Are you looking for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree in International Business in Barcelona? The new B.A. International Business at fedaEDU Barcelona is designed for students who want to study business in an international environment, improve their language skills and gain practical experience connected to real companies.
Starting in September 2026, this Bachelor’s degree combines business administration, intercultural communication, language training in German or Spanish, and a compulsory international semester or internship. Offered in cooperation with Hochschule Heilbronn, the programme prepares students for international careers in business, management, marketing, finance and global organisations.
This is how the new international degree program from fedaEDU in cooperation with Hochschule Heilbronn is structured
Farhad Djamchidi, Lecturer at fedaEDU Barcelona
Studying International Business in Barcelona today no longer simply means completing a business degree: it means being trained in a truly international environment, mastering several languages, and gaining real-world experience beyond the classroom.
Starting in early September 2026, the new Bachelor of Arts in International Business program will begin at fedaEDU Barcelona. The program is fully taught in English, combines business administration with intercultural content and mandatory language training in German or Spanish, and includes a compulsory semester abroad or internship in an international company in the fifth semester.
The program is offered in cooperation with Hochschule Heilbronn.
On the German side, the Faculty of International Business at Hochschule Heilbronn is located at the Bildungscampus Heilbronn, where universities, research institutions, and industry-related actors work closely together. In close proximity, the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) is also being developed. On the Spanish side, Barcelona offers a dynamic international environment with a strong startup culture, particularly in the IT sector. Near fedaEDU, the 22@ innovation district is one of the city’s most important hubs for technology and business development.
To gain insight into the concept and content, we spoke with Farhad Djamchidi. He studied economics and business administration at the Free University of Berlin and the University of Alicante, has more than 25 years of professional experience in large corporations, as an entrepreneur, consultant, in the non-profit sector, and in politics, and has been teaching at university level since 2015. He currently teaches corporate organization and economic policy at fedaEDU.
Why does the Bachelor’s degree start in September 2026?
The start in early September is deliberately chosen because the academic year in the European Higher Education Area typically begins in the winter semester. This provides planning security and facilitates progression, for example when organizing a later semester abroad or transitioning into a master’s program. In addition, the cohort starts together, which is essential for an international, project-based degree. When students work, present, and discuss in groups, they benefit from entering the study rhythm at the same time.
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International Business in cooperation with Hochschule Heilbronn — what does that mean in practice?
The cooperation combines a solid academic foundation with a strong practical orientation. As a University of Applied Sciences, Hochschule Heilbronn stands for application-oriented teaching and close collaboration with industry. The Faculty of International Business is located at the Bildungscampus Heilbronn, where modern study structures, research, and innovation come together in a shared environment. This supports a degree program like International Business, which prepares students for international markets and the demands of an increasingly digital and dynamic economy.
Why is Heilbronn an important business and innovation region?
Source: University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn
Because targeted investments are currently being made in education, innovation, and startup structures. This is directly relevant for students preparing for international markets. International Business today also means understanding how companies reposition themselves under global competitive pressure, how new business models emerge, and how technology transforms entire industries. The Bildungscampus Heilbronn symbolizes this close connection between teaching, research, and practice.
International Business and the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI)
The IPAI clearly illustrates where the economy is currently heading. Artificial intelligence is no longer a niche topic; it influences processes, decisions, markets, and value chains across many sectors. Even if not all graduates later work in an AI-specialized company, it is essential to understand digital developments from an economic perspective.
The location offers a clear advantage: International Business is not taught in isolation, but in an environment that actively integrates future technologies. In addition, the Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) is being developed in close proximity to the Bildungscampus, making current developments in digitalization and AI particularly tangible.
Why study International Business in Barcelona?
It fits very well because Barcelona makes the international perspective tangible in everyday life. The program is taught full-time at fedaEDU Barcelona. At the same time, cooperation with Hochschule Heilbronn ensures academic recognition and a state-recognized degree.
At fedaEDU, students work in small groups, creating a supportive learning environment. This is especially beneficial in an English-taught program, as students continuously communicate, present, and discuss rather than passively absorb language. Barcelona complements this approach with a multicultural environment where intercultural competence develops naturally.
fedaEDU German Business School in Barcelona
The program is fully taught in English — why is that important today?
