If you’re dreaming of a high-quality education in Spain without spending a fortune, the Autonomous University of Madrid might be exactly what you need. Known for its strong academic reputation, modern research facilities, and green campus just outside the city, UAM gives you the best of both worlds; world-class education and vibrant city life.
It’s consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Spain and has a good chunk of international students coming from all over Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Whether you’re into biology, law, physics, or business; this place has the faculty and funding to help you grow.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at the Autonomous University of Madrid?
The estimated acceptance rate at UAM is around 60–75% depending on the course.
UAM isn’t too difficult to get into if you meet all the entry requirements. Programs in Medicine and Engineering are more competitive, while social sciences, arts, and many Master’s degrees have slightly higher intake rates. That said, it’s a public university, so once you’re eligible, you’ve got a decent shot.
How Do You Apply as an International Student?
International students apply online through UAM’s platform or via the Spanish national portal, depending on the level of study. The process is simple, but deadlines and document translations can trip people up. So be early and double-check what you need.
For Bachelors Programs:
- Completed high school diploma equivalent to Spanish Bachillerato
- Pre-enrollment through UNEDasiss or the Spanish national portal
- Spanish proficiency (DELE B2 or SIELE accepted for most courses)
- Academic transcripts (translated and legalized)
- Valid ID/passport
- Proof of university entrance exam if required
For Masters Programs:
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree (related to your field)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English (IELTS 6.0–6.5) or Spanish (DELE/SIELE)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters (sometimes)
Key Dates:
- Applications usually open in March or April
- Most courses close by June or early July
- Classes begin in late September or October
What Courses Are Offered at the Autonomous University of Madrid?
UAM offers over 80 Bachelor’s, 88 Master’s, and 90+ PhD programs across 8 faculties.
Most undergraduate programs are taught in Spanish, but they’re increasing the number of Master’s degrees in English.
Popular Bachelor’s Degrees:
- Law
- Business Administration
- Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Psychology
- Political Science
Top Master’s Programs (some in English):
- Master in Theoretical Physics
- Master in Molecular Biomedicine
- Master in International Economics and Development
- Master in Environmental Sciences
- Master in Teacher Training
If you’re planning to study in English, check the specific course page; not all programs offer it.
What’s the Cost of Studying at UAM?
Tuition fees at the Autonomous University of Madrid is affordable between €1,200 and €2,000 per year.
Being a public university, UAM’s fees are regulated by the Spanish government. So whether you’re from the EU or a non-EU country, costs stay reasonable.
Approximate Annual Tuition Fees:
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition |
| Bachelor’s | €1,000 – €1,800 |
| Master’s | €1,500 – €2,200 |
| PhD | ~€2,000 |
Note: Medical or engineering degrees may be slightly higher.
Cost of Living in Madrid (Monthly Estimate):
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
| Rent (shared room) | €350 – €500 |
| Food | €150 – €250 |
| Transport | €30 – €50 (student card) |
| Utilities/Internet | €50 – €80 |
| Personal Expenses | €100 – €150 |
So overall, you’ll need around €700 to €900 per month to live comfortably in Madrid.
Are There Scholarships for International Students?
Yes, international students at UAM can apply for full or partial scholarships based on merit, financial need, or mobility programs. Most scholarships are offered by the university, the Spanish government, or external institutions like Erasmus+ and MAECI.
Top Scholarships to Explore:
UAM Scholarships for International Students
- Includes full tuition coverage, monthly allowance, and visa support
- Competitive and mostly available at the Masters and PhD levels
MAECI Scholarships (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- For students from specific countries
- Covers living, tuition, and travel
Erasmus+ Grants
- Available for exchange students
- Supports mobility within Europe
Fundación Carolina
- Focused on Latin American students
- Covers tuition and partial living costs
Some scholarships are automatically considered with admission. Others require separate applications with detailed documents, so check the deadlines early.
What Are the Intakes and Application Deadlines?
UAM has one main intake in September/October, and the application window typically runs from March to July.
| Stage | Timeline |
| Application Opens | March – April |
| Application Deadline | June – early July |
| Admission Results | Late July – August |
| Classes Begin | Late September |
A few Master’s programs might have extended deadlines or additional February intake, but this is rare.
