7 Best Public Universities in Madrid for International Students
Madrid is one of the cities in Spain you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Madrid can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 15 universities you can find in Madrid, and 7 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Madrid a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Madrid, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Complutense University of Madrid | Madrid, Spain |
| 2 | Autonomous University of Madrid | Madrid, Spain |
| 3 | Technical University of Madrid | Madrid, Spain |
| 4 | University Charles III of Madrid | Madrid, Spain |
| 5 | University of Alcalá | Madrid, Spain |
| 6 | King Juan Carlos University | Madrid, Spain |
| 7 | Menéndez Pelayo International University | Madrid, Spain |
Public Universities in Madrid
1. 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.
2. Autonomous University of Madrid
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.
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.
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. University of Alcalá
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.
6. 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.
7. Menéndez Pelayo International University
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Madrid?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Madrid can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Madrid charge up to 8,186 Euros for bachelor’s and 4,544 Euros for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Madrid. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.