Frequently Asked Questions
Master Programs
- What kind of programs does the Barcelona GSE offer?
- Are the programs official degrees within the framework of the Bologna Process?
- How long do the master programs take to complete?
- What degree do I get upon completion of a Barcelona GSE master?
- Can I organize a flexible curriculum in the master?
- Can I start the master program in January?
- Is there a part-time option for the master programs?
- Can I attend a program as an occasional student?
- Is it possible to work while following a master program?
- Where is the campus located?
Tuition and Financial Aid
- How much do the Barcelona GSE master programs cost?
- Does the Barcelona GSE offer scholarships?
- Am I eligible for a scholarship?
- How do I get financial aid?
- I am applying for a MAEC-AECI grant. What is the procedure to apply for a pre-admission letter from Barcelona GSE?
Teaching Assistantship
Contact / Visit Barcelona GSE
- Can I visit Barcelona GSE?
- Can I contact current or former students joining the same course?
Admission Criteria
- What are the admission requirements?
- What type of undergraduate degree is preferable to be accepted into a program?
- My qualifications are below the entrance requirements stated above, can I still apply?
- Am I qualified to apply? Can you give me some advice before I apply?
- Is it necessary for applicants to have professional experience prior to joining the master programs?
- How can I learn more about the profile of students admitted to the master programs?
English Knowledge
- Do I need to provide an English Test? Which certificates do you consider?
- What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
- Can I still apply if my TOEFL score is lower than the minimum required?
- What is your TOEFL code?
- What is the minimum IELTS score required?
- What Cambridge Certificates do you accept?
- Do I have to wait until I have taken my TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge test before sending in my application?
- Can I submit a copy of my ETS scores even though ETS will send original ones to your institution?
GRE/GMAT
- Do I have to take either the GMAT or the GRE?
- What is your GRE/GMAT code?
- Do I have to wait until I have taken my GRE/GMAT tests before sending in my application?
Reference letters
- Whom should I choose as referees?
- What is the format of the reference letters?
- Can I submit letters from my own referees?
Application Process
- Can I apply online?
- When should I apply?
- When is the application deadline?
- Can I apply to more than one program?
Application Form
- I have forgotten my username and password. How can I recover them?
- I am having technical problems while trying to complete the online application form. What am I doing wrong?
- Is there an application fee?
- I don't have a credit card, can I use my friend's card?
- Can I pay through bank transfer?
- I get an error message while I am trying to pay by credit card. What is the problem?
Admissions Decisions
- When will I find out if I've been accepted?
- What will happen if I accept the place, but then have to withdraw?
Work and Internships
- Is it possible to work while following a master program?
- Are internships a part of the master programs?
- Do any of the programs guarantee an internship?
- Does Barcelona GSE provide career service to students?
- Where can I learn more about alumni placement?
Accommodation
- Does Barcelona GSE provide accommodation for students?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Master Programs
1. What kind of programs does the Barcelona GSE offer?
The Barcelona GSE offers programs leading to two master degrees: the Master Degree in Economics and Finance and the Master Degree in Specialized Economic Analysis.
Master Degree in Economics and Finance
Awarded jointly with Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF). Programs leading to this degree:
Master Degree in Specialized Economic Analysis
Awarded jointly with Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Programs leading to this degree:
View all Barcelona GSE master programs
2. Are the programs official degrees within the framework of the Bologna Process?
Yes. All Barcelona GSE master degrees have been recognized by the Catalan and Spanish Education authorithies within the framework of the Bologna Process (in Spanish, “Master Universitario o Master Oficial”).
3. How long do the master programs take to complete?
All of the masters are 9-month programs. You may download a copy of this year's academic calendar [pdf].
4. What degree do I get upon completion of a Barcelona GSE master?
Graduates of the Master Degree in Economics and Finance will hold a degree awarded jointly with Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF).
Graduates of the Master Degree in Specialized Economic Analysis will hold a degree awarded jointly with Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB).
5. Can I organize a flexible curriculum in the master?
All of the masters enable students to choose from a range of electives to supplement the core courses in the program. The amount of flexibility varies for each master. For more information, please see the Courses page for each master in the Programs section of our site.
