RMIT and UPC sign new partnership for student exchange and research collaboration

RMIT and UPC sign new partnership for student exchange and research collaboration

RMIT University and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech (UPC) have signed a new agreement to expand student mobility and shared research opportunities between Australia and Catalonia.

The two universities share a longstanding relationship, with this new agreement building on a history of collaboration and extending opportunities for students and researchers at both institutions. 
 
The partnership was formalised in Barcelona by UPC Rector Francesc Torres with RMIT leaders including Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO; Professor Tim Marshall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice-President; and Marta Fernandez, Executive Director at RMIT Europe.  

The new student exchange opportunities with RMIT are across four UPC schools: the School of Informatics; the School of Industrial, Aerospace and Audiovisual Engineering; the School of Civil Engineering; and the School of Telecommunications Engineering.  

The agreement will also provide access to UPC’s specialised laboratory facilities, fostering joint research and collaboration between the two universities. 

Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title 'upc-and-rmit-agreement-barcelona' RMIT and UPC leaders at the agreement signing at UPC in Barcelona.
03 October 2025

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RMIT Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO said the partnership highlighted the value of international collaboration. 
 


“The new agreement will allow us to better work together for the greater good; to undertake translational research; to widen our students’ and staff experience through exchange; and to better collaborate online and on campus,” she said.

“At RMIT we believe that a university can only ever be as successful as the community it leverages through engagement – and this is most certainly a partnership of which we are particularly proud.” 


UPC Rector Francesc Torres said the agreement strengthens the relationship between the two institutions.



"Above all, it aims to open this collaborative framework to the communities of both universities, providing them with greater opportunities for research and training."

The new agreement is in effect from October 2025.

 

Story: Karen Matthews 

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03 October 2025

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