Barcelona is an incomparable city; its history, innovation, culture, climate, gastronomy, sport and quality of life make it a magnet for international students.
EADA Business School Barcelona stands out as an institution of academic excellence thanks to its first-class, internationally recognized business education, which is doubly enriched by integrating the city's urban environment, one of the most dynamic in Europe, into its experience.
Its leadership in business innovation has been constant, not in vain, Barcelona and the Catalan region were the engines of the industrial revolution in Spain and today remain the leading exponents in entrepreneurship. Sectors such as digital, biotech and pharma and industry in general combine to create a vibrant economic ecosystem. Today, the city's startup cluster has a 25% international population, making it one of the preferred destinations for those seeking personal and professional development.
The only top business school in the heart of Barcelona: l'Eixample
Located in the Esquerra de l'Eixample, EADA is in one of the most emblematic and desirable areas of Barcelona. The famous Eixample was designed by the engineer Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century and immediately stood out for its innovative grid layout, wide avenues and modernist architecture, an ideal environment for walking and finding your way around.
Students from all over the world are amazed to find themselves surrounded by masterpieces such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, both by Antoni Gaudí, the architect of the Sagrada Familia, and squares and parks ideal for relaxing after class.
Divided into two quadrants, the right and left Eixample, the latter part of the district, known as the ‘Gayxample’, is a symbol of inclusion and diversity, a feature that reflects the tolerance and multicultural character of the city. It is an open, independent and dynamic environment that fits perfectly with EADA's values, such as sustainability, innovation and diversity. For international students, choosing this environment means much more than just academic training; it is an immersion in the rich cultural and social life of Barcelona.
Two campuses in the heart of Barcelona
EADA has two campuses strategically located in the Eixample district, within walking distance of each other:
Campus 1 (Calle Aragó 204): This modern 4,500 m2 building, completely refurbished in 2019, combines the most innovative contemporary design, by adopting environmentally friendly and energy-efficient measures, with state-of-the-art technology to achieve interactive learning adapted to current needs. Most of the MBA and Masters programmes are taught here, with spaces designed to encourage networking, collaboration and creativity. In addition, the central location allows students to enjoy the services and attractions of the neighbourhood without the need for long journeys and is perfectly accessible by urban public transport.
Campus 2 (Carrer Provença 216): Opened in September 2024, this modern, eight-storey, 4200-square-metre building offers modular classrooms, coworking spaces and common areas ideal for working on group projects.
Dedicated mainly to degree programmes and corporate activities, Campus 2 exemplifies EADA's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the design of its facilities by being certified as a LEED building, a globally recognized symbol for achieving sustainability that is applied to create green and environmentally healthy buildings.
Both campuses are located just five minutes' walk from each other, creating an integrated academic community in the heart of the Esquerra de l’Eixample and Barcelona's city centre.
Why Barcelona welcomes so many international students
Barcelona is one big urban campus. To live there is to be part of an educational, cultural and business ecosystem that transforms those who experience it. According to data from various rankings, Barcelona regularly occupies top positions in rankings such as QS Best Student Cities thanks to factors such as its multiculturalism, infrastructure and Mediterranean climate, and remains in the top 10 of the world's best cities for the World's Best Cities 2025.
Student life in Barcelona
Barcelona offers a unique experience for students. Between classes, the city offers endless possibilities: from strolling through the historic Gothic Quarter, to enjoying the urban beaches on its wide seafront, or playing sports on the mountain that hosted the 1992 Olympic Games: Montjuïc. Neighbourhoods such as Gràcia and El Born are particularly attractive for students, thanks to their Bohemian atmosphere.
Quality of life in Barcelona
The quality of life in Barcelona is among the best in Europe. Its Mediterranean climate makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities all year round, while its public transport system facilitates mobility throughout the city.
Moreover, according to data from the main national and international indicators, Barcelona is one of the European cities with the highest perception of well-being among its residents, thanks to its safety, accessible services and its balance between modernity and tradition.
According to a study by Cushman & Wakefield, entitled ‘Inclusive Cities Barometer’, Barcelona stands out from its competitors for its high social inclusion, which is due to its high levels of street safety, and its strong environmental commitment, driven by policies that promote clean energy.
