Founded in 2004, the Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI) is a private inter-university foundation created through the collaborative efforts of the five public universities in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra) and CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs). IBEI’s mission is to advance high-level postgraduate education and pioneering research in international relations, public policy, security, and development studies. At its core, the institute seeks to foster deeper understanding of the global governance challenges that shape our world.

Now well into its second decade, IBEI has consolidated its position as a leading academic and research institution, earning widespread recognition across Europe and internationally.

Academic Excellence and Research Leadership

From the beginning, IBEI has placed a strong emphasis on academic excellence, with a particular focus on building a dynamic and internationally recognized research faculty. The institute regularly recruits talented scholars through annual calls for postdoctoral and assistant lecturer positions, alongside competitive visiting fellowships for prominent academics. Since 2008, IBEI’s academic team has been further enhanced by researchers on secondment from Catalan universities and scholars funded by prestigious external programmes such as ICREA, Ramón y Cajal, and Marie Curie grants.

IBEI’s sustained growth is rooted in its ongoing commitment to attracting top-tier talent and continuously improving the quality of its teaching programmes. This strategy reflects the institute’s ambition to remain at the forefront of academic innovation and impact.

Excellence in Graduate Education

All IBEI master’s programmes are accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and are designed to equip students with a strong analytical foundation and deep subject expertise. The curricula emphasize both theoretical insight and practical relevance, enabling graduates to engage effectively with the pressing issues of today’s global landscape.

IBEI offers a wide array of over 50 elective courses covering diverse thematic and geographic areas, allowing students to tailor their academic journey according to their specific interests and professional goals. All master’s degrees are taught in English, and the Master’s in International Relations is also available in a bilingual Spanish-English track. A personalized approach ensures close interaction among students, faculty, and staff, fostering a vibrant and supportive academic community.

A Global Student Body

IBEI’s student body is highly international, with participants from more than 40 countries, many of whom bring prior academic or professional experience abroad. This cultural diversity enriches classroom discussions and promotes a dynamic exchange of perspectives—both inside and outside the classroom—creating a truly global learning environment.

A Leading Centre for Global Studies

Through its integrated approach to education and research, IBEI has become one of Europe’s foremost centres for advanced studies in politics, international relations, and global affairs. Its continued success underscores its vital role in preparing future leaders to navigate and shape an increasingly complex world.