Some decisions stay with you forever. Continuing your studies is one of them.

That's why it's an honour to welcome you to the academic year 2026–2027. Whether you're joining our community for the first time or continuing your learning journey, thank you for choosing the UOC.

We're living in an era of profound and rapid change. Artificial intelligence, digital transformation and major social and environmental challenges are redefining the way we live, work and learn. In this context, ongoing education is essential. But so is developing critical thinking to understand the world's complexity, make informed decisions and act responsibly.

Our commitment to you means offering a quality education and a model that provides you with the tools, support and opportunities you need to achieve your personal and professional goals. For over thirty years, this has been the guiding purpose of our university.

Upholding this public mandate means we must evolve as a university. That's why we've launched the UOC.?mega Mission, an initiative that will empower us to imagine and build the AI-native university we want to be. It's not just about incorporating more technology; it's about putting it at the service of a more personalized learning experience, enhanced support and an increasingly valuable educational experience for all of you who have placed your trust in us. After all, technology is only meaningful if it enables a more relevant, more inclusive, more human learning experience.

This approach is also reflected in our academic programmes. This year, we're adding two bachelor's degrees, in Biomedical Engineering and in Software Development and Testing (the latter offered through the OpenEU alliance), and two master's degrees, in Applied Data Analysis and Visualization and in Educational Psychology. These new programmes expand educational opportunities in areas that are key for the future of individuals and society.

Although each one of you is starting this year with different expectations and backgrounds, you all share the determination to keep moving forward and preparing for the challenges of a changing world. I am certain that this will be a time of learning, discovery and new opportunities, and that your experience at the UOC will help build a better-prepared, more inclusive society with greater capacity to transform its surroundings for the better.

A university is much more than its programmes, its research or the technology it uses. Ultimately, its meaning lies in its people: its students, teaching staff, researchers and sharers of knowledge. You're now part of a community that already numbers more than 133,500 graduates around the world. A community that keeps on growing thanks to people like you who have decided to pursue lifelong learning.

I encourage you to become active participants in the UOC, a truly collective endeavour. Make your mark and help shape our ongoing transformation by contributing your perspective, your talent and your engagement.

Thank you again for being part of this. Welcome to the 2026–2027 academic year.

Àngels Fitó
Rector of the UOC