ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025

WELCOME GUIDE
Barcelona, July 2024
For updated information please visit www.ibei.org

© Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals

Photos: © IBEI, UPF and others. All rights reserved

to their authors. Some of the photos are under
Creative Commons Attribution license.
Contents

ABOUT IBEI 4 FIRST DAYS IN BARCELONA 30

Welcome to IBEI 5 Census Registration
Location of the Institute 6 (Empadronamiento/Padró)  31
Residence Permit for Foreigners 31
BEFORE MOVING TO BARCELONA 8 Opening a bank account 35
Student Visas 9 Additional IBEI Information 35
Accident and Health Insurance 11 Academic Calendar 36
Legalisation of your undergraduate degree 12
STUDENT SERVICES 37
LIFE IN BARCELONA 14 Academic Office 38
Arriving in Barcelona 15 Language Service 38
Living expenses 17 Student card benefits 38
Accommodation18 IT Service 38
Barcelona neighbourhoods 20 Library Service  39
Transport22 IBEI Community  39
Health & Social Security  24 Tuition fees 40
Electricity25 Tuition Fee Payment 41
Post Offices 25 IBEI bank details 42
Services and Tips  25
Telecommunications25 CHECKLIST43
Basic expressions  26
Culture27
Sports28
Public Holidays in Barcelona 29
01

ABOUT IBEI
Welcome to IBEI

Welcome to IBEI! The Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) is a prestigious inter-university
institute, created in 2004 as a joint initiative between five public universities in the Barcelona metropolitan
area to promote postgraduate training and research in international studies and politics. The institute has
over 30 faculty members with doctorates from major North American and European universities, many of
which have distinguished profiles in the fields of international relations, international political economy,
comparative politics, international security and international development. IBEI has consolidated itself,
both in Spain and abroad, as a leading graduate school and research institute.

The Master’s programmes in International Relations, International Security and in International

Development are among the strongest in southern Europe. They are taught in English, with the Master’s
in International Relations also being offered bilingually, combining classes in English and Spanish, and
allowing students to work in a second global language if they choose. In 2023 IBEI introduced a new
programme: the Master’s in Public Policy.

IBEI also participates in two Erasmus Mundus programmes. The Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programme
in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) is a two-year-long international master’s course that embeds the
nascent field of transnational public policy into a European context. The programme is funded by the
European Commission and offered by IBEI together with three leading European institutions: Central
European University in Vienna (Austria), the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University
Rotterdam in The Hague (Netherlands) and the University of York (UK). The Erasmus Mundus Master in
International Law of Global Security, Peace and Development (ILGSPD) is designed to train the next
generation of lawyers and policy-makers with the ability to navigate the political context of international
law, and the comprehensive knowledge needed to engage with the issues of global security, peace and
development. This programme is delivered by a consortium of several European partner institutions:
University of Glasgow, IBEI, University of Tartu, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Radboud University,
Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Students are drawn from more than 45 nationalities, and they find the enriching, multilingual and culturally
diverse environment of IBEI rewarding. They also appreciate IBEI’s intimate scale: a community of just
over 250 students, where there is a genuine possibility to forge lasting friendships and professional
contacts. Low student-to-faculty ratios allows for individualised advising and each student has a personal
tutor with whom to discuss academic issues and career plans.

Small classes and seminar-style teaching are crucial pillars of IBEI’s teaching philosophy in order to
facilitate discussion and student-faculty interaction. The programmes are complemented by research
seminars and specialised workshops. In addition to its master’s programmes, the Institute also hosts the
IBEI Graduate Summer School, the Barcelona Summer School of the Mediterranean and the Middle East
and the Barcelona Science and Technology Diplomacy Summer School, taught by international scholars.

5
Location of the Institute

Address Contact Information

Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI) Rebecca Niethammer
Ciutadella Campus (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) Michelle Martinez
Ramon Trias Fargas 25-27 Araceli Mesegué
Mercè Rodoreda 24 building
Admissions and International Mobility Office
08005 Barcelona (Spain)
Office 24.236
Tel: (+34) 93 542 3030
www.ibei.org Mercè Rodoreda 24 building, second floor
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+34) 93 542 3021 / (+34) 93 542 3004

Institut Barcelona
d’Estudis Internacionals

© Transports de Barcelona SA

6
 © UPF IBEI is located in one of Europe’s most attractive
cities: Barcelona is large, lively, and cosmopolitan,
but still on a human scale.

The Institute is integrated in the Universitat

Pompeu Fabra’s (UPF) social sciences research
park at the Ciutadella Campus. UPF is situated in
the Vila Olímpica neighbourhood, next to the Parc
de la Ciutadella and the Barcelona Zoo.

As its name indicates, the Vila Olímpica

neighbourhood was built to house the athletes
participating in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic
Games. It mainly consists of modern apartment
blocks and spacious, green areas such as the Parc
de la Ciutadella, and it is very close to the beach.
The bustling Born neighbourhood with its trendy
restaurants, bars and museums is also just around
the corner from IBEI.

IBEI is easily accessible by public transport:

• Metro: L4 (yellow line) to “Ciutadella-Vila

Olímpica”; and L1 (red line): “Arc de Triomf”
or “Marina” stops.
• TRAM: Line T4 to “Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica”
or “Wellington” stops.
• Rodalies RENFE (local trains): Lines R1 and
R4 to “Arc de Triomf” stop.
• Bus: H14, H16, V21, V27, 59, 136, B20 and
B25.

There are also several “Bicing” stations scattered

around the campus (www.bicing.barcelona).
How to get here: Google Maps

Institut
Barcelona
d’Estudis
Internacionals

Mercè Rodoreda
building

7
02
BEFORE
MOVING TO
BARCELONA
Student Visas
Students from countries of the European Union (EU) / European Economic Area (EEA)

No visa is required prior to your departure if you hold a passport from any of the following countries:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and
Switzerland.

Students from outside the EU

Non-EU citizens who plan to study in Spain for a period of more than six months have to apply for an
“open”, multiple-entry visa for studies (type D). This type of visa (Visado de Estudios) is valid for entering
the European Union’s Schengen Area for three months from the date of issue. Please make sure that you
apply for a student visa and not a tourist/Schengen visa, as any other type of visa does not entitle you
to the subsequent processing of your Student Residence Card for Foreigners (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad
Extranjera) and you would have to leave Spain after three months.

Once you have arrived in Spain, you must obtain the TIE, which is a temporary permit and gives you the
right to remain legally in the country while you study. It is valid for a maximum of 12 months and can
be renewed annually until you finish your studies (see how to apply for this authorisation under “Life in
Barcelona”).

