5 Cheapest Universities in Madrid for International Students

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In Madrid, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Spain without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Madrid, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 15 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Madrid, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Madrid for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Madrid ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 89%
CEU San Pablo University 4,800 Euros - 16,800 Euros 44%
Nebrija University 4,850 Euros - 11,200 Euros 43%
University Charles III of Madrid 6,822 Euros - 8,186 Euros 20%
IE University 25,000 Euros -194%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 8,498 Euros for universities in Madrid.

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1. King Juan Carlos University

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.

2. CEU San Pablo University

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.

3. Nebrija University

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.

4. University Charles III of 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.

5. IE University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Madrid for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Madrid ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
King Juan Carlos University 1,015 Euros - 1,241 Euros 51%
Menéndez Pelayo International University 1,581 Euros - 3,300 Euros 23%
Technical University of Madrid 2,522 Euros - 4,544 Euros -23%
Complutense University of Madrid 3,026 Euros -48%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 2,037 Euros for universities in Madrid.

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1. King Juan Carlos University

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, King Juan Carlos University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 1,015 Euros to 1,241 Euros annually for their master's degree.

2. Menéndez Pelayo International University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Menéndez Pelayo International University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Menéndez Pelayo International University is 1,581 Euros to 3,300 Euros.

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.

3. Technical University of Madrid

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 tuition fee at Technical University of Madrid for incoming international master’s students is 2,522 Euros to 4,544 Euros. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Complutense University of Madrid

Another affordable university to consider in Madrid is Complutense University of Madrid.

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 tuition fee in Complutense University of Madrid for master’s program for foreign students starts from 3,026 Euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Madrid?

Applying to cheap universities in Madrid requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Spain for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Madrid?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Madrid. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Madrid is the CEU San Pablo University, which offers Digital Arts , Marketing, and Economics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Complutense University of Madrid offers Written Heritage, Energy, and Spanish Literature.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Madrid, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Madrid as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Madrid for international students was helpful!