University of Wisconsin–Madison
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Universidad Politecnica de Valencia Engineering Exchange

The city of Valencia from above.

Spain, Multiple

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Want to improve your Spanish while earning credits toward your engineering degree? UPV might be the place for you! Study alongside other international students and Spaniards at this large public university that specializes in science and technology. Students often take advantage of UPV's pre-semester language program, which offers students the chance to brush up on their Spanish skills before starting the semester. This is a two week intensive language program held before the start of each term. It is held at the UPV campus in Gandia (about one hour from Valencia) and is optional. Students will need to apply for either the UPV semester program or the UPV + Gandia option. Costs for this program are in addition and can be found on the Estimated Additional Expenses in the cost tab.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Strengthen Spanish language skills, as well as cultural competency and awareness
  • Navigate new educational systems, including new learning and teaching styles
  • Observe Spanish perspectives on academic disciplines
  • Take advantage of academic strengths in:
    • Civil Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Engineering Mechanics & Aeronautics
  • Achieve personal development and the ability to adapt to a new culture

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Open to UW Madison degree seeking Engineering students in good academic standing. Students must be admitted into their specific major (i.e.: ME, CEE, etc.), but cannot study abroad in their last two semesters. Special permission may be granted to study abroad in second to last semester.

    Participants on this program must take at least half engineering, science and/or math courses.
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA in all Spanish language courses
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    4th Semester Spanish
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

The Universidad Politecnica de Valencia offers courses in most UW Engineering departments. UPV does not have liberal studies courses with the exception of Spanish language classes. Not all departments at UPV offer courses in English. 

Classroom Language

English, Spanish

Housing

Apartments, Responsible for arranging your own housing

Program Duration

Fall: Early September to late January

Spring: Early February to late June

Academic Year: Early September to late June 

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Fall Semester + Pre-Semester Spanish Course in Gandia] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/7/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Semester + Pre-Semester Spanish Course in Gandia] 8/7/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

In today's global marketplace, there is an increasing need for broadly educated engineering graduates with cross-cultural skills, international understanding and proficiency in more than one language. The College of Engineering is committed to providing international opportunities that will assist engineering students in obtaining these important skills. With more than 20 programs, including many with instruction in English, our programs help you gain flexibility, adaptability, confidence and crosscultural skills for the job market and fulfill your desire for learning and adventure.

The Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) is a technical university that offers courses in most UW Engineering departments. Courses available at UPV can be reviewed in the link under foreign courses. We recommend that students take courses in 1-2 facultades (school/faculty), as the application will need to be reviewed and confirmed by each faculty before a decision can be made. 

Students may enroll in the pre-semester Spanish course at UPV's Gandia campus. This program provides students the opportunity to practice their Spanish before the semester starts and meet other exchange students. Housing is provided for the Gandia pre-semester program. There is an additional cost for the credits and housing. 

Some UPV departments, such as BME, have limited courses taught in English, students should review the courses offered and the language they are taught in prior to applying to the program. The pre-approved course equivalent list does not differentiate the language the course is taught in. 
 
Participants on this program must take at least half engineering, science and/or math courses.

Program Web Pages

Exchange Student Information

Foreign Courses

Course Search Spanish Courses (pre-semster & semester long) Courses in English & Course Restrictions

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents