Quick Summary
Since 1971, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) · BarcelonaTech has been one of Spain's prominent publics, based in Barcelona. Ranked #371 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28629 students including 21% from outside Spain. Known for strengths in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier technical university in Spain, high employability, and located in one of Europe's top tech hubs
Subject Strengths
ArchitectureCivil EngineeringElectrical EngineeringComputer ScienceMineral and Mining Engineering
Founded1971
TypePublic
Total Students28629
Intl Students21%
Faculty Ratio10.4
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size450,000 m2
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationAQU Catalunya, EUR-ACE, ABET, EQANIE
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#371
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
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Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degrees in Engineering, Architecture, Science and Technology
Programs
45
PhD Programs
12
Online Programs
Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS), ICFO - Institute of Photonic Sciences, IRI - Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
AQU Catalunya, EUR-ACE, ABET, EQANIE
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on mathematical proficiency and portfolio for architecture students. International students must check the UNEDasiss requirements for degree equivalence.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€2,100/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€12,000/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€3,800/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$35
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€16,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableMEC Scholarships, Equitat Scholarships, UPC International Talent Scholarships
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidGrants based on socio-economic status and academic excellence
Work-StudyAvailable through university-department collaboration grants
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral degrees in Engineering, Architecture, Science and Technology programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Degree in Architecture | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Degree in Industrial Technologies | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Degree in Informatics Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Aerospace Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$38,000
Average Salary After Graduation
93%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with SEAT, HP, and Amazon; mandatory for many programs
Industry Connections
Barcelona Supercomputing CenterEuropean Space AgencyEIT Urban Mobility
Notable Alumni
Xavier Trias, Carme Pinós, Josep Acebillo, Pedro Duque (Visiting Professor)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes (University residences and partner providers)
Sports Facilities
UPC Sports centers, gymnasiums, and outdoor courts in various campuses
Student Clubs
Castellers de la UPC, Robotics Club, Formula Student Team
Library Resources
12 libraries with access to over 1.5 million digital resources and technical databases
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Global E3, Athens Network
Summer Programs
Barcelona International Summer School in Architecture and Engineering