Looking to study business in Barcelona? The city is a tourism hotspot and is ranked 2nd in the world for its emerging startup ecosystem. But if you’re thinking of heading to Barcelona for your degree, what are your school options? We’ve rounded up some of the best business schools in Barcelona for you in terms of quality, subjects, student life, and more.
In fact, some of Europe’s best business schools are all located in Barcelona. Additionally, you’ll find Barcelona has a lower cost of living than other top European cities, and there are a wide variety of employment opportunities for business graduates in fields like marketing, finance, sales, and law.
EDUopinions picks: The Best Business schools in Barcelona
IESE Business School

This world-class business school is ranked among the best in Europe, placing 4th on the Financial Times ranking of European business schools. Additionally, IESE Business School is among the small group of business schools (less than 5%) that have obtained triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, so you can trust in the quality of their business teaching. Their schools are also located worldwide in New York, Shanghai, Nairobi, and other cities.
Student Review
I don’t come from a traditional business background and because of that I didn’t have formal education around many of the aspects of a business. Coming from arts it was really beneficial to my career change. I ended up working in sustainability and social impact and HR and eventually launched my own fashion brand. IESE has fantastic alumni groups, both interest and location based, and they’re very active communities.
Student Review
The university is impressive and its facilities are well-equipped for learning. The curriculum is constantly updated to give students the most up-to-date skills and knowledge, ensuring they are prepared for success in the workplace. The university is committed to providing students with a good education
ESADE Business School

ESADE is known for its international relations network and is one of the best business schools in Barcelona. Currently, it is in a top position in the European rankings. The school applies a unique learning model based on the internalisation of values. This university ranks #1 for women in Europe according to the Financial Times. The institution offers undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Master’s in Management, MBA courses, and research programmes.
Student Review
I decided to pursue the executive MBA at ESADE after speaking with several alumni about their backgrounds and reasons for choosing this program. Coming from tech, I wanted to learn about other aspects of a company and get assistance in creating my own business plan. The open day was well planned and informative complete with a sample class and case studies. If you’re in doubt, I recommend you attend one of these events.
Student Review
ESADE is a quality university, the professors are the best in the area and this is evident in the student’s academic progress. Additionally, the university is responsible for providing opportunities to access the world of work. It is a university internationally recognized for its quality and excellence. It is located in the best neighborhood of Barcelona.
EADA Business School

EADA Business School has consistently ranked among the top in the world, especially for internationality in the classroom and employability. Originally founded in 1957, the school offers several Master’s programmes and four MBAs: Executive MBA, International MBA, LeadTech Global Executive MBA and an MBA Online. EADA also takes many initiatives in CSR.
Student Review
It’s incredible to see how EADA incorporates sustainability and innovation in almost all the Masters and MBA curriculum, and I, being from the MSc in Sustainable Business and innovation program, had the opportunity to dive deep into the sustainability aspect of different business functions: marketing, strategy, finance, operations, circular innovation, etc.
Student Review
EADA Business University Barcelona has been a transformative journey for me. The campus exudes a dynamic atmosphere that fosters both personal and professional growth. The faculty’s commitment to excellence is evident in their approachable nature and dedication to students’ success. The cutting-edge facilities, from state-of-the-art classrooms to modern libraries, create an ideal environment for learning.
EU Business School

EU Business School has remained one of the world’s top business schools for over 35 years. Their Master’s and MBA programmes are available in one-year full-time or two-year options, designed for aspiring professionals who wish to further develop their skills, move into a managerial position, or change career paths. They have programmes in International Marketing, Leisure & Tourism, Communications, & PR. It is worth noting that over 95% of their students are international, and that they offer more than 29 degree programmes.
Student Review
EU business school provides top-quality education and features an amazing campus environment. You’ll not only enjoy the company of amiable fellow students, but your learning will also encompass more than just what happens in the classroom. By participating in internships, research projects, and field experiences, you’ll acquire valuable practical knowledge relevant to your future career. Offering a diverse range of majors, numerous student organizations, and a wealth of events and activities, there’s always a plethora of options for engagement both on campus and in the nearby town.
Student Review
It is a very complete university that provides students with the necessary tools to prepare them for the business world and to be successful in the future.
Thanks to their flexibility with schedules, the good quality of content they have and their effort to get the best out of each student, I would definitely recommend this university to anyone who wants to study and dedicate themselves to the business world.
EAE Business School

