Politehnica

Politehnica is a Romanian term meaning polytechnic or technical university. It is commonly used as part of the official name of engineering and technology–focused higher education institutions in Romania and, to a lesser extent, in Moldova. Institutions with Politehnica in their title typically offer programs in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences, and emphasize practical and applied research.

Politehnica universities generally award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and maintain close ties with industry to support internships, research partnerships, and technological innovation. They often feature strong engineering cultures, extensive laboratories, and dedicated faculties or schools within a university system. The term conveys a focus on technical disciplines and applied science, alongside commitments to STEM education and regional development.

Examples include the Politehnica University of Bucharest (Universitatea Politehnică din București) and the Politehnica University of Timișoara (Universitatea Politehnică din Timișoara), both prominent public institutions with long histories in engineering education and research. Across Romania, several other institutions use the Politehnica naming convention, reflecting a wider European tradition of polytechnic education. In some cases, historic names have evolved to broader technical university titles, while the Politehnica designation remains associated with technical disciplines and industry collaboration.