Spain is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Home to extensive coastlines, deep history, and a celebrated food culture, the country offers plenty to see. Spain is also home to many historic universities, including institutions among the oldest in Europe.
Although Spain may not always be the first country students consider for engineering, several Spanish universities rank internationally for engineering and technology and offer programs that attract international students interested in the field. As an international student, the country is worth considering as a place to begin your engineering studies and eventually build your career.
In this article, we will discuss some of the best engineering schools in Spain.
Top Schools Offering Engineering Programs in Spain
1. Polytechnic University of Madrid
Located in Spain’s capital and largest city, the Polytechnic University of Madrid offers one of the broadest selections of engineering-related degrees in the country. Undergraduate options include environmental, food, civil, electrical, chemical, energy, aerospace, materials, mechanical, software, and telecommunications engineering. Even more options are available at the master’s and doctoral levels, including aeronautical, biosystems, environmental, energy, forest, civil engineering, and industrial engineering-related fields.
For students interested in taking part in an exchange, the university offers many international mobility options across its schools and degree programs. Students comparing technical universities internationally may also find it useful to review institutions such as the Technical University of Berlin, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Polytechnic University of Turin.
One other factor worth considering for prospective students is the location of the university. The Polytechnic University of Madrid is found in the heart of Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city. With such a large population, it is no surprise that the city is always full of activity. Whether you want to visit the Royal Palace, practice your salsa dancing, or improve your Spanish, there is always a great reason to explore the historic city.
2. Polytechnic University of Catalonia
Ranked #=392 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 96th worldwide for Engineering and Technology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the Polytechnic University of Catalonia is one of the strongest engineering schools in Spain. The university provides students with the opportunity to study a host of different disciplines, including agricultural and food engineering, civil engineering, informatics, and telecommunications engineering across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral pathways.
The university has many ways for students to get involved in the university community. Joining an association is usually the first step to take. With sports clubs, music groups, and many other associations, the school is a great place for students to make lifelong friends and develop their skills outside the classroom.
3. Polytechnic University of Valencia
Located in Valencia, one of Spain’s largest cities, the Polytechnic University of Valencia offers many high-quality engineering degrees that are worth looking into if you want to study in Spain. At the undergraduate level, the university offers engineering-related options such as electrical engineering and chemical engineering pathways, among others. Master’s students can expand their knowledge through programs in areas such as materials engineering, energy technologies, environmental engineering, food science and engineering, forest engineering, informatics engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, and telecommunications engineering.
The UPV campus offers many services to its students, including international students who call the campus home. Students can find practical campus services, including cafeterias and shops, where they can relax and take in the culture of the university and the country.
4. University of Seville
Operating for more than 500 years, the University of Seville offers many engineering programs to train the engineers of the future. Whether one is interested in aerospace, civil, chemical, telecommunications, energy, electronic, robotics, or computer-related engineering fields, the university offers a wide range of options. This makes the University of Seville an outstanding engineering institution in Spain.
Outside of the classroom, the University of Seville is a community of its own. With a large student and staff community, the campus is always active. Whether you want to get involved with the various social programs the university takes part in to give back to the city or explore the artistic heritage of the university, there is always something to do on campus.
The city of Seville is also a hub of Spanish culture and history. From Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, to the Flamenco Dance Museum and MarÃa Luisa Park, the city is full of interesting sites that all students should take the opportunity to see.
5. University of the Basque Country
The University of the Basque Country, also known as Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, offers engineering education through several academic centers in Spain’s Basque Country. The Bilbao School of Engineering provides a broad selection of undergraduate and graduate programs, while dedicated doctoral programs support research in mechanical engineering, automation, and other technical fields.
Bilbao’s bachelor’s options include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Technology Engineering, and Automatic and Industrial Electronic Engineering. Telecommunications Technology Engineering and Industrial Organization Engineering are also available. These are separate degree programs with different academic objectives, so applicants should distinguish a specialist engineering bachelor’s from the broader Industrial Technology route when considering subsequent graduate study.
The Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering comprises 120 ECTS credits, including a 24-credit final master’s project. Its specializations include areas such as product design and manufacturing, control and automation, structural engineering, and hydraulic engineering. The published curriculum predominantly lists Spanish and Basque instruction, with English available for selected subjects. Doctoral options include Mechanical Engineering and Control Engineering, Automation and Robotics, each providing a distinct framework for supervised engineering research.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of the Basque Country Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Antxon Bilbatua Muñoz
Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering
Also studied there through the joint MSc in Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion | Completed his undergraduate final project on anion-exchange membranes at Tecnalia Research Center. He credits his chemical-engineering degree with practical training in laboratory work, modelling, and technical writing, alongside foundations in chemical processes, materials science, and energy. | — |
6. University of Barcelona
There are a lot of superlatives that can be used to describe the University of Barcelona. It is one of Spain’s major public universities and is widely recognized as one of the best universities in the country, ranking #160 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
While the University of Barcelona is a comprehensive university rather than a purely technical institution, prospective students interested in engineering-related fields can still find strong academic options at the university.
