Madrid has a rich and diverse history, and studying there can provide students with a truly interesting experience. In addition to being a thriving student-oriented city, it has several well-regarded universities, and public universities in Madrid can be comparatively affordable because official tuition fees are set as regulated public prices.
Madrid is also well equipped for students, with extensive public transportation, a range of housing options, and transport discounts for eligible young people. These factors can make student life more manageable and enriching.
Its universities cater to diverse academic interests, from technology and research programs to humanities and the arts, making Madrid a strong destination for international students seeking quality education, especially at public universities.
In this article, we look at affordable universities in Madrid.
Affordable Universities in Madrid for International Students
1. Complutense University of Madrid
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Vary by degree, number of ECTS credits, enrollment status, and residency. As a reference, UCM lists €45.02 per ECTS for first enrollment in certain official master’s programs and €390 per academic year for PhD academic supervision.
Complutense offers a wide variety of undergraduate, master’s, international degree, and PhD programs. With a broad academic offer and a strong international orientation, it remains one of Madrid’s major public universities for students across many fields of study.
Tuition fees at public universities in Madrid are approved annually by the regional government and depend on the program, credit load, and the student’s status. International students without permanent residence or from countries without an exchange agreement with Spain may pay higher rates, so students should always check the official fee page before applying.
2. Autonomous University of Madrid
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Public prices vary by degree and credit load. For doctoral studies, UAM lists annual academic tutoring at €390 for full-time students and €234 for part-time students, plus other administrative and thesis-related fees.
The Autonomous University of Madrid is one of Madrid’s leading public universities. It has more than 30,000 undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students and offers 194 official degree programs across a wide range of fields. Its main Cantoblanco campus is located north of Madrid and is known for combining academic facilities, green spaces, and research activity.
For international students, UAM can be an attractive option because its official public prices are published by program and student category. Since fees for foreign students are listed separately, applicants should review the current public price documents for their degree before budgeting.
3. Nebrija University
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Vary by program and level of study. Nebrija publishes current first-year undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral fees by program.
Nebrija is a private university with a strong focus on practical learning, employability, and links with companies. The university highlights internships, personalized career guidance, and a large network of business agreements as part of its approach to professional development.
Attending a private university in Spain is usually more expensive than studying at a public university. However, Nebrija may appeal to students who want a practical learning model, close links with employers, and program-specific support. Students should compare the official tuition for their chosen degree before applying.
4. UNED
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Vary by degree, ECTS credits, and enrollment status. UNED publishes official public prices for each academic year.
UNED is the largest public university in Spain and is built around online and blended learning. This affordable university in Madrid is specifically geared toward students who need flexibility and want to organize their studies around work, family, or other commitments.
Students can study through UNED’s online and blended model, supported by a network of national and international centers. Its current fee information is published as official public prices rather than as a flat fee per subject, so students should calculate their expected cost based on the number of credits they plan to take.
5. Polytechnic University of Madrid
- Master’s Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Master’s fees vary by program category and student status. For a 60 ECTS master’s program, UPM lists first-enrollment examples from €1,015.20 to €2,701.20 for Spanish and EU students, while non-EU rates can range from €5,044.20 to €9,288 depending on the program category.
The Polytechnic University of Madrid was formed from historic technical schools of engineering and architecture. It is one of Spain’s leading technical universities and is especially relevant for students interested in engineering, architecture, technology, and applied sciences.
The tuition fees at UPM are public prices, but they vary significantly by program type and student status. Non-EU students can pay higher per-credit rates for master’s programs, so international applicants should check the exact fee category for their chosen degree.
6. Universidad Europea de Madrid
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: Vary by program, campus, and level of study. Universidad Europea publishes 2026-2027 fee schedules for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Madrid.
Universidad Europea de Madrid is another private university that offers a broad selection of programs. Its academic areas include biomedical and health sciences, social sciences and communication, STEAM, design, and physical activity and sports sciences. The university also emphasizes practical learning, internationality, and close links with the professional world.
Private universities in Madrid usually carry a higher price tag than public universities. However, Universidad Europea may be a good option for students seeking a large private institution with many program choices, online and campus-based study options, and an international student community. Applicants should use the official fee schedule for their chosen program rather than relying on broad tuition ranges.
7. Saint Louis University Madrid Campus
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: For 2026-2027, permanent undergraduate full-time tuition is €13,800 per semester, first-semester transfer and non-SLU visiting tuition is €16,500 per semester, and graduate tuition is €1,000 per credit. U.S. citizens without official residency outside the United States pay the published U.S. dollar rates.
Saint Louis University Madrid Campus is the American university in Spain and a branch campus of Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. Students can complete 23 undergraduate majors and two master’s degrees entirely in Madrid, or start one of more than 40 undergraduate degrees in Madrid and finish at SLU’s St. Louis campus.
Because of its U.S.-style academic model and private tuition structure, SLU-Madrid is more expensive than Madrid’s public universities. However, it can be a strong choice for students who want a U.S.-accredited degree experience while living in Spain and studying in an international campus community.
Madrid is a stunning cultural environment that attracts students from around the world. Being able to study in Spain’s largest city, benefit from extensive public transportation, and choose from several public and private universities can make the university experience more flexible and fulfilling.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Madrid was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Spain and Available Programs for International Students pages.
