Study Engineering in Spain

Spain is becoming a key place to study engineering, combining strong academics with close ties to industry and research. With some of Europe’s oldest universities and well-regarded engineering schools, students get solid training, modern labs, and good routes into internships. Below, we explain why Spain is a good choice, list the top engineering universities for 2026, and outline how engineering education is changing.

Why Study Engineering in Spain?

Spain offers a mix of strong technical training, affordable study options, and growing opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, and innovation.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Spain’s engineering ecosystem is deeply connected to innovation and entrepreneurship. Universities regularly collaborate with research centers, industries, and startups, so as an engineering student, you’ll gain exposure to fast-growing fields such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and biotechnology, and you can take part in incubators or competitions that help turn your concepts into marketable solutions.

According to Tom Miessen (StudiesIn), one of the best examples of how education and innovation come together is the EIT InnoEnergy Master School, supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. The program partners with leading universities (including UPC BarcelonaTech) to offer two-year master’s degrees that combine technical training with entrepreneurship and investor-network support. Students often spend one year studying in Spain and another in a partner country, gaining both academic and practical experience across Europe. Around 4 % of graduates have been featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, and more than a third have founded their own funded startups, proof of how effectively this model prepares engineers to lead the clean-energy transition.

Strong Focus on Renewable Energy and Sustainability

Spain has a long history of leadership in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power. The country’s commitment to cutting carbon emissions has created high demand for engineers specialized in sustainable technologies, while its unique geography, with abundant sunshine and coastline, makes it ideal for solar farms and offshore wind projects. 

Engineering students in Spain can work with world-class renewable energy institutes and gain expertise at the forefront of Europe’s green energy transition.

Advanced Infrastructure and Industry Support

Significant investment in infrastructure and technology in Spain means plenty of opportunities for engineering projects and internships. The government has heavily invested in modern transportation networks, smart cities, and energy grids. As a result, engineering students often engage in large-scale, real-world projects during their studies. The strong ties between universities and industries ensure a practical, hands-on education. 

Spanish engineering schools collaborate with companies on research and have industry-sponsored labs and training programs that give students valuable experience before graduation.

Top-Ranked and Affordable Education

Spain offers world-class engineering education at an affordable cost. According to the QS World University Rankings, several Spanish universities are ranked among the world’s top 300, reflecting strong academic reputations. Despite this global prestige, tuition fees are relatively low, about 30–50% cheaper than in the US. 

Public universities in Spain typically charge only a few thousand euros per year for engineering programs, making it an attractive destination for high-quality yet cost-effective education. As a student, you’d benefit from modern facilities and renowned faculty without the heavy debt burden found in some other countries.

International Environment and English-Taught Programs

Spanish universities are increasingly international and multilingual. Many engineering faculties now offer programs taught entirely in English. In fact, while Spanish remains the primary language of instruction, a growing number of engineering degrees, especially at the master’s level, are available in English. 

This is a big plus for foreign students and also reflects Spain’s push to attract global talent. You can study in Spain and earn a degree recognized across Europe, improve your Spanish language skills if you choose, and build an international network that will benefit your future career.

Top Engineering Schools in Spain for 2026

Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)

Also known as BarcelonaTech, UPC is one of Europe’s top technical universities and the largest engineering school in Catalonia. It is renowned for its research and strong industry connections. 

UPC offers a wide range of engineering degrees, including programs such as the Bachelor’s in Aerospace Systems Engineering and the Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering. With multiple campuses around Barcelona, UPC provides students with modern labs and innovation hubs. Its membership in international university networks further enhances its reputation and offers students exchange opportunities.

Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)

UPM (sometimes called Technical University of Madrid) is Spain’s oldest and largest technical university, known for educating generations of engineers. It consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the country and has a diverse student body of over 35,000. UPM’s programs span all major engineering fields – from civil and industrial engineering to computer science and aeronautics. 

Notably, UPM offers degrees like a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering and a Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering, reflecting its strength in those areas. Students at UPM benefit from the university’s location in Madrid, with access to national research centers and tech companies.

Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV)

The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) is a leading public tech university known for its comprehensive science and engineering offerings. Founded in 1971, UPV has grown into a top globally ranked university and is acclaimed for innovation in teaching and research. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across engineering and technology fields. 

