🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain · QS ~150 · Spain's top public university
BA International Relations
Study diplomacy, global politics, and international economics at Spain's top public university — in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. At just €2,500/year, it's one of the most affordable degrees at a world-ranked university.
4 years
Full-time duration
€2,500
Tuition / year (intl.)
Sep 2026
Next intake
B2 Spanish
Language requirement
Overview
✓ Study at Spain's #1 public university(QS ~150)
✓ Tuition just €2,500/year — one of Europe's best value degrees
✓ Learn Spanish — the world's 4th most spoken language — while you study
This degree covers international politics, diplomatic history, international law, global economics, and conflict resolution. You'll study the EU, UN, and international organisations from the heart of one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities.
Graduates enter careers in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, consulting, and global business — with fluency in Spanish as a massive additional asset.
High school diploma — credential evaluation (homologación) required
Language
Spanish B2 (DELE B2 or equivalent) — programme taught in Spanish
Selectividad
PCE/EBAU exam may be required to convert grades
Documents
Apostilled transcripts, passport, language certificate
💡
The credential evaluation process (homologación) can be complex — your counsellor handles the entire process, including the PCE exam preparation.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 International Politics
02 International Law
03 Global Economics
04 Diplomatic History
05 Conflict Resolution
06 EU & International Organisations
After you graduate
Career outcomes
€28,000
Average starting salary in Spain
12-month visa
Post-study job-search permit
Trilingual
Graduate fluent in Arabic, Spanish & English
Global careers
UN, EU, NGOs, diplomacy, consulting
How to apply
Application timeline
September – February
Credential evaluation & prep
Start the homologación process for your high school diploma, take the PCE exam if needed, and prepare your DELE B2. Your counsellor manages the entire credential process.
March – June 2026
Submit your application
Apply through the UNEDasiss or university portal. Application periods vary — your counsellor ensures you meet all deadlines and requirements.
July 2026
Receive your place
Places are assigned based on your converted grade. Your counsellor tracks the assignment rounds and helps you secure your spot.
July – August 2026
Student visa & NIE
Apply for your Spanish student visa (Type D) at the consulate, showing €600/month financial proof (IPREM). Your counsellor prepares your full visa package. On arrival, apply for your NIE (foreigner's ID).
September 2026
Welcome & start
Arrive in Barcelona for orientation and begin your BA in International Relations.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum
€2,500
Total degree cost
4 years
€10,000
Visa fee
Student visa Type D
~€80
Health insurance
Required for visa
€300–€500/year
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Spanish Government Fee Exemption
MECD · Need-based
Up to 100%
Coverage: Full tuition fee exemption
Eligibility: Students with limited financial means + strong grades
Duration: Renewable each year
Deadline: August each year
Source: educacion.gob.es, 2026
Erasmus+ Exchange Grants
European Union · Mobility
€300–€450/month
Coverage: Monthly stipend for exchange semester
Eligibility: UB students spending 1 semester at partner university
Duration: 1 semester
Deadline: February each year
Source: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu, 2026
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Egyptian Mission, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country
Duration: Full degree
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Living costs
Monthly budget in Barcelona
Barcelona offers Mediterranean lifestyle, world-class culture, and excellent food at a fraction of London or Paris prices. The visa requires you show €600/month (IPREM), but a realistic budget is slightly higher.
Rent (shared apartment)€400–€650
Food & groceries€150–€250
Transport (T-jove pass)€40
Health insurance€30–€50
Books & supplies€20–€50
Personal & leisure€100–€200
Estimated total€740–€1,240/month
Visa financial proof: €600/month (100% IPREM) via bank statement or sponsor letter.
Student visa
Spanish student visa requirements
Visa type
Student Visa (Type D — Estancia por estudios)
Visa fee
~€80
Financial proof
€600/month (IPREM) via bank statement
Health insurance
Full coverage, no copay — required
Work rights
Up to 30 hours/week with employer authorisation
Post-study
12-month job-search visa (autorización de residencia)
Student stories
Hear from our students
"€2,500 a year at a QS top-150 university — I couldn't believe it. Barcelona is incredible — the culture, the weather, the food. I became fluent in Spanish within a year and did an Erasmus exchange in Paris. My counsellor handled the entire homologación process."
NA
Nadia A.
BA International Relations, UB — Class of 2026 · 🇲🇦 Morocco
"Being trilingual in Arabic, Spanish, and English makes me incredibly employable. The cost of living in Barcelona is so much lower than London — my total yearly cost (tuition + living) is less than one semester in the UK."
YH
Youssef H.
BA International Relations, UB — Class of 2027 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the programme taught in English?
This programme is taught primarily in Spanish (and some Catalan). You'll need DELE B2 or equivalent. If you want an English-taught programme in Spain, consider ESADE or IE. However, learning Spanish is a massive career asset — your counsellor can arrange intensive Spanish courses before the semester starts.
What is homologación and how long does it take?
Homologación is the Spanish credential evaluation process — it converts your high school diploma to the Spanish system. It can take 3–12 months, so start early. You may also need to take PCE exams (Spanish subject tests) to convert your grades. Your counsellor manages the entire process.
Can I stay in Spain after graduating?
Yes. Spain offers a 12-month post-study job-search visa (autorización de residencia para búsqueda de empleo). Once you find a job, you can convert to a work permit. Spain's 2023 immigration reforms have made this pathway much more accessible for international graduates.
Is €2,500/year really the full tuition?
Yes. Spanish public universities charge regulated tuition — international students pay slightly more than Spanish students, but it's still dramatically lower than private universities or universities in the US, UK, or Australia. The total 4-year degree costs ~€10,000 in tuition.
Can I work while studying?
Yes. Student visa holders can work up to 30 hours per week, though you'll need your employer to apply for a work authorisation. Barcelona has a strong tourism and services economy with demand for multilingual workers — speaking Arabic, Spanish, and English makes you highly employable.
