Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Quick Facts about Polytechnic University of Catalonia

• Type: Public
• Students: 33,705
• International: 13%
• Campus: Multiple Campuses
• Tuition: $3,500 – $8,000/year
• Language: Catalan, Spanish, English
• Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Academics

UPC offers a wide array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, with a strong emphasis on practical training, innovation, and sustainability. Key faculties include engineering (aerospace, civil, computer, industrial, telecommunications), architecture, and applied sciences. The university's educational model is grounded in interdisciplinary and project-based learning, fostering practical problem-solving and cross-domain innovation. Notable programs include those in Artificial Intelligence, Civil Engineering, and Urban Planning.

International Students

UPC prioritizes diversity, attracting students from over 120 countries and offering robust support services through its International Relations Bureau and the International Students Office (OMI). While many programs are taught in Catalan or Spanish, there are increasing English-taught offerings, particularly at the master's and doctoral levels. The university facilitates cultural integration through language courses, cultural exchange programs, and over 150 student clubs and associations, including ESN UPC Barcelona, which specifically aids international students.

Campus & Location

UPC has a widespread presence across Catalonia, with nine campuses in various municipalities, including several in Barcelona. The main Barcelona campuses, North and South Diagonal, are situated in the Pedralbes neighborhood, offering a vibrant university atmosphere with numerous research centers, libraries, sports facilities, and student residences. Barcelona itself is a dynamic city, well-connected by public transport, providing a rich cultural experience for students.

Career Outcomes

UPC boasts a high graduate employment rate, with 95% of its graduates finding work, and 88% securing a job within three months of graduation. The university maintains strong industry connections, linking with 3,000 companies and actively fostering innovation environments through programs like Connèxia UPC. Career services, including the UPC Careers Service (UPC Alumni), provide extensive support for job searching, interview preparation, and professional development. The university also encourages a startup culture, having fostered the creation of over 100 companies and 41 spin-offs.

Information for International Students at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain welcomes international students, with 13% of the student body coming from abroad.

• 13% of students are international
• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Work placement / internship opportunities available
• Teaching languages: Catalan, Spanish, English

Admissions Requirements for Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Polytechnic University of Catalonia:

• IELTS minimum: 5.5
• TOEFL minimum: 80
• GPA minimum: 3
• Application fee: $100
• Selectivity: Open (60%+)
• Application deadline: June 15 for first semester/annual, November 15 for second semester

Programs at Polytechnic University of Catalonia (27 programs)

Polytechnic University of Catalonia offers 27 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (8)

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, including programming, data structures, operating systems, and computer architecture, preparing students for diverse roles in the tech industry.
  Field: Computer Engineering
  Career outcomes: Software Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Systems Analyst, Network Administrator
• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program provides a comprehensive education in the design, construction, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft, covering aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, and flight mechanics.
  Field: Aerospace Engineering
  Career outcomes: Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Space Systems Engineer, Flight Test Engineer
• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program trains students in optimizing complex systems, processes, and organizations, covering areas like operations research, logistics, quality control, and production management.
  Field: Industrial Engineering
  Career outcomes: Industrial Engineer, Process Improvement Specialist, Supply Chain Manager, Operations Analyst
• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science and Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program combines statistical methods, computer science, and domain knowledge to extract insights from data, covering data analysis, machine learning, and big data technologies.
  Field: Data Science
  Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program provides a strong foundation in mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, preparing students for careers in design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.
  Field: Mechanical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Automotive Engineer
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, operation, and optimization of chemical processes and plants, covering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, reaction engineering, and process control.
  Field: Chemical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Research and Development Scientist, Environmental Engineer
• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (BSc) — 60 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr
  This program provides a foundational education in architectural design, history, theory, and technology, preparing students for professional practice and further specialization in the field.
  Field: Architecture
  Career outcomes: Architect, Urban Planner, Architectural Designer, Construction Manager
• Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Engineering (BSc) — 48 months · Spanish · €2,500/yr · STEM
  This interdisciplinary program combines engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to develop innovative solutions for healthcare, including medical devices, imaging, and prosthetics.
  Field: Biomedical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Developer, Clinical Engineer, Research Assistant

Master Programs (11)

• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This master's program offers advanced knowledge in structural engineering, hydraulic engineering, transportation infrastructure, and construction management, focusing on sustainable and innovative solutions.
  Field: Civil Engineering
  Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager, Infrastructure Consultant
• Master's Degree in Biomedical Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This program integrates engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to design and develop innovative solutions for healthcare, including medical devices, imaging, and bioinformatics.
  Field: Biomedical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Developer, Clinical Engineer
• Master's Degree in Urban Planning (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr
  This program focuses on the design, development, and management of urban areas, addressing challenges related to sustainability, infrastructure, social equity, and economic development.
  Field: Urban Planning
  Career outcomes: Urban Planner, City Designer, GIS Specialist
• Master's Degree in Cybersecurity (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This program provides advanced knowledge and skills in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats, covering topics such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking.
  Field: Cybersecurity
  Career outcomes: Cybersecurity Analyst, Security Engineer, Information Security Manager
• Master's Degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This program focuses on the design, implementation, and management of renewable energy systems, including solar, wind, and biomass energy, and their integration into existing grids.
  Field: Renewable Energy
  Career outcomes: Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Project Manager (Renewable Energy)
• Master's Degree in Robotics and Automation (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This master's program focuses on the design, control, and application of robotic systems and automated processes, covering topics such as robot kinematics, perception, and artificial intelligence for robotics.
  Field: Robotics and Automation
  Career outcomes: Robotics Engineer, Automation Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer
• Master's Degree in Data Science (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This program equips students with advanced skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, machine learning, and big data technologies, enabling them to extract insights and drive data-driven decisions.
  Field: Data Science
  Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Developer
• Master's Degree in Structural Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This program provides advanced knowledge in the analysis, design, and construction of structures, focusing on advanced materials, seismic design, and computational methods for complex structural systems.
  Field: Structural Engineering
  Career outcomes: Structural Engineer, Bridge Designer, Building Consultant, Research Engineer
• Master's Degree in Artificial Intelligence (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This master's program focuses on advanced topics in artificial intelligence, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, preparing students for research and industry roles.
  Field: Artificial Intelligence
  Career outcomes: AI Engineer, Machine Learning Scientist, Data Scientist, AI Researcher
• Master's Degree in Nuclear Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This master's program provides specialized knowledge in nuclear power generation, radiation protection, nuclear safety, and radioactive waste management, addressing the challenges of the nuclear industry.
  Field: Nuclear Engineering
  Career outcomes: Nuclear Engineer, Radiation Safety Officer, Nuclear Plant Operator, Nuclear Waste Management Specialist
• Master's Degree in Telecommunications Engineering (MSc) — 24 months · English · €3,500/yr · STEM
  This master's program provides advanced knowledge in communication systems, signal processing, networking, and radiofrequency technologies, preparing students for roles in the rapidly evolving telecommunications sector.
  Field: Telecommunications Engineering
  Career outcomes: Telecommunications Engineer, Network Architect, RF Engineer, Communication Systems Designer

PhD Programs (8)

• PhD in Telecommunications Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  This doctoral program focuses on cutting-edge research in telecommunications, including wireless communications, optical networks, signal processing, and communication protocols.
  Field: Telecommunications Engineering
  Career outcomes: Telecommunications Researcher, R&D Engineer, University Professor
• PhD in Electrical Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in power systems, electronics, control systems, and electromagnetics, contributing to innovations in electrical technologies.
  Field: Electrical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Research Scientist, University Professor
• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  This PhD program focuses on cutting-edge research in the synthesis, characterization, and application of advanced materials, including nanomaterials, biomaterials, and functional materials, for various technological sectors.
  Field: Materials Science and Engineering
  Career outcomes: Materials Scientist, Research and Development Engineer, University Researcher, Product Development Specialist
• PhD in Computer Science (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  The PhD in Computer Science offers advanced research opportunities in various areas such as algorithms, distributed systems, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction, leading to significant contributions to the field.
  Field: Computer Science
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Research Scientist, Lead Software Engineer, CTO
• PhD in Environmental Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  This PhD program addresses critical environmental challenges through advanced research in water treatment, air pollution control, waste management, and sustainable resource utilization.
  Field: Environmental Engineering
  Career outcomes: Environmental Researcher, Environmental Consultant, University Professor, Policy Analyst
• PhD in Applied Mathematics (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  The PhD in Applied Mathematics focuses on advanced mathematical research and its application to real-world problems in engineering, physics, computer science, and other scientific disciplines.
  Field: Applied Mathematics
  Career outcomes: Mathematician, Quantitative Analyst, Research Scientist, University Lecturer
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr · STEM
  The PhD in Biomedical Engineering focuses on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and medicine, covering areas like medical imaging, biomechanics, and biomaterials for healthcare applications.
  Field: Biomedical Engineering
  Career outcomes: Biomedical Researcher, Medical Device Engineer, University Professor, Clinical Engineer
• PhD in Architecture, Urbanism and Building Construction (PhD) — 36 months · English · €500/yr
  This doctoral program offers advanced research opportunities in architectural design, urban planning, sustainable building technologies, and the history and theory of architecture and urbanism.
  Field: Architecture and Urbanism
  Career outcomes: Architectural Researcher, Urban Planning Consultant, University Professor, Policy Advisor

Scholarships & Tuition at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Annual tuition for international students: $3,500 – $8,000/year

✅ Polytechnic University of Catalonia offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Polytechnic University of Catalonia

• National Ranking: #9 in Spain
• QS World University Ranking: #392
• Times Higher Education (THE): #601
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #701
• Ranking tier: Top 500
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• No disability support info
• Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

• Leading technical university in Spain
• Top ranked European engineering institution
• Major hub for supercomputing research
• Extensive international academic exchange programs
• Strong focus on sustainable innovation
• High graduate employability in technology sectors

Accreditation

• Ministerio de Universidades, España
• AQU Catalunya

Fields of Study at Polytechnic University of Catalonia

• Engineering
• Architecture
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Computer Science

Notable Alumni

• Matthias Maurer
• Olga Malinkiewicz
• Oriol Vinyals
• Mateo Valero Cortés
• Carme Pigem Barceló

Frequently Asked Questions about Polytechnic University of Catalonia

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