15 Best Universities In Madrid For International Students 2025

Madrid is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Spain. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 15 universities and colleges in Madrid, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 15 universities in Madrid, IE University and Complutense University of Madrid are the top-performing schools in Madrid. This list covers both public and private institutions in Madrid.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Madrid. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Madrid.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Madrid?

Applying to the universities in Madrid involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Madrid to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Madrid?

Tuition fees at Madrid’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 1,015 Euros to 25,000 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,015 Euros to 4,544 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Madrid!

As we cover the best universities in Madrid for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Madrid for International Students

IE University was established as a business school in Madrid, offering innovative MBA programs. It has grown significantly over the decades, expanding the programs offered and building international partnerships and a strong reputation. The university, which started offering undergraduate programs in 2006, has two campuses: in the bustling cosmopolitan Madrid and the historic Segovia. IE also offers notable blended learning and online programs, such as its renowned Global Online MBA program.

The Complutense University of Madrid is Spain’s largest and oldest university, consistently ranked as one of the best public universities in the country. It has two campuses in Madrid: a sprawling campus in Moncloa and a second campus in Somosaguas, with some additional premises in the city center. The university has a vast and influential alumni network, including political leaders, Nobel laureates, and leading intellectuals.

The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) is a leading public university in Spain. Marked by a strong social commitment, the university promises an education that combines excellent teaching and intensive research with good placement opportunities. UAM offers most of its courses at its Cantoblanco Campus, designed to offer a complete university experience with not just essential services like housing and healthcare but also valuable resources like museums, exhibition halls, and sports and recreation centers.

The Technical University of Madrid (UPM) is a public university in Madrid, established by the merger of many engineering schools. The origins of the institute go much further back than its modern form, with the schools being some of the country’s earliest institutes to train students in architecture and different engineering subjects. One of the best technical universities in the country, UPM offers programs in several engineering and related subjects at its four campuses and associated centers in Madrid.

The University Charles III of Madrid (UC3M) is a small public research university in Spain, founded to provide high-quality teaching and have a strong focus on research. Its many schools are spread across four campuses in Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo, and Puerta de Toledo. The university aims to contribute to the betterment of society through excellent teaching and innovative research.

The University of Alcalá is a public research university in Madrid, founded by Cardinal Cisneros more than five centuries ago. Located in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, the university offers programs in all fields of knowledge. Many great figures of Spanish culture and history have studied at the university, which has historically been a major center of academic excellence in the country. Recognizing its contribution to history and the beauty of its buildings, UNESCO declared the university a World Heritage Site In 1998.

Named after Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Juan Carlos University has provided quality education for 28 years. The university offers over 160 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs conducted both online and in-person. It follows the motto “Not new things, but in a new way” to achieve the university goal of quality culture and favorable student learning. A 2030 Agenda was laid out by its administration, promising continued growth and improvement.

Comillas Pontifical University is a private Catholic university in Madrid, Spain. It was founded as the Seminary of St. Anthony of Padua in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII. It was originally intended for theological, canon law, and priesthood education. The university currently provides undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in divinity, canon law, social sciences, engineering, business, law, and nursing.

The European University of Madrid offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate programs. Bootcamps, Higher-level Technical degrees, and Professional Training courses are also offered. High-end facilities such as a Human Performance Research Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital, and Simulated Hospital are also at the university. Additionally, the university has affiliations with multiple universities such as Berkeley Global and UC Irvine.

For over 80 years, CEU San Pablo University continues to create excellent, educated, and well-rounded professionals. The university offers a wide range of Masters and Bachelor’s degree programs. Students may specialize in specific disciplines such as Business, Education, Social Sciences, and Engineering. Scholarships and Grants can also be applied for and will be given when the applicant is eligible. Additionally, research is a huge focus of the university. This is evident with various the amount resources placed on it such as Research Groups, Research Support Units, and Research Centers.

Francisco de Vitoria University is a private Catholic university in Madrid, Spain. It was named after the Spanish philosopher Francisco de Vitoria and was founded in 1993. Today, the university provides degree programs in a variety of disciplines through six faculties: Le Cordon Bleu, a Vocational Training Center (CETYS), a Postgraduate Studies Center, an Executive Consulting and Coaching Center (IDDI), an International Business School, and a Medical Simulation Center.

Nebrija University is a young private university located in Madrid. It continues to fulfill its promise of providing programs that are characterized by academic rigorousness and international experience. Various graduate and postgraduate programs are offered by the university. These include programs in Journalism, Fine Arts, Business Administration, and Finance. Language courses can also be taken by international students to brush up on their knowledge of English or Spanish.

The University Camilo José Cela (UCJC) is a private university in Madrid, Spain. It was founded in 2000 and is named after Nobel laureate Camilo José Cela. The main campus in Madrid-Villafranca offers degrees in communication, education, law, management, and architecture, whereas the urban campus in Madrid-Almagro is only for graduate school.

The Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) is a public university in Spain. Its main administrative headquarters are in Madrid, and it has campuses in Santander, Valencia, Barcelona, Cartagena, and other cities throughout Spain. The university grants Master’s degrees in the arts, humanities, engineering, architecture, health sciences, social sciences, and law.

Alfonso X el Sabio University was founded in 1993 and is located in Madrid, Spain. Home to over 8,000 students, education at this university is guided by principles of independence, freedom, and environmental care. Different student services are present in the university such as three residence halls, multiple study rooms, and leisure areas.