Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopUniversities
Ranking

# =434QS World University Rankings

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232Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes

International

13 % International students

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About Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC)

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is a public institution of research and higher education in the fields of engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, and one of the leading technical universities in the world.

The 18 UPC schools and nine campuses are located in the city of Barcelona and other cities in the province.

The UPC offers 70 bachelor’s degrees, 100 master’s programmes (50 of them fully in English) and 46 PhD programmes, and has more than 33,000 students: more than 25,000 Bachelor’s degrees students, more than 5,500 master’s students, and more than 2,200 doctoral students. Every year, close to 6,600 bachelors and masters' students, more than 345 doctoral students and 3,400 continuing education students graduate.

The UPC has a high graduate employment rate: 95% of its graduates are in work and 88% find a job in under three months.

Knowledge areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Applied Sciences: Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Optics, and Photonics
  • Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Construction
  • Biosystems and Agri-Food Engineering
  • Business Management and Organisation
  • Civil Engineering
  • Health Sciences and Technology
  • Industrial Engineering: Energy, Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Materials
  • Informatics Engineering
  • Naval, Marine and Nautical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Environment, Sustainability, and Natural Resources


Excellence in teaching

As a public university specialising in engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, the UPC stands out for academic excellence and its focus on practical training. Teaching at the UPC is delivered across nine campuses, where the university community works closely with companies and research centres. Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and lifelong learning programmes are embedded in a highly internationalised knowledge ecosystem comprising 18 schools, equipping graduates with a well-rounded education and the skills to thrive in a competitive, global workforce.

Research

The UPC is a key player in driving social and economic progress in a world that is changing at an accelerating pace. Excellence in research and innovation in transformative technologies is ingrained in the University’s research culture. Well-placed in the main rankings that assess research output, the UPC boasts large-scale scientific and technical facilities and is a leader in securing funding in calls for RDI projects. At the same time, the University is committed to promoting an approach to science that is open and ethical and involves citizens in the generation of knowledge.

The UPC is the leading Spanish university in Horizon Europe participation.

Innovation

The UPC’s collaboration with the business sector is realised through nearly 2,000 national and international agreements and projects each year, transforming the knowledge generated by its research groups and centres into productive value. While the focus is on emerging sectors, the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises are also addressed through the design of tailor-made solutions. The UPC transfers knowledge and leading-edge technology through competitive projects, synergies, and partnerships with the business fabric and a broad portfolio of marketable patents.

Global minds, global impact

Openness to the world is at the heart of the UPC. We prepare our students and staff to think globally, collaborate across cultures, and create solutions with international impact. Through strong partnerships and a worldwide network of leading institutions, the UPC offers opportunities that extend far beyond our campuses. We equip our community with the knowledge, perspectives, and connections needed to succeed in an interconnected world.

About Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC)

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is a public institution of research and higher education in the fields of engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, and one of the leading technical universities in the world.

The 18 UPC schools and nine campuses are located in the city of Barcelona and other cities in the province.

The UPC offers 70 bachelor’s degrees, 100 master’s programmes (50 of them fully in English) and 46 PhD programmes, and has more than 33,000 students: more than 25,000 Bachelor’s degrees students, more than 5,500 master’s students, and more than 2,200 doctoral students. Every year, close to 6,600 bachelors and masters' students, more than 345 doctoral students and 3,400 continuing education students graduate.

The UPC has a high graduate employment rate: 95% of its graduates are in work and 88% find a job in under three months.

Knowledge areas

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Applied Sciences: Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Optics, and Photonics
  • Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Construction
  • Biosystems and Agri-Food Engineering
  • Business Management and Organisation
  • Civil Engineering
  • Health Sciences and Technology
  • Industrial Engineering: Energy, Biomedical, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical and Materials
  • Informatics Engineering
  • Naval, Marine and Nautical Engineering
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Environment, Sustainability, and Natural Resources


Excellence in teaching

As a public university specialising in engineering, architecture, sciences and technology, the UPC stands out for academic excellence and its focus on practical training. Teaching at the UPC is delivered across nine campuses, where the university community works closely with companies and research centres. Bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and lifelong learning programmes are embedded in a highly internationalised knowledge ecosystem comprising 18 schools, equipping graduates with a well-rounded education and the skills to thrive in a competitive, global workforce.

