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Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): Admission, Fees and Campuses

UC3M is a public university in the Madrid region, founded in 1989, best known for economics, law, business and engineering. More than three quarters of its bachelor's degrees can be taken entirely in English, in an English-taught group or in a bilingual format, so not every applicant needs B2 Spanish. International school leavers have two main routes: UC3M's own Early Admission (for 2026/27 it ran from 22 September 2025 to 10 April 2026) or the summer general admission of Madrid's public universities with a UNEDasiss accreditation. For non-EU students without Spanish residence, a 60-credit bachelor's year in 2026/27 costs $7,750–9,300 (€6,822.60–8,186.40).

The Puerta de Toledo campus building of Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Photo: EUscreen / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Universidad_Carlos_III_Campus_Puerta_de_Toledo.jpeg), [CC BY-SA 2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0).

Do not confuse it with Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC): both are public universities in Madrid, but they have different campuses, programmes and application rules. This page covers UC3M only.

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| Status | public university of the Community of Madrid, created by law on 5 May 1989 |
| Campuses | Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo and Puerta de Toledo (central Madrid) |
| Students | 25,202, of whom 30.4% are international |
| Programmes | 40 bachelor's and 13 double bachelor's degrees, 79 official master's degrees |
| Languages | Spanish, English, bilingual (at least half of the courses in English) |
| Bachelor's, 2026/27, non-EU without residence | $7,750–9,300 (€6,822.60–8,186.40) per 60 credits |
| Bachelor's entry | Early Admission (8% of places, autumn to spring) or Madrid general admission in June–July |
| Housing | four university halls (colegios mayores) next to the campuses, from $610 (€535) a month without meals |

## Who UC3M suits and when another university is a better fit {#section-1}

| Strong points | Possible obstacles |
| --- | --- |
| Business, economics, finance, international studies, aerospace engineering, data science and AI are available fully in English | Spanish-taught degrees require certified B2 Spanish in the Madrid admission system |
| Early Admission looks at school grades and a motivation letter; PCE subject exams are not needed | Early Admission covers only 8% of places, filled on a rolling basis |
| Business programmes carry AACSB accreditation, the MBA is AMBA-accredited and engineering degrees hold EUR-ACE | Non-EU students pay roughly seven times the base public price |
| Each main campus has a university hall with full board | Getafe, Leganés and Colmenarejo are separate towns; the commute from Colmenarejo is much longer than from Getafe |
| Work of up to 30 hours a week is allowed on the student permit | There is no medicine or pharmacy, and few humanities options |

UC3M is a natural first choice for economics, law, political science, finance or engineering if you want to start in English without waiting for B2 Spanish. For medicine, psychology or languages, look at [Complutense University of Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-complutense) or the [Autonomous University of Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-madrid). The overview of [universities in Madrid](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-madrid) compares the city's options, and the [Spain country page](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain) explains each step of applying.

## The four campuses and what is taught where {#section-2}

- Getafe: social sciences, law, humanities and communication. Economists, lawyers, political scientists and journalists study here. The station is next to campus, and central Madrid (Puerta del Sol) is under 20 minutes away.
- Leganés: the School of Engineering (Escuela Politécnica Superior) with aerospace, industrial, telecommunications, computer science, robotics and biomedical engineering.
- Colmenarejo: a small campus surrounded by countryside, with its own hall of residence.
- Madrid-Puerta de Toledo: central Madrid, mainly master's programmes and part-time study.

The Guardia Civil University Centre in Aranjuez also belongs to UC3M, but its public-security degrees are designed for Guardia Civil staff and cadets, so they are not covered here.