6. Can I start the master program in January?
All master programs start in September, and this is the only time a student can begin. The program starts in September and ends in July. You may download a copy of this year's academic calendar [pdf].
7. Is there a part-time option for the master programs?
The Barcelona GSE masters are full-time programs.
8. Can I attend a program as an occasional student?
It is not possible to attend Barcelona GSE graduate programs as an occasional student or to audit courses.
9. Is it possible to work while following a master program?
Barcelona GSE programs are full-time and class schedule covers the whole week. A few students manage to do part-time internships.
10. Where is the campus located?
The Economics of Science and Innovation and the Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets programs are taught on the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Bellaterra, about a 30-minute train ride from the city center. The Economics of Public Policy and Health Economics and Policy programs include courses at both campus locations. The other programs are conducted entirely at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Campus in downtown Barcelona.
GSE campus locations
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Tuition and Financial Aid
1. How much do the Barcelona GSE master programs cost?
All of the programs have a cost of 12,000 €.
2. Does the Barcelona GSE offer scholarships?
In an effort to attract outstanding students, the Barcelona GSE offers different types of tuition waivers and scholarships. To know more about scholarships visit the Scholarships section in our website.
3. Am I eligible for a scholarship?
Thanks to the participation of a number of companies and institutions, the Barcelona GSE is able to offer a number of tuition waivers and fully-funded scholarships based on academic merit. All students applying to Barcelona GSE who meet the general and specific requirements for these grants will automatically be considered for this scholarships program. There is no additional scholarship application form to fill out. For more information, please visit the Scholarships section in our website.
4. How do I get financial aid?
The first step is to indicate on your application that you wish to be considered for financial assistance. It is not possible to grant tuition exemptions after the beginning of the academic year.
5. I am applying for a MAEC-AECI grant. What is the procedure to apply for a pre-admission letter from Barcelona GSE?
Usually these grants (MAEC-AECI, ALBAN) have very early application deadlines preceding Barcelona GSE's admission offers. When you apply for one of these grants, you will be required to show proof of admission by providing a pre-admission letter. Before applying for the grant, you must complete the online application, and the Barcelona GSE admissions office must receive your letters of reference.
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Teaching Assistantships
1. Do the Barcelona GSE programs offer TA positions?
Only the Master in Economics and Master in Finance have Teaching Assistantship positions available. The rest of the programs do not have these positions.
2. How do the TA positions work?
TA positions entail a total of teaching hours at the undergraduate level as well as some proctoring exams. TA positions can be of a total of 60 hours or of a total of 30 hours per year.
3. How can I apply for a teaching assistantship?
You will find this information in the online master program application form. Once you have logged into your application, you will need to indicate that you wish to be considered for a teaching assistantship for the program in Economics or the program in Finance.
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Contact / Visit Barcelona GSE
1. Can I visit Barcelona GSE?
If you are interested in visiting Barcelona GSE at the UPF Campus, learning about our programs and meeting Barcelona GSE staff, students, and professors, you are welcomed to make an appointment here. The Barcelona GSE holds on-campus events and attends admissions fairs in cities around the world so that prospective students can learn more about our institution, and the advantages that our master programs can offer you. These events range from information sessions and open days to recruitment fairs for higher education. Learn about ways to meet us.
2. Can I contact current or former students joining the same course?
We encourage you to join the Facebook Group to find former, current and prospective students. You can also visit our Admissions blog for updated news.
Admission Criteria
1. What are the admission requirements?
Successful applicants will hold an undergraduate/bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited college or university with an outstanding academic record. Applicants must also meet the School's English language requirement. Though not compulsory, GRE or good command in quantitative skills is often recommended. Please review general entry requirements on the Admission Criteria page.
2. What type of undergraduate degree is preferable to be accepted into a program?
It depends on the program. Students with a background in the natural sciences or technology-related fields are particularly well suited for the Economics of Science and Innovation program. Those holding degrees in economics or engineering are encouraged to apply to the other master programs.
