How to Study Abroad in Barcelona on a Budget
1. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
One of the best parts of being an international student is having access to student discounts. A great way to keep track of what discounts are available is with Studentfy, the largest student association in Barcelona. They provide more than 150 online and offline student discounts completely free of charge, covering everything from restaurants and cafés to gyms, clothing shops, and entertainment.
But Studentfy isn’t just about discounts. They also support international students studying abroad in Barcelona by offering guidance and services in areas such as health insurance, student housing, group trips, and social activities. Studentfy is a great resource to help you meet new people, save money, and get settled into life in Barcelona. For any international students studying abroad, it’s both a practical tool and a supportive community that helps you make the most of your student experience.
2. Work Part-Time on a Student Visa
Did you know that as an international student in Spain you’re legally permitted to work up to 30 hours per week on your student visa? This is a huge advantage because it means you can look for part-time jobs or internships to help cover the costs of living and studying abroad in Barcelona. Many international students find roles in hospitality, retail, or as language tutors, while others look for internships related to their field of study.
Working while studying abroad in Barcelona is not just about the extra income. It’s also an amazing opportunity to gain professional experience, build your CV, and develop transferable skills that will help you after graduation. On top of that, having a job gives you the chance to meet new people, practise your Spanish or Catalan, and connect with locals as well as other international students. It’s one of the most practical and rewarding ways to enhance your study abroad experience.
3. Use Budget Tracking Apps
An obvious but underrated tip is to track your spending daily while studying abroad in Barcelona. It might seem like a small step, but being consistent really makes a difference. Track every expense you have with budget tracking apps like Wallet or Spendee. Both apps are excellent for beginners and completely free.
By tracking your expenses, you’ll quickly see exactly where your money is going, whether it’s rent, groceries, transport, or nights out with friends. These apps also let you create separate budgets for different categories, such as daily living costs, travel, or weekend activities. This way, you stay in control and can plan ahead. Keeping on top of your spending ensures your money lasts longer and gives you more freedom to enjoy the experiences that really matter during your time abroad.
4. Travel Cheap by Booking Ahead
For many international students, studying abroad in Europe is also about exploring new places. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, planning ahead is key to saving money and staying on budget.
As soon as you receive your academic calendar, check when you will have free time and start looking for flights. Tools like SkyScanner let you compare flights and filter by the cheapest options. Booking in advance often means you can secure flights at incredibly low prices, leaving you with more money to spend on the actual trip.
Another great way to travel in Europe is by train, and it is often cheaper than flying. For budget-friendly train tickets make sure to check out Trainline and Omio. Both platforms allow you to compare prices, timetables, and routes across different train companies, helping you find the best deal.
5. Use Affordable Transport in Barcelona
Public transport in Barcelona is fantastic and affordable, especially for students. If you’re under 30, you’re eligible for the T-jove card, which allows unlimited travel on the metro, bus, train, and tram across 6 zones. Normally it costs €80 for three months, but now it is available for only €40 until the end of 2025 which is an amazing deal!
Another great option is AMBici, Barcelona’s network of 100% electric bikes with 236 stations across the city. Simply download the app, unlock a bike, and start cycling.
If you prefer to have your own bike, Swapfiets is a company that offers student discounts on traditional and electric rental bikes. This way, you can still travel on a budget while studying abroad in Barcelona without relying on publicly shared bikes.
Studying abroad in Barcelona does not have to break the bank.
- Take advantage of student discounts.
- Work part-time or get an internship.
- Track your expenses with budgeting apps.
- Plan your travel far in advance.
- Utilize affordable public transport.
By following these 5 helpful budgeting tips you will be able to enjoy everything Barcelona has to offer while studying abroad and staying within budget. This will allow you to get the most out of your time in Barcelona, one of the most popular study abroad destinations for international students in the world!
Explore ESEI’s Programmes
👉If you’re considering starting your own journey in Barcelona, explore ESEI’s Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes and see how we can support you as you settle into life here.
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