You have to apply for a visa through your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of
residence before coming to Spain. A visa can never be changed once you are in Spain. The only valid
visa is the one obtained from a Spanish Embassy or Consulate. You will find a comprehensive list of all
embassies and consular offices as well as more information on the specific visa application requirements
of each country on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You should contact the respective Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of
residence to request your student visa well in advance of your arrival in Barcelona. Keep in mind that
consulates and embassies may be very busy in the peak summer months and thus you may not be able
to secure an immediate appointment. Depending on the Consulate, allow up to two to three months to
process your student visa.

9
The required documents usually include:
• Visa application form.
• Passport (make sure that it is valid for your stay in Barcelona).
• Formal IBEI acceptance letter.
• Visa Letter (sent to you by the Admissions Office once you have made the deposit payment).
• Criminal records certificate covering the past five years from your home country and any other
country of residence.
• Proof of financial means.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Passport-sized photos.

Please keep in mind that all official documents must be translated into Spanish by a recognised sworn
translator and duly legalised. You can find a list of translators recognised by the Spanish Ministry of
Foreign Affairs at the following link.

Remember that the student visa is only valid for study at the Spanish institution of higher education
where you have been accepted as a student and for the period of time specified in the acceptance
letter.

10
Accident and Health Insurance
Accident Insurance
IBEI covers its students with an accident insurance
which includes any accident that may occur during
their stay at the Institute during the 2024-2025
academic year. The student accident insurance is
not a health insurance plan. It is a supplemental
policy that only covers injuries that result from an
accident while participating in curricular activities.
You must therefore make sure that you have
taken out additional medical insurance coverage
before your arrival.

Health Insurance

EU/EEA students
Students from countries that are members of the EU or EEA have to obtain their European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) in their home country, which entitles you to medical care in Spain. You must apply
for the EHIC prior to your departure at your country’s public health authorities. It is highly recommended
to take out private insurance as well to cover you for all eventualities during your stay in Spain.

Non-EU students
Students from outside the European Union are required to purchase private health insurance to obtain
their Spanish student visa.

IBEI offers its students the possibility to take out the OnCampus insurance plan which covers the Spanish
immigration authorities’ requirements.

Students from non-EU countries should also check whether a bilateral agreement exists between their
home country and Spain that would cover their medical assistance (or at least a part of it) in Spain. You
will find more information by clicking here.

Medication
In case you need special medication, remember to bring enough supplies. You should also check if such
medication exists or is available in Spain. If the medication is prescribed, ask your doctor to write a brief
explanation in order to avoid possible problems during airport controls.

11
Legalisation of your undergraduate degree
European Union Member States
If you are a holder of a university degree obtained within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA)
in a European Union Member State or a signatory of the Agreement on the European Economic Area,
your university diploma and transcript need to bear the official seal of the university that issued these
documents. The countries included are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Also
Switzerland by bilateral agreement.

Translate the previously legalised diploma and academic transcript if in a language other than Spanish,
English, Catalan, French, Italian or Portuguese. You will find a list of the official translators authorised
by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs by clicking here.

Signatory states of the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961

If you are a holder of a university degree obtained in any of the countries ascribed to The Hague Convention,
your undergraduate university diploma and transcript must bear The Hague Apostille. The recognition
and the Apostille must have been affixed to the original document before you got the photocopy certified.
The countries included are:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain,
Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Cabo Verde, Canada,
Chile, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji,
Georgia, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liberia,
Liechtenstein, Macao, Malawi, the Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldavia, Monaco, Mongolia,
Montenegro, Namibia, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Niue, Oman, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Republic
of Korea, Republic of North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Samoa, San Marino, Saint Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Vicente and the Grenadines, Santa Lucia, Santo Tomé & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,
Seychelles, South Africa, Surinam, Swaziland, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United
Kingdom, United States of America,, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

Extensions: The Netherlands (Dutch Antilles); United Kingdom (Jersey, Bailiwick of Guernsey, Isle
of Man, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, Cayman Islands, The Falklands, Gibraltar, Montserrat,
Santa Elena, Turks and Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands).

Depending on the country where your undergraduate degree diploma was issued, your academic
transcript and certified copy of your university degree must be legalised. The correct order is as follows:

• Always legalise your original undergraduate diploma and academic transcript (via the Hague
Apostille or diplomatic/consular channels).
• Translate the previously legalised diploma and academic transcript if in a language other
than Spanish, English, Catalan, French, Italian or Portuguese. You will find a list of the official
translators authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs by clicking here.
• Make a certified or notarised copy of the diploma and academic transcript after the first two steps
are completed.

12
All other countries
Documents issued in all other countries must be legalised through diplomatic channels. This process
consists of a series of stamps and signatures, each certifying the previous one. It is important for the
certified copy to contain all the stamps and signatures that are on the original certificate, even if they are
on the back. Omission of a seal/stamp would result in incomplete legalisation and the document would
thus not be considered legalised in Spain.

1. Recognition of the signatures by the Ministry of Education: You must first get the original document
authenticated by the Ministry of Education in the country where the degree was issued.
2. Legalisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Once you have obtained the stamp recognising the
signatures, you must submit the same documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country
where the documents were issued, which will then affix the corresponding legalisation to the
document.
3. Legalisation by the Spanish Embassy/Consulate in the country where the documents were issued:
Finally, you must take the documents to the Spanish consulate in the country where the certificates
were issued to recognise the legalisation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Spanish Embassy
or Consulate will put a transparent security sticker on the document to verify the prior seals.

All documents issued in any other language than Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Italian or
Portuguese must be accompanied by a sworn translation. You will find a list of the official translators
authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs by clicking here.

IMPORTANT: This information is also valid for the legalisation of all public documents, if required,
which you submit as part of your visa application!

13
03

LIFE IN
BARCELONA
Arriving in Barcelona

By plane

Barcelona’s international airport, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, can be reached from over 200
destinations worldwide. It is located about 20 km south-west of the city and consists of two terminals, T1
and T2, which are connected by a shuttle service.

How to get from the airport to the city centre of Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya)

The journey from the airport (El Prat de Llobregat) to the city centre of Barcelona (Plaça de Catalunya)
by taxi, bus or train, takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Bus
The cheapest way to get to the centre is the local, urban bus which runs every 10-20 minutes and
takes about 40-45 minutes.

Bus line 46 to Plaça Espanya (daytime): €2.55

Bus line N18 Nitbus (night bus) to Plaça Catalunya: €2.55

You can buy your ticket:

• From the machine at the bus (payment with a credit card).
• From the ticket machines (you can also travel with a monthly/daily/T-casual ticket).

Aerobus
The Aerobus (A1 & A2) is a direct airport-shuttle service that runs every 5-10 minutes (5:30am
to 1am, Monday to Sunday). You can take the Aerobus from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 of the Josep
Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Barcelona. There are four stops on the way to the city:
Plaça Espanya, Gran Via-Urgell, Plaça Universitat and Plaça Catalunya. Depending on the traffic, it
normally takes about 30 minutes to get to the city centre.

