. Make sure you never keep your valuables in your pockets and that you use a secure, cross-body bag (that you keep at your chest).

Pickpockets are extremely skilled in Barcelona. So much so that you may not even realize you have been pickpocketed until the next time you go to use your phone or wallet.

Daily life

You'll probably quickly find that daily life has a different flow than it does back home in the States. The day starts later. Dinner is late. Restaurants close between lunch and dinner, and your waiter doesn't check on you.

These are all completely normal to the Spanish way of life. Embracing these differences and doing your best to adapt to them will help you immerse yourself into the entire experience.