3. My qualifications are below the entrance requirements stated above, can I still apply?
All applications are considered on their merits. We consider not only the marks on your transcript but also the academic references, personal statement and any additional test scores. Your application can be strengthened with a high score in the GRE/GMAT.
4. Am I qualified to apply? Can you give me some advice before I apply?
We regret that we cannot offer individual feedback on qualifications and marks obtained or comment on your chances of being accepted to any of our programs before you apply to the program, since the Admissions Committee will evaluate the application as a whole when making its decision.
5. Is it necessary for applicants to have professional experience prior to joining the master programs? Professional experience is an asset but not a prerequisite for admission.
6. How can I learn more about the profile of students admitted to the master programs? You will find information about academic background, nationalitites and working experience by program and in general in the Class Profile page. Brief profiles of current students are also available on the "Student Profile" page of each master program:
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English Knowledge
1. Do I need to provide an English Test? Which certificates do you consider?
Students whose first language is not English or if the language of instruction of previous degree is not English must be able to provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is adequate. Students with a previous degree taught in English in a non-English speaking country, should provide official evidence from the relevant university that the degree was taught entirely in English to gain an exemption from this requirement. Students should include test scores, if available, in the relevant section of the application form. If you have not yet taken the test, your application can still be considered in its absence, but any offer will be conditional on your achieving the required score by the time your are expected to register. Certificates accepted: TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge Certificates.
Information about English knowledge requirements is also listed in the Admission Criteria.
2. What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria for minimum TOEFL score requirements.
3. Can I still apply if my score is lower than the minimum required?
Yes. Your application will be reviewed but final decision on this issue will depend on the master admission committee decision. If additional information should be provided to complement the test score you will be informed.
4. What is your TOEFL code?
The Barcelona GSE code for the TOEFL exam is 2531. If you are not able to choose the Barcelona GSE code, you will need to choose the Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Economics code: 1801
5. What is the minimum IELTS score required?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria for minimum British Council IELTS score requirements.
6. What Cambridge Certificates do you accept?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria for Cambridge Certificate requirements.
7. Do I have to wait until I have taken my TOEFL/IELTS/Cambridge tests before I submit my application?
You can submit your application before you receive the test results. You are responsible for uploading ETS (TOEFL and GRE) or GMAT, IELTS, scores to your application. You can upload scores to the system at any stage of the application process. You do not need to wait until you have taken these tests to apply, however please be aware that not providing evidence of your command of the English language may delay the processing of your application.
8. Can I submit a copy of my ETS scores even though ETS will send original ones to your institution?
Yes. If you are in possession of the ETS Test Scores, please attach a copy of it in your application. You can upload scores to the system at any stage of the application process. This way we can start reviewing your application file once it is complete. If you have requested ETS to send us originals test scores we will receive them later.
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GRE/GMAT
1. Do I have to take either the GMAT or the GRE?
Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide scores of the Graduate Record Examination/Graduate Management Admission Test (GRE/GMAT). Though not compulsory, GRE/GMAT results are often a key element for admission decisions. Please refer to the Admission Criteria for more information.
2. What is your GRE/GMAT code?
The GRE code for the Barcelona GSE is 2531. If you are not able to choose the Barcelona GSE code, you will need to choose the Universitat Pompeu Fabra – Economics code: 1801. The GMAT code is the Graduate program in Economics, Finance and Management used by the Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
3. Do I have to wait until I have taken my GRE/GMAT tests before I submit my application?
You can submit your application before having the results of your GRE/GMAT exam. You can upload scores to the system at any stage of the application process. If you wish to submit the GRE or GMAT you should arrange to take the test as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Some countries have only limited test facilities and dates so it is important that you arrange your test as soon as you know that you are intending to apply. Use the ETS and GMAC web sites to check for test availability and to register for a test. If you know your GRE or GMAT scores when you complete your application but do not have your test certificate to send to us you should write the scores in the appropriate section on the application form.
Reference Letters
1. Whom should I choose as referees?
Suitable referees include a current/former professor or employer who knows you well enough to attest to such attributes as your intellectual capacity, work ethic, ability to work in a team, etc. Instructions for applicants regarding reference letters
2. What is the format of the letter of reference?
Click here to download a standard template for referees to fill out.