Fares:
• Single ticket: €7.25. Valid for one passenger including their luggage.
• Return ticket: €12.50. Valid for one passenger including their luggage. Return valid within 15
days after validating the outward journey.

You can buy your ticket:

• Online on the website (payment by credit card).
• From the staff at the bus stops (cash only).
• At the ticket vending machines (payment by credit cards VISA and MASTERCARD).
• Please note that the maximum change for cash payments is limited to €20.
• The Aerobus service is not integrated in the fare system.
• Integrated travel tickets (T-casual, T-usual, T-grup, T-jove, T-familiar, T-dia, etc.) are not valid
for this service.

Further information about Aerobus and tickets: www.aerobusbarcelona.es

15
 Metro
You can also take the L9 Sud metro to Barcelona. This line starts in Terminal 1, it goes through T2
and other stops in the city, and it ends in Zona Universitària. More info at L9 Sud.

Useful details:
• Line: L9 Sud (from Zona Universitària to the airport and vice versa).
• Price: €5.50 per journey (billete aeropuerto).
• The metro is integrated in the fare system, but not all tickets are valid for the airport (check
them at L9 Sud).

Train
Line R2 Nord (R2 North), of the Catalan Regional Railway - Rodalies de Catalunya - connects Terminal
T2 with Sants, Barcelona’s main train station (19 minutes), Passeig de Gràcia (26 minutes) and Clot-
Aragó (30 minutes). It runs every day from 6am to 11:30pm. The train station is situated opposite the
central T2 building, and is connected to the terminal via an air-bridge.

Useful details:
• Frequency: every 30 minutes.
• Line: R2 Nord (Aeroport - Maçanet Massanes).
• Price: €4.90 per journey (single ticket).
• The train is integrated in the fare system. Integrated travel tickets are valid for this service.

In order to get to Plaça Catalunya you must stop at Barcelona-Sants and then change to train lines
R2 (to Maçanet Massanes), R3 (to Vic), R4 (to Manresa) or R7 (to Martorell/Cerdanyola) to Plaça
Catalunya (just one stop). You can also change to the metro (Line 3) at Sants, but this is a less
convenient option, particularly if you are carrying luggage.

Please check the Barcelona public transport website for more detailed information, tickets and
timetables at www.tmb.cat or www.renfe.com

Taxi
Another option is to take a taxi. Keep in mind that taxis charge an extra fee for luggage and when
leaving the airport towards the city centre. The ride from the airport to the centre takes about 20-30
minutes, depending on the traffic. The typical Barcelona taxi is yellow and black. Empty taxis display
a green light and have a clearly visible sign showing LIBRE or LLIURE.

By train
Barcelona’s main train station is Sants Estació. It is well connected to many destinations in Spain and the
rest of Europe: www.renfe.com

By coach
The (inter)national coach terminal is located at Estació del Nord, very close to IBEI. Coaches leave and
arrive from cities all over Catalonia, Spain and Europe: www.barcelonanord.cat

By car
Barcelona is well connected by motorway to the rest of Spain and Europe. You will find the latest traffic
information for Catalonia at http://mct.gencat.cat

16
Living expenses

The cost of living in Barcelona depends largely on your choice of lifestyle. However, please bear in mind
that a graduate student needs around €900-€1,000/month for food, accommodation, travel and other
expenses.

Below you will find a list of the most common expenses:

Accommodation (shared student apartment) €450-€600

Metro and/or bus ticket (1 zone) €2.55
T- Casual for 10 trips (1 zone) €12.15
T- Usual (monthly travel card (1 zone) €21.35
T-Jove €42.70
Breakfast (typical combos: small café con €4.50
leche + croissant)
Lunch (in a restaurant) €15-€20
Lunch (university bar) €5-€7
Coffee €1.50
Sandwich €5-€7

17
Accommodation
Shared apartments
Finding accommodation in Barcelona can be complicated since the number of students keeps increasing
year after year. One of the most economical options would be renting a room in a shared student
apartment, which is what most IBEI students do. Depending on the room size, the number of people you
share with, the apartment itself and the neighbourhood where the apartment is located, you may pay
from €450 to €600 per month, usually including access to all the facilities. You can also rent an apartment
on your own. There are many estate agencies that will help you find a place to rent in Barcelona, although
the requirements and financial guarantees will be much stricter when using an agency. Normally they
will ask for a permanent work contract, a bank guarantee and 2-3 months’ rent as a deposit.

ATTENTION! Do not pay or transfer money prior to visiting the apartment or signing a contract that
is legitimate. Be careful.

COTOWN SHARING LIFE

Cotown offers rooms to students and young professionals in shared apartments. They currently have
five locations in Barcelona, and you can check the apartments and room types on their website. IBEI
students will benefit from 20% off on contract fees in their university apartments. In order to book a
room you must contact COTOWN via email at [email protected] or call them at (+34) 934 141 850.

Housing Services

BCU HOUSING
BCU Housing is the accommodation service offered by the Barcelona university community to their
students. This housing service offers complete accommodation services for international students
and researchers. There are different options: apartments to share, rooms in shared apartments
and/or short stays. www.bcuhousing.cat

ALUNI.NET
Aluni.Net has been providing housing services to students all over Spain since 1998. They offer
rooms in fully-furnished student apartments with internet connection, so you can move right in. In
addition to the shared flats that they manage and rent, they also organize regular activities for their
residents, so they can meet other students in the city. You can book a room through their website.
IBEI students will benefit from 40% off on their registration fee. https://www.aluni.net/en/

Social Programme
Another interesting option may be the Vivir y Convivir programme (Living Together), which is run by the
Fundació Roure. This programme offers you the possibility of living in the house of an elderly person
in exchange for keeping them company. You must be fluent in Spanish in order to be eligible for this
programme.

Halls of residence
Generally, the number of vacancies in halls of residence is limited and the prices are relatively high, but
they provide you with full services and furnished rooms. They also have en-suite bathrooms, central
heating, telephone, Internet connection and other services.

18
IBEI has housing agreements with the following companies, which offer discounts and/or priority booking
for IBEI students:

LIVENSA LIVING
Livensa Living offers student housing in Spain and Portugal. They have two residences in
Barcelona, with their location in Marina being only 15 minutes away by foot from IBEI. You can
see all the amenities that they offer on Livensa Living’s website. IBEI students will benefit from
a 100€ discount in year-long stays and 50€ off in semester stays. You will need to present your
Acceptance Letter and/or student card in order to benefit from this discount.

