Study in Barcelonaa practical guide to learning Spanish and Catalan

Every year thousands of international students choose Barcelona for their studies. It's no coincidence: few European cities combine quality education with such an enjoyable everyday life.

• Prestigious universities

  From the University of Barcelona (UB) to business schools like ESADE and IESE, with world-class bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes.

• Mediterranean lifestyle

  Sunshine, beaches, parks, terraces and great food. Big-city energy with the calm of the sea.

• International atmosphere

  Students from all over the world, plus fairs, congresses and events that make it easy to meet people and build a network.

• Innovation and jobs

  Barcelona is one of Europe's leading tech and start-up hubs, with internship and job opportunities.

• An open-air museum

  The Sagrada Família, Park Güell, El Born or the Gothic Quarter: art and history are part of daily life.

• A bilingual city

  Life here happens in Spanish and Catalan, which enriches the experience and opens more doors.

Two official languages live side by side in Barcelona. Spanish (Castilian) is the common language of the whole country, the one you'll hear everywhere and the most useful if you're coming for the first time. Catalan is Catalonia's own language: it's used at university, in public administration, schools, the media and many workplaces.

For most international students, Spanish is the natural place to start. If you're staying longer, studying at a public university or looking for work here, Catalan makes a real difference: some university classes are taught in Catalan and many employers value it.

Language levels are measured with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2. Knowing where you are helps you choose the right course and set realistic goals.

1. A1First steps. You can introduce yourself and understand very basic phrases.
2. A2The basics. You can handle everyday situations: shopping, transport, appointments.
3. B1Independence. You can live day to day in the language and hold simple conversations.
4. B2Fluency. You can follow classes, meetings and discussions fairly comfortably.
5. C1Advanced. You express yourself precisely in academic and professional settings.
6. C2Mastery. Near-native command of the language.

As a rough guide, A2–B1 is usually enough for daily life and B1–B2 for work. Many university programmes taught in Spanish ask for a B2, although requirements vary, so always check with your university. Before starting a course, the most useful first step is a placement test.

If you need to certify your Spanish to study, work or apply for citizenship, there are two main certificates:

For Catalan, there are official certificates from the Generalitat de Catalunya, also organised by CEFR level.

1. Arrive with a foundation

   A few weeks of language study before or on arrival makes everything else, from renting a flat to making friends, much easier.

2. Choose your neighbourhood wisely

   Areas like El Clot, Poblenou or Gràcia combine authentic local life with good connections to the centre.

3. Use public transport

   Metro, buses and shared bikes reach almost everywhere; you don't need a car.

4. Practise outside the classroom

   Language exchanges, markets, volunteering and local activities speed up your learning more than any textbook.

5. Look into paperwork early

   If you're staying for a while, find out early about formalities such as the NIE or registering your address (empadronamiento).

There's plenty of choice, so it's worth looking at a few details that make a real difference to your progress:

• Small groups: fewer students means more time to speak.
• Native teachers experienced in teaching foreigners.
• A placement test so you start in the right group.
• An official exam centre if you'll need a certificate.
• Flexible schedules or online classes if you work or study.
• A location well connected to your home or university.