## English-taught, bilingual and Spanish-taught bachelor's degrees {#section-3}

UC3M reports that 76.8% of its bachelor's degrees can be taken only in English, with an English-taught option or bilingually. In bilingual degrees at least half of the courses are in English. Students who pass all their UC3M courses in English get a note to that effect in the Diploma Supplement.

| Language | Examples |
| --- | --- |
| English only | Business and Technology, International Studies, Data Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Energy Engineering, Engineering Physics, Robotics Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Computing, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Urban Sustainability Studies |
| English or Spanish group | Business Administration, Economics, Finance and Accounting, Artificial Intelligence |
| Bilingual | Philosophy, Politics and Economics; History and Politics; Cultural Studies; Data and Business Analytics; Primary Education; double degrees combining International Studies with Law or Political Science |
| Bilingual or Spanish | industrial, telecommunications, computer, mechanical and electronic engineering; Journalism; Film, Television and Media Studies; Law and Business Administration |
| Spanish only | Law, Political Science, Sociology, Tourism, Employment and Labour Relations, Digital Humanities |

You do not choose the teaching language in the application. It is chosen when you register for first-year courses. Students in English or bilingual groups must certify B2 English during the first year, with an accepted certificate or UC3M's level test. If they fail to do so, or pass no more than 36 credits in English, they move to the Spanish group the following year. International students from countries where Spanish is not an official language keep their place in English groups for the first two years.

Recent additions include Quantum Technology Engineering and Electrical Engineering with a dual track, where some courses are taught inside companies. For new degrees, UC3M asks applicants to check Early Admission availability with the admissions office.

## Three routes into a bachelor's degree for non-EU school leavers {#section-4}

A school certificate from outside the EU (and from a country without a reciprocity agreement, such as Russia or Kazakhstan) first needs official recognition (homologación) as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato by Spain's Ministry of Education.

| Route | What is assessed | When | Advantages | Drawbacks |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Early Admission | grades of the last two school years (90%) and documented merits (10%), motivation letter, B2 in the teaching language | late September to April, rolling | no PCE exams; decisions long before summer; also via Common App | only 8% of places; $110 (€100) fee; strong grades needed |
| Madrid general admission | admission score up to 14: school average plus PCE exams via UNEDasiss | June to early July | 100% of places; one application covers six universities | PCE and accreditation must be completed on time |
| International Foundation Program | one preparatory year of 60 ECTS | from September | language, adaptation, 6 ECTS of degree courses per semester | $9,650 (€8,500); it is not yet a degree |

### Early Admission requirements and documents

UC3M runs Early Admission itself, outside the Madrid portal. It works for applicants with strong grades and B2 in the teaching language: English for English-taught degrees, Spanish for Spanish-taught ones and both for bilingual degrees. If you do not yet hold a certificate, the university accepts a signed statement of level (declaración responsable).

Upload (in Spanish or English, files up to 4 MB):

- passport or ID;
- transcripts for the last two years of school, plus the diploma if you have graduated;
- a motivation letter about the degree and the university;
- a B2 language certificate;
- optional merits such as SAT or ACT scores or Model UN.

The fee is $110 (€100) and covers up to two degrees. Applying through the Common App costs $100. A committee appointed by the rector decides. Admitted students have 15 days to pay a $340 (€300) reservation fee, which is deducted from tuition but is not refunded if you do not enrol, including after a visa refusal or failed final exams.

All degrees except the 4U Alliance degrees are open to Early Admission. In the 2026/27 cycle, International Studies, Finance and Accounting and Neuroscience had run out of places by spring, so apply early.

Recognition of your school certificate is handled by the Ministry, not the university. You may apply to UC3M before starting it; once admitted, send the proof of your recognition application (volante de inscripción condicional). You can enrol and start classes conditionally, but recognition must be completed during the first academic year, or your admission is cancelled without refund.

### Madrid general admission and the admission score

Madrid's six public universities share one application where you list up to 12 degrees in order of preference. Non-EU school leavers need a UNEDasiss accreditation (issued by the Spanish distance university UNED) confirming a Bachillerato track, which requires passing PCE subject exams.

