SPAIN · MADRID
Complutense University of Madrid
public · Founded 1970 · Languages: es, en
In short
The Complutense University of Madrid, founded in 1293, is Spain's largest university, offering a wide range of programs and holding a QS top 200 global ranking. It provides an affordable and vibrant student experience in the heart of Spain's capital.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1970
- Students
- 91,598
- International students
- 12,000
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €2–8k/yr
- Languages
- ES, EN
- Location
- Madrid, Spain
The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) is one of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1293, and Spain's largest with over 90,000 students across 26 faculties. Located on the historic Ciudad Universitaria campus in Madrid, UCM offers the broadest academic range of any Spanish university, covering arts, sciences, law, medicine, and social sciences. It ranks in the QS top 200 globally and maintains exchange agreements with 900+ institutions in 77 countries.
Why study here
- One of the world's oldest (founded 1293) and Spain's highest-ranked universities (QS #187 globally).
- Enormous academic breadth — 26 faculties covering virtually every discipline, with 200+ degree programmes.
- Affordable tuition for EU students (under EUR 2,000/year) and accessible fees for non-EU international students.
- Exchange agreements with 900+ universities in 77 countries; major Erasmus+ hub in Europe.
- Studying in Madrid — a vibrant European capital with world-class culture, nightlife, and career opportunities.
Student life
UCM's sprawling Ciudad Universitaria campus is an architectural landmark, and Madrid is one of Europe's most dynamic student cities. Students enjoy a rich social scene, numerous sports facilities, university restaurants, and cultural events. The university hosts book fairs, concerts, and competitions like Tesis en 3 Minutos. Monthly living costs are EUR 900–1,300, lower than London or Paris. Madrid's extensive metro network connects the campus to the entire city within minutes.
Fees
InternationalNon-EU international undergraduate students pay fees at the 4th registration rate — typically EUR 25–46 per ECTS credit (~EUR 3,750–6,900/year for a 60-credit year). Official master's programmes for non-EU students are approximately EUR 84 per ECTS credit (~EUR 5,040/year). PhD supervision fees are approximately EUR 390/year.
HomeEU students pay the standard public university rate set by the Madrid regional government — approximately EUR 12–18 per ECTS credit (~EUR 720–1,080/year for a 60-credit year).
LivingMonthly living costs in Madrid are approximately EUR 900–1,300. Shared flats are the most economical housing option. Monthly public transport pass: EUR 54.60. University canteens offer meals from EUR 3–5.
Fees are approved annually by the Community of Madrid government and include a student services fee (EUR 6.11) and file-opening fee (first year, EUR 27.54). Payment in 6–8 instalments is available for totals over EUR 350.
Admissions
Spanish Language ProficiencyMinimum B1 CEFR; C1 recommended for Master's and PhD programmes.
University Entry TestSpanish students need EBAU (university entrance exam). International students may need credential recognition (homologación).
Academic CredentialsOfficially recognised secondary education certificate or equivalent.
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025187
QS Latin America 20243
El Mundo Ranking — Best Spanish university1
University scholarships
UCM Erasmus+ ScholarshipEUR 300–500/month mobility grant
Becas SantanderVaries — mobility and research grants
Spanish Government (MAEC-AECID) ScholarshipFull tuition + stipend for eligible international students
Accreditation
Accredited by ANECA (National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation of Spain); member of the European University Association (EUA).