RESIDENCIA ONIX
Onix has been present in Barcelona since 2004, and it is one of the student residences closest
to IBEI, just under 15 minutes away by foot. Their rooms are fully furnished and equipped with a
bathroom and a kitchenette with all necessary utensils. IBEI students will benefit from 15% off on
their registration fee.

RESA
RESA offers accommodation in a number of halls of residence in Barcelona. The “Campus del
Mar” and “Ciutadella” residence halls are the closest to IBEI. IBEI has an agreement with Resa’s
“Residència d’Investigadors”, which is available for Master’s students. You will find more information
at https://www.resa.es/en/city/barcelona

In addition to this, IBEI students can get a discount in daily and weekly stays in any of their
residences across Spain through ResaInn. This is specially useful if you are looking for a place
to stay during your first month in Barcelona while you look for other housing options. In order to
benefit from this discount, kindly contact the Admissions Office ([email protected]) to ask for
the promotional code.

THE SOCIAL HUB

The Social Hub has a student residence in Poblenou. IBEI students who make a reservation through
the Social Hub’s website will enjoy a 2.5% discount on the price of a single or double room. In order
to benefit from this discount, kindly contact the Admissions Office ([email protected]) to ask for
the promotional code.

XIOR STUDENT HOUSING

Xior Student Housing has student residences all over Europe, three of which are located in
Barcelona. They have different types of rooms for students with different needs and budgets, and
even offer meal plans for their residents. You can book from monthly to year-long stays. IBEI
students will benefit from a 50% discount in their registration fee (to be returned at the end of
their stay).

19
Barcelona neighbourhoods

Barri Gòtic and El Born

These are Barcelona’s oldest neighbourhoods where you

will find one of the city’s main shopping areas. Rented
accommodation tends to be cheaper in this area as most of
the accommodation is in older, traditional buildings.

© jalainforget0 Barceloneta

La Barceloneta, the old fishermen’s neighbourhood, is located

next to the sea and at the same time only one metro stop
away from both IBEI and the city centre. Apartments tend to
be small and may be a little bit run-down.

Poble Nou

Poble Nou is one of the neighbourhoods which have undergone

the most radical change over the past years. Located by the
© andriusm seaside, it has changed from an industrial quarter to housing
very modern residential areas and innovative urban projects.
Poble Nou still conserves its own personality and its streets
maintain a popular and industrial flair although they have
been reconverted for other usage.

Raval

El Raval is an interesting, multicultural area with a special

personality. Over the past years, El Raval has been transformed
into a bohemian and alternative neighbourhood which has
© GerardBarcelona
attracted many young artists who invented the new Raval: a
poor but modern neighbourhood, at the same time artisan,
popular and cosmopolitan without giving up its “border”
character.

Poble Sec

Poble Sec is a neighbourhood with a distinctive personality

and a quiet and village-like atmosphere. Prices are more
affordable and the city centre can be reached in only 10
minutes by public transport.

© Enfo

20
 Eixample

This neighbourhood is characterised by its grid structure,

housing some of the most emblematic modernist
buildings of Barcelona. It is one of the city’s main shopping
areas with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.
© Alhzeiia

Gràcia

Gràcia used to be an independent village and is still maintaining

this personal and village-like character. In spite of its modern
flair, this is at the same time a very traditional neighbourhood,
with an interesting mix of old and new residents, the latter
being many foreigners, young artists and students.

Sants
© OK Apartment

Sants also used to be an independent village. Today this is a

rather residential neighbourhood with a great offer of shops
and services. Housing is still relatively affordable.

Les Corts

This is an affluent residential and business area, although it is

mainly known as the location of the Barcelona Football Club’s
Camp Nou stadium. You will find a large number of shops
and restaurants in Les Corts and the neighbourhood is well
© jarmoluk connected by public transport, although it is slightly further
away from IBEI.

Zona alta (Sant Gervasi, Sarrià and Pedralbes)

These three quarters are the most affluent, mainly residential

areas of Barcelona, located in the upper part of the city. Sarrià
used to be an independent village and in part still maintains a
quiet flair. Accommodation tends to be on the expensive side
and apartments are normally spacious.

© Maria Rosa Ferre

21
Transport
The public transport system in Barcelona is well connected
and it is therefore easy to move around the city.

Means of transport
The metropolitan fare system network has integrated tickets,
which include Barcelona Metro, Barcelona city and suburban
buses, tramways and suburban rail (Renfe & FGC).

You can find detailed information on the fare system, routes,

schedules and stops for the different means of public transport
of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area here

Metro
Barcelona has two interconnected metro systems: the metro
as such (Transport Metropolità de Barcelona -TMB-), with
five metro lines, and the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de
Catalunya (FGC), the Catalan suburban train system, with two
metropolitan lines and four other lines that take you out of the
city.

The metro runs from 5am to midnight from Monday to

Thursday, and from 5am to 2am on Friday. On Saturdays and
days prior to holidays the metro runs 24 hours non-stop, and
on Sundays and other holidays, from 6am to midnight.

The FCG trains run from 5:50am to 12pm, Monday to Thursday;

Friday and Saturday from 5:50am to 2:15am; and Sunday and
other holidays from 5:50am to midnight.

For further information, check either www.tmb.cat (metro) or

www.fgc.cat (Ferrocarrils).

TRAM
TRAM is the public transport company that manages the
two current tram networks that run throughout Barcelona’s
metropolitan area: Trambaix (T1, T2 and T3) and Trambesòs
(T4, T5 and T6). There is a Trambaix station (Wellington) right
outside IBEI www.tram.cat

Bus
The bus is not as quick as the metro, but you can enjoy the
city during the ride. The route is indicated at the individual bus
stops. Buses run from 4:30am to 10:30pm, Monday to Sunday.
More information at www.tmb.cat

22
Nitbus (Night Bus)
The Nitbus runs from 10:30pm to 4:30am, Monday to Sunday,
every 20 or 30 minutes. All Nitbus lines stop in Plaça Catalunya.
More information at www.amb.cat

Bicing
The Barcelona city council bicycle initiative. Its purpose is to
cover the small and medium daily routes within the city. You
have to get an annual membership to use the Bicing service,
which costs €50 and for which you can subscribe online at
www.bicing.barcelona. Bicing member cards are only sent to
addresses in Catalonia and it is compulsory to have a Spanish
ID (DNI) or a NIE.

Using the Bicing service is very easy. Once having received

and activated the membership card, you can start using this
service: just pick up a bike from the closest bike station, cycle
to your destination, and return the bike at the closest docking
point.