UC3M calculates the access score (up to 10) as 60% school average and 40% PCE:

Access score = (0.2 × school average + 4) + 0.1 × (PCE1 + PCE2 + PCE3 + PCE4)

Only PCE marks of 5 or above count. UC3M then adds up to 4 points from the two best weighted subjects (0.1 or 0.2 per the degree's weighting table), giving an admission score out of 14. Without the accreditation you can only apply in the July extraordinary round for leftover places, and UC3M itself expects none to remain.

Our guides to [applying to Spanish universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-spanish-universities) and [bachelor's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-spain) explain recognition and UNEDasiss step by step.

### International Foundation Program

A 60-ECTS preparatory year in Spanish or English, split into two semesters (September–December and late January–June). Each semester combines introductory courses in your future field, one 6-ECTS degree course and optional preparation for the Spanish university entrance exams. It costs $9,650 (€8,500), about as much as a non-EU bachelor's year.

## Key dates, based on the 2026/27 cycle {#section-5}

UC3M and the Community of Madrid publish 2027/28 dates closer to each admission window. The previous cycle shows the pattern:

| Step | 2026/27 cycle | Who decides |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Recognition of the school certificate | start in the autumn of the final school year | Spanish Ministry of Education |
| UC3M Early Admission | 22 September 2025 – 10 April 2026, rolling decisions | UC3M committee |
| Reservation after Early Admission | within 15 days of the offer letter, $340 (€300) | applicant |
| Madrid general admission | 5–26 June 2026; foreign education systems until 6 July (2 pm) | six public Madrid universities |
| Extraordinary round | 20–24 July 2026, vacancies only | the same universities |
| Course registration | late July or early September, slot assigned by the student office | UC3M |
| Student visa | apply at least two months before classes | Spanish consulate |

## Language requirements {#section-6}

- Spanish-taught degrees: applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries need B2 Spanish, shown in the UNEDasiss accreditation or through DELE, SIELE, an Official School of Languages certificate or a language centre of a Madrid public university. See our guide to [DELE and SIELE](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-dele-and-siele-spanish-exams).
- English-taught degrees: Early Admission requires B2 English. If you had no certificate when applying, you present one or pass UC3M's internal test during the first year.
- Bilingual degrees: expect to prove both languages.

## Tuition fees in 2026/27 {#section-7}

The Community of Madrid sets public prices. Non-EU students without resident status pay the "fourth enrolment" rate for bachelor's courses. A student stay permit does not count as residence, so this rate applies throughout your studies on a student visa.

| Degree group, 2026/27 | Non-EU price per credit | Non-EU year, 60 credits | EU and resident year |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Type 3: business, economics, law, political science, journalism, international studies, tourism | $130 (€113.71) | $7,750 (€6,822.60) | $1,150 (€1,015.20) |
| Double degrees type 2–3: journalism and film, computer science and business | $140 (€121.14) | $8,250 (€7,268.40) | $1,240 (€1,090.20) |
| Type 2: engineering, AI, mathematics, data science, film and TV | $150 (€128.57) | $8,760 (€7,714.20) | $1,320 (€1,165.80) |
| Type 1: biomedical engineering, neuroscience | $150 (€136.44) | $9,300 (€8,186.40) | $1,410 (€1,240.80) |

Add an administrative fee, student insurance and a file-opening fee in the first year. The minimum payment per year is $400 (€350). UC3M's fee exemptions mostly rely on Spanish documents, such as a Spanish large-family card or honours in the Spanish Bachillerato, so budget at the full rate. Our article on [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia) covers legal payment routes, and the guide to the [cost of studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-spain) puts these prices in context.

## Master's degrees: three application periods {#section-8}

Applications are online in four steps: registration, application, reservation payment, enrolment. For 2026/27 the ordinary phase had three periods: 1 December 2025 – 31 January 2026 (decisions from 27 February), 1 February – 31 March (from 30 April) and 1 April – 31 May (from 23 June), followed by an extraordinary phase for programmes with vacancies. Programmes may close early once full, so the first period is safest.

