Frequently Asked Questions
Master Programs
- What kind of programs does the Barcelona GSE offer?
- 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 MSc program in January?
- Is there a part-time option for the MSc 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?
- 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?
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?
English Knowledge
- Do I need to provide an English Test? Which certificates do you consider?
- What is the minimum TOEFL score 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?
Letters of Reference
- 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. Who should I contact?
- I am having technical problems while trying to complete the online application form. What am I doing wrong?
- 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?
- I have an offer for this academic year although I cannot take up the place. Can I defer my admission for next academic course?
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?
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 the following Master of Science (MSc) programs in the field of Economics and Finance:
2. 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].
3. What degree do I get upon completion of a Barcelona GSE Master?
For the MSc in Economics and MSc in Finance the Master of Science degree is awarded jointly by the Barcelona GSE and the UPF. For the rest of the programs a Master of Science degree is awarded jointly by the Barcelona GSE, the UPF and the UAB.
4. Can I organize a flexible curriculum in the Master?
All of the Masters enable students to choose from a wide 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.
5. Can I start the MSc 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].
6. Is there a part-time option for the MSc programs?
The Barcelona GSE Masters are full-time programs.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Where is the campus located?
The MSc in the Economics of Science and Innovation and the MSc in Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets are taught on the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Bellaterra, about a 30-minute train ride from the city center. The other three Masters are conducted entirely at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra Campus in downtown Barcelona. Read more about the campuses.
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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 a limited number of full and half-tuition scholarships based on academic merit.
3. 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.
4. 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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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?
A group of current Barcelona GSE students representing all the different master programs have volunteered to answer any questions you may have about student life at the school. For more information click here.
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 MSc in the Economics of Science and Innovation. 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.
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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. What is your TOEFL code?
The Barcelona GSE code for the TOEFL exam is 2531.
4. What is the minimum IELTS score required?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria for minimum British Council IELTS score requirements.
5. What Cambridge Certificates do you accept?
Please refer to the Admission Criteria for Cambridge Certificate requirements.
6. 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. IELTS and TOEFL scores may be submitted at any time. 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.
7. 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. 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.
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. 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.
Letters of Reference
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 referees are located on the Application Checklist page.
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?
Referees should send the letter of reference directly to the Barcelona GSE. They can do this by email to references@barcelonagse.eu or by mail in a sealed envelope with the signature of the referee to:
Letters of Reference
Barcelona GSE
carrer Ramon Trias Fargas 25-27
08005 Barcelona Spain
For more information on letters of reference, visit the Admissions Checklist.
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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. Who should I contact?
We are currently running final tests for this year's application form. Technical support information will be available when the form is opened.
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.
- 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.
- You will only have access to your application form if it is incomplete.
- 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. 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.
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, which is non-refundable.
- If you cannot come this year, but still wish to attend in the next session, you may wish to consider deferring your place (see Question 3 below).
- 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.
3. I have an offer for this academic year but cannot accept it. Can I defer my admission for next academic course?
- If you have an offer for admission for this academic year you can request to defer it until the next academic year.
- Please note that requesting a deferment will invalidate any financial support offered, as awards cannot be carried over from one year to the next.
- Applicants are only permitted to defer once.
- The deadline for requesting a deferral is July 15.
If your deferment is approved, you will pay fees applicable for the following year's admission.
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.
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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