Renfe Rodalies Barcelona

The Barcelona suburban train, also called Rodalies or
Cercanías, is a transit system serving the city of Barcelona.
The commuter train network also links to the regional and
Spanish network www.renfe.com

Taxis
Taxis in Barcelona operate 24/7. The typical Barcelona taxi
is black and yellow. The taximeter shows the fare you need
to pay, but there are some authorised extra charges such as
airport fares, suitcases or rides outside the metropolitan area.

APP to ask for a taxi:

• Free Now
• AMB Mobilitat

You can pay for your taxi ride with cash or credit card in any of
the taxis of Barcelona.

If you pay with cash, note that the taxi drivers must have
€20.00 of change. It means that the taxi driver may not have
change if you pay with a high value banknote.

23
Health & Social Security
Although emergency health care is guaranteed in Spain to anyone in the country, regardless of their
nationality, charges may apply if you fail to provide a valid healthcare card that makes you eligible
for subsidised treatment (more information under “Accident & Health Insurance”).

Citizens of any EU member country, who are entitled to coverage under the healthcare system of their
country, should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before arriving in Spain. Remember
that depending on your home country the treatment will be free of charge, whilst others may have to
co-pay or you even have to pay upfront and ask for a refund upon your return.

In case you need to be seen urgently by a doctor, you must go to your nearest emergency hospital. EU
citizens can also go to your local Primary Healthcare Centre (Centre d’Atenció Primària - CAP).

Barcelona’s main public hospitals are: Hospital Clínic, Hospital del Mar, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant
Pau and Hospital Universitari de la Vall d’Hebron.

Emergency Phone 112

112 is the common emergency telephone number that can be dialled free of charge from any telephone
in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, fire and rescue, police).

Weather
The weather in Barcelona follows the pattern of the coastal Mediterranean climate, with hot, sunny
summers and mild winters.

Average Temperature

Average Rainfall

© Holiday Weather.com

24
Electricity Telecommunications
The electric current of 220 V and 50 Hz is the most Phones
common one, although you can still find 125 V in If you wish to make an international call, you will
old houses. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match need to dial 00 followed by the country code, the
the European Standard, you will need a travel plug area code and the number of the person you wish
adapter in order to plug it in. to call. In order to make calls within the same city
and between provinces, you will need to dial the
area code followed by the subscriber’s landline
number.

If you wish to make a call from overseas, you will

need to dial 0034 (Spain’s country code), plus 93
(Barcelona’s code) followed by the subscriber’s
number.

Internet
There is a large number of places with internet
connection all over the city, especially in the
city centre. You can also use Barcelona WiFi, a
Post Offices Barcelona City Council service that enables you to
connect to the internet through WiFi access points,
or hotspots, located in various municipal amenities
You can buy stamps at the post offices and tobacco and public access points.
shops (Estanco). If you wish to send a parcel, you
will need to go to a post office. Mailboxes are Mobile phones
distributed around the whole city, and you will These are the main telecommunication providers
recognise them by their yellow colour. with their own network:

Barcelona’s main post office is in Plaça Antonio • Movistar

López (at the bottom of Via Laietana). It is open • Vodafone
from 8:30am to 8:30pm, Monday to Friday. You can • Orange
buy stamps, send parcels, telegrams and money, • Yoigo
and there is also a phone and fax service.
Here you will find a list of the telephone companies
in Spain. If you are a foreigner, you may have
difficulties when trying to arrange a contract with
Services and Tips any of these companies if you do not have a NIE/
TIE number as yet. The easiest option is usually
to buy a prepaid card, which can be recharged in
At restaurants, the price of the menu must include different authorised places: large stores, internet
any extra service. Only when the menu says “IVA cafés, newsagents, etc. as well as at the cash
no inclòs/incluido”, the VAT will be added to the bill points of most banks.
afterwards. Although tips are not obligatory, you
can choose to leave 5-10% of the bill if you have
been satisfied with the service.

25
Basic expressions

ENGLISH SPANISH CATALAN

Hello Hola Hola
Good morning Buenos días Bon dia
Good night Buenas noches Bona nit
I’m sorry Lo siento / Perdón Ho sento / Perdó
How are you? ¿Cómo estás? Com estàs?
Please Por favor Si us plau
Thank you Gracias Gràcies / Merci
You are welcome De nada De res
Good bye Adiós Adéu
See you later Hasta luego Fins després
I’m lost Estoy perdido/a Estic perdut/da
I need help Necesito ayuda Necessito ajuda
I don’t understand No entiendo No entenc
Where can I find a...? ¿Dónde puedo encontrar...? On puc trobar...?
Where is the…? ¿Dónde está….? On és…?
Breakfast Desayuno Esmorzar
Lunch Comida Dinar
Dinner Cena Sopar

26
Culture
Cinemas usually offer sessions at around 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and
10pm. Films are normally dubbed into Spanish, but a number
of cinemas show films in the original version with Spanish or
Catalan subtitles:

• Balmes Multicines www.grupbalana.com

• Cinemes Girona www.cinemesgirona.cat
• Cinema Maldà www.cinemamalda.com
• Phenomena Experience www.phenomena-experience.com
© Feradz
• Cine Renoir www.cinesrenoir.com
• Cines Verdi www.cines-verdi.com
• Filmoteca General de Catalunya www.filmoteca.cat

Theatres are generally open from Tuesday to Saturday, and

plays usually start between 8 and 9pm. (Sundays, from 6pm
to 8pm). On Mondays, theatres are normally closed. Theatre
shows tend to be in Catalan or Spanish.

Museums are open from Tuesday to Saturday during the

whole day and Sundays until noon, whereas on Mondays most
museums are closed. Some museums are free on the first
Sunday of each month.

Barcelona offers a great variety of festivals to its citizens and visitors. Some of the most famous festivals
include Primavera Sound (in spring), Festival Cruïlla & Sónar Festival (in summer), Festival Grec (in
summer), La Mercè (in late summer) and the Jazz Festival (in autumn).

You can find the “Time Out” magazine (Barcelona edition - the paper edition is only available in Catalan)
at the Campus (Jaume I building main entrance) every Wednesday, which includes updated information
about movies and plays, exhibitions, museums, restaurants and other activities for the week.

Useful links on cultural activities in Barcelona

• Barcelona’s City Council Culture Institute: http://barcelonacultura.bcn.cat

• Barcelona City Council: www.barcelona.cat

Tel: 010 (information and administrative procedures line).

• Visit Barcelona: www.barcelonaturisme.com

• Gaudir Més: www.barcelona.cat

• BCN Guide http://guia.barcelona.cat

• Meet Barcelona: http://meet.barcelona.cat

27
Sports
Catalonia offers countless opportunities for outdoor sports due to its privileged location close to both the
sea and the mountains: water sports, hiking and skiing are just a few of the easily available activities.

Barcelona organises many popular sports events in which you can participate, such as the Cursa dels
Bombers, Cursa de la Mercè or Cursa de la Dona running events.