More than 40% of official master's degrees are taught in English or bilingually. Each programme sets its own price:

| Programme, 2026/27 intake | Non-EU price per credit | Non-EU first year | Reservation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Industrial Engineering (qualifying degree for the regulated profession) | $180 (€154.80) | $10,550 (€9,288) per 60 credits | $510 (€450) |
| Master in Finance | $260 (€225) | $15,330 (€13,500) | $2,040 (€1,800) |
| MBA | $370 (€330) | $22,480 (€19,800) | $3,410 (€3,000) |

After graduating, non-EU students can apply for a permit of up to 24 months to look for work or start a business in Spain. The guide to [master's degrees in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-spain) covers programme choice more broadly.

## Housing: UC3M halls and private rentals {#section-9}

UC3M has four colegios mayores, halls with meals, house rules and free access to campus sports facilities:

- Fernando de los Ríos (Getafe, on campus, three minutes from the station): without meals from $610 (€535) in a double room to $940 (€830) for an apartment; with full board $1,020–1,350 (€895–1,190). Prices per person per month, VAT not included.
- Gregorio Peces-Barba (Getafe): single rooms, some with kitchens, and apartments.
- Fernando Abril Martorell (Leganés, a couple of minutes from the metro): single and double rooms, full board.
- Antonio Machado (Colmenarejo): 79 places in 2026/27, 33 of them in single rooms.

Halls take separate applications and places are limited. Many international students rent a room in a shared flat, and UC3M has agreements with rental agencies that give students a discount on contract fees. Our guide to [student housing in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-housing-spain) explains deposits and contract checks.

## Visa, work and required funds {#section-10}

Studies longer than 90 days require a national student visa. Russian residents of the Moscow consular district apply through BLS visa centres at least two months before classes. The consulate expects funds equal to 100% of the IPREM indicator, $680 (€600) per month, health insurance equivalent to Spain's public system and, for adults staying over 180 days, an apostilled criminal record certificate. Within a month of arrival you apply for the TIE foreigner card. See the [Spain student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-spain).

The student permit allows work of up to 30 hours a week if it is compatible with your studies. Our article on [working while studying in Spain](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-spain) covers the practical side.

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Mixing up UC3M and URJC. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos has its own programmes, campuses and application channels.
- Waiting until spring for Early Admission. Places go as applications arrive; popular degrees fill up early.
- Ignoring the reservation risk. The $340 (€300) is not refunded after a visa refusal or weak final grades.
- Assuming English-taught means no Spanish paperwork. That holds only for fully English degrees; bilingual degrees need both languages.
- Leaving recognition too late. Without a recognised school certificate, conditional enrolment is cancelled at the end of year one.
- Choosing housing before the campus. Studying in Leganés while renting in Getafe adds a daily commute.

## Step-by-step plan for a September 2027 start {#section-12}

1. September–October 2026: pick two degrees, check the teaching language, draft the motivation letter, book a B2 exam.
2. October–December 2026: submit the Early Admission application and start recognition of your school certificate with the Ministry.
3. Winter 2026/27: if your average is modest, register for UNEDasiss and the spring PCE session as a back-up.
4. Spring 2027: receive the decision, pay the reservation within 15 days, apply for a hall of residence.
5. June–July 2027: if Early Admission did not work, join Madrid general admission with PCE results.
6. At least two months before classes: apply for the student visa through BLS.
7. September 2027: arrive, apply for the TIE within a month and choose English or Spanish groups at registration.

Programme selection, document checks and application support are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Admission decisions are made by UC3M, recognition of school certificates by the Spanish Ministry of Education and visas by the Spanish consulate.

## FAQ {#section-13}

### Can I study at UC3M without Spanish?

Yes, in a degree taught fully in English, such as International Studies, Business and Technology, Aerospace Engineering or Data Science and Engineering. You need B2 English. Spanish-taught and bilingual degrees require B2 Spanish as well.

### Do I need PCE exams for Early Admission?

No. Early Admission looks at your grades for the last two school years, documented merits and language level. PCE exams matter for the Madrid general admission, where the admission score goes up to 14.

