Madrid is one of Spain's top university destinations. Its wide range of degree programs, variety of campuses, and large international student population mean that every year many people with foreign qualifications consider starting their university studies there.
However, choosing a university isn't just about finding where a degree program is offered. You also need to consider the campus location, the curriculum, the entry requirements, the weighting of subjects, and the admission requirements applicable to your home education system.
In the Community of Madrid there are six public universities that participate in a joint admissions procedure known as the Madrid Single District :
- University of Alcala.
- Autonomous University of Madrid.
- University Carlos III of Madrid.
- Complutense University of Madrid.
- Polytechnic University of Madrid.
- King Juan Carlos University.
These six institutions are considered a single university for pre-registration purposes. Students submit only one application and rank the degrees they wish to study, even if they belong to different universities.
How many public universities are there in Madrid?
The Community of Madrid officially has six of its own public universities . In addition, there is the main campus of the National University of Distance Education (UNED), which is also public, but operates at the national level and is not part of the six universities in the Madrid Single District.
This is a general comparison:
| University | Acronym | Main campus or locations | General academic profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alcalá | UAH | Alcalá de Henares and Guadalajara | Humanities, sciences, health, engineering, and social sciences |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | UAM | Cantoblanco and Madrid capital | Sciences, health, humanities, law, economics and education |
| Universidad Carlos III de Madrid | UC3M | Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo and Madrid | Social sciences, law, economics, communication and engineering |
| Complutense University of Madrid | UCM | Moncloa and Somosaguas | Multidisciplinary offering in all branches of knowledge |
| Polytechnic University of Madrid | UPM | University City, Madrid City, South Campus and Montegancedo | Engineering, architecture, technology, sports and design |
| Universidad Rey Juan Carlos | URJC | Móstoles, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada, Aranjuez and Madrid | Multidisciplinary offering in the five branches of knowledge |
The choice should be made based on the specific degree program and not just the university's name. The same degree program may differ in terms of subjects, languages of instruction, internships, location, or international mobility opportunities.
University of Alcalá
The University of Alcalá, UAH , carries out its activity mainly in Alcalá de Henares and also has a campus in Guadalajara.
Its academic offerings cover the five major branches of knowledge. Its campuses offer degrees in Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, and Health Sciences.
The university distinguishes between the Historic Campus, the Science and Technology Campus, and the Guadalajara Campus. Therefore, before applying for a degree, it's advisable to check exactly which city and campus it's offered in.
This can be an interesting alternative for those seeking a public university with a wide range of courses and who prefer to study outside the center of Madrid. It's also important to factor in commuting costs if the student will be living in Madrid.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the University of Alcalá (UAH)
Autonomous University of Madrid
The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM ) has its main campus in Cantoblanco. Most of its faculties, university services, libraries, and sports facilities are located on this campus.
Their offering includes degrees in Science, Medicine and Health Sciences, Law, Economics and Business, Psychology, Education, Philosophy and Letters, and Engineering, among other areas.
Most studies take place in Cantoblanco, although the Faculty of Medicine and other centers linked to Health Sciences are located in Madrid. The Cantoblanco Campus is connected to the center of Madrid by commuter rail and bus.
The UAM may be a particularly good fit for students interested in experimental sciences, health sciences, humanities, psychology, economics, or law. However, the decision should always be based on the degree program's curriculum and its entry requirements.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
The Carlos III University of Madrid, UC3M , distributes its activity between the campuses of Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo and Madrid-Puerta de Toledo.
Its offerings stand out especially in areas such as Law, Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, Communication, Humanities and Engineering.
The faculties are primarily located in Getafe and Colmenarejo, while the Higher Polytechnic School is situated in Leganés and Colmenarejo. The university also has the Madrid-Puerta de Toledo campus, which is mainly dedicated to postgraduate studies and other academic activities.
UC3M offers degrees taught in Spanish, bilingual options, and programs taught in English. Therefore, in addition to reviewing the degree program, it is essential to check the language and campus associated with each program.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the Carlos III University of Madrid (UC3M)
Complutense University of Madrid
The Complutense University of Madrid (UCM ) boasts one of the broadest academic offerings in the region. Its centers are primarily located on the Moncloa and Somosaguas campuses, as well as in other locations throughout Madrid.
At the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), students can study degrees in Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Law, and Engineering. Their academic offerings include degrees in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Psychology, Law, Economics, Communication, Education, Philology, History, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
Its variety allows you to find numerous undergraduate and double degree programs within the same university. However, the faculties are not concentrated in a single location. Before choosing, it's advisable to check if the degree is offered at Moncloa, Somosaguas, or another campus.
The UCM may be suitable for those looking for a multidisciplinary university and who want to compare several related degrees within the same institution.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
Polytechnic University of Madrid
The Polytechnic University of Madrid, UPM , is especially focused on the fields of engineering, architecture and technology.