The business and educational epicentre of Europe
Barcelona is a cultural reference point and also a key business and educational hub in Southern Europe. The metropolis is home to one of the most dynamic economies in the old continent, as it is the headquarters of multinationals, startups and accelerators in leading sectors such as technology, finance and sustainability.
This business ecosystem is complemented by events of international relevance, such as ISE, the Audiovisual Cluster of Catalonia, which participates in collaboration with the world's largest trade fair and congress dedicated to the audiovisual sector and integrated systems, hosted by the city for the last 3 years, and the Mobile World Congress, which brings together telecommunications leaders and professionals from all over the world every spring and in its 2023 edition contributed 461 million euros to Barcelona's economy and created more than 9100 part-time jobs.
The connection between Barcelona and business education
For EADA students, being in Barcelona means being connected to a vibrant business environment. The proximity to leading companies, as well as participation in real events and projects, provides a unique competitive advantage. In addition, the 22@ District, known as the ‘Silicon Valley of Barcelona’ and perhaps the most important in a city whose technology centers generate 1.4 billion euros a year and employ more than 15,000 professionals, is an example of how the city combines technological innovation with job opportunities.
Why choose EADA Business School in Barcelona
EADA combines the best of Barcelona with a global business education, recognized by the world's top rankings. Its programmes, designed with practical methodologies such as case studies and simulations, prepare students to face the challenges of the global market. The focus on sustainability and leadership is a hallmark that guarantees a comprehensive education. To give an example, 98% of EADA's Master in Management graduates are in employment within three months of completing the programme.
A differential element is the Collbató Residential Training Campus, where students develop leadership skills in a natural and peaceful environment, which complements their experience in the city. In addition, EADA offers innovative programmes such as the Double Degree in Global BBA and Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence for Business, or the new sustainability programme Double Degree Global BBA and Bachelor in Sustainability for Business, which stands out for its adaptation to the latest technological, business and digital trends.
Public transport and accessibility in Barcelona
Barcelona has one of the most advanced public transport networks in Europe. With 11 metro lines, plus a network of buses, trams and suburban trains, getting around the city is easy, fast and economical. For EADA students, this connectivity means the possibility of exploring every corner of Barcelona without complications.
In addition, the city promotes the use of sustainable means of transport, such as bicycles and electric scooters, which have a strong presence throughout Barcelona, with more than 350 kilometers of cycle lanes that help four out of every five Barcelona residents move around the city in an environmentally friendly way, and three out of every four do so by bicycle, ahead of other urban mobility options. This commitment to sustainability benefits mobility and contributes to air quality and the general well-being of residents.
Barcelona hub: daily connection to any European city in less than 3 hours
Barcelona is because of its extraordinary internal communications network: it is also a hub connected to Europe thanks to its excellent air and rail connections.
One of the key elements for students is to extend their experience in Barcelona to the rest of Europe. With an airport that has welcomed +4 million passengers (+13% by 2024), it is a true hub, offering any passenger in Barcelona the opportunity to travel to the rest of Europe that offers any passenger in Barcelona access to any European city with daily, moderately priced flights in less than 3 hours.
This factor is particularly attractive for international students wishing to explore the continent. In this sense, lovers of ground-level travel will appreciate the fact that, from December 2024, the city will be connected by rail to 13 European metropolises through night links, with prices per journey starting at 30 euros. And those who prefer to fly from one of the three nearby airports (Barcelona-El Prat, Reus and Girona) will know that there are connections to the main European and world cities.
Benefits of living in Barcelona for international students
According to figures from various administrations, more than 25,000 international students choose Barcelona each year and Catalonia is the Spanish autonomous community with the highest number of foreign students. This constant flow of foreign talent creates a diverse and welcoming community, ideal for networking and creating lasting friendships.
In addition, the cost of living is competitive compared to other leading European cities, as the city has accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs, especially in terms of shared residences such as those offered by Livensa Living, a company with which EADA has an agreement.
Barcelona and EADA, a winning combination
Studying at EADA Business School Barcelona is a complete experience. It means living a transformative journey in a city that inspires, connects and opens doors. With two campuses in the heart of Barcelona, EADA students have the opportunity to combine an excellent education with the rich cultural and social life of the capital of Catalonia.
For those seeking a quality business education in a multicultural environment, EADA and Barcelona offer unparalleled experience that builds leadership to succeed in a globalised world.
