Complutense University of Madrid is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe, founded in 1499. It is Spain's top public research university, ranked among the best globally for arts, humanities, and health sciences. With 70,000+ students and 180+ degree programmes, it offers scale, prestige, and direct access to Spain's capital job market.
Madrid, Spain
Top 600 (2024)
#1 Public University in Spain
Top 100 globally — Arts & Humanities (QS)
Top 3 most cited Spanish universities
70,000+ students — one of Europe's largest campuses
Medicine (Medicina)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
72 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: N/A (Spanish required); B2 Spanish certificate
Law (Derecho)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: N/A (Spanish required); B2 Spanish certificate
MBA — Business Administration
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Feb
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90 (English-track); B2 Spanish (Spanish-track)
International Relations
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90
Fine Arts (Bellas Artes)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: N/A (Spanish required); portfolio submission required
Psychology
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Founded in 1499 — one of the world's oldest continuously operating universities.
Spain's largest public university — 70,000+ students across 26 faculties.
Top 100 globally for Arts & Humanities — strong in law, medicine, and fine arts.
Moncloa campus spans 360 hectares — a self-contained university city in Madrid.
Graduates enter law, healthcare, finance, and public sector roles across Spain and the EU.
Medicine and health science alumni are recruited by Spain's national health system (SNS).
Business graduates join firms including Santander, BBVA, Repsol, and Telefónica.
Strong alumni network supports postgraduate study at LSE, Sciences Po, and Columbia.
Undergrad
30 Jun 2025
Postgrad
Rolling (programme-dependent)
Undergrad
Not available
Postgrad
Rolling (select masters only)
The Moncloa campus is a 360-hectare self-contained site in northwest Madrid. Faculties, libraries, sports facilities, and student residences are all on campus.
Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city, with strong graduate job markets in finance, media, and tech. Student life is affordable by Western European standards, with a well-connected metro system.
Spanish student visa (Type D)
University enrolment letter required
Proof of funds: ~€600/month
Health insurance — public or private
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Proof of accommodation in Madrid
