Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Madrid, SPAIN
University Info | International Student Info
Fast Facts
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
- offers higher education in all fields of engineering.
- is the world’s top-ranking Spanish-speaking university in engineering.
- offers laboratory opportunities under tutored supervision at university research institutes and centers specializing in energy, automation, electronics, laser, domotics, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, materials science and software engineering.
- offers cooperation opportunities in sustainable development at the Innovation and Technology for Development Centre.
- hosts a business services center with an enterprise incubator to support the consolidation of the new technology companies, primarily university spin-offs.
Introduction
The Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) has approximately 3,000 faculty members, 31,000 undergraduate students, and 7,000 postgraduate students.
In the style of the French Grandes Écoles, UPM is made up of 16 schools. UPM schools specialize in different areas of technology covering aeronautical, agricultural, chemical, civil, electrical, electronic, forestry, industrial, mechanical, mining, nuclear, geology, energy and naval engineering, as well as architecture, computer science, fashion design and geodesy and cartography. UPM schools award four-, five- and six-year undergraduate degrees and one-year master's degrees. Additionally, UPM has a Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, and a Fashion School Design.
It is the oldest and largest of the Spanish technical universities. Although UPM was not founded until 1971 and is thus a young university, most of its schools are over a hundred years old, dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and existing independently until they were grouped together as UPM.
It is no exaggeration to say that much of the history of Spanish technology for over one-and-half centuries was written by the UPM's schools of architecture and engineering, as they were for many years the only schools of engineering existing in their fields in Spain. Almost all leading Spanish educators and researchers have connections with the UPM either as students, teachers, or both.
Terms of Exchange
Study Level
- Undergraduate students: Accepted
- Graduate students: Accepted
- Computer Science majors: Accepted
Eligibility Requirements
- Students should have the equivalent of a 2.5 on a 4.0 GPA grade scale.
- Students must be beyond their second year of study during the exchange period.
Language of Instruction
Spanish and English. Undergraduate courses in English are available only in Materials Engineering.
Study Period
One/two semester academic studies. One semester Bachelor or Master project.
Research projects and work experience program - Both Bachelor and Master projects are possible provided a suitable tutor can be found.
Company internships up to 20 hours a week are possible for foreign students registered at UPM.
Academic Calendar | Semester Dates (including exam period)
- Fall (first semester): early September to end January
- Spring (second semester): early February to end June
Academic Information
Disciplines Available
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Computer Sciences
- Sports Sciences
- Fashion Design
Course Contents
See below and school websites.
Courses in English:
Courses in Spanish: Undergraduate courses | Graduate courses
Workload per Semester
300 hours / 30 ECTS
Additional Application Materials
Students nominated by IIE to UPM will be contacted by UPM to complete the UPM application.
The acceptance packet will be sent about one month after application is received.
Housing
On-campus accommodation is not available to exchange students. The Student Services and University Extension Office provides information about the different types of accommodation available.
The Community of Madrid Housing website also provides information about housing and rentals in the Community of Madrid. Through the Directorate General for Universities and Research, the Community of Madrid provides the Vivienda Virtual Universitaria Service, where you can find all types of accommodation for university students (shared rooms, homestays, apartments to rent, etc.) in the Community of Madrid.
Estimated Cost of Living
The approximate monthly cost of living in Madrid ranges from 600 to 900 euros (accommodation and food), taking into account that this will depend on the cost of your accommodation. As an example, sharing a rented apartment will cost around 400 euros (accommodation only).
Accommodation – 300-500 €/month
Food/meals – 10-15 €/day
Local transportation – 15 €/week
Academic expenses (e.g. books, stationery) – 200 €
Personal Expenses – 250 €
Health Insurance – 29 €/year
Contact
Office Responsible for International Exchange Students
International Relations Office
E-Mail: rachelkim.elliott@upm.es
Student Advisor - Rachel Elliott
City Info
Madrid, the capital of Spain and of the Community of Madrid, is in the geographical centre of the country. With a population of almost 6.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is considered to be Spain’s largest city and the third largest urban area in the European Union. As the capital of the country, Madrid is the seat of the country's government and parliament and accommodates the main departments of the central public administration. It is also the official place of residence of the Spanish royal family.
In terms of the economy, Madrid is noted for being a major financial and industrial centre, home to the head offices of numerous Spanish companies and several of the world’s largest corporations. Madrid is known for its high level of cultural and artistic activity. Its internationally renowned museums include the Prado Art Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Art Museum and the Queen Sofia National Art Museum.
Madrid is now a multicultural city that welcomes tourists, students and visitors of all nationalities who are interested in learning about the history, customs and traditions of the Spanish capital.
