Educads
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Madrid Student Work Rights 2026

International students in Madrid can work while studying if the job does not interfere with academic obligations. After graduation, Spain allows a non-renewable post-study work visa for up to one year.

During the academic year, international students may work part-time in Spain, with work kept compatible with student visa conditions and study commitments. Internships and jobs in hospitality, education, and business can also be possible.

When classes are not in session, students may work full-time during summer and holiday breaks. Internships related to a student’s field of study may be included in study programs.

After completing studies in Spain, graduates can stay in the country to look for work. The post-study work visa is non-renewable and allows a stay of up to one year.

To use the post-study option, a student must have completed the degree and apply before the student visa expires. Job offers should match the graduate’s qualifications, and the graduate must be able to support themselves during this period.

Universities in Madrid

UA Autonomous University of Madrid logo
QS World #206 #5 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Autonomous University of Madrid

Public University — The Autonomous University of Madrid, commonly known as la Autónoma, is a Spanish public university located in Madrid, Spain. The university was founded in 1968 by royal decree. UAM is widely...

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1968Founded
30,000Students
5,000International
Admissions open
#206 QS World University Rankings 2026
#5 in Spain
UC Complutense University of Madrid logo
QS World #187 #3 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Complutense University of Madrid

Public University — The Complutense University of Madrid is a public research university located in Madrid. Founded in Alcalá in 1293, it is one of the oldest operating universities in the world. It is located...

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1499Founded
86,000Students
11,000International
Admissions open
#187 QS World University Rankings 2026
#3 in Spain
IE IE University logo
QS World #438 #13 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

IE University

Private University — IE University, known in Spanish as IE Universidad or Universidad Instituto de Empresa, is a private university with campuses in Madrid and Segovia, Castile and León, Spain, that formed as an...

EUR 19,500 – EUR 26,500/yrTuition (indicative)
1973Founded
8,000Students
6,000International
Admissions open
#438 QS World University Rankings 2026
#13 in Spain

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Questions about working & jobs in Madrid

Can international students work while studying in Madrid?

Yes. International students in Spain may work part-time while studying, as long as the work does not interfere with academic obligations and fits student visa conditions.

What happens to work rights after graduation?

Graduates can apply for a non-renewable post-study work visa that lets them stay in Spain for up to one year to search for work.

Can students work full-time during breaks?

Yes. Students may work full-time during summer and holiday breaks.

Other student cities in Spain

Each one has its own guide to life, costs and working.

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