As the leading center of industry and technology research in Spain, Madrid is an ideal city to study Engineering, Math, and Science and their applications in the professional world. Specialized course options range from Aerospace Engineering to Mechanical Engineering, from Pharmaceutical Science to Food Sciences, with courses in Biology and Chemistry, too.
Study at a Prestigious University
This program offers the opportunity to take courses in English or Spanish.
Get Extra Support from STEM Tutors
Succeed in challenging STEM courses with the help of tutors.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Participate in a for-credit engineering internship.
Follow Your Academic Interests
Round out your studies with a variety of elective courses.
Fall 2024
Spring 2025
Program Dates:
August 26 - December 14
Application Deadline:
Estimated Cost:
$
22,430
Program Dates:
Mid January - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Program Advisor
Cyane Thomas, Kayti Everette & Liat Wasserman
Once you’ve applied for a program, one of us will be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, we're here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!
Madrid will be your classroom. Take trips to research centers as part of your studies. Enjoy an architectural walking tour to see Madrid’s many beautiful buildings, churches, and monuments. Visit the city’s famous museums like the Prado and Sorolla to inspire your coursework.
We offer single room student apartments which resemble upscale student residence halls with private bathrooms that are located near the city center of Madrid. Student apartments are furnished, including a fully equipped shared kitchen. Utilities and Wi-Fi access are included. Gym facilities may be available. Meals are not included in this option and are ideal for students who wish to prepare their own meals. This option is ideal for students who are looking for a more independent experience.
The student apartment has a base option with no additional fee and a premium option that carries an additional fee for a placement in a larger room.
Colegio Mayor
Colegios Mayores are residence halls located on the UCM campus and throughout the city. There are three different residence hall options for you to choose from. These housing options include 18-21 meals per week in student cafeterias.
Base Residence Hall - Our base residence halls are a convenient option located directly on the UCM campus. You will have a single room with either a shared or private bathroom.
Premium Residence Hall - These residence halls are more contemporary and offer private bathrooms. This option carries an additional cost.
Premium Plus Residence Hall - This residence hall option is more contemporary with larger rooms and offers private bathrooms with either shared kitchen facilities or in-suite kitchenettes. This option carries an additional cost.
Homestay
Live in Spanish homes with señoras or families and eat breakfast and one additional meal per day (either lunch or dinner) with your hosts when the program is in session. This option is perfect for students who want a fully immersive experience in Spanish culture. Living with a host family is the best way to quickly improve your Spanish skills.
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Engineering, Math, and Science, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. World-class professors and course options at the prestigious Universidad Carlos III Madrid (UC3M) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Enrolling in courses at a local university is a great way to meet Spanish students and improve your language skills. You are strongly encouraged to enroll in at least one local course. Course offerings vary each semester.
Partner Institution
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
With a reputation for academic and research excellence throughout Spain and Europe, the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is also known as a leader in innovation and internationalization.
Engineering courses are offered at the Leganés campus of UC3M, which is approximately 45-60 minutes outside of the city center of Madrid by train. UC3M also offers a free bus service between their campuses.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You must take 15-19 credits per semester. All program-specific courses are taught in English except for the language courses. Academic programming is scheduled five days a week.
IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
IES Abroad English-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 or 4 credits each)
IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (optional, 3 credits each)*
Universidad Carlos III English-taught courses (optional, credits vary)
Internship placement and seminar (optional, 3 credits)
*With approval, students with an advanced level of Spanish can take IES Abroad area studies courses taught in Spanish (list available on the Madrid - Language & Area Studies Program academics page) and Spanish-taught UC3M courses.
NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
Even though your adventure starts in Madrid, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).
NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
2 Days
Fall
Alarcón-Valencia
Visit Spain's third-largest city, Valencia, rich with delicious cuisine, excellent weather, and countless cultural outlets, including the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències (the City of Arts & Sciences), one of Europe's most unique cultural and scientific complexes. Includes a stop in the beautiful town of Alarcon for a delicious breakfast at its 8th-century Moorish Castle.