3. Can I submit letters from my own referees?
During the online application process, the applicant will provide the names and email addresses of two referees. Once the applicant has submitted the application, each referee will receive an email containing instructions for uploading a letter to the system. Instructions for applicants regarding reference letters
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Application Process
1. Can I apply online?
Barcelona GSE works exclusively with an online application system. Students must complete the online application form and attach the four supporting documents before submitting.
2. When should I apply?
Even though Barcelona GSE has a rolling admission’s process, we encourage students to apply soon to have more chances to be accepted in the program. When the total number of places in a master is covered, no more applications will be reviewed.
3. When is the application deadline?
Please refer to the Admissions Dates & Timeline.
4. Can I apply to more than one program?
Students may apply to a maximum of three programs but must put them in order of preference on the application form.
Application Form
1. I have forgotten my username and password. How can I recover them?
Please use the request form for password recovery, available on the application form home page.
2. I am having technical problems while trying to complete the online application form. What am I doing wrong?
- The Barcelona GSE Application form works best while using Internet Explorer or Firefox. Other browsers may not be fully supported.
- Do not use your browser's "back", "forward", or "refresh" button while you are completing the form. This may cause loss of data or accidentally logging out of the system.
- Make sure you fill in all the required information.
- In some cases, information is lost because a student's Internet connection is interrupted before submitting the application. If your Internet provider's server has a tendency to fail or if your connection speed is slow, the probability of an error of this type increases.
- Once you submit your completed application, you will no longer be able to modify it.
- Once you select a payment option you can no longer modify your application.
- Only attach documents when you are ready to submit. Leaving the application after attaching documents may cause loss of data.
3. Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is an application fee of 50€.
4. I don't have a credit card, can I use my friend's card?
Yes. You can either use your friend’s card directly on the application system or you can download the credit card form, and follow the instructions so that we can charge the fee to the credit card information provided.
5. Can I pay through bank transfer?
Yes. The transfer payment option is available upon request through the contact form you will find in the application form. Take into account that bank transfer can be more expensive and all additional fees need to be assumed by the student.
6. I get an error message while I am trying to pay by credit card. What is the problem?
- Please check that your credit card has not expired and that it is authorized to make online payments.
- If you have done that, check with your bank to make sure that it is affiliated with the 3D SECURE payment system.
- If you still have problems, please contact the admissions office to discuss other payment options.
Admissions Decisions
1. When will I find out if I've been accepted?
Once your complete application package has been received together with the letters of reference you can expect an answer in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. You can keep track of your application status by logging in to the system.
2. What will happen if I accept the place, but then have to withdraw?
- Please notify us in writing as soon as possible if you have to withdraw after accepting your place.
- There is no financial obligation associated with acceptance except for the deposit payment and first tuition fee, which are non-refundable.
- Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not going to attend, as this will allow us to offer the place to another candidate.
Work and Internships
1. Is it possible to work while following a master program?
All of the Barcelona GSE master programs are full-time and require a student's full attention and commitment.
2. Are internships a part of the master programs?
Some of the master programs collaborate with companies and institutions to place qualified candidates in internships upon completion of the coursework. For more details, please check the information available in each of the master program pages.
3. Do any of the programs guarantee an internship?
Collaborating institutions make the decision whether or not to recruit students for internships based on their own eligibility criteria.
4. Does Barcelona GSE provide career service to students?
Master Directors and GSE staff is constantly providing information and guidance to students on their career search. Job offers and internships are posted throughout the year for GSE current and former students on the GSE intranet . At present the Barcelona GSE does not have a formal career service.
5. Where can I learn more about alumni placement?
For all master programs you can find all the information in Alumni Career Paths and Alumni Doctoral Study, in the Alumni & Friends section in our website. For specific information of each program please visit it Alumni Outlook section in our website.
Accommodation
1. Does Barcelona GSE provide accommodation for students?
There are several options for accommodation: residence halls in the UPF and UAB campuses, independent student residences, or private off-campus accommodations. For more information, please visit the Accommodation web page.
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