The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious public universities. Located in the heart of Spain’s capital, UCM combines centuries of academic tradition with global research and teaching excellence.
For Indian students looking for an affordable, globally recognized education in humanities, sciences, law, psychology, and more — Complutense University of Madrid is a top destination.
Here’s what you need to know!
Why Indian Students Choose Complutense University of Madrid
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| QS World Ranking | Among top 200 globally; #1 public university in Spain |
| Historic Reputation | Founded in 1293; one of the oldest universities in the world |
| Wide Program Range | Courses in humanities, law, medicine, sciences, and engineering |
| Affordable Tuition | Low public university fees for high academic quality |
| Research and Innovation | Strong output in social sciences, literature, and health sciences |
| Madrid Advantage | Centrally located with access to Europe’s academic and business hubs |
Entry Requirements for Indian Students at Complutense University of Madrid
Undergraduate Programs
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Class 12 with equivalency via UNEDasiss (Spain’s foreign credential agency) |
| Spanish Language | DELE B2 or SIELE B2 level required for most programs taught in Spanish |
| English-Taught Options | Limited UG programs in English; Spanish is strongly recommended |
| Entrance Exam | “Selectividad for Internationals” (may be required for some fields like Medicine, Engineering) |
Postgraduate Programs
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (translated and legalized) |
| Language Requirement | Spanish-taught programs need B2/C1 Spanish; English-taught require IELTS 6.5+/TOEFL 90+ |
| Statement of Purpose | Required for most PG and research programs |
| Letters of Recommendation | Usually 1–2, depending on the faculty |
| Additional | Research proposal required for PhD and some master’s programs |
Application Process at Complutense University of Madrid
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Step 1: UNEDasiss | Get your Indian academic documents evaluated and converted to the Spanish system via UNEDasiss |
| Step 2: Choose Programs | Select up to 12 programs via the Madrid regional university portal |
| Step 3: Submit Documents | Transcripts, language certificates, passport, motivation letter, and translated documents |
| Step 4: Entrance Exams | Appear for required exams if mandated by the department |
| Step 5: Await Decision | Decisions typically released between May–July |
| Step 6: Accept Offer | Confirm enrollment and apply for a visa |
Tuition Fees at Complutense University of Madrid
| Degree Level | Annual Tuition (Approx. in EUR) | INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | €1,000–€3,000 | ₹90,000–₹2.7 lakhs |
| Postgraduate | €1,500–€4,000 | ₹1.3–₹3.5 lakhs |
| PhD Programs | ~€1,000–€1,500 | ₹90,000–₹1.3 lakhs |
Scholarships for Indian Students
| Scholarship Name | Value |
|---|---|
| MAEC-AECID Scholarships | Full tuition + monthly stipend |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees | Full tuition, travel & living |
| Fundación Carolina Scholarships | For PG & research students from India |
| UCM Internal Support | Limited fee waivers for academic merit |
Language Requirements
| Program Type | Language Proficiency Needed |
|---|---|
| Spanish-Taught UG | DELE B2 or higher (mandatory) |
| English-Taught PG | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90+ |
| SIELE | Accepted as alternative to DELE for Spanish proficiency |
Cost of Living in Madrid for Indian Students
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (EUR) | INR Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Housing | €300–€500 | ₹27,000–₹45,000 |
| Food & Groceries | €150–€200 | ₹13,000–₹18,000 |
| Transport | €30–€50 | ₹2,700–₹4,500 |
| Miscellaneous | €50–€100 | ₹4,500–₹9,000 |
| Total | €600–€900 | ₹54,000–₹81,000 per month |
Post-Study Work Opportunities in Spain
| Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Stay Back Period | 12-month job-seeking visa after graduation |
| Work Permit | Convert to permit upon securing employment |
| EU Blue Card | Available with high-skill, high-paying jobs |
| PhD Extension | Research-based programs may allow for extended residency options |
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Admitix Helps You Get Into Complutense University of Madrid
From document validation and application support to language test prep and visa guidance, Admitix helps Indian students make their Spanish university dreams come true.
Whether you’re applying to UCM for arts, law, or research — we help you every step of the way.
Book your free consult today!
FAQs – Complutense University of Madrid
Q. Is knowledge of Spanish mandatory for UCM?
Yes. Most undergraduate and postgraduate programs are taught in Spanish. A B2 level is typically required.
Q. Are there any English-taught programs?
Very few. UCM is a public university, and most courses are in Spanish. Some PG and doctoral courses may offer English options.
Q. How do I validate my Indian degree for Spain?
You need to go through the UNEDasiss platform to evaluate and convert your Indian academic records to Spanish standards.
Q. Can I work part-time while studying in Spain?
Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours/week with a part-time work permit linked to their student visa.
Q. Is the degree from UCM recognized globally?
Absolutely. UCM is one of Europe’s most respected universities, with strong academic and research credentials.
