Why join the UPF Barcelona International Summer School?

The Barcelona International Summer School is a truly international programme that will help you make connections all over the world, including both local and international students, faculty members, and other members of the UPF community. Take this chance to study in a top-tier university for credits towards your degree and spend a summer in the heart of Barcelona. 

The interdisciplinary approach of the BISS provides flexibility and an ambitious programme that invites you to step out of your comfort zone with confidence knowing that you have the full support of the BISS Team. 

I have special educational/accessibility needs. Can I still take part?

We welcome participants with special educational or accessibility needs. To ensure that we can provide the necessary support and accommodations, we kindly request that you inform the team in advance about your specific requirements. This will enable us to make the necessary adjustments and ensure your full and meaningful participation in the program. 

I am applying with a friend, will we be in the same class?

In case a course has different class groups, students are randomly assigned to different groups to facilitate a diverse learning experience. Therefore, in courses where more than one group is available, it may not be possible for students to attend classes with other students of their choice.

I can only attend part of a course, can I still apply?

The Barcelona International Summer School runs for a very short period and you are expected to attend the full duration of the programme. If you cannot attend the full course, we do not recommend applying.

I do not meet the entry requirements. Can I apply?

In general, it’s unlikely that you will be accepted onto our program if you do not meet the admission requirements. Exceptional circumstances of applicants who do not meet the specified entry criteria may undergo individual consideration by the Academic Director.

Do I need a visa to study at the Summer School?

Study stays of less than 90 days do not require a study visa. Depending on the applicant's nationality, a short-stay visa may be required. If you do need a visa to travel to Summer School, you should make sure that you apply for your Summer School place as soon as possible to ensure there is enough time for the visa process.

Are there any scholarships available?

We are unable to offer any scholarships, however you may wish to contact your home university if you are a current student to ask whether they may be able to offer financial support.

Is there an application fee?

No - it is free to apply to our Summer School. Only after your application in accepted, a registration fee will be applied upon enrollment.

When can I apply for the Barcelona International Summer School?

The application period for the Barcelona International Summer School opens in March and consists of three rounds: March, April, and May. Make sure to check the official dates and details regarding each application round on the Apply Now section. 

What is the application deadline?

Each application round is open for 15 days. Please see the application deadlines for each application round in the Calendar section. Submit your application promptly to maximize your opportunity to participate in the summer school. Places for the Barcelona International Summer School are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We strongly encourage applicants to apply early to secure their spots in the program. 

I would like to join the Summer School but do not wish to be assessed. What can I do?

All registered courses will be reflected in your final transcript, it's important to note that a "No-show" (No presentat) mark will be assigned to courses where assessments are not performed. This mark does not impact your overall GPA but serves as a record of non-participation in assessments. We recommend communicating your decision with course instructors and seeking advice from academic advisors if needed.

Can I cancel my application?

Yes, you have a right to cancel your application, please inform our staff at [email protected]

How long will it take until I know if I've been accepted?

Applications that arrive complete and with the correct supporting documents will usually be processed within 5 working days. If we require further information as part of your application we will email you. Incomplete applications will take longer to process as you will need to supply further information. We will notify you via email as soon as a decision has been reached.

Is there a registration fee?

There is a non-refundable registration fee payable when you complete your registration. Students from UPF partner universities are exempt from paying the registration fee. Confirm your university's partnership status with UPF to determine eligibility for fee exemption.

When do I have to pay my tuition fees?

Tuition fees should be paid within the announced deadline, as your place on the programme is only guaranteed once we have received full payment. Please refer to the Calendar section.

What’s included in the fee?

Program fees include tuition costs, social activities and a Transcript of Records.

Can I change my course choice?

There is not a formal add and drop period in short-term programs and course changes are not allowed. However, exceptional requests for a change in courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis. This process involves submitting a duly documented request through a Course Request form. Keep in mind that the feasibility of a course change may depend on factors such as program requirements, seat availability in other courses, and any potential impact on your overall academic progress.

