| Academics |
Academic Program
The Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) program is specifically tailored for students in UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering (CNSE). In some cases, however, students from other disciplines may apply.
This program offers a Double Degree option for graduate students in UAlbany Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE). If you are interested in pursuing this option, please speak with Dr. Hany Elgala in ECE/CNSE as soon as possible to make sure that this could be possible for you academically.
Course Selection
You can find courses offered at the UPV HERE. Follow the steps listed below to find courses that may be considered applicable to your degree:
- Select the appropriate school applicable to your degree. If you are in CNSE, you will find courses in the different Engineering schools.
- Select the appropriate term and be sure to select courses taught in English. You can consider taking a course in Spanish, but you must have at least B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)".
- Click on the course of interest, and you will see a link to the Course Description on the right.
For Double Degree students, please speak with Dr. Hany Elgala in ECE/CNSE for clarification on the courses you will need to take at the UPV.
Language Courses: As an exchange student at the UPV, you are welcome to take Spanish language courses! There are different levels and different timelines for these courses.
Credit Loads: Most universities in Europe use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to give their courses credit values. The ratio of an ECTS credit to a SUNY credit is 2:1. Therefore, to understand the credit load of a course at the UPV, you would divide the ECTS credit total by two to get the SUNY equivalent. If this quotient is a decimal, round to the nearest whole number to yield the SUNY credit equivalent.
For Example:
3 ECTS credits (divided by 2) = (1.5 but round up) 2 SUNY credits
4 ECTS credits (divided by 2) = 2 SUNY credits
5 ECTS credits (divided by 2) = (2.5 but round up) 3 SUNY credits
6 ECTS credits (divided by 2) = 3 SUNY credits
Undergraduate students studying abroad for a semester must take between 12 and 19 SUNY equivalent credits at the university abroad. Graduate students typically must take between 9 and 17 SUNY equivalent credits abroad. Please note that the ECTS-SUNY credit conversion is done on a course-by-course basis.
Course equivalency information for UAlbany Undergraduate Students
Credits earned on this program may be approved to satisfy the World History/International Perspectives or other UAlbany General Education requirements, if you earn appropriate credit in these areas and receive approval using the General Education Substitution Request form found here: General Education Waivers, Substitutions & Appeals | University at Albany.
Courses may also satisfy major and minor requirements, with approval by the associated academic department(s). You may file a request to have additional courses approved for equivalency as necessary.
All courses completed through this program abroad that are not assigned a specific UAlbany course equivalency will at least count as UAlbany General Elective credits. Credits and grades will appear on your UAlbany transcript.
Information for UAlbany Graduate Students
For Graduate students, please consult with your advisor in your graduate department for details on course equivalencies and how study abroad coursework could count towards your degree.
For Double Degree students, please consult with Dr. Hany Elgala in ECE/CNSE.
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| Accommodations |
Housing
Although the UPV does not offer on-campus housing, the UPV International Office assists exchange students in finding accommodation. On the UPV's page, you will find some housing resources within the city of Valencia, as well as some recommended locations and neighborhoods well connected to the university.
Meals
There is no meal plan available, however, you will likely be staying in housing that offers kitchens/kitchenettes where you can cook for yourself. On campus, you can find some cafes and shops as well.
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| Costs |
Estimate of Costs
Polytechnic University of Valencia EXCHANGE Estimate of Costs
Note: For graduate students, SUNY tuition will be charged at the graduate rate. Please check the appropriate tab in the Estimate of Costs.
This section coming soon and will be completed by UAlbany Education Abroad!
More Information
Click for more information on Program Costs and Financial Aid.
Remember to speak with the Office of Financial Aid at your home campus to determine how your aid package could apply towards your program abroad.
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| Eligibility |
Academic Requirements
This program is open to Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate students. Students from other SUNY schools are welcome to apply.
Competitive Nature of the Program: As an exchange program, there are a limited number of spots available per semester. Priority will be given in the following order
- Double Degree Applicants from Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program at UAlbany
- Graduate Students in the UAlbany College of Nanotechnology, Science and Engineering (CNSE)
- UAlbany Undergraduates in CNSE
- UAlbany students outside of CNSE
- Students from other SUNY schools
GPA will also be a deciding factor in the selection process.
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| Excursions |
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are many clubs and organizations that exchange students are welcome to attend at the UPV. Check out the Student Community page at the UPV and 'Generación Espontánea' for details!
Outside of the classroom, Valencia is a major city right on the Mediterranean Coast, so there will be plenty of activities to take part in! |
| Scholarships |
Funding Opportunities
Most financial aid and academic awards will apply to semester programs.
External scholarships, listed on our website, are a good way to partially fund your study abroad experience. In addition, the Center for International Education and Global Strategy offers two scholarship programs for UAlbany students studying abroad on UAlbany or 4-year SUNY programs.
More information on applying to these scholarships is located on the Scholarships web page.
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| Contact |
Speak with an Advisor
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| Location |
About the City
Many think of Spain as the country of flamenco dancers and bullfights, siestas and sangria, a slow-paced place filled with sun-kissed, smiling people. It is all this and much, much more. Spain has 17 distinct provinces, and its people speak 5 different languages. It is a country with a unique blend of old and new. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean and known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and the capital of the Comunitat Valenciana, which is the surrounding province. The city’s short, mild winter, long, lush spring, and almost year-round sun make it a great place to visit and live. Although surrounded by beaches, Valencia is much more than a weekend getaway; it boasts a rich cultural heritage mixed with modern industry and trade. Founded in 137 BC, Valencia has been the home of Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and a host of others. Each culture has left its mark on the city, where a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles can be seen in the art and architecture.
The Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) is a public, dynamic and innovative institution dedicated to research and teaching which, while maintaining strong links with the social environment in which it carries out its activities, opts for a strong presence abroad. The UPV community is made up of around 28,000 students, 2,500 teaching and research staff and 1,500 administrative and service professionals, distributed among its three campuses located in Alcoy, Gandia and Valencia.
Travel Documents
A valid passport is required to participate in this program. More information regarding the Spanish student visa application process is available upon acceptance to the program.
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| Program Dates |
Application Availability
Applications become available online one semester before the program start date, based on the following timeline:
- Spring/Winter/Spring Break programs: July
- Fall/Year/Summer programs: December
Program Dates
Academic Year 2025-2026
9/1/2025 to 6/26/2026
Fall 2025
9/1/2025 to 1/30/2026
- You must make sure you complete your exams at the UPV from the fall semester before your Spring courses begin at your home campus in the U.S.!
Spring 2026
2/2/2026 to 6/26/2026
**Dates for Academic Year 2026-2027 TBD
You can access the UPV Academic Calendar HERE. |
| Overview |
About the Program
The University at Albany’s exchange affiliation with the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) grants students the opportunity to study at the largest technological university in Spain, and one of the leading engineering schools in Europe. Students can select a wide range of courses taught in English in their discipline, and graduate students in the Electrical and Computer Engineering school at UAlbany are welcome and encouraged to consider the Dual Degree program!
Program Orientations
Upon acceptance to the program, you will be required to attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet other program participants, discuss in-depth the details of your program, and prepare of the overall education abroad experience. The fall semester pre-departure orientation will be conducted in late April/early May, and in late November/early December for the spring semester.
Upon arrival at the UPV, you will attend a mandatory program orientation. This is an important and informative set of sessions organized by International Office of your host university.
Support Services
UAlbany’s Office of Education Abroad staff assists you during the application process, in your preparation to travel abroad, and on-site if necessary. The UPV International Office staff serve as an experienced resource for resolving issues that you may encounter in while abroad.
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