Quick Summary
Since 1293, Universidad Complutense de Madrid has been one of Spain's prominent publics, based in Madrid. Ranked #164 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 74000 students including 14% from outside Spain. Known for strengths in Veterinary Science, Classics & Ancient History, Modern Languages, it maintains an acceptance rate of 45%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UCM is a historic institution offering the largest variety of academic programs in Spain within a vibrant, capital city environment.
Subject Strengths
Veterinary ScienceClassics & Ancient HistoryModern LanguagesDentistryArts & Humanities
Founded1293
TypePublic
Total Students74000
Intl Students14%
Faculty Ratio12.5
CampusUrban/Distributed
Campus Size3,500,000 square meters
Affiliated HospitalsHospital Clínico San Carlos, Hospital Universitario Doce de Octubre, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón
AccreditationSpanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (ANECA)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#164
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Lifelong Learning, Double Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Instituto de Geociencias (IGEO), Instituto de Magnetismo Aplicado, Centro de Evolución y Comportamiento Humanos
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (ANECA)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate45%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1 (Regular), June 1 (International/UNED)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International students must process their credentials via UNEDasiss. Mastery of the Spanish language (B2 or C1) is essential for most programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
UG Tuition
€3,200/yr
per year · EUR
Living Cost
€11,500/yr
per year · EUR
PG Tuition
€4,600/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$50
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€15,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidMinistry of Education (MEC) grants, UCM excellence grants, and Erasmus+ support.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor, Master, Doctorate, Lifelong Learning, Double Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Law | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| History | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Veterinary Medicine | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Psychology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$35,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with major Spanish banks, legal firms, and the healthcare sector in Madrid.
Industry Connections
IndraTelefónicaSantanderBBVARepsol
Notable Alumni
Mario Vargas Llosa, Pedro Sánchez, Queen Letizia of Spain, Miguel de Unamuno, José Ortega y Gasset
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic pools, athletics tracks, rugby fields, tennis courts, and fitness centers across Moncloa campus.
Student Clubs
Over 100 registered associations covering theatre, choir, sports, and debating.
Library Resources
Library of the Universidad Complutense (BUCM) - the largest university library in Spain.
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, MUNDE, SEMP, International Bilateral Agreements
Summer Programs
Escuela de Verano de la UCM, Cursos de Verano de El Escorial