Overview
The Polytechnic University of Catalonia, also known as BarcelonaTech or UPC, is a well-established public university in Catalonia, Spain. Founded in 1971, UPC is widely recognized for strong engineering, architecture, and technology programs and for consistently fostering collaboration between research and industry.
UPC partners with companies and research organizations across fields such as smart infrastructure, digital transformation, and sustainability. With multiple campuses across Catalonia—including Barcelona, Terrassa, and Castelldefels—UPC provides a multicultural learning environment for both domestic and international students. If you are comparing universities in Catalonia, you may also want to review the University of Barcelona and Autonomous University of Barcelona.
2. General Information
| Name | Polytechnic University of Catalonia (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – UPC) |
| Established | 1971 |
| Type | Public Technical University |
| Location | Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain |
| Main Campus | Carrer de Jordi Girona, 31, 08034 Barcelona |
| Student Population | Over 30,000 students |
| Rector | Daniel Crespo Artiaga |
| Website | www.upc.edu |
3. Fee Structure
| Undergraduate (EU Students) | Approx. €1,200 – €1,500 per year |
| Undergraduate (Non-EU Students) | Approx. €2,500 – €4,000 per year |
| Master’s Programs | €2,500 – €5,000 per year (varies by program) |
Tuition can vary by program, credit load, and residency status. Before applying, confirm the latest fees directly on UPC’s official website to avoid outdated estimates.
4. UPC Academic Programs
UPC is organized through engineering-focused schools and specialized centers. Many programs are designed to support practical learning, lab-based work, and applied research, which can be helpful if your goal is industry-relevant skills.
- School of Industrial Engineering
- School of Civil Engineering
- Barcelona School of Telecommunications Engineering
- Barcelona School of Informatics
- School of Architecture of Barcelona (ETSAB)
- Terrassa School of Engineering
- Castelldefels School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering
- Barcelona East School of Engineering
- Interdisciplinary Programs in Sustainability and Smart Cities
If you are exploring similar options in the Barcelona region, you may also compare engineering and technology pathways with Pompeu Fabra University or broaden your search beyond engineering-focused institutions by checking University of Valencia.
5. UPC Facilities
UPC offers modern learning spaces and research environments that support innovation and hands-on training. Depending on your program, you may have access to specialized labs, project workspaces, and university-supported entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Modern labs and workshops
- Digital libraries and research databases
- Incubators and entrepreneurship hubs
- High-tech auditoriums and study centers
- Sports and recreation complexes
6. UPC Accommodation
Housing options are a key part of campus life. UPC supports students through university-linked services and guidance so that newcomers can find safe, convenient accommodation near their study area.
- UPC Student Housing: On-campus and nearby student residences
- Private housing support via UPC Housing Services
- Short-term stays for exchange students
- Residences with meal plans and community events
For broader comparisons, you can also check housing and student experience details on other institutions like Universitat de Vic, especially if you are considering options across Catalonia.
7. Contact Information
- Address: Carrer de Jordi Girona, 31, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
- Phone: +34 934 016 200
- Website: www.upc.edu
More Universities in Spain
- University of Barcelona
- Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Pompeu Fabra University
- University of Granada
- University of Valencia
- University of Seville
- IE University
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