Research

The UPC is a key player in driving social and economic progress in a world that is changing at an accelerating pace. Excellence in research and innovation in transformative technologies is ingrained in the University’s research culture. Well-placed in the main rankings that assess research output, the UPC boasts large-scale scientific and technical facilities and is a leader in securing funding in calls for RDI projects. At the same time, the University is committed to promoting an approach to science that is open and ethical and involves citizens in the generation of knowledge.

The UPC is the leading Spanish university in Horizon Europe participation.

Innovation

The UPC’s collaboration with the business sector is realised through nearly 2,000 national and international agreements and projects each year, transforming the knowledge generated by its research groups and centres into productive value. While the focus is on emerging sectors, the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises are also addressed through the design of tailor-made solutions. The UPC transfers knowledge and leading-edge technology through competitive projects, synergies, and partnerships with the business fabric and a broad portfolio of marketable patents.

Global minds, global impact

Openness to the world is at the heart of the UPC. We prepare our students and staff to think globally, collaborate across cultures, and create solutions with international impact. Through strong partnerships and a worldwide network of leading institutions, the UPC offers opportunities that extend far beyond our campuses. We equip our community with the knowledge, perspectives, and connections needed to succeed in an interconnected world.

Available programmes

University information

You will find the information about access and admission requirements and procedures at the following links:

Bachelor's degree. Access and admissions.

Master's degree. Access and admissions.

Doctoral programmes. Access and admission.

UPC schools are at the service of learning, research and knowledge.

The UPC is a university with a widespread presence across Catalonia, with nine campuses located in different cities: Barcelona, Castelldefels, Manresa, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Terrassa, Viladecans and Vilanova i la Geltrú. A total of 18 schools form the foundation of the UPC's academic structure, which is further supported by departments, institutes, and research centres.

These schools have a long history in the world of higher education. They are accessible, well-connected by public transport and equipped with the necessary facilities and services to contribute to your education. They include places for learning, for research and for social life.

Discover the UPC campuses in all their extension, as well as their urban location.

UPC students have access to accommodation, 12 libraries, and sports services at UPC.

Also check the welcome guide for international students.

26,247
76.8%
23.2%
3,445
34%
66%
2,515
91%
9%

Student life

Much more than studying

Discover everything the UPC puts at your disposal. Get inspired and participate in its project, which are the result of students' entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

Check the UPC experience: associations, sports, languages, culture, and arts, and many more.

Also check the welcome guide for international students.

At UPC, students are the true protagonists of their learning journey, supported by 3,703 teaching and research staff, 1,935 research projects, and 141 research groups — check the website for the scientific production of UPC researchers: FUTUR

Cost of Living

Accommodation
$8,220
Food
$2,970
Transport
$380
Utilities
$2,720

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Rankings & Ratings

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) is one of the top Public universities in Barcelona, Spain. It is ranked #=434 in QS World University Rankings 2027.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #337
  • 2016
    #299
  • 2017
    #=321
  • 2018
    #275
  • 2019
    #=275
  • 2020
    #300
  • 2021
    #314
  • 2022
    #=319
  • 2023
    #=343
  • 2024
    #354
  • 2025
    #=371
  • 2026
    #=392
  • 2027
    #=434

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #337
  • 2016
    #299
  • 2017
    #=321
  • 2018
    #275
  • 2019
    #=275
  • 2020
    #300
  • 2021
    #314
  • 2022
    #=319
  • 2023
    #=343
  • 2024
    #354
  • 2025
    #=371
  • 2026
    #=392
  • 2027
    #=434

Videos & media

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Campus locations

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to apply for a UPC Bachelor's degree programme, check the information here.

If you want to apply for a UPC Master's degree programme, check the information here.

If you want to apply for a UPC Doctoral degree programme, check the information here.

You can check information about studying at the UPC, how to prepare your trip, arrival and transport, legal procedures, first steps upon arrival, during your stay, and other important issues at the UPC International Students Office webpage.

You can check all the information about the languages use at the UPC at the UPC language services and resources webpage.

You can also check the information about language courses.

You can check UPC information about fees, grants, and payment options at UPC website.

If you want to recognise subjects from a Bachelor's degree programme or a Master's degree programme, we recommend that you contact the UPC school that offers the studies of your interest. Find UPC contact information here.

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