Programs
a selectionComplutense University of Madrid · Spain
Master in Social Communication
The Master's Degree in Social Communication is a 120-credit official program designed to be completed over two academic years, with 60 credits per year. The curriculum progresses from general knowledge to specialized topics. The first year focuses on common and mandatory modules, providing a broad foundation. The second year is dedicated to specialized training, allowing students to deepen their understanding in specific areas of social communication. The program is offered by the Faculty of Information Sciences.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Complutense University of Madrid · Spain
Master's Degree in Health Biology
The Master's Degree in Health Biology is offered by the Faculty of Biological Sciences at Complutense University of Madrid. This program focuses on the biological aspects relevant to human health, preparing students for advanced roles in research and development within the health sector. It provides specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary for understanding and addressing health challenges from a biological perspective.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Complutense University of Madrid · Spain
Master's Programme in Advanced Mathematics
The Master's Programme in Advanced Mathematics, established in the 2012/13 academic year, is an adaptation of the former Master's in Mathematical Research to the European Higher Education Area. It aims to train future researchers in mathematics and to enhance the mathematical education of new graduates. The program is also open to students who have a sufficient background in mathematics and wish to deepen their knowledge in the field.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Complutense University of Madrid · Spain
Master's Programme in Astrophysics
The Master's Programme in Astrophysics offers advanced studies in a field experiencing significant scientific revolution across theoretical, experimental, and methodological aspects. The curriculum covers key areas such as the solar system, exoplanets, stellar activity, galactic stellar populations, astroparticles, and large-scale structure. It aims to train researchers with strong potential in current scientific topics. The program blends astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and astronomical instrumentation with a focus on research and professional application in astrophysics or the aerospace industry.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Complutense University of Madrid · Spain
Master's Programme in Neuroscience
The Master's Programme in Neuroscience at Complutense University of Madrid offers a comprehensive study of the nervous system, exploring its molecules, cells, and structures across different living organisms. It delves into the processes of nervous system integration and the resulting behaviors. This program takes an integrative and multidisciplinary approach, ensuring students gain a solid understanding of fundamental neuroscience concepts while also becoming proficient in the experimental techniques used in current research. The curriculum includes a mandatory module on neuroscience foundations, followed by specialized tracks in Neurobiology, Clinical Neuroscience, and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Spain
full fundingBarcelona Institute of Economics (IEB), University of Barcelona
IEB PhD Scholarships in Economics at the University of Barcelona
Open to applicants who will have completed a Master's degree in Economics by the summer before enrolment and who wish to pursue a PhD in Economics at the University of Barcelona. Candidates must apply for admission to the UB PhD in Economics programme and separately send a statement of purpose to the IEB calls address. Selected scholars carry out research under IEB Research Program members and take on teaching responsibilities for applied economics courses in Public Economics at the undergraduate level. Only complete applications submitted before the deadline are considered. Applicants should confirm the master's completion requirement and documents on the official UB page.
full
Funding
€17k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingUniversitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona)
UIC Barcelona Scholarships
Open to applicants of all nationalities seeking bachelor's, master's or PhD study at UIC Barcelona. Different lines target different groups: International Excellence Scholarships are for international undergraduates, Academic Excellence Scholarships reward strong academic performance in selected degrees, and Pre-University Competition Grants are for high-school students who submit a research project. Most awards reduce tuition rather than covering living costs, and conditions vary by programme.
partial
Funding
€12k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMinistry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport of Spain
Spanish Government Scholarships
Open mainly to Spanish nationals and, for several lines, EU citizens resident in Spain who are enrolled or admitted to an official Spanish university or vocational programme. Income-based general grants (Becas MEC) test household income and academic performance, while research and postdoctoral contracts such as Juan de la Cierva and Ramon y Cajal require relevant degrees and a research project. Exact eligibility differs per programme and is fixed in each annual call.
full
Funding
€6k
Max
May 15, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingBarcelona School of Economics (BSE)
Barcelona School of Economics Scholarships
Open to international and domestic applicants who hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent, with at least 180 ECTS credits for Bologna degrees) from an accredited institution, typically in economics, finance, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or business administration. Applicants must show an advanced level of English (TOEFL iBT 90 or higher, or IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher) unless they are native speakers or completed a prior degree in English. A strong academic record, strong quantitative skills, and two reference letters are required; the GRE General Test is recommended but not mandatory.
partial
Funding
—
Max
Jun 30, 2027
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)
For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.
full
Funding
€3000k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
full funding
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome International Training Fellowships
For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.
full
Funding
€150k
Max
Rolling
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the Complutense University of Madrid?
+
Non-EU international undergraduate students pay approximately EUR 25–46 per ECTS credit, leading to an estimated annual cost of EUR 3,750–6,900 for a 60-credit year. Official master's programs for non-EU students are around EUR 84 per ECTS credit, approximately EUR 5,040 per year.
What is the cost of living for students in Madrid?
+
Monthly living costs in Madrid are estimated to be between EUR 900 and EUR 1,300. This is considered lower than in cities like London or Paris. A monthly public transport pass costs approximately EUR 54.60, and university canteens offer meals ranging from EUR 3 to EUR 5.
What are the language requirements for international students?
+
A minimum of B1 CEFR level in Spanish is required for most programs. However, a C1 level is recommended for master's and PhD programs.
Does Complutense University of Madrid have international partnerships?
+
Yes, the university maintains exchange agreements with over 900 institutions in 77 countries, making it a major Erasmus+ hub in Europe.
What academic programs are available at Complutense University of Madrid?
+
The university offers a broad academic range across 26 faculties, covering arts, sciences, law, medicine, and social sciences, with over 200 degree programs.
Last updated