The white, arched Innovation, Science and Technology Building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is what most people know about Florida Polytechnic. Opened in 2014, it's Florida's newest public university and teaches only STEM. Around 1,700 students study computer science, engineering and data science in Lakeland, off I-4 between Tampa and Orlando. Classes are small.
Lakeland, Florida, United States
Official website: floridapoly.edu
2014
Public STEM-only university
Calatrava-designed main building
About 1,700 students
$20,000 – $23,000
International students, out-of-state tuition and fees
$11,000 – $14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on floridapoly.edu before you apply.
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BS Mechanical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BS Data Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
BS Electrical Engineering
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MS Engineering
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
A STEM-only public university.
A Santiago Calatrava building.
Small classes and project-based learning.
Graduates work in software, engineering and logistics in central Florida.
Publix, headquartered in Lakeland, and Tampa and Orlando tech firms hire graduates.
STEM graduates can apply for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling, by spring
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling, by autumn
Postgrad
Rolling
Lakeland is a mid-sized city of lakes, with a small downtown around Lake Mirror. The campus is on the city's edge, near I-4.
Tampa and Orlando are each under an hour away. Rent is lower than in either city.
Form I-20 issued by Florida Poly
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Florida Poly admits students on a rolling basis. International students should apply by spring for August and by autumn for January.
Classes start in August and January.
It's the F-1 student visa. Get your I-20 from Florida Poly first (they need your deposit and bank documents), then pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend the visa interview. Book the interview early in peak season.
Computer science, mechanical engineering, data science and electrical engineering are the main undergraduate programmes. Entry needs strong maths and science grades and English scores. The MS Engineering needs a related bachelor's degree.
Florida Poly offers merit scholarships to strong applicants. Ask admissions which are open to international students.
