C3S Business School, also known as Castelldefels School of Social Sciences, is a private business school based in Barcelona, Spain. The school offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s programmes, postgraduate diplomas and undergraduate diplomas, with teaching delivered in English. Its academic portfolio focuses mainly on business, management, finance, entrepreneurship, business analytics, project management, tourism and information technology.
C3S has an international student community with learners from more than 47 nationalities. Its programmes use case studies, workshops, business projects, guest sessions, industry visits and internship opportunities to give students practical experience. The school reports that 95% of its graduates secure employment within six months of completing their studies.
C3S Business School has an academic partnership with University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC). It is also an associated centre of UVic-UCC and offers programmes linked to recognised awarding bodies such as OTHM.
The main campus is located on Calle Londres in Barcelona. Students have access to smart classrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, a reading room, accommodation guidance, career services and student activities. The school offers three main intakes—February, May and October—giving international applicants several entry points during the year.
| Intakes |
October,May,February |
| All Campuses |
Barcelona, Spain |
| Website |
https://www.c3s-business-school |
| Monthly Living Cost |
€750–€850 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
€600 |
| Application Fees |
€300 |
| Currency |
€ |
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>International students with the required Spanish student residence status can generally work up to 30 hours per week, subject to Spanish rules and compatibility with study.</p> |
Ranking
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: C3S Business School does not have a standalone THE World University Ranking position.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: No standalone QS subject ranking found for C3S Business School.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable; C3S is a Spanish business school.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable; the Guardian UK university table does not rank C3S as a UK university.
- Student Support Recognition: C3S states that it was ranked No. 1 in Europe for student support activities by The Manager magazine.
- Career Services: C3S states that its career services were recognised among the Top 5 Business Schools in Europe for Career Services & Internships.
English Language Requirements
C3S requires proof of English for English-taught programmes. The exact score can vary by programme and applicant profile. Its current postgraduate admissions guidance accepts an English test or a C3S credibility interview.
| English Test |
Typical/Published Requirement |
| IELTS |
6.0–6.5, depending on programme |
| TOEFL |
Accepted; score should be confirmed with Admissions |
| PTE Academic |
Accepted; score should be confirmed with Admissions |
| Duolingo English Test |
Accepted where approved; score should be confirmed with Admissions |
| C3S Credibility Interview |
May be accepted as an alternative for some applicants |
A C3S Level 7 brochure lists IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component or a C3S Credibility Interview. Requirements can differ between programmes.
Scholarship Policy
C3S currently advertises scholarships of up to €3,000 for eligible students. The school provides an online scholarship eligibility check where applicants can answer questions about their academic background and receive an estimated scholarship amount. The offer is shown as available to students of all nationalities, subject to the applicable conditions.
Scholarship amounts and availability can vary by intake and programme. Students should confirm the final scholarship amount with the C3S Admissions Team before paying tuition fees.
Fees & Funding
C3S fees vary by qualification and programme. Its published 2026–27 materials show different fees across bachelor's, diploma and master's programmes. A previous C3S fee bulletin listed master's programmes at €10,800 plus a €300 registration fee from May 2025. Current programme pages should be checked for the latest fee before application.
Students may fund their studies through:
- Personal or family funds
- C3S scholarships
- Tuition instalment arrangements where available
- Approved education funding options
- Part-time employment in Spain, subject to immigration and employment rules
Application Guidelines
C3S follows an online admissions process. The main steps are:
- Complete the C3S application form.
- Submit academic and personal documents.
- C3S reviews the applicant's academic profile.
- Complete the required personal interview.
- Receive the admission offer if successful.
- Pay the required registration and tuition amount.
- Submit any remaining documents.
- Receive the visa letter and prepare the Spanish student visa application.
Common Documents
- Valid passport copy
- Academic certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Completed application form
- Statement of Purpose, generally at least 250 words
- CV/resume
- Work experience documents where required
- English-language proof where required
Apply Online
Yes.
C3S provides an online application process. The school states that the application form can be completed online and that an admissions representative contacts applicants after the initial submission.
Immigration Support Service
C3S provides support for international students preparing to study in Spain. Its services include visa and residency orientation covering student visa procedures, NIE and TIE applications, local registration, health insurance and related administrative matters.
The school can provide admission documents needed for the visa process and gives students guidance before arrival. It can also assist students with accommodation information and contacts for student residences, hostels and shared housing.
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C3S Business School, formally known as Castelldefels School of Social Sciences, was established in 2014 and is a private business school registered with Spain’s Ministry of Education. The school is based in Barcelona and provides English-taught diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programmes.
C3S has built its academic model around business education, practical learning and international study. Its programmes include qualifications linked with Spanish and UK universities and professional awarding bodies such as OTHM, Qualifi and NCC Education. C3S is an associated centre of the University of Vic–Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) and has partnerships with institutions such as Abertay University.
The school has grown into an international institution with students from 47+ nationalities. Its Barcelona campus provides technology-supported classrooms, a reading room, high-speed Wi-Fi and student support services. The school’s focus on industry projects, internships and career guidance gives students opportunities to connect classroom learning with business practice.
C3S Business School offers English-taught programmes in business, management, technology and related areas in Barcelona. Students can choose from diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate programmes, with several options linked to UK or Spanish academic partners.
The school has a strong international student base, with students from more than 47 nationalities. Small classes, faculty with business experience, practical projects, internships and career guidance are part of the learning model. C3S provides digital learning facilities, a reading room and high-speed Wi-Fi. Students can receive help with accommodation and visa matters, making the move to Barcelona easier for international applicants.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
C3S Business School focuses mainly on business and related professional fields. Its academic portfolio covers:
- Business and Management
- Business Analytics and Data Science
- Finance and FinTech
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
- Information Technology and Computing
- Business Tourism
- Diploma and postgraduate studies
The school offers programmes at diploma, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels. It works with academic and awarding partners including UVic-UCC, Abertay University, OTHM, Qualifi and NCC Education.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
C3S currently advertises scholarships of up to 10% of tuition fees for eligible students. Academic performance, sports achievements, extracurricular achievements and special skills can be considered. Students can contact the school’s Financial Guidance team for eligibility and application details.
The school website also advertises scholarship assessments of up to €3,000, so applicants should confirm the current offer and conditions directly with C3S before applying.
Student Accommodation
C3S does not operate its own student residence. Instead, the school provides accommodation guidance and connects students with external housing providers. Options include student residences, dormitories, hostels and shared flats.
C3S has accommodation partnerships that may provide student discounts, including Spotahome, Sant Jordi Hostels, BLAU Student Housing and other housing services. Students are advised to start looking early, with the school suggesting international students allow around two months for the search.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students can rent rooms in shared apartments, private apartments or student residences around Barcelona. C3S lists several housing providers and offers accommodation guidance through its student support services. Barna Students Place, for example, offers rooms in shared flats and host-family accommodation.
C3S estimates general living costs at around €750–€850 per month, including accommodation, food and travel, though actual costs vary by housing type and personal spending.