For instance, UPV’s bachelor’s degrees include Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. At the graduate level, options range from traditional fields (e.g. a Master’s in Civil Engineering) to emerging areas (e.g. Master’s in Sustainability or Data Science). 

UPV’s three campuses in Valencia feature modern facilities and research centers, giving students ample opportunity for hands-on projects and innovation. The university is also known for its strong international ties and student exchange programs.

University of Barcelona (UB)

Established in 1450, the University of Barcelona is one of Spain’s oldest universities and a highly respected comprehensive institution. While UB covers all academic fields, it also has notable engineering and technology programs. The university offers engineering-focused degrees such as Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications. 

The engineering curriculum is backed by UB’s strong emphasis on fundamental sciences and research. University of Barcelona is consistently ranked the #1 university in Spain overall and boasts a diverse student community. It tops many lists of best universities for international students, thanks to its wide range of English-taught courses and pathways. Engineering students at UB benefit from the university’s extensive research collaborations and can enjoy the dynamic city environment rich in tech startups and innovation events.

University of Seville

The University of Seville (US) is renowned for its practical, industry-oriented engineering education in southern Spain. Its Higher Technical School of Engineering (ETSi) is one of the country’s largest engineering schools. Popular undergraduate programs include Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Electronic Engineering, all noted for rigorous curricula. At the graduate level, Seville offers highly regarded master’s degrees such as the Master in Industrial Engineering and Master in Telecommunications Engineering. 

The University of Seville’s engineering faculty works closely with local industries and technology parks, giving students the chance to participate in real engineering projects and internships. Located in a historic yet innovative city, US provides a rich cultural experience alongside cutting-edge technical education.

University of Navarra (Tecnun)

The University of Navarra’s Tecnun School of Engineering is a prestigious private engineering school that emphasizes personalized education and research excellence. With small class sizes and a focus on mentorship, Tecnun offers an intimate learning environment. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue degrees such as Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

The school has a strong track record in research and innovation, with links to Spain’s biomedical industry and industrial sectors. Its main campus in Pamplona is known for a friendly, collaborative atmosphere, and the university encourages international experiences and industry placements. Graduating from the University of Navarra gives students a respected degree and a strong professional network, both in Spain and abroad.

What Does the Future Hold for Engineering Education in Spain?

Engineering education in Spain is entering a new phase of growth and adaptation: universities are updating programs to match technological change, sustainability priorities, and the evolving demands of the global workforce.

Digital Skills and Emerging Tech

Engineering curricula are being refreshed to include AI and machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, and robotics. Students increasingly work with simulation/CAE tools, embedded systems, and cloud platforms, so they graduate able to code, analyze data, and deploy solutions in real environments.

Project- and Competency-Based Learning

Programs are shifting from lecture-heavy delivery to team design sprints, prototypes, and iterative reviews. Capstones and internships map to real company briefs, and assessment emphasizes tangible deliverables and professional competencies rather than only exams.

Sustainability and Green Engineering

Sustainability now threads through civil, energy, materials, and transport courses. Universities are expanding offers in renewables, storage, hydrogen, and circular design while partnering with regions on smart grids, resilient infrastructure, and low-carbon mobility projects.

Workforce Demand and Talent Pipeline

Demand is rising fastest in electrical, software, and industrial automation roles. Universities are enlarging intakes, adding bridge modules and reskilling master’s tracks or bootcamps, and strengthening careers services and placement networks to connect graduates with industry.

Inclusion and Gender Balance

To widen participation, institutions are scaling scholarships, mentoring schemes, and outreach targeting girls and underrepresented groups. Early-pipeline initiatives in schools and return-to-STEM routes are growing, alongside family-friendly policies in labs and research teams.

Internationalization and English-Taught Offers

More master’s—and some bachelor’s—programs are taught in English, often paired with joint/double degrees and Erasmus+ mobility built into study plans. Universities also provide bridging courses, language tracks, and employability training tailored to international students.

University–Industry Collaboration and Lifelong Learning

Collaboration is deepening through shared labs, co-supervised theses, and sponsored research chairs that align academic work with real market needs. For working engineers, micro-credentials and stackable certificates support continuous upskilling in standards, safety, and emerging tools.