### How much does a bachelor's year cost for a non-EU student?

In 2026/27, non-EU students without residence pay $7,750–9,300 (€6,822.60–8,186.40) for 60 credits, depending on the degree group, plus small insurance and administrative fees.

### Can I start before my school certificate is recognised?

Yes. Admitted students may enrol and start conditionally. The recognition must be completed during the first academic year, otherwise the admission is cancelled and fees are not refunded.

### What is the difference between UC3M and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos?

They are two separate public universities in Madrid with their own degrees, campuses and application channels. In the Madrid general admission you can list degrees from both in one application, but check each university's rules on its own website.

### Does UC3M have housing for first-year students?

Yes, four halls near the Getafe, Leganés and Colmenarejo campuses, with separate applications and limited places. At Fernando de los Ríos a month without meals starts at $610 (€535) and with full board at $1,020 (€895).

### Does StudyU help with UC3M applications?

The first consultation is free and serves for orientation only. Assessing the most realistic route for your profile, programme selection, documents and application support are provided under an agreement with StudyU; the admission decision belongs to the university.

## Sources {#section-14}

- [UC3M: international bachelor's applicants](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/estudiantes-internacionales) — admission routes; checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M: general admission for non-EU school leavers](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/estudiantes-internacionales/no-europeos-preinscripcion) — UNEDasiss, score formula; checked 30.09.2026
- UC3M Early Admission: [eligibility](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/international-students/early-admission/what-is), [dates](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/international-students/early-admission/deadline), [documents and fee](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/international-students/early-admission/application), [reservation and recognition](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/international-students/early-admission/admission) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M: Madrid single-district application, 2026/27 dates](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/preinscripcion) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M: Spanish B2 requirement](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/admision/solicitud/requisito-espanol) and [studying in English](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/uc3m-plus/estudiar-ingles) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M: bachelor's catalogue by language](https://www.uc3m.es/grado/estudios) — checked 30.09.2026
- UC3M: [non-EU fees 2026/27](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/enrollment/prices/non-eu) and [base fees](https://www.uc3m.es/bachelor-degree/admission/application/enrollment/prices) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M: International Foundation Program](https://www.uc3m.es/C3IS/international-foundation-program) — checked 30.09.2026
- UC3M master's: [2026/27 admission periods](https://www.uc3m.es/postgrado/admision/proceso), [Master in Finance](https://www.uc3m.es/master/finanzas), [MBA](https://www.uc3m.es/master/mba), [Industrial Engineering](https://www.uc3m.es/master/ingenieria-industrial), [post-study job search](https://www.uc3m.es/postgrado/estudiante-internacional/antes-de-salir) — checked 30.09.2026
- UC3M: [facts and figures](https://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/UC3MInstitucional/es/TextoDosColumnas/1371424079693/Una_mirada_a_la_UC3M), [history](https://www.uc3m.es/conocenos/historia-mision-uc3m), [rankings and accreditations](https://www.uc3m.es/conocenos/rankings-acreditaciones) — checked 30.09.2026
- [UC3M halls of residence](https://colegiosmayores.fund.uc3m.es/es/) — prices and capacity; checked 30.09.2026
- [Consulate General of Spain in Moscow: student visa](https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/moscu/ru/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx) — checked 30.09.2026
- [Royal Decree 1155/2024, Immigration Regulation (BOE)](https://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-2024-24099) — 30-hour weekly work limit; checked 30.09.2026
- Dollar amounts use the ECB reference rate of 29.09.2026: €1 = $1.1355 ([ECB](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml))

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step. [Apply](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [IE University: Admission, Tuition and the Segovia and Madrid Campuses](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ie)
- [Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM): Admission, Fees and Schools](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-politecnica-madrid)
- [Studying in Spain for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-spain)
- [Universities in Madrid for International Students: Six Public Universities, Private Options, Fees and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-madrid)
- [Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, UCM)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-complutense)
- [Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, UAM)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-autonoma-madrid)

Updated: September 2026