Complutense University of Madrid - International partnership programme for student exchange

UCM International Partnership Exchange

You will spend a semester at a partner university abroad, and in some cases even a whole academic year. You will not pay any tuition fees whilst there and will receive a scholarship from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Some host universities also provide their own funding. The exact amount per person depends on the relevant annual call for applications. The partner universities are located in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North America, the Middle East and Oceania. The credits earned abroad will count towards your degree at UCM. The programme is run by the UCM Office of International Relations.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are enrolled at the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) for the current academic year.
• Level: You are a Bachelor’s (Grado), Master’s or PhD student.
• Credits so far: If you are a Bachelor’s student, you must have earned at least 60 ECTS credits at the time of application.
• Field of study: All faculties and all departments are eligible to apply.
• Nationality: Any nationality is acceptable as long as you are a student at UCM.
• Course load abroad: You must take at least 18 ECTS credits per semester at the host university.
• Exchange limit: You have not yet taken part in more than three exchange programmes funded by the UCM International Office.
• One choice: You may apply to only one target university per application round.

The selection process takes into account your grade point average, the relevance of your planned study abroad programme to your degree programme, your CV and your proficiency in the language of the host university. Preference will be given to Master’s students who have completed their Bachelor’s degree at UCM, as well as to students who have not yet received an exchange scholarship.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online via UCM’s MoveOn platform during the application period, which usually begins in October or November. The application deadline is 14 March. A selection panel will then make a decision, and the results will be announced around 30 May.

How realistic are your chances?

As only UCM students are eligible to apply, the pool of applicants is limited to a single university. Places are allocated regardless of faculty or degree programme. If your grades are good, your planned modules are relevant to your degree programme and you have the necessary language skills for your chosen destination country, your chances are good. Choosing a less popular destination and fully meeting the academic requirements are advantageous, particularly if you have not yet taken up an exchange scholarship.