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19 best universities in Madrid 2025
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Kevin McDonnell.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Education_in_Madrid
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from 1000.00 $ / year -
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Top universities in Madrid have gained popularity due to their high quality programs and lower tuition fees. Madrid, the capital and one of the largest cities in Spain, is an educational center which provides great opportunities for students. The city is distinguished by entry requirements which are more loyal compared to other European countries. As a result, foreign students can enroll upon completing a school and attending pre-university programs. Students note the city's recreational infrastructure, vibrant nightlife, excellent weather conditions and the level of international atmosphere.
The Spanish higher education system consists of three cycles: undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate. Free university education is only available to residents who have excelled in passing the Unified Selectividad exam. Foreign citizens receive the program only on a commercial basis.
Grado
The undergraduate program (Grado) includes four years of education in the following areas.
- Humanities and Arts;
- Medicine;
- Natural Sciences;
- Law and sociology;
- Architecture;
- Engineering.
For most specialties, the duration of education is 4 years, veterinary medicine - 5 years, medicine - 6 years, architecture - 5 years + project.
Mastering
Master (Master) - the next stage of education, aimed at improving skills or changing careers. In some fields of activity (pedagogy, communication, engineering), a master's degree is a prerequisite for entering the workplace.
The duration of study is 1 to 2 years, during which students attend lectures and seminars, compulsory and additional courses, internships, write design work, and defend their master's thesis.
Doctoral studies
Postgraduate studies (Doctorado) imply in-depth research work and the defense of a thesis on a scientific research topic. The preparation takes 3 to 6 years. After graduation, graduates receive a doctorate and the right to teach at a university.
Business School
The MBA program is designed for future leaders. The learning process can take place in person and remotely. Some schools offer distance learning.
Graduates of such programs gain knowledge and practical skills in effective business process management, marketing and improving customer loyalty.
Alternative destinations
Universities in Madrid. Guide for Foreign Students
Madrid, known for its prestigious universities, offers a range of benefits and opportunities for students who are interested in obtaining higher education in compliance with European standards.
Advantages of Studying at Madrid's Universities
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Valued European Diploma: Graduating from a university in Madrid means obtaining a European diploma, which is highly regarded in the job market.
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High-Quality Education: Madrid’s universities have gained popularity due to their combination of theoretical and practical learning, making an emphasis on personal talent development.
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Language Proficiency: Studying in Madrid significantly enhances language skills, particularly in Spanish and English.
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Beneficial Work-Study Balance: Students have the opportunity to work while studying, beneficial for those needing extra income.
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Permanent Visa and Citizenship Prospects: As a student, you'll be eligible for a permanent visa and can eventually apply for Spanish citizenship.
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Affordable Education Costs: Some courses are available for as low as 750€/year.
Admission Process for Madrid Universities
Both local and international students can apply for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs in Madrid. The process might be simpler for those who completed secondary education in Spain due to familiarity with the language and documentation requirements. However, international students without this background can still apply.
Required Documentation
The documentation needed varies based on the level of study:
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For a Bachelor’s Degree: School completion certificates, passport, valid visa, and a letter of motivation.
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For Master’s or Doctoral programs: Higher education diploma, official certificate from the previous institution, and all government-issued documents translated into Spanish.
All foreign educational documents must be recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education, requiring a fee of 40 to 100 euros.
Language Proficiency for Madrid Universities
Proficiency in Spanish is essential. The DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) or SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) certificates are recommended. These exams are challenging but provide lifelong proof of language proficiency.
Check our Germany universities list.
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.
Universities in Madrid. Costs and Fees for foreign students
Despite its high standard of living, Madrid is not among the most expensive cities globally:
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Living costs are lower than in New York.
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Housing rentals are more affordable than in New York.
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University fees are competitive, especially compared to the UK and Switzerland.
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State universities: From 850 euros per year for undergraduate programs.
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Private universities: From 10,000€ to 20,000€ per year.
Estimated Annual Student Expenses in Madrid
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Meals: Approximately 2,000 euros.
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Accommodation: Around 3,000 euros.
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Mobile communication: About 500€.
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Transportation: Nearly 300€.
Deciding on pursuing education in Madrid, foreign students are guaranteed a rich academic environment, combination of high-quality education with cultural immersion. The universities in Madrid occupy good positions in international rankings, attracting foreign students. The cost of preparing for and attending university in Madrid is competitive, providing a valuable investment in one’s educational and professional future.
Can I work while studying?
A student visa allows you to work, but not more than 20 hours a week, while the semester lasts: this can be volunteer work or an unpaid internship. Each university has a Career Development Service: it will help you find a part-time job and plan a future full-fledged career.
Top 9 best universities in Madrid 2025
| 1 | IED Madrid European Institute of Design |
| 2 | Saint Louis University Madrid |
| 3 | Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) |
| 4 | Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) |
| 5 | Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) |
| 6 | Universidad Pontificia Comillas |
| 7 | Universidad Carlos III de Madrid |
| 8 | ESERP Business School |
| 9 | Universidad Europea Madrid |
Top 14 best universities in Switzerland 2025
| 1 | Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland |
| 2 | Les Roches International School Montana |
| 3 | César Ritz Colleges Switzerland |
| 4 | IHTTI School of Hotel Management |
| 5 | Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne |
| 6 | Geneva Business School |
| 7 | HIM Hotel Institute Montreux |
| 8 | Swiss Hotel Management School |
| 9 | Webster University Geneva |
| 10 | Business and Hotel Management School |
| 11 | Luzern IMI |
| 12 | Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Caux |
| 13 | International University in Geneva |
| 14 | Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland |
Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2025
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2025
| 1 | University of Toronto |
| 2 | McGill University |
| 3 | University of British Columbia |
| 4 | University of Alberta |
| 5 | Simon Fraser University |
| 6 | Montreal University |
| 7 | University of Windsor |
| 8 | York University |
| 9 | University of Guelph |
| 10 | McMaster University |
| 11 | University of Manitoba |
| 12 | University of Waterloo |
| 13 | Royal Roads University |
| 14 | Vancouver Film School |
| 15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
| 16 | University of Calgary |
| 17 | Dalhousie University |
| 18 | Fanshawe College |
| 19 | University of Ottawa |
| 20 | Laval University |
| 21 | Sheridan College |
| 22 | University of Regina |
| 23 | Brock University |
| 24 | Thompson Rivers University |
| 25 | Humber College |
| 26 | Vancouver Island University |
| 27 | Mohawk College |
| 28 | Centennial College Toronto |
| 29 | Niagara College |
| 30 | Capilano University |
| 31 | Seneca College |
| 32 | Algoma University |
| 33 | Saint Clair College |
| 34 | Douglas College |
| 35 | LaSalle College |