Football is a big sport in Spain and Barcelona has several first division football teams: both the female
and the male teams are very popular.

Barcelona’s City Council Barcelona Institute of Sports: https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/esports/en

28
Public Holidays in Barcelona

11 September Diada de Catalunya (National Day of Catalonia)

24 September La Mercè (Barcelona Patron Saint)
12 October Dia de la Hispanitat (National Day of Spain)
1 November Tots Sants (All Saints’)
2024
6 December La Constitució (Constitution Day)
8 December La Immaculada (Immaculate Conception)
25 December Nadal (Christmas Day)
26 December Sant Esteve (St. Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day)
1 January Any Nou (New Year’s Day)
6 January Reis Mags (Epiphany)
18 April Divendres Sant (Good Friday)
2025 21 April Dilluns de Pasqua (Easter Monday)
1 May Festa del Treball (Labour Day)
9 June Segona Pasqua (Whit Monday/Pentecost)
24 June Sant Joan (Midsummer)
15 August Verge de l’Assumpció (Assumption)

29
04
FIRST
DAYS IN
BARCELONA

© GerardBarcelona
Census Registration (Empadronamiento/Padró)
The Certificate of Census Registration is called the empadronamiento or padró. Everyone residing in Spain,
local or foreigner, is obliged to register their address at their city council. This is done free of charge. Find
information about this process here.

As soon as you have moved into your permanent accommodation in Barcelona, you have to register
your address at your nearest Citizen Help and Information Offices (Oficina d’Atenció Ciutadana - OAC)
office. Book an appointment here. The documentation required for your Census Registration should be in
Spanish or Catalan, and is the following:

1. Passport or ID card of your home country or NIE.

2. Proof of residence at the address you wish to be registered at. This can be any of the following:
• A signed document from the landlord, or the person renting the apartment confirming that you
are living in the property, along with a copy of their ID card or Passport.
• Your rental contract, signed within the past 12 months and having a duration of at least 6
months from the day of your application.

You will find a list of the Citizen Help and Information Offices in Barcelona here.

Residence Permit for Foreigners

In order to reside legally in Spain, non-EU citizens have to obtain the student-type card called a TIE
(Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), once entering Spanish territory, a residence permit for studies, which
will indicate your Foreigner Identification Number, called a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). In this
case, it is necessary to obtain a student visa which is processed by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate
in your country of origin.

The student residence permit is a document that allows you to live in Spain during your study period,
as well as travel around the European Union and to countries that have signed agreements with Spain
or the European Union for the free movement of persons. This is applicable until the expiration date
stated on your TIE. The student residence permit is valid for a maximum of one academic year and can
be renewed annually until completion of studies, on the terms and conditions listed below for this type
of application.

APPLICATION REGULATIONS
• COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2004/114/EC of 13 December 2004 on the conditions of admission of third-
country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary
service.
• Organic Law 4/2000 of 11 January on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social
integration (articles 25 bis. f, 30 and 33).
• Regulation of the Organic Law 4/2000, approved by Real Decree 557/2011, of 20 April (articles 37 to
42).
• Regulation of the Real Decree-Law 11/2018 of 31 August.

31
All documents must be submitted in Spanish. If your original documents are in another language, they
must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. You can find a list of translators recognised
by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the following link.

If you submit any official document issued by a public institution abroad, this document will have to
be legalised and translated (the information on pages 12 and 13 (legalisation of your undergraduate
degree) applies to the legalisation of all public documents).

EU/EEA students
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA country, you are entitled to free movement and residence in Spain.
Notwithstanding the above, all European Union citizens wishing to reside in Spain for a period of time
exceeding 90 days must apply for the European Union citizen registration certificate within three
months of their arrival to Spain.

` An appointment is always required at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/

directorio/icpplus
` Where to submit your application: at the police station where you booked the appointment.

Required documentation for EU/EEA students:

• Application form (EX -18) (original + 2 photocopies).
• Passport or ID card (original and copy).
• Enrolment certificate provided by IBEI (original and copy).
• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or private insurance policy that covers all risks in Spain
during the study period (original and copy). If the policy has been taken out in the student’s home
country, the document has to be translated into Spanish or Catalan by a sworn translator approved
by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• In case you would like to take out private insurance, IBEI offers its students the possibility to take out
the OnCampus Insurance plan.
• Sworn statement of financial means confirming that the student has sufficient economic funds during
their stay in Spain. In the case of Erasmus+ students, participation in study exchange programmes of
the European Union is valid proof to justify economic means.
• Application fee (Tasa 790) payment receipt. Under the “AUTOLIQUIDACIÓN” tab, mark the option
“Certificado de registro de residente comunitario o Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de un ciudadano de
la Unión” and the payment of a fee of €12 should automatically appear at the bottom of the page.
Under “INGRESO” tab, for “forma de pago” you should select “En efectivo” (in cash). You can then print
out the document, pay the fee at any bank and keep the proof of payment to submit it with the rest
of the application.
• Proof of appointment booking.

The certificate is issued on the same day as the procedure.

32
Non-EU students

You must personally apply for the Foreigners’ Identity Card within a month of your arrival in Spain, at
the corresponding police station, so that you can get your fingerprints taken.

These are considered initial applications and your NIE number (Foreigner Identity Number) has to be
printed on your visa to go to the police and get your fingerprints taken.

Student visas can occasionally fail to be correctly entered in the system, in which case a complementary
process will be required. In the case where your NIE number is not on your visa, you must go to the
foreigners’ office (Rambla Guipúscoa 72-74, normally without an appointment at 9am) with the required
documentation to process your student residence permit. In this case check with the Admissions Office
first.

` An appointment is always required at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/

directorio/icpplus
` Where to submit your application: at the police station where you booked the appointment.

Required documentation for Non-EU students:

• Application form (EX -17) (original + 2 photocopies).
• Passport or ID card (original and copy).
• Type D student visa (original and copy).
• EU entrance stamp or your boarding pass (original and copy).
• Enrolment certificate provided by IBEI which includes information about the duration of your studies
in Spain (original and copy).
• Receipt of tuition fee payment or document accrediting you are a grant holder (original and copy).
• Certificate of census registration in Spain (padró o empadronament) (original and copy). This document
is the official register of people who live in Spain, containing their corresponding address, and every
resident of a municipal area, whether Spanish or foreigner, must be registered in it. Please check
Barcelona City Council’s website to learn more about it.
• 3 recent passport-sized photos.
• Application fee (Tasa 790) payment receipt. Under the “AUTOLIQUIDACIÓN” tab, mark the option “TIE
que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal, de estancia o para
trabajadores fronterizos” and the payment of a fee of €15.76 should automatically appear at the
bottom of the page. Under “INGRESO” tab, for “forma de pago” you should select “En efectivo” (in cash).
You can then print out the document, pay the fee at any bank and keep the proof of payment to submit
it with the rest of the application.
• Proof of appointment booking.

