Hey everyone, I’ve seen a lot of questions on forums recently about applying to Complutense University, and the most common one is: How much does it actually cost? As someone who’s been living in Madrid for a few years, today I’m here to break down the latest fee structure for Complutense. I hope this helps those of you planning your studies abroad!
How are Bachelor’s Degree Tuition Fees Calculated?
First things first, it’s important to understand that public universities in Spain don’t charge a flat fee. Instead, tuition is calculated per credit. A standard undergraduate year usually consists of 60 ECTS credits. The price per credit varies based on the ‘experimental level’ of the degree program. Simply put, humanities are the cheapest, while science, engineering, and medical degrees are more expensive.
Tuition fees in the Community of Madrid are in the mid-to-high range for Spain. Based on the latest regulations, the price per credit for the first enrollment is roughly as follows:
| Degree’s Experimental Level | Relevant Fields | Price per Credit | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|
| Level 1 | Arts, History, Law, Translation | Approx. €21 - €25 | Approx. €1260 - €1500 |
| Level 2 | Journalism, Business, Marketing | Approx. €23 - €27 | Approx. €1380 - €1620 |
| Level 3 | Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science | Approx. €25 - €30 | Approx. €1500 - €1800 |
| Level 4 | Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science | Approx. €27 - €32 | Approx. €1620 - €1920 |
It’s worth noting that if you fail a course, the fee for retaking the same subject for the second or third time will increase significantly. So, make sure to study hard and aim to pass on your first try
!
Costs for Master’s Degrees
Master’s degrees are divided into ’official master’s’ (máster universitario)
and ’university-specific master’s’ (máster propio). Students typically apply for official master’s degrees, which are officially recognized by international bodies like the Chinese Ministry of Education. The cost for an official master’s is calculated similarly to a bachelor’s degree—per credit—and programs usually range from 60 to 120 ECTS credits.
Official master’s programs are generally more expensive than undergraduate degrees. The total tuition for a 60-credit official master’s program typically ranges from €2,500 to €5,000, depending on the field of study. In contrast, university-specific master’s degrees have market-based pricing, with costs ranging from a few thousand to over ten thousand euros, so be sure to check carefully when applying.
Besides the Complutense University Spain tuition, what other miscellaneous fees are there?
In addition to the pure tuition fees, there are also some administrative fees during registration each year, usually around €100. There are also small charges for things like a student ID card and insurance. You’ll also need to pay a non-refundable application fee. So, it’s wise to leave a little extra room in your budget. For example, last year’s administrative fee was €80, and it’s possible the fees related to the full name of Complutense University of Madrid have increased this year.
Is the Cost of Living in Madrid High?
Finally, let’s talk about living expenses. This part varies greatly from person to person. As the capital, Madrid has one of the highest costs of living in Spain. The biggest expense is rent; a single room in the city center could cost between €400-€600 per month, which is something to consider for admissions for Complutense University of Madrid. It’s cheaper if you live in the suburbs near the university campus. Adding food, transportation, telecommunications, and occasional entertainment, a frugal student can expect to spend around €800 - €1,200 per month.
Although the tuition at Complutense University is much cheaper than in countries like the UK or the US, when you factor in living expenses, it’s safe to budget around €12,000 to €18,000 per year. I hope this information is useful, and I welcome other students at Complutense to add their insights or make corrections!