Alcalá de Henares
1 Day
Fall
The birthplace of the illustrious Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes, Alcalá de Henares is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Spain.
Aranjuez
1 Day
Spring
This city, close to Madrid, was the Spanish kings' chosen location for their spring palace, due to the good weather and vast, stunning gardens. Aranjuez was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001.
Ávila
1 Day
Spring
Ávila has the most emblematic and spectacular city walls in Spain. Built during the Medieval ages, they surround the old town that is full of monasteries, palaces and churches.
El Escorial
1 Day
Fall
Visit this royal site that was once the residence of the King of Spain, as well as a monastery for the Roman Catholic Church. The palace is also the burial site for nearly every king and queen since the 16th century.
Segovia
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Segovia is known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, and for having one of the longest and best preserved Roman aqueducts in all of Europe.
Toledo
1 Day
Fall & Spring
Known as the “city of three cultures”—Christian, Muslim, and Jewish—Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy that makes the city an open-air museum.
Córdoba-Almagro
2 Days
Spring
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Córdoba is a living legacy of different cultures that settled here throughout its history. The most important symbol of the city is the Mosque-Cathedral: one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain.
Part-Time Internships
Sarah F. • Gettysburg College
Did you know that, while in Madrid, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will:
Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support.
Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process.
Experience what working in Madrid is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness.
Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers.
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country.
Placement Examples
Arts
Business
Education
International Relations
Marketing
Museums
Volunteer Opportunities
When you volunteer in Madrid, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.
Past volunteer opportunities in Madrid include:
Food Collection
Collect food for the underprivileged
Hospital Support
Help chronically sick children
Elderly Care
Work with the elderly
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium
$750
Premium Plus
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
ACCeSS Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad before arrival onsite)
$150
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)
$160
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$900-1,200
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$108
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$2,100
Residence Hall
$900
Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,000
Premium Residence Hall
$900
Premium Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$4,000
Premium Plus Residence Hall
$900
Average cost of housing and meals during Semana Santa
$650-850
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$110
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)
$0
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Housing & Meals
Premium
$750
Premium Plus
$1,500
School of Record transcript (if required)
$375
Total Additional Fees
+
Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required consular and visa fees (paid to consulate with application)
$160
Optional ACCeSS fee (if applicable, paid to IES Abroad before arrival)
$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)
$1,000-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials
$107
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay
$1,500
Residence Hall
$650
Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,700
Premium Residence Hall
$650
Premium Student Apartment (with kitchen access)
$2,700
Premium Plus Residence Hall
$650
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)
$30-150
Local Transportation
$110
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)
$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses
=
Total Estimated Budget
The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.
Discounts and Scholarships & Aid
Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.
Visa / Consular / Residency Fees
Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.
Cell Phone Usage
Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Madrid Center is located on the Universidad Complutense de Madrid campus. Nearby, you'll find Madrid staples like the bustling area of Sol, and the starting point of major Spanish highways called Kilometre Zero. Wherever you are, the Center is your study abroad hub.
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs
CISI International Health Insurance
In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.
24/7 Emergency Support
Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.
Mandatory Cell Phone Policy
Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.
Location-Specific Information
Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.
TripTracker System
Allowing you to share independent travel plans.
Crisis Drills
So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.
If you are planning on taking UC3M courses, we recommend purchasing flexible tickets or easily changeable tickets as partner university exams could take place after the official departure date; your exams could be as late as June 4, with June 5 as the latest departure date.
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
Firm 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
No Spanish language is required
Prerequisites for certain university courses
Current enrollment at your home college or university in a STEM field program (Natural Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Have completed at least 3 semesters of your Engineering, Math or STEM program by IES Abroad Madrid Engineering Program start date
Application Requirements
Submit Your Online Application
Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.
After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:
Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Color Passport Copy — Submit your passport signature page and photo page only.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
Individual appointments at Spanish consulates are very limited! If you are eligible for Spain ACCeSS, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity for our visa specialists to review your visa application materials and submit them to the Spanish consulate on your behalf.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.
IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.
As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!
The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.
You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.
IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).
You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.
Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
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