You will be issued with a provisional copy of your Student Residence Authorisation Card and you should
pay a fee of approx. €15. After paying the fee, you should keep the receipt and the provisional copy of
your Student Residence Authorisation Card to go to pick up your official card between one and two
months later, at the address that the Police Station will indicate to you.

THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE WILL GIVE YOU MORE INFORMATION ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT
IBEI.

33
Booking an appointment
Once gathered all the required documents, you must book an appointment at https://sede.
administracionespublicas.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/icpplus

This webpage is in Spanish. You need to indicate the province in which you will be submitting your
application in (Barcelona):
• EU Citizens select “Certificados UE” and click on “aceptar” to continue.
• Non-EU citizens select “Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros (huella)” and then click on
“aceptar” to continue.

The system will automatically assign a date and time, together with the corresponding police station.
Please keep in mind that Barcelona is a very popular city for international students, which means that
during peak months (September/October) it may be very difficult to book an appointment.

The Barcelona International Welcome Desk

The Barcelona International Welcome Desk is a support service for international talent who want to
come and live in the city or who have recently settled in Barcelona. Their website provides a wealth of
information for, amongst others, students moving to Barcelona and they offer help to foreigners settling
down in the city.

34
Opening a bank account
You can either open a bank account in Barcelona or work with your bank at home withdrawing money
through ATM machines. Check with your home bank to make sure you can use your card in Spain and
under what conditions, and make sure that your card is compatible with the Spanish system. Some ATMs
do not accept PIN numbers of more than 4 digits and the keypads don’t have letters on them, so be sure
you have the right numeric code before coming.

Opening a non-resident bank account in Spain is easy. You will need your passport to open the account
and make transactions. Many foreign banks have local branches in Barcelona. As soon as you get your
student residence permit, remember to change your account from non-resident to resident status to
avoid bank charges.

You can transfer funds to Spain from another country without any problem. You will need the bank codes
and information of both banks in order to facilitate the transaction. Be sure to always ask about the fees
involved on both sides of the transaction (the originating foreign bank and the receiving Spanish bank).
Students have been surprised that even though they paid the transaction fees in their home country, they
had to pay additional fees for the Spanish bank to receive the transfer.

European students can normally transfer money without additional charges using the IBAN bank account
number.

To avoid problems when extending your student residence permit, IBEI strongly recommends that
all students (both European and non-European) open a Spanish bank account, especially those who
intend to do an internship or participate in the exchange programme during their studies as one of the
requirements for the extension of your residence permit is a proof of your financial means.

Additional IBEI Information

General Academic Calendar (2024-2025)
• Pre-sessional courses: from 3 to 10 September 2024.
• Master’s information sessions: 12 September 2024.
• Shopping week: 13 to 18 September 2024.
• Welcome Day: 20 September 2024.
• First semester: from 25 September 2024 to 10 January 2025.
Exam period and submission of coursework: from 13 to 17 January 2025.
• Second semester: from 27 January to 16 May 2025.
Exam period and submission of coursework: from 26 to 30 May 2025.
• Graduation Ceremony: 11 June 2025.
35
ACADEMIC
CALENDAR 2024-25
1st Semester (25/09/2024 to 17/01/2025)
September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024
M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 30 31
12 National Day of Spain 1 All Saints’
11 National Day of Catalonia 20 Career Skills Workshops 6 Constitution Day
3 -10 Presessional courses 8 Immaculate Conception
12 Introduction Day 23-31 Winter break
13-18 Shopping Week 25 Christmas Day 26 Boxing Day
20 Welcome Day 24 Bank Holiday

January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30

31
1 New Year’s Day 6 Epiphany
6-7 Retake Exams 1 International Studies in Practice
7-10 Supplementary Week
4-5 Career Skills Workshops 14-21 Easter break
7 ILGSPD starting day
31 International Studies in Practice 18 Divendres Sant (Good Friday)
13-17 Exams
23 Sant Jordi (Saint George's Day)

May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025

M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S
1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

30 15 Assumption
1 Labour Day 3-4 Study Trip
12-16 Intensive electives courses 11 Graduation Ceremony
19-23 Supplementary Week 9 Whit Monday/Pentecost
26-30 Exams 19-20 Retake exams
24 Sant Joan (Midsummer)
2nd Semester (27/01/2025 to 30/05/2025)
September 2025
X Public holidays (the building is closed) Public Holidays in Barcelona
M T W T F S S Presessional courses
1 January - Any Nou (New Year’s Day)
Introduction Day
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 6 January - Reis Mags (Epiphany)
Shopping Week
18 April - Divendres Sant (Good Friday)
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Welcome Day / Graduation Ceremony 1 May - Festa del Treball (Labour Day)
Classes 9 June - Segona Pasqua (Whit Monday/Pentecost)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Not lecture days 24 June - Sant Joan (Midsummer)
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Intensive Elective Courses 15 August - Verge de l’Assumpció (Assumption)
Exams 11 September - Diada de Catalunya (National Day of Catalonia)
29 30 Career Skills Workshops 24 September - La Mercè (Barcelona Patron Saint)
Retake Exams 12 October - Dia de la Hispanitat (National Day of Spain)
15 Final Research Project submission International Studies in practice 1 November - Tots Sants (All Saints’)
Study Trip 6 December - La Constitució (Constitution Day)
Final Research Project submission 8 December - La Immaculada (Immaculate Conception)
Supplementary Week 25 December - Nadal (Christmas Day)
26 December - Sant Esteve (Boxing Day)
05

STUDENT
SERVICES
Academic Office
Contact Information
The Academic Office is responsible for managing Blanca Barón (head)
the master’s programmes, students and teaching Agnès Jané
staff. The staff is available to answer queries from Mayar Skhita
both students and teachers, as well as deal with Michelle Martinez
the enrolment process and the material needed for
Office 24.135
each course. The Office also coordinates the course Mercè Rodoreda 24 building, First Floor
calendar and handles coursework submission and Email: [email protected]
academic records. Tel: (+34) 93 542 3003 / (+34) 93 542 3049

Language Service IT Service

IBEI students have access to the language courses IBEI students have access to the computer facilities
offered by the three universities that jointly award of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. If you wish to use
our master’s degrees: the Universitat Autònoma your own laptop, you will find Wi-Fi connection at
de Barcelona, the Universitat de Barcelona and IBEI.
the Universitat Pompeu Fabra. You will find more
detailed information on our website. Virtual Campus and email account
The Virtual Campus is the tool that will allow you
to access the courses in which you have been
Student card benefits enrolled. Moreover, most of the readings that will
help you follow the subjects are posted on the
Virtual Campus. You will also find material related
At the start of the academic year you will receive to the different courses such as exercises, practical
the IBEI student card which will identify you as a lessons, debates, questionnaires or recommended
member of the university community. It will allow bibliography. You can contact other students and
you to access the library borrowing service of professors through the Virtual Campus.
books, laptops and other audiovisual equipment
and to enjoy benefits and discounts on many At the beginning of the academic year, you will be
commercial services such as leisure activities, given a user guide together with your username
sports facilities, tickets for shows, etc. You will find and password.
all the information at UPF website.
You will also be provided with your own IBEI email
account at the beginning of the academic year. All
communications between IBEI and the students
will be via this email address and you should
therefore check it on a daily basis.

