International students in Barcelona: faq’s

If you are an international student who is thinking about studying in Barcelona, ​​you may have doubts about how to find accommodation for students. Student residences offer you the opportunity to live with other national and international students, with all services included. Unlike the Major Colleges, in most university residences there are no access requirements, except of course, being a student in Barcelona.

But surely in addition to doubts about where to stay in Barcelona, ​​you have other questions about administrative issues or procedures, scholarships, university operation, etc.

We answer some of the most frequent questions among international students who want to study in Spain.

To access postgraduate studies, do I have to approve or legalize my university degree?

In the case of official masters it is not necessary. The studies can be accessed simply with the previous verification that these studies accredit a level of training equivalent to the official Spanish university degrees. To access the rest of the graduate programs with full rights, you must have a university degree. The university degree must be duly legalized or approved by the Ministry of Education.

In the case of having few credits to finish university studies, a postgraduate program can be accessed. However, the enrollment will be conditioned on obtaining the degree.

Can I work and study with the student visa?

Current legislation allows you to work with a student visa and stay permit for studies in Spain (NIE student), as long as it is not a full-time job and does not interfere with your studies. The UAB International Welcome Point is at your disposal to help you with these procedures.

What is the academic calendar of universities in Spain?

Spanish universities begin academic courses in September-October and end between June and July of the following year. In these 9-10 months of academic year there are two short periods of holiday rest between December-January (Christmas) and between March / April (Holy Week). As a general rule, the academic year is divided into two semesters.

As a foreign student, can I apply for a scholarship or financial aid to finance my studies?

All students enrolled in Spanish universities can apply for general or mobility scholarships offered by the Ministry of Education.

Students from non-EU countries must have a residence card (not studies).

Special scholarships for foreign students must be processed in the country of origin.

We hope we have clarified some of your doubts. Remember that most universities have a student service where they can guide you and help you with all those questions related to your study stay in Spain.