Would you rather spend your study abroad experience not at an anonymous, overcrowded university, but in a personal, values-driven environment right in the heart of one of Europe’s most vibrant cities? Then the Universitat Abat Oliba CEU (UAO CEU) in Barcelona is the perfect place for you. Located on the Bellesguard Campus, right at the foot of Tibidabo Mountain and just a few steps from Antoni Gaudí’s Torre Bellesguard, UAO CEU combines academic tradition with small class sizes and close guidance from faculty members. On our website, you’ll find all the important information about the university, the city, and more, and learn how your dream of studying abroad at UAO CEU can become a reality. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be sitting in your next seminar, surrounded by modernist architecture and Mediterranean charm, and kicking off your semester abroad in Barcelona!
The Universitat Abat Oliba CEU traces its origins to 1973, when the Fundación San Pablo CEU in Barcelona founded the Centro de Estudios Abat Oliba, initially in cooperation with the University of Barcelona. The institution grew steadily over two decades before officially receiving the status of an independent university in 2003 through a resolution of the Catalan Parliament. The name honors Abbot Oliba, a defining figure of medieval Catalonia who stood for education, peace, and the development of social structures. These values remain an integral part of the UAO CEU’s identity to this day. As part of the CEU Educational Group, one of Spain’s largest private, non-profit educational institutions, UAO CEU is closely linked to its sister universities, CEU San Pablo in Madrid and CEU Cardenal Herrera in Valencia. The university sees itself as a manageable, values-based institution with a humanistic mission: Small study groups, personal contact with faculty, and a broad academic education are at the heart of its teaching philosophy. Currently, UAO CEU is organized into three faculties: Law and Economics; Communication, Education, and Humanities; and Health and Life Sciences/Psychology. It thus covers a broad range of disciplines, extending from law to business administration and journalism to psychology.
At UAO CEU, internationality is not just lip service, but a way of life: Over 100 cooperation agreements with universities in more than 25 countries, as well as approximately 4,000 internship agreements with companies, enable students to think outside the box both academically and practically. Several degree programs are taught bilingually to provide targeted support for international students. In 2017, the university was also awarded a UNESCO Chair in Peace, Solidarity, and Intercultural Dialogue, which is a testament to its commitment beyond mere teaching.
Particularly noteworthy is the high employment rate among graduates: According to a survey by the Catalan quality agency AQU, over 95% of UAO-CEU graduates in the fields of law and social sciences find employment, significantly above the average for Catalan universities. Those who study at UAO-CEU thus benefit not only from a personalized learning environment but also from a solid springboard into the job market.
The Bellesguard Campus is located in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi neighborhood, one of Barcelona’s quietest and greenest neighborhoods at the foot of Tibidabo Mountain—far from the tourist hustle and bustle of downtown, yet easily accessible by public transportation. The historic heart of the campus is a complex of buildings designed in the Modernist style in the 1920s by architect Bernardí Martorell, a student of Antoni Gaudí. Just a few steps away stands the Torre Bellesguard, an original work by Gaudí himself. This is an architectural setting that is truly one of a kind.
On campus, you’ll find modern lecture halls and seminar rooms, a well-equipped library connected to the Catalan library network, and facilities for sports and recreational activities. At the same time, the university preserves the historic character of its grounds: students here study in spaces that blend history and modernity in a unique way.
The architectural highlight of the campus is the Aula Magna, a former church with distinctive hyperboloid vaults, built in the Catalan Modernisme style. Following a comprehensive renovation that included underfloor heating and modern audiovisual technology, it now serves as a venue for lectures, conferences, and academic ceremonies. All of this takes place in a setting where tradition and university life come together.
