Quick Summary
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, in Madrid, Spain, is a public that has shaped higher education since 1971. Ranked #321 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 36214 students including 15% from outside Spain. Known for strengths in Civil and Structural Engineering, Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 30%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is the top technical university in Spain with world-class engineering and architecture rankings and deep industry ties.
Subject Strengths
Civil and Structural EngineeringArchitectureMechanical EngineeringElectrical and Electronic EngineeringMineral and Mining Engineering
Founded1971
TypePublic
Total Students36214
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio12.5
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size80 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Universitario de Getafe
AccreditationABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), EUR-ACE, NAAB
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#321
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
50+ Undergraduate degrees, 80+ Master's degrees, 40+ PhD programs
Programs
PhD in Architecture, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, PhD in Civil Engineering Systems, PhD in Aerospace Engineering
PhD Programs
Available through the Gabinete de Tele-Educación (GATE) and various MOOCs
Online Programs
IMDEA Materials Institute, Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB), Solar Energy Institute (IES)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), EUR-ACE, NAAB
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate30%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPA3.0
GREOptional (Recommended for some master's programs)
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
For undergraduate studies, international students must undergo the UNEDasiss credentials process. For postgraduate studies, a strong background in mathematics and physics is essential.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€1,650/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,200/yr
per year · EUR
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€14,200/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableMEC Scholarships, UPM International Grants, Erasmus+ Support
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidAvailable via the Ministry of Education and regional government grants
Work-StudyAvailable (Beca de colaboración)
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 50+ Undergraduate degrees, 80+ Master's degrees, 40+ PhD programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Architecture | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Aerospace Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Industrial Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Computer Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$35,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with over 3,000 partner companies including Airbus, Siemens, and Indra
Industry Connections
IndraAirbusTelefónicaFerrovialRepsolAcciona
Notable Alumni
Rafael Moneo, Florentino Pérez, Pedro Duque, Francisco Álvarez-Cascos
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (Residencias universitarias and partner providers)
Sports Facilities
Indoor gyms, football pitches, rugby fields, tennis and paddle courts
Student Clubs
Tuna UPM, Formula Student UPM, BEST Madrid, various sports and cultural clubs
Library Resources
20 specific libraries, access to digital journals, and extensive engineering archives
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Magalhães Network, ATHENS Program
Summer Programs
UPM International Summer School