EAE Business School has 50 years of experience as a business school. EAE has a good international reputation, and over 50,000 students have studied here. Some of their recruiters have been from Banco Santander, Grupo Telefónica, Everis, Nestlé, and others. They offer a range of degrees, including a comprehensive MBA, and specialised Master’s in HR, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Digital Marketing, and Finance.
Student Review
I think the University is ok, but I highly recommend officials masters. The professors have a lot of experience but they need to learn how to transmite all the knowledge to the students.
Study in Barcelona is a great opportunity, and if you want to grow up as a professional you need to push the professors and get all the knowledge that you want.
Student Review
Being enrolled at EAE Business School guarantees an exceptional educational experience. It makes it easier for you to do research and engage in hands-on learning, giving you practical knowledge for your future career. Student life is very active at EAE Business School. The faculty members stand out for their outstanding credentials and illustrious backgrounds in various fields of study.
Universitat de Barcelona Business School

Universitat de Barcelona Business School (UB Business School) is part of one of the oldest universities in Europe, established in 1450, and is the main public university in Catalonia. UB Business School offers a variety of programmes such as a Masters in International Business, a globally-focused management programme, and a Masters in Business Research, a dual-language degree (Spanish and English) that equips students with key research skills.
Student Review
I was amazed by the wide range of classes and majors offered here, as well as the multitude of student groups available for involvement and engagement. The university truly offers a diverse array of opportunities for students to explore and pursue their interests.
Student Review
Overall, the city and the university have been fantastic, inspiring students to succeed. While self-motivation and initiative are important, the school’s supportive environment fosters academic excellence. It’s an excellent place to pursue your academic goals.
C3S Business School

C3S Business School in Barcelona (Castelldefels School of Social Sciences) is a private business school with a campus in the city centre, just 15 minutes from lively Plaza Catalunya. The school prides itself on its international diversity – more than 90% of students enrolled in the business programmes are international, and come from more than 43 countries. There are a variety of programmes to choose from across business specialisms such as IT, management, and hospitality management, including a three-year Bachelor’s in Business Tourism.
Student Review
I recently completed my Diploma in Business Management at the Barcelona campus of C3S Business School, and the experience has been incredible. As an Indian national living in the UAE, I was initially concerned about the visa process, but C3S made it so much easier. I didn’t need to hire any external consultant because their visa compliance team guided me through every step, from preparing the necessary documents to filing my visa. Once I arrived at the campus, the support continued with seamless NIE assistance, which was crucial for settling in. Today, I’m doing an internship in Barcelona, all thanks to the amazing student support team at C3S. Their dedication to ensuring a smooth transition, both academically and personally, has truly set them apart.
Student Review
The Strategic Leadership and Management program at C3S Business School is top-notch, with excellent faculty and a dynamic, multicultural student community. The curriculum strikes a perfect balance between theory and real-world application. The Barcelona campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, creating an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.
Editor’s note: This article was first published on the 13th of August 2018. It has been updated for current readers.
Recent Posts
We created the EDUopinions Student Reviews Guide to highlight students' opinions of universities. All of the rankings we produce as part of the Guide ...
The University of Pécs in Hungary ranks among the top 1,000 universities in the world, and in the top 300 in Europe. Located in one of Hungary’s best ...
Want to boost your skills with an MBA, but don’t want to take time out from your job to study – or move abroad? An Online MBA means you can study the ...
North-West University is globally recognised for its strong teaching and research; it is ranked seventh in Africa and among the top 1,000 ...
