Welcome to the Universitat Pompeu Fabra

The young, dynamic and progressive Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) located on the seafront in Barcelona is one of the best universities in the country. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences offers fascinating Bachelor's and Master's programmes with renowned professors, while the prestigious research department provides an exciting and attractive environment for bachelor's or master's theses and internships.

The UPF community consists of approximately 15,000 students, 1,500 faculty members and 600 other staff. More than 1,500 of the students come from abroad for an exchange semester or to obtain their Master's degrees or Doctorates. UPF's global partnerships and international outlook set it apart: the university “has its feet in Barcelona and its head in the world”.

Welcome to Pompeu Fabra!

At UPF, the academic year is divided into trimesters, which means that a semester abroad at UPF for FHNW students needs careful planning. The languages of instruction are Catalan, Spanish and English – please keep this in mind when choosing modules. Knowledge of Spanish is not required for lab work.

UPF is spread over three campuses with the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences located in the Mar Campus next to the del Mar Hospital and only a few minutes walk from the beach.

Sounds of Mar Campus

Barcelona - one of the most popular cities in Europe.
In the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, tourists can enjoy all kinds of attractions: long beaches, parks, a wide range of museums, impressive architecture and a thriving nightlife. Studying and doing research in a city which is also a holiday destination - perfect!

Barcelona Travel Guide

The Spanish are known for their open, relaxed and fun-loving nature. Our students experienced this as well: they were given a warm welcome, got to know people quickly and became part of the team.

If I had known before how easy it is to make friends in Barcelona, I would have gone on my own sooner.

Kerstin Geiger, BSc Thesis student at UPF 2019

Helpful info for your stay at UPF:

Welcome to UPF - UPF Guide
Living in Barcelona - practical information about accommodation, insurance, cost of living, registration and more
UPF Erasmus Student Network (ESN) - ESN organizes events, excursions and other activities
UPF facts & figures

We are happy to help you plan your stay at UPF in Barcelona!