Erasmus guide Complutense University of Madrid
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Complutense University of Madrid in Madrid, Spain.
Snapshot
Huge Madrid-campus option for exchange students who want classic Spanish university life, major subject range, and easy access to the city's biggest student district.
Why students shortlist it
Spain's largest public university and one of Europe's oldest, with faculties across the full academic spectrum. Erasmus-heavy atmosphere, strong in humanities, law, and social sciences, full immersion in Spanish university culture.
Teaching languages: Spanish (primary); English-taught courses growing in business and social sciences
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Candidates must be nominated by their home institution's international office. A minimum GPA is usually required (typically 2.5–3.0/4.0 or equivalent). Spanish language proficiency (B1–B2) or English for English-taught programmes. Check agreement specifics with your home university.
Nomination Process
Your home institution nominates you directly via bilateral agreement. After nomination, the host university sends an application package. Self-applications are not accepted.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Check the current UCM incoming-mobility calendar after your home university nomination | Faculty timelines vary, so confirm the exact UCM deadline with the exchange office |
Arrival Checklist
- Collect student ID card (TIE for non-EU students)
- Register at university's International Office
- Activate institutional email and intranet access
- Register for courses via online platform
- Attend mandatory international student orientation
- Open a Spanish bank account (recommended: BBVA, CaixaBank)
Academics
Course Registration
Course approval happens at faculty level, so do not assume every subject in the catalog will be open to exchange students until the host faculty confirms it.
Credit System
ECTS-based. Final course mix depends on faculty rules and timetable compatibility.
Grading System
Spain uses a 0–10 numerical scale. Pass mark is 5. Grade categories: Suspenso (0–4.9), Aprobado (5–6.9), Notable (7–8.9), Sobresaliente (9–10), Matrícula de Honor (10, awarded to top 5% only). Official transcript with ECTS grade equivalencies issued by international office upon departure.
Exam Culture
Mix of written exams and continuous assessment (participación, trabajos, parciales). Exam periods at end of each semester. Many courses include mid-semester partial exams (parciales). Attendance may be compulsory — check each course syllabus.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80) | Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st… |
| Full degree – international | EUR 760–1,500/year | Madrid public university: ~€12.72/credit (2025-26), 60 credits/year = ~€760/year for Grado. Masters higher ~€25–35/credit. Non-EU students pay same rate as E… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 30–80)
Spanish public universities waive exchange tuition under Erasmus or bilateral agreements. Administrative fees €30–80 plus student card (carnet) €20–30. EU st…
EUR 760–1,500/year
Madrid public university: ~€12.72/credit (2025-26), 60 credits/year = ~€760/year for Grado. Masters higher ~€25–35/credit. Non-EU students pay same rate as E…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible public-care access for eligible EU students
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private international student insurance for non-EU or broader coverage needs
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Services & Facilities (UCM)
Complutense University central services portal: library, sports, health, career, cultural activities, disability support, and student life resources.
UCM Libraries
Network of 27+ faculty libraries at Complutense. Physical collections, digital databases, study spaces, and research support for enrolled students.
Disability Support (UCM Library)
UCM Library specialized services for students with disabilities: accessible study areas, adapted equipment, and information access support. Requires OIPD disability certification.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UCM's scale means social life is often driven by faculties, residences, and Madrid-wide student communities.
Buddy Program
UCM's newcomer support usually works best when paired with ESN activities and faculty-level Erasmus channels.
Sports & Recreation
- Large-campus sport options and Madrid-wide student fitness access
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN UCM Madrid - the clearest public community for incoming exchange students at Complutense, with trips, welcome events, and practical advice.
UCM welcome-session and faculty Erasmus channels - not one single club, but the main official onboarding route students should monitor before arrival.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the welcome session and confirm your faculty's local process.
- Test the commute from your housing to campus before classes intensify.
- Join ESN UCM early instead of waiting for friendships to happen by accident.
- Finalise your learning agreement only after timetable clashes are clear.
Key Dates
Fall/full-year nomination & application
Typically April–May for Fall intake
Check official exchange office after home institution nominates.
Spring nomination & application
Typically October–November for Spring intake
Confirm intake timing with home institution international office.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.