The University of Barcelona offers a variety of degrees across several departments, including bachelor’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering. More options are available at the master’s and doctoral levels, including Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Barcelona as a city is widely known as a fantastic tourist destination. For students who reside in the city, there are several fantastic sites to see, including the Sagrada FamÃlia, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and the many beaches Barcelona is famous for.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Barcelona Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Lucas Argandoña
Master’s in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Specialization: Bionanotechnology | During his master’s, he worked on nanoparticle-based systems evaluated in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and received a top academic distinction in drug delivery. He reports developing skills in experimental design, scientific writing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. | — |
7. University of Zaragoza
The University of Zaragoza offers engineering education in Aragon, Spain, including programs associated with its School of Engineering and Architecture in Zaragoza. Its current engineering catalog spans industrial systems, mechanical and electrical technologies, computing, and chemical processes. Doctoral provision includes dedicated programs in several of these disciplines.
The 2026–2027 undergraduate catalog lists Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Automation Engineering, and Industrial Engineering Technology. Other options include Civil Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Telecommunications Technology Engineering, and Industrial Design and Product Development Engineering. These qualifications differ in technical emphasis, giving students a choice between specialist engineering fields and broader industrial pathways.
Master’s options include Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering. The university also lists a Master in Robotics, Graphics and Computer Vision and an Erasmus Mundus master’s in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development. Doctoral programs are independently available in Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Systems Engineering and Computer Science. Its Biomedical Engineering doctorate is an interuniversity program coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Zaragoza Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Yaneris Velasquez
Master’s in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development
First-semester track: Membrane Technologies and Project Management | During her semester at Zaragoza, developed project-management skills alongside an understanding of membrane materials and engineering fundamentals. Studying entirely in English was initially challenging, but daily academic communication helped her become more confident. | Found living costs in Zaragoza manageable while renting a room in a shared apartment. Her budget covered everyday needs and leisure activities. |
8. University of Oviedo
The University of Oviedo offers engineering education across several academic centers in Asturias, Spain. Its Gijón Polytechnic School of Engineering provides industrial, computing, and telecommunications programs. The Polytechnic School of Mieres adds options connected with civil infrastructure, mining technologies, and the management of forest and natural environments.
Undergraduate options at Gijón include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Chemical Engineering, Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering, and Industrial Technologies Engineering. Students can also study Telecommunications Technologies and Services Engineering or Computer Engineering in Information Technologies. Mieres offers additional degrees in Civil Engineering and Mining Technologies Engineering. Gijón advertises English-language itineraries, which should be distinguished from a guarantee that every component of a degree is taught in English.
Master’s programs include Industrial Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Automation and Industrial Informatics Engineering. Gijón also offers a combined Industrial Engineering and Energy Engineering master’s pathway. Doctoral options include Energy and Process Control, Natural Resources Engineering, and Production, Mining-Environmental and Project Engineering. Electrical and Electronic Engineering is available through an interuniversity doctorate, while Chemical, Environmental and Biofood Engineering provides another separately listed research pathway.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Oviedo Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Muhammad Hamza
Master’s in Sustainable Transportation and Electrical Power Systems
Specialization: Electrical Power Systems
Third- and fourth-semester study in Spain | His chosen specialization covered power electronics and the design, analysis, and operation of electrical power systems. He reports that his courses in Spain were taught in English. | Found rent, food, and general living expenses in Spain manageable. Learning basic Spanish through Duolingo helped with groceries, bills, directions, and connecting with local culture. |
9. University of Girona
The University of Girona offers engineering education through its Polytechnic School at the Montilivi campus in Girona, Catalonia. Its programs cover industrial technologies, mechanical and electrical systems, computing, and biomedical applications. Graduate research connects these disciplines through the university’s broader Doctoral Program in Technology.
Bachelor’s options include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Automation and Industrial Electronics Engineering. The Industrial Technologies Engineering bachelor’s comprises 240 ECTS credits. It can form part of a successive academic pathway with the 120-ECTS Master in Industrial Engineering, which completes the preparation required for the regulated industrial engineering profession in Spain.