English is the main working language in internationally operating companies. This is not only about grammar or vocabulary, but about professional communication in a business context. Students learn to express ideas precisely, argue convincingly, present confidently, and structure written content clearly.
These are exactly the skills required in professional life, where international collaboration depends on clear communication.
There is also intensive language training in German or Spanish — how is it organized?
The goal is a clear multilingual profile adapted to the composition of the student body. Applicants from German-speaking educational systems study Spanish. Students from Spanish-speaking or international systems receive intensive German training.
This creates a second economically relevant language in addition to English as an integral part of the degree. The program remains accessible because even students with minimal prior knowledge can enter. The focus is not perfection at the start, but continuous development, as language modules are firmly integrated into the curriculum.
Why is it possible to start with little prior knowledge?
Source: University of Heilbronn
Because it is realistic and lowers barriers to entry. Many prospective students would otherwise not apply, even though they are well suited academically and personally. The language training is structured progressively so that improvements are predictable. This reduces entry barriers without lowering the final level.
What is the duration of the bachelor’s degree and how is it structured?
The bachelor comprises 210 ECTS credits and is designed for seven semesters, which is common in the European Higher Education Area.
The program combines business fundamentals with methodological skills and a strong international perspective, including accounting, economics, law, management, statistics, and data competencies. It also includes current topics such as digital business and the use of AI in companies.
Learning is designed to be application-oriented rather than purely theoretical.
Specialisations in Marketing and Finance
Later in the program, students choose one of two specializations:
- Marketing
- Finance
This decision helps students build a clear professional profile. Marketing focuses on markets, brands, communication, and customer behavior. Finance focuses on numbers, financing, controlling, and corporate financial management.
Compulsory international semester or internship
The fifth semester is a compulsory study abroad or internship semester. Students can study at a partner university within the Hochschule Heilbronn network or complete an internship abroad.
This international experience is mandatory to ensure all students gain global exposure. It helps students adapt to new structures, understand cultural differences, and communicate professionally in international contexts.
Why do students learning German often go to German-speaking countries?
Language skills develop fastest when used in daily life. A stay in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland is especially effective because classroom learning becomes real-world communication.
It is also strategically valuable, as German-speaking markets are economically strong and German can be a major advantage in a professional career.
Can the Bachelor’s degree be combined with dual vocational training?
The program offers two paths:
- Full-time bachelor’s degree
- Dual model combining studies with vocational training
Training can be completed at fedaEDU as:
- Industrial Management Assistant
- Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services Clerk
- Digitalisation Management Specialist
Students who combine both complete two qualifications in eight semesters.
Source: University of Heilbronn
Benefits of the dual study model
It enables early practical experience, strengthens career orientation, and builds a strong professional profile. Students gain real workplace experience during their studies, which improves employability and helps clarify career interests earlier.
Partner companies and practical business experience
Partner companies include international corporations such as Henkel and Lidl, as well as internationally successful Spanish companies such as TRES Griferías and Sesé.
This provides students with early industry contact, internships, and potential career entry opportunities.
Is the Bachelor’s degree recognised in Spain and Europe?
Yes. The bachelor is broadly equivalent to the Spanish “Grado universitario,” as both are first-cycle university degrees that allow access to master’s programs.
Differences lie mainly in structure and credit volume. The program includes 210 ECTS over seven semesters, while the Spanish Grado in Business Administration (ADE) typically includes 240 ECTS over eight semesters.
Both systems are mutually recognized within Europe.
Admission requirements for the B.A. International Business at fedaEDU
Applicants need a university entrance qualification (e.g., high school diploma or equivalent). English proficiency at B2 level is required. Basic knowledge of German or Spanish (A1 recommended) is desirable. Selection is primarily based on academic performance, with additional qualifications such as work experience being a plus.
Career opportunities after studying International Business
The program prepares students for international careers in business and management. Its combination of English instruction, intercultural content, language training, and international experience creates a strong professional profile.
Who is this program really for?
It is designed for students who see internationality not just as a label. Those who are willing to study in English, develop a second language, gain international experience, and specialize during their studies will build a profile that is highly relevant in global companies.
Those who also combine the degree with vocational training gain an additional practical advantage.
