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Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC BarcelonaTech): Admission and Fees

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya is a public technical university with 18 schools on nine campuses in Barcelona and six other Catalan towns. For non-EU students it is an affordable route to strong technical education in Spain: in 2026/27 a bachelor's credit costs $34 (€30), about $2,040 (€1,800) for a 60-credit year before fees. Bachelor's degrees are taught in Catalan and Spanish with some courses in English. Only one bachelor's is taught entirely in English, Video Game Design and Development at the CITM centre, and it has a private price. Applicants with a school certificate from outside the EU need definitive recognition of that certificate plus PAU or PCE entrance exams; without them they are allocated places last.

The Nexus II building on the Campus Nord of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. Photo: Zarateman / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Barcelona_-_Universidad_Polit%C3%A9cnica_de_Catalu%C3%B1a_(UPC)_-_Campus_Nord_-_Edificio_Nexus_II_(14).jpg), [CC0](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en).

Do not confuse UPC with two similar names: UOC (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya) is an online university and UIC (Universitat Internacional de Catalunya) is a private one. This page covers the public UPC.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Status | public university for engineering, architecture, science and technology |
| Students | 33,705 bachelor's, master's and doctoral students |
| Locations | 9 campuses in 7 towns: Barcelona, Castelldefels, Manresa, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Terrassa, Vilanova i la Geltrú |
| Languages | Catalan, Spanish, English; the language is set per course |
| Bachelor's, 2026/27, non-EU non-residents | $34 (€30) per credit; about $2,040 (€1,800) per 60 credits plus fees |
| Master's, 2026/27, non-EU | UPC estimate: $3,630 (€3,200) per 60 credits including fees |
| Bachelor's admission | Catalonia's single pre-enrolment: applications in June, allocations from July to October |
| Housing | UPC halls of residence and managed apartments; room search via Barcelona Centre Universitari |

## Why UPC often beats Madrid on cost {#section-1}

Spanish regions set public university prices, and the gap is large. Madrid charges non-EU students the "fourth enrolment" rate, six to seven times the base price, while Catalonia adds about 70%.

| Public technical university, 2026/27 | Bachelor's year for a non-EU non-resident |
| --- | --- |
| UPC (Catalonia) | about $2,040 (€1,800) per 60 credits |
| [Universitat Politècnica de València](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-politecnica-valencia) | about $2,360 (€2,080.80) for engineering degrees |
| [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-politecnica-madrid) | $8,760 (€7,714.20) for most engineering degrees |

Low prices do not mean easy entry. In 2026/27, Engineering Physics, Mathematics, Aerospace Vehicle Engineering in Terrassa and the joint Industrial Technologies and Economic Analysis degree with Pompeu Fabra University all had cut-offs above 12 out of 14.

## Who UPC suits {#section-2}

UPC is a good choice if you:

- aim for engineering, computer science, mathematics, architecture, telecommunications or aerospace;
- can study in Catalan and Spanish, at least for the first two years;
- want a public degree for $2,040 (€1,800) a year instead of $8,760 (€7,714.20) in Madrid;
- are ready to sit PAU in Catalonia or PCE through UNEDasiss to raise your score.

Look elsewhere if you need a fully English-taught degree from year one or a humanities subject. Barcelona also has the [University of Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-barcelona), [Pompeu Fabra University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-pompeu-fabra) and the [Autonomous University of Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-barcelona), compared in our guide to [universities in Barcelona](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-barcelona); the rest of the country is covered on our [Spain study page](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain). For engineering in English, [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-carlos-iii-madrid) is an option, at a much higher price.

