Quick answer: Madrid is Spain’s capital and home to top public universities and business schools. Public-university tuition for non-EU students: €1,500–€3,500 per year. Cost of living: €900–€1,300 per month. English-taught bachelor’s are growing fast.
Top universities in Madrid
Universidad Complutense de Madrid — Spain’s largest public university. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid — strong in sciences and humanities. Universidad Carlos III de Madrid — economics, law, English bachelor’s. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid — engineering and architecture. IE University — business, English-taught. Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE).
Tuition and fees
Public universities (per credit): €15–€40 for EU students, €30–€90 for non-EU. Private universities: €5,000–€18,000 per year. Master’s at IE Business School: €40,000–€90,000 with substantial scholarship support.
Cost of living in Madrid
Rent: €450–€800 in shared flats; €800–€1,300 for a studio. Food: €250. Transport: €20/month for under-26s (regional pass). Total: €900–€1,300 per month — among Europe’s best value for capital-city living.
FAQ
Do I need Spanish? For public universities at undergraduate level, generally yes. For master’s at IE, IESE Madrid, Carlos III English-taught tracks — no.