Its offerings include studies related to Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Civil Engineering, Energy Engineering, Mining Engineering, Building Construction, Architecture, Agricultural Engineering, Forestry Engineering, and other technical specialties. It also offers studies related to Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and Fashion Design.
Its centers are distributed between University City, Madrid City, South Campus, and Montegancedo. This means that two UPM degree programs can be taught in very different areas of Madrid.
To access many of their degrees, it is especially important to properly prepare subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Technical Drawing, depending on the weightings established for each degree.
The UPM is usually one of the first choices for students who are clear that they want to study engineering, architecture or other technological training.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM)
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
The Rey Juan Carlos University, URJC , has campuses in Móstoles, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada, Aranjuez and Madrid.
It offers degrees in all five branches of knowledge: Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Law, and Engineering and Architecture. Its catalog includes degrees in Communication, Business, Law, Education, Tourism, Health Sciences, Experimental Sciences, and Engineering, among others.
One of its characteristics is the geographical distribution of its studies. For example, some health sciences degrees are concentrated in Alcorcón, while other degrees are taught in Móstoles, Fuenlabrada, Aranjuez, or Madrid-Vicálvaro.
Some degrees are also offered at multiple campuses. Therefore, it is important to check both the degree name and the campus selected during pre-registration.
If you want more information about this university, you may be interested in: Information about the Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC)
Which is the best public university in Madrid?
There isn't a single public university in Madrid that's best for all students. The answer depends on the degree program, academic goals, and personal circumstances.
To properly compare universities, it is advisable to review the following aspects:
The degree offer
The first thing to do is check which universities offer the degree you are interested in and whether there are significant differences between their curricula.
Two degrees with the same name may vary in their optional subjects, specializations, external internships, bilingual training or specialization possibilities.
The cutoff mark
The cut-off score indicates the grade of the last student admitted to a degree program during a previous admissions process. It is not a predetermined grade and does not guarantee that it will remain the same in the following academic year.
It should be used as a reference to calculate a realistic target grade and correctly select the PCE subjects that allow you to obtain the highest possible score.
If you want to better understand what the cut-off score is, you might be interested in: What is the cut-off score
The weightings
Madrid's public universities publish weighting tables that indicate which subjects can contribute up to 0,1 or 0,2 points for each grade obtained.
Choosing a subject with a weighting of 0,2 can be crucial to achieving the necessary grade. It's not enough to simply prepare for subjects that seem related to your degree; you must consult the table corresponding to the admissions course.
Want to see what we mean? You can check the 2026 weighting tables here.
The campus and transportation
Madrid has universities and campuses spread across numerous municipalities. Before applying, it's advisable to calculate travel time, transport connections, and accommodation costs.
The most well-known university is not always the most practical option when the degree is taught far from where you will be living.
The language of instruction
Some universities offer Spanish-language, bilingual, or entirely English-language groups. The language may vary depending on the degree program, campus, or group selected.
There may also be language accreditation requirements, especially for students from non-Spanish-speaking education systems.
Frequently asked questions about public universities in Madrid
How many public universities are there in Madrid?
The Community of Madrid has six of its own public universities: University of Alcalá, Autonomous University of Madrid, Carlos III University of Madrid, Complutense University of Madrid, Polytechnic University of Madrid and Rey Juan Carlos University.
Is UNED a public university in Madrid?
The UNED is a public university with a national scope and has its main campus and several centers in Madrid. However, it is not one of the six public universities in the Madrid Single University District.
Can a foreign student access a public university in Madrid?
Yes. You must meet the requirements of your educational system, obtain UNEDasiss accreditation when necessary, complete the corresponding PCE exams, and submit your pre-registration within the established deadline.
Is it mandatory to take the PCE exams to study in Madrid?
It depends on the education system. For certain students from the European Union, the International Baccalaureate, or countries with agreements, the PCE exams can be used primarily to improve their grades. In the validation process, they are usually necessary to calculate the final grade and obtain the required Baccalaureate track in the regular examination session.
Is an application submitted for each public university?
No. The six public universities in Madrid form the Single District of Madrid. Only one pre-registration application is required, in which all degrees and universities are ranked by preference.
Which is the cheapest public university in Madrid?
There is no single university that is always the cheapest. Tuition fees for official degree programs are publicly regulated, and the cost depends primarily on the degree program, the number of credits enrolled, and the number of times each subject is taken.
Which is the best public university in Madrid?
It depends on the degree program and the student's needs. You have to compare the curriculum, the entry requirements, the weighting factors, the campus, the language, the internships, and the mobility opportunities for each degree.
What grade is needed to get into a public university in Madrid?
The required grade depends on the degree program and the demand for each course. The previous year's cut-off grade serves as a guideline, but it can go up or down. For the most competitive degrees, it's usually necessary to get as close as possible to the maximum admission grade, which is 14 points.
Updated July 30, 2026 · Reviewed by the academic guidance team of Escuela PCE