## Schools, campuses and 2026/27 cut-offs {#section-3}

| Degree and school | Campus | First-year places | Cut-off 2026/27 (out of 14) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mathematics (FME) | Barcelona | 75 | 12.552 |
| Industrial Technologies and Economic Analysis, with UPF (ETSEIB) | Barcelona | 50 | 12.508 |
| Aerospace Vehicle Engineering (ESEIAAT) | Terrassa | 60 | 12.432 |
| Engineering Physics (ETSETB) | Barcelona | 44 | 12.406 |
| Data Science and Engineering (FIB, ETSETB, FME) | Barcelona | 50 | 12.006 |
| Biomedical Engineering (EEBE) | Sant Adrià de Besòs | 55 | 11.546 |
| Artificial Intelligence (FIB) | Barcelona | 50 | 11.514 |
| Aerospace Systems Engineering (EETAC) | Castelldefels | 120 | 11.004 |
| Industrial Technology Engineering with the Industrial Engineer master's (ETSEIB) | Barcelona | 400 | 10.724 |
| Informatics Engineering (FIB) | Barcelona | 360 | 10.008 |
| Civil Engineering (ETSECCPB) | Barcelona | 120 | 9.846 |
| Architecture Studies (ETSAB) | Barcelona | 342 | 9.838 |
| Telecommunications Technologies and Services (ETSETB) | Barcelona | 180 | 8.416 |
| Video Game Design and Development, taught in English (CITM) | Barcelona | 30 | 5.000 |

A cut-off is the score of the last student admitted the previous year: a sign of competition, not a threshold. UPC also runs sequential programmes (PARS), where one application covers a bachelor's and the master's that qualifies you as an industrial, telecommunications or civil engineer; their cut-offs are usually higher than for the bachelor's alone.

Outside Barcelona, UPC teaches in Terrassa (industrial and aerospace engineering, optics, multimedia), Castelldefels (telecommunications, aerospace systems, agri-food engineering), Manresa (mining, chemical and automotive engineering), Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sant Cugat (a second architecture school). Living outside Barcelona is cheaper and commuter trains connect the towns, so factor the campus into your budget.

## Teaching language {#section-4}

UPC does not assign a single language to a degree: each course and group lists its own language in the curriculum. In practice most first-year teaching is in Catalan or Spanish, with more English in later years and at master's level. Video Game Design and Development at CITM is the only bachelor's taught entirely in English.

Catalonia's admission rules for foreign school certificates do not list a separate language certificate, unlike Madrid, which demands B2 Spanish. If you take the PCE route, though, Spanish Language and Literature is one of the compulsory exams. Still, you cannot follow lectures and exams in a language you do not know. A sensible minimum is B1–B2 Spanish and a plan to learn Catalan on UPC's language courses. Our guide to [DELE and SIELE](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams) covers Spanish certificates.

## How to apply with a non-EU school certificate {#section-5}

Your school certificate must first be recognised as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. If you do not live in Catalonia, you apply to Spain's Ministry of Education. Then:

1. Definitive recognition. In Catalonia, a provisional proof of application counts for very little in allocations: it puts you at the very end of the queue. Start the procedure by the autumn of your final school year.
2. Entrance exams. Either the general phase of PAU in Catalonia (or EBAU at any Spanish public university), or PCE through UNEDasiss. For PCE you must sit four subjects: Spanish Language and Literature, a foreign language (English, German, French or Italian), History or History of Philosophy, and one core subject such as Mathematics.
3. Access score. 0.4 × average of the compulsory exams + 0.6 × your school average from the recognition certificate. The exam average must be at least 4 and the result at least 5.
4. Admission score. Add the two best weighted subject results from Catalonia's weighting table (ponderacions), up to 14.
5. Application. Through Catalonia's university admissions portal in June, listing degrees by preference.

Applicants with recognition but no entrance exams are allocated places second to last, and those with only a provisional recognition slip come last. For degrees with cut-offs above 10, that nearly always means no place. Our guides to [applying to Spanish universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities) and [bachelor's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-spain) explain recognition and UNEDasiss.

## Admission calendar, as in 2026 {#section-6}

| Step | June 2026 round |
| --- | --- |
| Applications | 2–26 June |
| First allocation | 10 July |
| Enrolment for first-choice placements | 14–17 July |
| Second allocation | 23 July |
| Third to seventh allocations | 4 September – 14 October |
| September round for remaining places | applications 16–17 September, allocations from 25 September |

Catalonia publishes the 2027 calendar separately; until then, expect the same weeks. Apply for your student visa at least two months before classes, so start the paperwork as soon as you are placed in July.