Other graduate options include the Master in Intelligent Robotic Systems and Master in Mechanics of Materials and Structures, both identified by the school as taught entirely in English. Doctoral engineering research falls within the Doctoral Program in Technology rather than a degree titled simply Engineering. Its research areas include computer vision and robotics, control engineering, materials and structures, production systems, and energy and fluid engineering, allowing students to develop a project within a relevant research group.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of Girona Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Atharva Patwe
Joint Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
First-year study at Girona | Studied robotic perception, navigation, control, and intervention, working with industrial robotic arms, mobile manipulators, and underwater robots before applying the theory in team projects. His courses were taught in English; he describes the wider joint programme as intensive and requiring strong engineering fundamentals. | Found Girona the most affordable of his study locations and enjoyed its proximity to Barcelona. Everyday communication sometimes required basic local phrases and help from friends who spoke the language. |
Moses Ebere
Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
Coursework and master’s thesis at Girona | Studied land and marine robotics, then completed his thesis at Girona’s CIRS laboratory, developing an optimization-based whole-body kinematic control algorithm for the dual-arm Girona1000 intervention autonomous underwater vehicle. His courses were conducted in English without academic language barriers. | Found Girona more affordable than Zagreb. English was less commonly spoken in everyday interactions, so translation apps helped him communicate. |
Joseph Adeola
Master’s in Intelligent Robotic Systems
Coursework, summer internship, and thesis at Girona | During a summer internship at ViCOROB, researched and implemented deep-learning models for object detection and classification, later returning to Girona for a thesis building on that work. His story also reports subsequent employment at ViCOROB on a project developing a total-body scanner for early melanoma detection. | Found Girona slightly more affordable than Zagreb. Shopping, banking, and public services presented language difficulties, which he managed with basic Spanish or Catalan, translation apps, and help from classmates. |
Sawera Yaseen
Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
First-year study at Girona | Describes her first year at Girona as combining foundational robotics theory with hands-on experience involving ground and underwater robots. Her programme covered robot perception, motion planning, manipulation, and autonomous exploration, with instruction in English. | Found Girona the most affordable of her study locations. Daily interactions in Spain sometimes required local-language knowledge, so she used language-learning and translation apps. |
Zewdie Habtie Sisay
Master’s in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
First-year study at Girona | Personally studied land and marine robotic systems during his first year in Girona before continuing to an autonomous-systems specialization in Hungary. English instruction allowed him to study without significant academic language barriers. | Found accommodation and everyday expenses in Girona moderate and lower than in Budapest. Learning basic Spanish helped with daily interactions and local bureaucracy. |
Lisa Paul Magoti
MSc in Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
Joint programme study in Spain and Hungary | Reports that the programme emphasized computer programming and the software behind autonomous vehicles, drones, and underwater robots. Coming from mechanical engineering, he found his earlier degree less directly useful than expected because of this programming emphasis; instruction was in English. | Found both Spain and Hungary affordable, with Hungary slightly cheaper in his experience. He considered Spanish useful for participating more fully in local culture. |
Fatima Yousif
Master’s in Robotics — Intelligent Field Robotic Systems
Study at Girona | Her Spain stage included ground and underwater robotics, programming fundamentals, and hands-on TurtleBot projects involving visual perception, planning, localization, and manipulation. Instruction remained in English across her Spanish and Croatian study stages. | Found Spain more affordable than Croatia for rent, groceries, and transport. She managed everyday language difficulties through basic phrases, translation apps, and a mixture of English and local languages. |
10. University of the Balearic Islands
The University of the Balearic Islands, or UIB, offers engineering education through its Higher Polytechnic School in Palma, Mallorca. Its provision includes industrial electronics, automation, telematics, and informatics engineering. The university also maintains doctoral programs in Electronic Engineering and Information and Communications Technology.
The Degree in Automation and Industrial Electronic Engineering comprises 240 credits. Students learn to design and analyze electrical and electronic systems, control industrial processes, and work with motors, energy systems, and industrial installations. Other undergraduate options include Telematics Engineering and Informatics Engineering. The automation and electronics degree provides preparation for technical industrial engineering and a route toward further study in Industrial Engineering.
The Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering comprises 120 ECTS credits and enables graduates to enter the regulated industrial engineering profession in Spain. Its structure includes supplementary training tailored to the student’s previous qualification. At doctoral level, Electronic Engineering research covers industrial electronics and power, semiconductor devices and microsystems, integrated circuits, and biomedical instrumentation. The separate Information and Communications Technology doctorate provides another research pathway for applicants whose interests align with that program.
What Current Students / Alumni of University of the Balearic Islands Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Engineering Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Shihabur
Master’s in Engineering of Data-intensive Intelligent Software Systems
Second-year specialization: Computer Vision | Specialized in computer vision during the second year of his joint master’s, following foundational study in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. He valued the progression from a broad foundation to advanced specialist topics. | Reports difficulty finding suitable student housing in Spain, paying more for accommodation of lower quality than he had experienced in Finland. Daily communication in Mallorca was sometimes difficult without Catalan or Spanish, so he used translation tools and basic Spanish phrases. |
Mira
Master’s in Engineering of Data-intensive Intelligent Software Systems
Second-year study in Mallorca | Her programme combined software engineering and data science, including computer vision and mobile robotics, with the Spain pathway focusing on computer vision and intelligent systems. Although instruction was in English, she found some professors’ strong accents or limited English proficiency challenging. | Accommodation in Mallorca cost more than in Finland, while groceries were cheaper. Everyday communication was initially harder because English was less widely spoken, and she recommends learning some local-language basics. |
With all this in mind, we hope that this article was useful in informing your decision about where to study in Spain. Many great universities in Spain offer engineering degrees, and the ones listed above should be considered among the strongest options.
We hope this article on the best engineering schools in Spain was informative and helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
