Where to Study | Courses, Universities, and Language Schools

Studying in Barcelona is one of the most effective ways to build a social life, develop new skills, and invest in your long-term future in the city. Whether you are an expat, international student, or digital nomad, enrolling in a course can help you integrate faster and feel more at home.

From language schools and creative courses to MBAs and Master’s programmes, Barcelona offers a wide range of study options taught in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

Why studying in Barcelona helps you settle in faster

Choosing to study in Barcelona gives structure to life in a new city. It creates routine, introduces you to people with shared interests, and helps you form meaningful connections within the local community.

You might be looking to take an art or photography course, study design, enrol in cooking classes, or commit to a full Master’s programme. Whatever your plans, it is worth researching beyond course websites. Speaking with former students can provide valuable insight into teaching quality, workload, and career outcomes.

Barcelona has many universities and private centres offering programmes in English, which attracts both international and local students. If you plan to study in Spanish or Catalan, starting with an intensive language course is often the best first step.

Avoiding isolation as an expat or digital nomad

If you are a digital nomad living in Barcelona, studying may not feel essential at first. However, working remotely from home can quickly become isolating.

Before settling into apartment-based work, consider how you will meet people. Co-working spaces, evening courses, fitness classes, or intensive language programmes are all effective ways to build a social network. These environments help you connect with other newcomers as well as people who are already established in the city.

Language courses in Barcelona

Learning Spanish or Catalan is one of the best investments you can make when living in Barcelona.

The city offers several options:

• Intensive Spanish and Catalan courses at public language schools.

• University language programmes for international students, especially useful before starting a Master’s degree.

• Private language schools offering Spanish courses for foreigners.

• Other language courses, which are a relaxed way to meet locals.

Language study not only improves daily life but also expands academic and professional opportunities.

Art, photography, and design courses in Barcelona

Art courses in Barcelona

Barcelona is a popular destination for art students from around the world. Several academies offer fine art training taught in English, alongside traditional courses delivered in Spanish or Catalan.

These programmes often focus on classical techniques, direct observation, and the study of historical masters, making them appealing to students seeking structured, studio-based learning. 

Have a look at https://www.academyofartbarcelona.com/en/contact-us/ and https://www.santlluc.cat/

Photography courses in Barcelona

If photography is your passion, Barcelona is an endlessly inspiring city. Its streets, architecture, and light provide constant creative stimulus.

The city is home to well-established photography schools offering beginner to advanced courses, many of which are recommended by working professionals.

Have a look at:

• https://aleksandradynasphoto.com/

Design schools in Barcelona

Barcelona has a strong international reputation for design education. The city’s design schools attract students interested in graphic design, product design, engineering, and strategic innovation.

Several institutions offer English-taught Master’s programmes that combine creative thinking with technology and business.

Have a look at:

• https://www.grisart.com/en/

• https://www.elisava.net/en/

• https://www.kaospilot.dk/master-in-barcelona/ 

MBAs and Master’s programmes in Barcelona

MBA programmes

Barcelona is one of Europe’s leading destinations for MBA studies. The city is home to globally recognised business schools, alongside a wide selection of executive, part-time, and full-time MBA programmes.

These programmes attract an international student body and offer strong career networking opportunities.

Master’s degrees and postgraduate study

Beyond MBAs, Barcelona’s universities offer a wide range of Master’s and postgraduate degrees in fields such as business, technology, design, social sciences, and health.

While many programmes are taught in Spanish or Catalan, there is a growing number of English-taught options. For long-term residents, studying in Spanish can be a strategic goal that improves integration and career prospects.

This overview does not cover every university or course available, but it should help narrow your search and identify relevant programmes.

• UPF – Postgraduate courses at Barcelona School of Management

• UPF – Masters and Postgraduate courses – All Faculties

• UIC – Masters and postgraduate programs offered in English

• EAE – Masters programs

• UPC – Public university specialised in technology

• UB – Range of masters and postgraduate degrees

Summer courses and short programmes

Many universities in Barcelona offer summer courses and short programmes. These are an excellent way to experience academic life in the city over a few weeks and decide whether you would like to return for longer-term study.

For many students, a summer programme becomes the first step toward a more permanent move to Barcelona.