## Tuition and fees in 2026/27 {#section-7}

| Item | EU citizens and residents | Non-EU non-residents |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bachelor's credit, first enrolment | $20 (€17.69) | $34 (€30) |
| 60 credits | $1,210 (€1,061.40) | $2,040 (€1,800) |
| Fees with annual enrolment | $79 (€69.80) + $79 (€70) + $1 (€1.12) insurance once | the same |
| Non-qualifying master's, 60 credits, estimate with fees | $1,820 (€1,600) | $3,630 (€3,200) |
| Master's, 90 / 120 credits | $2,610 (€2,300) / $3,290 (€2,900) | $5,220 (€4,600) / $6,930 (€6,100) |
| Video Game Design in English (CITM), bachelor's | $7,830 (€6,900) a year | $7,830 (€6,900) a year |

Most bachelor's degrees enrol by semester, with fees of $62 (€54.54) + $40 (€35) per enrolment. The affiliated centres CITM and Euncet Business School charge private prices. Payments of $340 (€300) or more can be split (60% up front, 40% in mid-December or mid-April) with a SEPA direct debit, which for families in Russia means an account at a European bank; see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

Public grants (the Ministry and AGAUR general grant, Equitat grants) depend on family income and address: families living in Catalonia apply through the Generalitat, those elsewhere in Spain through the Ministry. They are designed for families resident in Spain, so a student on a study visa should not build a budget on them. Our guide to [scholarships in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-spain) covers other options.

## Master's degrees at UPC {#section-8}

For international students, master's study is UPC's strong point: far more programmes are taught in English than at bachelor's level, and non-EU prices in 2026/27 start at about $3,630 (€3,200) per 60 credits including fees. Profession-qualifying master's (industrial engineer, telecommunications engineer, architect) require a matching bachelor's. Affiliated centres publish their own prices. See our guide to [master's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain).

## Housing {#section-9}

UPC halls of residence offer furnished rooms for one or two students, and managed apartments add more independence with shared facilities. For rooms in shared flats, apartments or homestays, UPC refers students to Barcelona Centre Universitari. Barcelona is one of Spain's most expensive rental markets, so a campus in Terrassa or Manresa can cut costs noticeably. Deposits and contract checks are covered in our [student housing guide for Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-spain).

## Visa and work {#section-10}

Russian citizens need a national student visa for studies over 90 days, filed through BLS visa centres at least two months before classes. The consulate checks funds of $680 (€600) per month, health insurance and, for stays over 180 days, an apostilled criminal record certificate. Within a month of arrival you apply for the TIE card at the police office of Barcelona province. See the [Spain student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-spain). The student permit allows up to 30 hours of work a week.

## Mistakes that cost a place {#section-11}

- Applying without PAU or PCE. In Catalonia such applicants are placed second to last, after everyone who sat the exams.
- Late recognition of the school certificate. A pending application puts you at the bottom of the list.
- Mixing up UPC and UOC. UOC teaches online; for on-campus study and life in Barcelona you need UPC.
- Choosing a degree by name, not campus. Industrial engineering exists in Barcelona, Terrassa and Manresa, with different cut-offs and living costs.
- Assuming English replaces Spanish and Catalan. Most first-year courses are not taught in English.

## Step-by-step plan for 2027/28 {#section-12}

1. September–November 2026: choose degrees and campuses; apply for recognition of your school certificate.
2. December 2026 – February 2027: register with UNEDasiss and for PCE (Spanish Language and Literature, a foreign language, History or History of Philosophy, a core subject and two subjects for extra points).
3. Spring 2027: sit the PCE; improve your Spanish and start Catalan.
4. June 2027: apply through the Catalan portal.
5. July 2027: allocation and enrolment, then visa documents.
6. September 2027: arrival, TIE card, choice of groups by language.

Help with choosing degrees and campuses, checking documents and applying is provided under an agreement with StudyU. Places are allocated by Catalonia's admission system, recognition is decided by the Spanish Ministry of Education and visas by the consulate.

