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🇪🇸 Universidad Complutense de Madrid · Admissions

Universidad Complutense de Madrid Admissions Guide for International Students 2026

What admissions officers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid actually look for, who gets in, and how international applicants should approach the application.

International applicants typically enter via the EvAU (Selectividad) university-entrance exam, accessed for foreign qualifications (IB, A-Levels and many national diplomas) through UNEDasiss.

Application strategy

International applicants typically enter via the EvAU (Selectividad) university-entrance exam, accessed for foreign qualifications (IB, A-Levels and many national diplomas) through UNEDasiss, which validates credentials and assigns an admission grade; competitive degrees like Medicine demand very high cut-off marks. Spanish-taught programs require Spanish proficiency — DELE B2 is the practical floor, with C1/C2 expected in philology; the few English-taught degrees require IELTS/TOEFL. Master's admission is selective and faculty-specific, so check each program's entry route and language requirement early.

Who fits

  • Spanish speakers (or those committed to reaching DELE B2/C1) targeting health sciences, humanities or law.
  • Students seeking world-class dentistry, veterinary, pharmacy or classics programs at very low tuition.
  • Aspiring academics or professionals aiming at the Spanish and Latin-American markets where the brand is dominant.
  • Budget-conscious international students who want a top European capital at public-university cost.
  • Independent, self-directed learners who thrive in a large, research-intensive environment without hand-holding.

Who should think twice

  • Students who need English-medium instruction across a full degree.
  • Those wanting small classes, close mentorship and intensive faculty contact.
  • Applicants chasing a global top-50 overall brand for international employer signalling.
  • Students who prefer a compact, residential, high-support campus community.
  • Those expecting fast, streamlined administration rather than public-sector bureaucracy.

Visa and application system in Spain

  • Student visa / post-study work: Student visa (estancia por estudios) for non-EU; from 2023 the Startup Law allows a 1–2 year job-search/work stay after graduation, and study time counts toward residency
  • Application system: Public universities: EvAU/Selectividad + UNEDasiss credential recognition for international applicants; private universities (IE, ESADE) admit directly

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