What happens if I have to cancel my place once I have paid and been accepted?

Once you have received a confirmation of acceptance in writing onto the program, the following cancellation charges apply:

• After registration and until May 31st 2024: 100% refund of tuition fees minus €150 registration fee
• From 1st to 30th June 2024: 50% refund of the tuition fees minus €150 registration fee.
• From July 1st 2024: 0% refund*

All cancellations need to be communicated in writing by the person that booked the course. This includes cancellation in case of illness. Written communication of the cancellation including the reason and supporting documents must be sent to [email protected]

*Fees may be refundable after the announced deadlines in some excruciating circumstances. Please contact us for more information.

What happens if my course is cancelled?

All BISS courses are subject to student demand and tutor availability. If a BISS course is cancelled due to lack of student demand or tutor availability, an alternate course will be offered. If an alternate course is not available, the Programme fees paid will be refunded. If the alternate course offered is not accepted by the student, the Programme fees paid will be refunded.

How can I find accommodation in Barcelona?

While UPF itself does not directly provide accommodation for students, the university collaborates with various student halls to ensure that suitable housing options are available. These halls are often managed independently but work closely with the university to accommodate the needs of our students.

For your convenience, you can explore accommodation options on this section. Resa and Blau student halls featured on this site provide special discounts for BISS students, please contact us to get the codes.

What sort of things are there to do outside of studying?

The Summer School also runs a social programme. See our social programme page for more information.

How do I get to the university?

All our campuses are located in well-connected areas in the heart of ​​Barcelona. You can get there by public transport using the metro, bus or tram. See the map for more details about how to get to each campus.

Will I have Wi-Fi access?

Yes, you will be provided with Wi-Fi access around campus through Eduroam.

Will I have full access to the library and its facilities?

All BISS participants have full access to the library and its facilities. Photocopying and computing facilities are also available for you to use.

Should I bring my own laptop?

All students will be required to bring their own laptop to Summer School. Once registered, students will be given instructions on how to set up IT accounts, including a UPF email address.

Are there eating and drinking facilities on campus?

There are cafeterias on each campus, although their opening times might be limited during the summer term. Additionally, vending machines are often scattered throughout the facilities for quick snacks and drinks. Beyond the campus, there are restaurants and cafes in the surrounding areas.

Is attendance to the sessions compulsory?

Yes, attendance is mandatory for both lectures and field trips (if applicable). It is important to adhere to the attendance requirements outlined in the course syllabus. Regular attendance is often considered an essential part of the learning process.

When do exams take place?

The syllabus for each course should indicate the type of final assessment method for the course (and the relative weight of the final assessment on students' final grades). Exam dates and deadlines will also be detailed at the beginning of the course. There are no exceptions to taking the exams at the given time and date and this should be taken into account when booking return flights.

What happens if I am unwell or have mitigating circumstances on the day of the exam?

If you experience any exceptional circumstances in the period preceding or during the examinations that might affect your attendance at or performance in them, you must communicate them in writing to your professor with all relevant supporting documentation, such as medical certificates, not later than three days after your exam. It will be up to your instructor’s discretion whether or not to grant you an opportunity for a make-up assessment.

Where do I check my final grades?

Grades will be posted both in the Aula Global Moodle and Secretaria Virtual. 

What documentation will I receive upon successful completion of a Summer School course?

Summer School students will automatically receive an electronic transcript upon completion of a Summer School course. An Attendance Certificate will be available on request.

How and when will I receive my transcript?

Transcripts will be made available electronically, after the end of the programme, usually in early-September. Summer School students will receive an email to their UPF address with their digital transcript as an attachment. Hard copies of transcripts are only issued upon request.

Will I be able to access my online course material and email after I have left?

We strongly advise that all students download and save, or print any materials during the programme that they would like to keep. Your UPF account will be closed shortly after the Summer School is over, at which point you will no longer have access to Aula Global and UPF email.