Barcelona is one of the most popular cities for studying in Europe, and for good reason. The Catalan capital combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with urban energy: Modernist architecture by Gaudí and his contemporaries shapes the cityscape, as do kilometers of beaches, lively neighborhoods like Gràcia, El Born, and Poble Sec, and a cultural scene that ranges from art museums to live music to countless small bars. With around 1.6 million residents in the city center and several million in the metropolitan area, Barcelona is large enough to offer diversity and surprises, yet thanks to its compact city center, it’s still easy to explore on foot or by bike. The public transit network—comprising the metro, buses, and trams—is extensive and affordable, making it easy to reach even the more distant neighborhoods. This is particularly convenient for students, as the Bellesguard campus is located just outside the city center. El Prat Airport also connects Barcelona directly to most major European cities, making it ideal for spontaneous weekend trips. The climate also works in students’ favor: mild winters and long, warm summers make Barcelona attractive year-round, whether for an afternoon on Barceloneta Beach or a hike in the nearby Collserola Nature Park.
When it comes to safety and atmosphere, Barcelona is known as an open, international city with a large and active community of Erasmus and exchange students. You’ll quickly make friends here, whether through language tandems, student events, or the city’s cultural offerings. As in many major European cities, rent prices have risen noticeably in recent years, and Barcelona is now one of the more expensive cities in Spain for students. A room in a shared apartment costs between 500 and 750 euros per month, depending on the location and amenities; rooms in student residences often range from 700 to 900 euros, including utilities and, in some cases, meals. Those looking for their own small apartment should expect significantly higher costs. Precisely because the housing market in Barcelona is tight, it’s worth starting your search early—ideally several months before the semester begins. Popular, well-connected neighborhoods for students include Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, near the campus, as well as Gràcia, El Eixample, and Sant Antoni.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU in Barcelona—all as part of your bachelor’s degree program! You can complete your semester abroad at UAO CEU as part of the Bachelor of Arts in International Business program at MBS through the Erasmus program. Learn more about our degree programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor of Arts in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to give yourself the best chance of spending a semester abroad at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted, and you have successfully enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in International Business program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first few semesters, you’ll learn key business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your Erasmus semester abroad at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU. When you’ll study abroad in Barcelona depends on when you started your degree program. If you started your bachelor’s program in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started in February, you’ll go abroad during your sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at UAO CEU and answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and Erasmus formalities.
Once you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your Erasmus semester at UAO CEU, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Barcelona is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of the Bellesguard campus, make new friends with students from all over Europe, enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Spain will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three more semesters.
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also for an Erasmus semester abroad at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of exchange spots is limited.
A semester abroad at Universitat Abat Oliba CEU in Barcelona is a dream for many young adults—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Spain is a big step that requires careful planning and financing. To help you organize your experience as best as possible, this FAQ provides answers to common questions about studying at UAO CEU.
The UAO CEU is highly recommended, particularly for its personalized support, small study groups, and high employment rate. According to a survey by the Catalan quality agency AQU, over 95% of graduates in the fields of law and social sciences find employment, which is significantly above the average for Catalan universities. Rather than relying on international business accreditations such as AACSB, EQUIS, or AMBA, UAO CEU focuses on a manageable, values-based academic environment with close contact with faculty and a broad international network of over 100 partner universities. Those seeking personalized support and academic tradition will find an authentic environment at UAO CEU.
Barcelona is now one of the more expensive cities in Spain for students, but it offers a unique urban and cultural experience. Depending on the location, you should expect to pay between 500 and 750 euros per month for a room in a shared apartment; rooms in student dorms often cost between 700 and 900 euros, including utilities. On top of that, there are expenses for food, transportation, and leisure activities. If you combine your semester abroad at UAO CEU with your studies at Munich Business School as part of the Erasmus program, you’ll generally benefit from reduced or waived additional tuition fees. You can get detailed information about this at the MBS International Center.
The primary language of instruction at UAO CEU is Spanish; however, some degree programs are offered bilingually to help international students get started. There are also specific course offerings available for exchange students participating in the Erasmus program. Since you’ll hear both Spanish and Catalan in everyday life in Barcelona, it’s worth acquiring at least a basic knowledge of Spanish before your semester abroad. This will not only make your daily life at the university easier but also help you connect with local classmates and explore the city itself.
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