Hi everyone! I’ve noticed a lot of questions on the forums recently about studying art and design abroad, especially concerning schools in Barcelona. Since I graduated from Elisava, I thought I’d start a post to share my first-hand experience. Hopefully, it can serve as some unofficial guidance for prospective students who are currently choosing where to apply.
A Few Things You Should Know About Elisava
Elisava’s full name is the ‘Barcelona School of Design and Engineering.’ It’s not a comprehensive university but rather a higher education institution specializing in design. It’s affiliated with the renowned Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), meaning your diploma upon graduation is from UPF, guaranteeing its value. Much like the prestige associated with top Spanish university business schools, this connection is a significant plus. The school’s location is amazing—right on La Rambla, Barcelona’s most central street. Going to class every day feels like you’re sightseeing.
The school has excellent facilities—all kinds of workshops, 3D printers, and photography studios are available, encouraging students to get hands-on. The entire learning atmosphere is about “making things happen.” Many of the professors are leading figures in the industry, and the projects they bring in are real-world commercial collaborations. Classes feel less like traditional lectures and more like creative workshops.
Here is the school’s main building on La Rambla. Very design-oriented, don’t you think? It’s one of the city’s iconic academic buildings, similar to how other institutions like UCAM University in Spain also have distinctive campuses.
How to Choose a Program?
Elisava’s flagship programs are quite prominent and are primarily centered around design and engineering. The curriculum for both undergraduate and master’s degrees is very cutting-edge. Here’s a brief list of some popular program areas to give you an idea:
| Program Area | Core Focus |
|---|
| Graphic Design and Communication | Focuses on brand narrative, visual systems, and editorial design |
| Product Design and Development | Emphasizes user experience, material innovation, and sustainability |
| Interaction Design | Concentrates on UI/UX, digital products, and emerging technologies |
| Space Design | Covers interior design, retail spaces, and temporary architecture |
In terms of teaching, group projects are the norm, which is great for developing communication and collaboration skills. Final assessments have mostly moved away from traditional exams; everything depends on your project portfolio.
If you’re truly passionate about design and want a practical, industry-aligned education—similar to how students consult Spanish university finance program rankings to find top-tier schools—then Elisava is definitely a top choice. But be prepared: the academic pressure is significant, and having a ton of assignments is normal. The tuition fees are also on the higher side for Spain. Here’s a piece of advice for applicants: Your portfolio is far more important than your language scores
! Be sure to prepare it meticulously to showcase your creativity and potential. I hope my sharing has been helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll reply when I see it!
