University Carlos III of Madrid

About 

Universidad Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) is a public research university founded in 1989 in Madrid, Spain and is renowned for its academic quality and international reputation. Consistently ranked among Spain’s leading young universities, UC3M serves over 22,000 students, combining cutting-edge research with innovative teaching to nurture a global perspective.

Through strong international partnerships and exchange programs, the university emphasizes inclusivity, sustainability, and social responsibility. As an active member of initiatives like the European University Initiative (YERUN), UC3M collaborates on projects promoting sustainable development and equitable education while striving to minimize its environmental footprint.

Consult UC3M's profile on QS World Rankings for insights into its academic standing and reputation.

Location

Madrid offers students an exciting blend of history and modernity. Iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park sit alongside vibrant spots like Gran Via and Puerta del Sol. The city's diverse dining options range from traditional tapas to international cuisine, while the arts thrive at venues like the Reina Sofia Museum and Matadero Madrid. This dynamic mix of culture and contemporary energy creates an enriching and engaging atmosphere for student life.

UC3M has four campuses strategically located in the Madrid metropolitan area: Getafe, Leganés, Colmenarejo, and Puerta de Toledo. UC3M’s four campuses are well-connected by Madrid’s reliable public transport, including buses, commuter trains, and the metro, making travel easy for students.

Each campus is compact and walkable and offers facilities such as libraries, study areas, sports centres, and other services to support studies and extracurricular activities. Getafe campus specialises in Social Sciences and Humanities, Leganés focuses on Engineering, Colmenarejo offers a multidisciplinary environment, and Puerta de Toledo (located in central Madrid) provides students easy access to the city’s vibrant cultural and social life.

Visit the campuses virtually with the UC3M Campus Tour.

Level of competitiveness

This exchange is only open to students studying a Modern Language in the School of the Arts:

• School of the Arts (Modern Languages only): Less competitive *

^{The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.}

Language of Instruction

Courses at UC3M are taught in English and Spanish, yet Modern Language students follow courses in Spanish. See below about Spanish language courses.

Academic Calendar

• First Semester: Mid-September to December
• Second Semester: February to May

UC3M strongly encourages all incoming exchange students to join the orientation program UC3M Welcome Days, held just before the start of each semester. Organised by the International Relations and Cooperation Office in collaboration with the Erasmus Students Network (ESN) and the Board of European Students of Technology (BEST), the programme is designed to help students settle into campus life and become acquainted with Madrid.

Courses

When planning to study abroad at UC3M, it is essential to note that most courses are only offered in one semester, so carefully check their availability when selecting. Some courses, particularly those taught in English, are highly popular and may fill up quickly. To avoid issues, students are strongly advised to remain flexible and to have prepared a list of alternative courses in advance, pre-approved by their Queen Mary academic advisor. Students can review the available courses at UC3M in the UC3M Course Offer.

In addition, UC3M offers a range of Spanish language courses (fee-paying) available both before and during the semester.

Credits

Students must enrol on a full courseload equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits per semester / 120 for a full academic year. UC3M follows the ECTS credit system, where 1 Queen Mary credit = 0.5 ECTS. Therefore a full courseload at UC3M is 30 ECTS per semester / 60 ECTS for a full academic year. 

Grading

Exams at UC3M are held on-site, and distance exams are not permitted. For students attending first semester only, final exams are scheduled in December, before Christmas. Full academic year students take their first semester exams in January. For more detailed information and to check specific dates, refer to the UC3M Academic Calendar and Schedules. Examinations are assessed according to the Spanish grading scale (see below). The minimum passing grade is 5.

• NO PRESENTADO: Registered but did not attend the final exam.
• 0 to 4.9 (FAIL/SUSPENSO): Considerable work required; the student must resit the exam.
• 5 to 6.9 (PASS/APROBADO): Satisfactory knowledge of course material.
• 7 to 8.9 (GOOD/NOTABLE): Thorough understanding of course content.
• 9 to 10 (EXCELLENT/SOBRESALIENTE): Outstanding performance.
• 9+ (HONOURS): Exceptional performance, awarded to up to 5% of the class.

Find out more about Queen Mary’s credit transfer and grade conversion process.

Queen Mary student feedback:

Instagram takeovers:

• Madrid takeover by Carla (different university but same city)

Accommodation

Securing accommodation before arriving at UC3M is crucial, as finding housing in Madrid can be challenging due to the high number of students each semester.

The UC3M Student Support Services provides a dedicated UC3M Accommodation webpage and UC3M Accommodation Guidance with all the necessary information. On-campus residences are available in Getafe and Leganés but are limited, with full-year students given priority. If on-campus housing is unavailable, UC3M encourages students to explore accommodation options through its partner companies, including ALUNI, DFlat Madrid, Erasmusplay, Madrid Easy, and Spotahome. These partners provide a range of housing solutions, from shared apartments to host family arrangements, tailored to student needs.

Consult additional tips in UC3M’s guide on how to avoid rental scams. 

Important: Finding and securing private accommodation in Madrid during the summer months and at the start of the academic year can be competitive and challenging, as many students and young people look for private accommodation in Madrid during this time of year. Queen Mary students are advised to follow the partner’s guidance as soon as possible to begin their accommodation search safely. Guidance about searching for private accommodation safely is available on the QMplus resource page, “Pre-departure” tab from early spring.

Cost of living

You can find general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Madrid here. 

Bear in mind that living expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyle. Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page. 

N.B. UC3M does not offer insurance for incoming exchange students, so students are responsible for securing comprehensive coverage for their stay. This insurance must include illness or accident travel assistance, repatriation expenses in case of illness or accident, and healthcare related to professional activities.

Support services

UC3M offers a comprehensive range of student support services, including:

• Buddy Program: Current UC3M students assist new students with practical matters and integration. Register here.
• Disability Support: UC3M ensures accessibility and accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Psychological Support: English and Spanish psychological counselling services are available.  
• UC3M Student Support Center: Offers services such as sports, championships, cultural activities, psychological and psycho-pedagogical orientation, and volunteer opportunities.

Activities and Societies

UC3M offers a dynamic student life with a wide range of clubs and societies that cater to a variety of interests and passions. These include sports teams, cultural workshops, academic organisations, and volunteer groups. Active student organizations such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the Board of European Students of Technology (BEST), the Association for the United Nations and International Law (ANUDI), and the Association of Chinese Students (AECUC3M) offer platforms for students to engage, collaborate, and develop leadership skills. Furthermore, the university hosts a variety of cultural events, including theatre performances, music concerts, dance workshops, and art exhibitions, providing students with opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich cultural landscape of Madrid.

Visit the UC3M Life on Campus page to learn more.

Social Media

• Facebook: UC3M (central account)
• Facebook: UC3M incoming students
• Instagram: @universidadcarlosiiidemadrid
• X
• LinkedIn

Resources

• UC3M Podcast
• UC3M Newsletter