## FAQ {#section-13}

### How much does UPC cost for international students?

In 2026/27, non-EU students without residence pay $34 (€30) per bachelor's credit, about $2,040 (€1,800) for 60 credits, plus roughly $160 (€140) in fees with annual enrolment.

### Does UPC offer bachelor's degrees in English?

Only one is fully in English: Video Game Design and Development at CITM, at a private price of $7,830 (€6,900) a year. Other degrees include some English-taught courses, mostly in later years.

### Do I need Catalan to get into UPC?

Catalonia's admission rules do not list a Catalan or Spanish certificate for entry. Most first-year courses, however, are taught in Catalan or Spanish, so studying without either language is very hard.

### Can I get into UPC without entrance exams?

You can apply with a recognised school certificate alone, but such applicants are allocated places second to last. PAU in Catalonia or PCE through UNEDasiss give a realistic chance at popular degrees.

### What is the difference between UPC and UOC?

UPC is an on-campus public technical university in Barcelona and nearby towns. UOC, the Open University of Catalonia, teaches online. If you plan to move and study on campus in Barcelona, choose UPC.

### What are UPC's cut-off scores?

In 2026/27, Mathematics, Engineering Physics, Aerospace Vehicle Engineering in Terrassa and the joint degree with UPF required over 12 out of 14; Informatics, Civil Engineering and Architecture about 10; Telecommunications 8.4.

## Sources {#section-14}

- [UPC: bachelor's fees 2026/27](https://www.upc.edu/ca/graus/preus-i-beques) — $20 (€17.69) and $34 (€30) per credit, fees, instalments; checked 30.09.2026
- [UPC: master's fees](https://www.upc.edu/ca/masters/preus-i-beques) — estimates for EU and non-EU students; checked 30.09.2026
- [UPC: bachelor's degrees 2026/27](https://www.upc.edu/en/bachelors) and degree pages: [Video Game Design in English (CITM)](https://upc.edu/en/bachelors/video-game-design-and-development-taught-in-english-barcelona-citm), [Informatics (FIB)](https://upc.edu/en/bachelors/informatics-engineering-barcelona-fib), [Aerospace Vehicle Engineering (ESEIAAT)](https://upc.edu/en/bachelors/aerospace-vehicle-engineering-terrassa-eseiaat), [Mathematics (FME)](https://upc.edu/en/bachelors/mathematics-barcelona-fme) — places, 2026/27 cut-offs, language, price; checked 30.09.2026
- [UPC: the institution](https://www.upc.edu/en/the-upc/the-institution) — 9 campuses, 7 towns, 18 schools, 33,705 students; checked 30.09.2026
- [UPC: foreign secondary students](https://www.upc.edu/en/bachelors/access-and-admission/other-foreign-secondary-students) — checked 30.09.2026
- [Study in Catalonia (Generalitat): recognition and access](https://studyincatalonia.gencat.cat/en/plan-your-studies/accreditations-recognitions/) — definitive recognition, PAU/PCE, score formula, allocation order; checked 30.09.2026
- [Generalitat de Catalunya: 2026 admission calendar](https://universitats.gencat.cat/ca/preinscripcions/calendari/) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UPC: halls of residence and accommodation](https://www.upc.edu/en/university-life-and-services/accommodation) — checked 30.09.2026
- [Consulate General of Spain in Moscow, study visa page](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/ru/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx) — checked 30.09.2026
- [Royal Decree 1155/2024 (BOE)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) — work permitted up to 30 hours weekly; checked 30.09.2026
- All dollar amounts are based on the ECB reference rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355 ([ECB](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml))

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. [Apply](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): Admission, Fees and Campuses](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-carlos-iii-madrid)
- [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM): Admission, Fees and Schools](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-politecnica-madrid)
- [Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV): Admission, Fees and Programmes](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-politecnica-valencia)
- [Studying in Spain for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain)
- [Universities in Barcelona for International Students: Public Universities, Private Schools, Costs and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-barcelona)
- [University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona, UB)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-barcelona)

Updated: September 2026