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3 Best Universities in Madrid

Complutense University of Madrid leads the 3 universities in Madrid at #187 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by Autonomous University of Madrid (QS World #206) and IE University (QS World #438). Across the whole list there are 30 courses to choose from.

3 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
2Top pick
UA Autonomous University of Madrid logo
QS World #206 #5 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Autonomous University of Madrid

Public University · 0 courses

No course listed yet for this search — see the university's full profile.

EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1968Founded
30,000Students
5,000International
Admissions open
#206 QS World University Rankings 2026
#5 in Spain
3Top pick
IE IE University logo
QS World #438 #13 in Spain Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

IE University

Private University · 29 courses

All 29 courses →
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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in Spain

How these universities are ranked

3 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #187 (Complutense University of Madrid) to #438 (IE University); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Autonomous University of Madrid is cited most (10,083,001 citations).

Public, private and where they are

2 are public and 1 private (67% public). By location, Community of Madrid (3) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Complutense University of Madrid, founded in 1499. Complutense University of Madrid is the largest, with 86,000 students.

What the courses look like

By level: 21 master's, 2 bachelor's, 2 phd / doctorate and 2 professional. The most common subjects are Business & Management (11), Business Administration (MBA) (5), Real Estate (3) and Arts, Design & Architecture (3). The usual length is 15 months and 6 months. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (91% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (36% of courses with a stated intake). IE University offers the widest choice, with 29 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 3 of these universities. Complutense University of Madrid is the least expensive at USD 3,000 a year and IE University the most at USD 25,000; the middle of the range is about USD 3,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in Madrid?

Complutense University of Madrid (QS World #187), Autonomous University of Madrid (QS World #206) and IE University (QS World #438) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university in Madrid?

Of those with published fees, Complutense University of Madrid is the least expensive at about USD 3,000 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many universities in Madrid are public?

2 public and 1 private universities are on this list.

How long does a course take in Madrid?

Most listed courses run 15 months, with 6 months the next most common.

When do courses start in Madrid?

Fall is the main intake — 91% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most courses in Madrid?

IE University, with 29, ahead of Complutense University of Madrid (1).

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