University history
Discover the history of Politehnica University of Timisoara from 1920 to the present day, including the key moments, major transformations and milestones that have shaped the university’s identity over more than a century.
Politehnica University of Timisoara (UPT) was founded in 1920 by decree of King Ferdinand I (.pdf) [PDF, 214.6 KB], in response to the pressing need for engineers to support the industrial development of Banat and Greater Romania. In 1923, at the inauguration of the first building owned by the Politehnica of Timișoara, the same monarch delivered the celebrated words, “It is not the walls that make a school, but the spirit that reigns within it”, which went on to become a defining statement of the Politehnica’s identity. Over the course of a century, UPT has educated more than 140,000 graduates, who have contributed to the technical, scientific and cultural development of the city, the region, the country and beyond its borders.
Defining moments
Explore the defining moments of UPT
Timeline
Over the years, the technical solutions developed by the Politehnica School have been recognised and adopted in major national development projects, from the construction of the Iron Gates Hydroelectric Power Station to the Danube–Black Sea Canal and from structural calculations for the RomExpo building to major industrial complexes across the country. Tens of thousands of Politehnica graduates have contributed to Romania’s industrialisation and modernisation.
Anniversary message
Politehnica University of Timisoara centenary
Rector’s message – “[...] 100 years ago, Timișoara succeeded in establishing the first university in this part of the country. It was an initiative that had begun 14 years earlier, in 1906, when the Municipal Council, meeting on 26 November, proposed a memorandum on the need to establish a polytechnic school. [...]”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Florin DRĂGAN, Rector of UPT
UPT Museum
The UPT Museum is a space dedicated to the history of science and technology in the context of Politehnica University of Timisoara. It is a modern concept that combines the Politehnica’s technical heritage with digital multimedia resources, providing access to collections of historical value.