What’s Student Life Like in Madrid?
Madrid is everything — fast-paced, historic, social, and full of life. And UAM’s campus gives you room to breathe.
The Cantoblanco campus is set in a green area just 15 km from the city centre, and it is well connected by metro and train. You’ll find:
- Libraries, computer labs, and quiet study zones
- Sports centers, soccer fields, tennis courts
- Over 100 student clubs and societies
- Cafés, canteens, and campus events every semester
Being in Madrid also means world-class museums, cheap tapas, late-night music, and football on the weekends; all on a student budget.
How Does the Autonomous University of Madrid Rank Globally?
UAM is ranked among the top 300 universities in the world and regularly features in the top 10 universities in Spain.
Rankings Snapshot (2025):
| Ranking Source | Position |
| QS World | #266 |
| THE | Top 300 |
| National Rank | Top 10 |
It performs especially well in:
- Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
- Physics
- Law and Political Science
- Environmental Science
- Business and Economics
It’s also part of the YERUN (Young European Research Universities Network) — a sign of its strong commitment to internationalization and innovation.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a university thats affordable, respected, and globally connected, the Autonomous University of Madrid is one of the smartest choices in Spain. It is not overhyped, but it delivers strong research, solid rankings, and a real international student community.
Yes, you will need to sort out paperwork, learn some Spanish (unless you’re in an English program), and adjust to a different education system. But the rewards are big; low tuition, scholarships, access to one of Europe’s liveliest cities, and a degree that opens doors.
So, if your goal is to study in Europe without blowing your savings; and still walk away with a high-quality education- UAM is definitely worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the acceptance rate at UAM?
The acceptance rate at the Autonomous University of Madrid is around 60% to 75%. It varies depending on the program and level of competition.
2. Can I study in English at UAM?
Yes, UAM offers several English-taught Master’s programs. Most Bachelor’s courses are in Spanish.
3. What is the tuition fee for international students?
Bachelor’s programs cost approximately €1,000 to €1,800 per year. Master’s degrees range from €1,500 to €2,200.
4. Are there scholarships for non-EU students?
Yes, non-EU students can apply for UAM grants, Erasmus+, Fundación Carolina, and MAECI-funded scholarships.
5. Do I need to speak Spanish to apply?
Yes, for most Bachelor’s programs. For English-taught Master’s, Spanish is not required.
6. When does the academic year start?
The academic year usually begins in late September or early October and runs until June or July.
7. What’s the cost of living in Madrid for students?
Students in Madrid typically spend €700 to €900 per month. This includes rent, transport, and food.
8. Can I work while studying at UAM?
Yes, international students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week with a valid student visa.
9. Does UAM have a student dormitory?
UAM does not have on-campus housing, but they offer housing support through partnerships with student residences and agencies.
10. How do I apply for a scholarship at UAM?
Some scholarships are automatic with admission. Others require a separate application with income or academic documents.
11. Is UAM a good university for science?
Yes, UAM ranks highly in physics, biology, environmental science, and biomedical research across Europe.
12. Can I apply to UAM without IELTS?
Yes, if applying for Spanish-taught programs with DELE or SIELE. English programs require IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
13. How long is a Master’s degree at UAM?
Most Master’s programs at UAM take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on the department and credit load.
14. Is Madrid safe for international students?
Yes, Madrid is a safe, student-friendly city with low crime rates and efficient public transport.
15. Can I stay in Spain after graduation?
Yes, graduates can apply for a 12-month job-seeking residence permit to find work in Spain.
16. Is UAM part of Erasmus+?
Yes, UAM actively participates in Erasmus+ programs and offers exchange opportunities across Europe.
17. Does UAM offer PhD programs?
Yes, UAM provides funded PhD programs in sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering.
18. How many international students study at UAM?
Approximately 4,000 international students enroll at UAM each year across various faculties.
19. What is the teaching style like at UAM?
Teaching combines lectures, group work, lab sessions, and independent study, with a focus on critical thinking and research.
20. Is UAM better than Complutense University of Madrid?
UAM ranks higher in sciences and research, while Complutense is larger and strong in humanities. Both are top Spanish universities.