The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) is a public, dynamic and innovative institution dedicated to research and teaching that, while maintaining strong bonds with the social environment in which it carries out its activities, advocates for a solid presence abroad. It is a young university, which celebrates its 50th anniversary during the 2018-2019 academic year. 

At present, the UPV comprises 13 university centres, of which nine are higher technical schools, two are faculties and another two, higher polytechnic schools. In addition, it has a Doctoral School and three affiliated centres (Florida University, Berklee College of Music and EDEM Business School). 

Ranked first in the world among Spanish technological university, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as Shanghai Ranking, UPV has three campuses; Vera campus which is in Valencia and two campuses an hour south of Valencia in Alcoy and Gandia. 

UPV offers a mentor and buddy program where incoming exchange students are partnered with UPV students from the same School. Buddy partners will help exchange students with daily life and academic issues during the stay. 

Valencia is an industrial city and popular tourist destination located in the east coast of Spain. The third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia is one of the most important cities in the country and a top destination for Erasmus students in Europe.

Valencia’s international airport is well connected with most European capitals as well as with Madrid and Barcelona. The high-speed train AVE also connects Valencia with Madrid and Seville.

Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe, largely situated on the Iberian Peninsula. Its territory expands overseas and includes the Canary Islands near Africa, and the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The country's mainland is bordered mostly by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar. It borders France and Andorra to the north and northeast, and Portugal to the west. Spain is the largest country in Southern Europe, and the second largest country in the European Union. Its population is the fifth largest in the European Union, at about 47 million. Spain's capital and largest city is Madrid, with other significant urban areas including Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga and Bilbao. Being so close to Portugal, Africa, France, Germany, and the UK, Spain is a prime location to travel from. Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque, and Aranese are all spoken here, as well as a strong familiarity with English from tourists.

Spain is known for its beaches and sunny days, but has so much to offer. Spain is home to Europe's only desert and the northern Pyrenees mountains. Those who crave adventure can zip line between Spain and Portugal, surf for days off the coastline or ski and snowboard in the mountains. You will find delicious and cheap food all around the country, such as their tapas, seafood, and cured ham.

Enjoy Spain's many festivals, explore historic buildings and cities, learn about its Moorish past, try flamenco dancing and take in the incredible art and architecture. Spain has the third most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, currently at 45 different sites across the country. This includes ancient cave paintings, Roman aqueducts, fortresses, the world's largest Gothic cathedral, historic city centres, Antoni Gaudi architectural works and national parks. Spain is home to two of the world's best teams (Real Madrid and FC Barcelona).

Did you know?
Barcelona is ranked as one of the best beach cities in the world. The beach is close to the city centre and over 500,000 visitors from around the world visit every summer.

Valencia, the city which was once founded by the Romans, is famous for the annual Las Fallas spring festival in March which features giant puppets, fireworks and the Spanish national dish called Paella.

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

All exchange students must complete a two weeks intensive Spanish course at the beginning of their exchange. The intensive course is located at the Gandia campus; however it is not recommended that students select other courses at the Gandia or Alcoy campuses as they are located too far out of the city. This course does not count as part of your exchange credits at UniSA.

The following applies to Spanish language course credit: 1 Spanish credit = 0.8 ECTS (therefore 10 Spanish credits = 8 ECTS)

Courses from the following degree programs are not available for exchange

• Biotechnology degree in English
• Master's Degree in Advanced Architecture, Landscape, Urban Planning and Design
• Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture
• Master's Degree in Preservation of Architectural Heritage are not available for exchange students

Please note the following course restrictions

• Acceptance in Business courses for students outside the FADE School is very unlikely.
• Aerospace courses in English are only available for students with aerospace/aeronautical background.
• Acceptance in courses in design, animation, and photography for students outside the Faculty of Fine Arts (FBBAA) is very unlikely. BA in Design and Creative Technologies programme has very limited vacancies and will not accept students from other UPV Schools/Faculties, as well as the MA courses offered at the FBBAA.
• ETSINF (School of Informatics) courses in English are limited to students with ETSINF as their hosting school.

See here for more information.

• UniSA academic transcripts
• Passport
• Motivation letter or Essay
• Evidence of English/Spanish proficiency

Credits are measured by the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and the following applies: 

• 18 units = 30 ECTS 
• 13.5 units = 22.5 ECTS  

It can sometimes be difficult to make up exactly 22.5 units (not all courses will be worth exactly 7.5 ECTS), but you should be able to get very close. Make sure you check with your Program Director if you don’t have exactly 22.5 ECTS

UPV does not have any language requirements for native English speaking students doing courses in English, however at least a year of Spanish is highly recommended to manage in daily life and live in a multicultural environment both in class and in the campus.

Students interested in taking courses in Spanish will be asked to prove to have a B1 level (intermediate) of Spanish. Any certificates, transcripts or support letters will be considered.

Non-English speaking students will be asked to prove to have a B2 level of English to be allowed to enrol in courses taught in English.

Find courses at UPV

Courses in English at UPV

Universidad Politecnica de Valencia does not offer airport pick up. Students will need to make their own way to the campus from Valencia Airport.

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here.

UPV offers on-campus accommodation at the Galileo Galilei Hall of Residence. Student dorms are all-inclusive, furnished and amenities provided at additional costs.

Alternatively, UPV has an extensive range of off-campus options from shared flats to renting whole houses/units. The UPV search engine lists private providers offering off-campus options.

More information on accommodation can be found here.

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Universidad Politecnica de Valencia, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  
 
Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 
 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 
 
If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678.