38
Library Service
As an IBEI student, you are free to use all libraries of the Consorci de Biblioteques Universitàries de
Catalunya (www.csuc.cat). At the start of the first semester, you will get your student card, with which
you will be identified as an IBEI student and which will allow you to access the UPF library.

All members of the IBEI community can access the electronic resources – databases, journals, books
and electronic dictionaries – subscribed to by the UPF library from outside the university through SARE
(e-resources access service).

There will be informative sessions about library and IT services at the beginning of the academic year.

IBEI Community FOLLOW US

In order to maintain good communication between
www.facebook.com/ibeibarcelona
IBEI and the students, there is an institutional
website (www.ibei.org) and social networks that
share not only academic issues that revolve @IBEI
around the IBEI community, but also allow students
to exchange information about interesting events, www.linkedin.com/school/
ibeibarcelona/
conferences and activities in the city of Barcelona.

You will receive all IBEI activities at your @student. www.flickr.com/ibeibarcelona

ibei.org email. Check also IBEI’s website and social
media. www.youtube.com/ibeibcn

39
Tuition fees
The tuition fee of your chosen master’s programme is calculated according to the ECTS credits you will
be enrolling for by our online system. The price of the complete tuition fee is obtained by multiplying the
number of credits enrolled by the price per credit (€204).

Master’s in International Development

Master’s in International Relations
Master’s in International Security
Master’s in Public Policy
The price per credit is €204, and the minimum requirement to obtain a master’s degree is 60 ECTS
credits. The tuition fee for 60 ECTS credits is therefore €12,240. The price of the complete tuition fee
depends on the number of credits enrolled by the student as students will have to pay for all extra credits
exceeding the required 60 ECTS.

Tuition fees are the same for EU and non-EU students.

The full payment of your tuition fees can be made immediately but the latest date for the payment is
20 September 2024.

Full-time students can exceptionally pay the tuition fees of the academic year 2024-2025 in two
instalments:

• 20 September 2024: €5,120

• 31 January 2025: remaining balance

Students of the part-time Master’s in International Relations can exceptionally pay the tuition fees in
four instalments:

Year 1: Year 2:
• 20 September 2024: €3,060 • 30 September 2025: €3,060
• 31 January 2025: remaining balance • 31 January 2026: remaining balance

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Tuition Fee Payment
Full-time programmes
You will enrol in your choice of courses during the first week of the first semester (the so-called “shopping
week”) through our online system. Once you have completed your enrolment, the system will calculate
your tuition fee, deducting the deposit which you paid when confirming your place as well as any grant
or further discount.

You will be able to modify your course choice for the second semester at the beginning of that semester.

Part-time programme
If you are admitted to the part-time programme, you will enrol in a minimum of 30 ECTS during your first
year and the remaining ECTS during your second year. This means that you will pay the first part of the
tuition fees for the courses you are enrolling in during your first year and the second part in September
2025 when enrolling your course choice for the second year.

You are required to pay the tuition fees by bank transfer or Flywire as stated below. The payment
deadline is 20 September 2024.

Additional costs include:

• Travel between your home country and IBEI.
• Visa application fee.
• Study materials other than the obligatory readings which are uploaded on the Virtual Campus.
• Non-compulsory study visit (€300-€400).
• Diploma issuing fee (€218.15).
• For students with a degree from outside the EU: Study of equivalence of foreign, non-EHEA
undergraduate degree (€50).

You will find further information on IBEI’s administrative fees by clicking here

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IBEI bank details
Bank transfer (payment in Euro)

Payments shall be made through wire transfer to the bank account below. If you wish to make payments
from a bank account outside of Spain, please use the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) when
initiating the wire transfer. Please note that the payer is responsible for all charges related to the bank
transfer.

Bank name and address: CaixaBank, S.A.

05000-CENTRE INSTITUCIONS
BARCELONA
Branch address:
Aribau 185,
08021 Barcelona, Spain
Institut Barcelona
d’Estudis Internacionals (IBEI)
Account holder:
Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27
08005 Barcelona, Spain.
Account number: 2100-0679-11-0200548114
IBAN: ES6521000679110200548114
Swift code: CAIXESBBXXX

International transfers through FLYWIRE (all other currencies)

For payments from accounts that operate with currencies other than the Euro, a transfer should be made
through the following link: https://www.flywire.com/pay/ibei/

It is important that you clearly indicate your name(s) and surname(s) on the payment confirmation
(and not that of the person making the transfer). You should send a receipt of the transfer by email to
[email protected]

The payment of the tuition fees will only be accepted in EUROS. If the payment involves a currency
change or other bank charges of the sending and/or receiving bank, you must ensure that the payment
covers the total amount including these charges. Fees will not be regarded as settled until these bank
charges have been met in full. You should allow up to two weeks for payments arranged by bank transfer
from abroad.

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 CHECKLIST

What to do before coming to Barcelona:

Complete admissions process: return acceptance confirmation form to IBEI.

Legalise and translate (if necessary) your academic transcript and undergraduate degree.
Get your student visa (type D) for Spain (for the non-EU students).
Check that your passport is valid until the end of 2025.
Obtain your health insurance.
Book your flight.
Book accommodation for the first days in Barcelona.
Keep in mind that you have to pay your tuition fees by 20 September 2024.
Prepare your finances and arrange for financial aid (student loans), if necessary.

Documents to bring with you to Barcelona:

Copies of all the documents you submitted for the visa application.
Proof of medical insurance.
Remember to keep your boarding pass or train ticket to Barcelona for immigration matters.
Legalised (and if necessary translated) academic transcript(s) and undergraduate degree
diploma.
Authenticity of admissions documents form.
Application form to access the master’s programme with a degree from outside the EHEA form
(this only applies to students with undergraduate degrees from outside the EHEA).
Financial statement.

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Ramon Trias Fargas 25-27
Campus de la Ciutadella (UPF)
08005 Barcelona (Spain)
www.ibei.org