The Universitat Internacional de Catalunya is a public-serving institution which aspires to excellence. The university's concept of excellence is closely linked to its stated mission (i.e. its guiding principles) and is influenced by the European social model.

The UIC works towards the pursuit of excellence through its teaching model, which is based on the following aims:

1. The creation of an environment which fosters the development of the work of its talented researchers and teaching staff
2. The development of a culture in which students take on responsibility for their own education and participate and cooperate actively in the study process. They are encouraged to develop their independence, to reflect deeply on what they are learning, and to use technology as much as possible to enrich this learning experience
3. The implementation of innovative and effective methodologies with specific strategies aimed at the real world (problem-solving, collective learning, independent learning, self-evaluation, learning through practical projects, etc)
4. The complete involvement of the teaching at the UIC in the information technologies and communication services and facilities (TIC) available: on-line activities, use of support materials in IT support and multimedia, etc
5. The systemised integration of all academic activities (tutorials, class work, work experience programmes and projects following the ECTS model)
6. The internationalisation of all aspects of the university's activities: internships and exchange programmes for students and teachers, and links with other prestigious universities and research centres around the world
7. The implementation of the criteria and guidelines of the ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education) to ensure that the UIC meets all the quality standards set out for European higher education institutions

The faculties and schools in the UIC combine the diversity of the application of its teaching model with consistency in terms of its guiding principles.