External academic internships

External Academic Internships

Educational activity aimed at applying knowledge, acquiring professional skills, and facilitating students’ entry into the labor market.

What are external internships?

External academic internships are a supervised educational activity organized by the University with the aim of applying knowledge, complementing academic training, and enhancing students’ employability and entrepreneurial skills. They are carried out within the course External Practicum (18 ECTS).

Important: Internships are carried out under an agreement and always include academic and company supervision.

Practicum competencies

Clinical and optometric application: Apply knowledge in refraction, visual examination, contact lenses, and low vision.
Optical techniques and laboratory: Assembly of visual corrections, manufacturing of optical aids, and handling of products.
Patient care: Clinical history, care protocols, and communication of diagnoses.

Characteristics

18 curricular ECTS
500 hours in a company
20h CUV + 20h independent work
Q7 – Q8

Organization

Educational cooperation agreements
Company tutor + UPC tutor
Optical centers and CUV

Assessment

70% company tutor + 30% UPC tutor. No reassessment available.

Financial support

Between €8 and €20/hour + income tax + Social Security contributions.

Insurance

Mandatory. School insurance or private insurance if over 28 years old.

Information session

Here you will find the information session for April 22, 2026, for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Internship formalization

Internships are formalized through the signing of educational cooperation agreements and a training project between the student, the University, and the company or institution hosting the student. The administrative management of the agreements is carried out digitally through the PRISMA/e-Secretary portal.

Important deadline: Student information must be sent via email to organitzacio.docent.foot@upc.edu at least 10 working days before the internship begins.

*School insurance is mandatory during internships; if the student is over 28 years old, they must obtain private insurance. UPC has an agreement with CONFIDE Insurance Brokerage. School insurance covers a one-year period from September 16 to September 15 of the following year.

The required information is:

Company
Tax ID number
National ID number
Company legal name
Company tutor
Tutor e-mail
Tutor ID number
Billing contact person
Billing contact e-mail

Legal representative
Legal representative e-mail
Internship type
Total hours
ECTS to enroll in
Start date
End date
Financial support €/hour