Higher education in Madrid 2024

Madrid is the Spanish capital, where the parliament and government meet, the royal family lives and holds official receptions, the most famous Spanish theaters are located, social and cultural life in it does not stop day or night. Even shops, contrary to Spanish tradition, do not close on Sundays.

Madrid is also home to a large number of universities, so student life here is no less active. Of course, such a movement attracts a lot of applicants from all over the world: back in 2017, Madrid was included in the list of the best university and student cities according to QS Best Student Cities.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Madrid, ranked 27th globally for student-friendly cities, boasts universities offering programs in both Spanish and English. These institutions are known for their high-quality education, and degrees from Madrid are highly valued across the European Union. Graduates from Madrid's universities have excellent job prospects throughout Europe. Students here can also gain experience through internships or research at top European universities. The city provides relatively lenient admission conditions compared to other European countries, including preparatory programs for international students. Foreign students can directly enroll in Madrid's universities after completing their schooling. The city offers affordable tuition fees and opportunities for part-time work, allowing students to manage their daily expenses independently.

Madrid, a green city filled with parks and gardens like El Retiro and La Casa de Campo, is also known for its sunny weather. It has a well-developed transportation system, making travel across Europe convenient. The city offers numerous cultural and recreational spots, including the Royal and Crystal Palaces, Prado Museum, Queen Sofia Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Catholic cathedrals, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Gran Via street, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, Sabatini Gardens, and more. Additionally, Madrid boasts a vibrant nightlife with tapas bars, clubs, cocktail bars, jazz terraces, and flamenco theaters. The city offers an international atmosphere, not just in universities but in its overall environment.

Spain's higher education system, including Madrid's universities, ranks among the world's best. These universities, easily found with English-language programs, are particularly strong in physics, mathematics, engineering, economics, and biomedicine. Since 2007, higher education in Spain (Enseñanza Universitaria) has aligned with the Bologna Process standards to be part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This includes three cycles:

• Grado (Bachelor’s Degree): Requires 3-4 years of study (up to 6 years for medicine) available in various fields.

• Máster (Master’s Degree): Awarded after completing a specialized university course, lasting 1-2 years, requiring a Grado degree.

• Doctorado (Doctorate): A doctoral program lasting 3-6 years, undertaken after obtaining a master’s degree, involves defending a doctoral thesis.

In contrast to foreign institutes, academies, and universities, higher education in Spain is primarily offered at universities. Business schools are another option, usually teaching in Spanish and English. Madrid has 7 public universities and 23 private higher education institutions, including 10 universities, 9 business schools, and 4 training centers.

Madrid's universities are categorized into public and private institutions. Most public university programs are in Spanish, with few English options. Foreign applicants must be proficient in Spanish, possibly requiring preparatory courses. Private institutions offer a broader range of English programs but at higher tuition costs.

Top business schools in Madrid provide MBA or other master's degrees. Many offer internships with companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft, offering valuable experience for post-graduation employment.

Notable universities in Madrid include:

• IED Madrid European Institute of Design

• Saint Louis University Madrid

• Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)

• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)

• Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)

Living in Madrid involves a high standard and cost of living, though it's not one of the world's most expensive cities:

• Living costs in Madrid are 34.68% lower than in New York.

• Rent is about 64.89% cheaper than in New York.

Tuition fees at Madrid's higher education institutions are high but lower than in the UK and Switzerland. Factors influencing tuition costs include the institution's prestige, ranking, location, and course specifics. Average costs are:

• Bachelor’s degree at public universities: from €850 per year

• Private universities: €10,000-€20,000 per year

Living expenses depend on accommodation, transportation, and meal plans. Students can live on campus, rent an apartment, or stay with a Spanish family. Average annual student expenses in Madrid are:

• Food: €2,000

• Accommodation: €3,000

• Mobile phone: €500

• Transportation: €300

Students in Madrid can reduce education costs by obtaining scholarships or grants, available for talented or academically successful individuals, including international students. These can cover full or partial tuition, funded by universities or external organizations.

To study at Madrid's universities, international students must first select an institution and program. A common requirement across Spanish universities is the entrance exam, currently PAU, assessing knowledge in 6 subjects. This challenging exam often necessitates preparatory courses. In addition to PAU, international applicants need to prepare and notarize their educational documents translated into Spanish.

For foreign students, the prerequisites are:

• A certificate of complete secondary education, subject to homologation

• Successful completion of the PAU exam

After passing the exam, students can apply to their chosen university with the necessary documents, including a high school diploma and passport. Accommodation choices (dormitory, rented apartment, host family, or hotel) and a category D student visa from the Spanish embassy are also necessary.

Another option for higher education in Spain is to transfer from a home country university to a Madrid university in a similar specialization. This requires a transcript of studied subjects and a recommendation from the home university. Postgraduate courses are also available for those with a degree from another country.