Parent and Family Resources
Saint Louis University — Madrid offers a first-class education and a safe, nurturing, positive environment where students can discover themselves while achieving academic success and preparing for their professional future.
Academics and Accreditation
Yes. The University in Madrid is a branch campus of Saint Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. In Spain, it is recognized by the Spanish Consejería de Educación de la Comunidad de Madrid.
Saint Louis University offers more than 40 degree programs, and more than a dozen can be completed entirely in Madrid. Students can start any SLU degree program in Madrid but will need to finish at SLU's St. Louis campus or any other American university if they aren't studying one of the Madrid-based full degree programs.
Students receive an American degree from Saint Louis University. Transcripts are issued from St. Louis.
Students who have completed approximately one year of study at the university level are considered transfer students. Students who transfer to the Madrid campus are typically interested in majoring in one of the full degree programs offered in Madrid. Transfer students from other disciplines are welcome to apply, but will ultimately have to transfer to the St. Louis campus, or any other American university, to finish their degree program.
Admissions Requirements
As student applications are received from all over the world, SLU-Madrid's admission requirements are flexible enough to account for differences in secondary school educational systems.
Transfer students must submit an official transcript from all colleges or universities where they have received credit and proof of high school graduation.
Study abroad students must submit a transcript from their current university where they are studying.
No. Most classes at SLU-Madrid are taught in English, so students don't need prior knowledge of Spanish to attend. Students whose native language is not English must provide evidence of their English level by submitting a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exam before being considered for admission. Most of our students acquire a competent level of Spanish while studying in Madrid.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition is about 33 to 50 percent lower than comparable universities in the U.S.
Students can apply for on-campus Departmental Support Scholarships that help reduce tuition. These are scholarships designed to provide a form of need-based aid to students while assisting in a variety of on-campus areas and departments of the University (e.g. library, bookstore, computer labs, Campus Ministry, Student Life, Office of Admissions, etc.).
Yes. Complete the FAFSA online at StudentAid.gov. Saint Louis University's FAFSA school code is 002506.
When an undergraduate student enters Saint Louis University, he or she is reviewed for scholarship opportunities based on his/her academic merit. Students are encouraged to search for private scholarships not affiliated with Saint Louis University to help reduce their costs. Free scholarship searches are available on the web. Here are just a few sites to help you get started:
Living in Madrid
Upon arrival in Spain, all non-EU citizens who will be studying in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for a residency card issued by the Spanish authorities.
SLU-Madrid is in an ideal setting on the city's northwest side, with open views of the mountains to the north and west, a superb metro (subway) and bus access.
There are several options for housing in Madrid. We strongly encourage those seeking housing to take advantage of the University-organized host family option, in which students who wish to experience Spanish society to the fullest can be part of a Spanish household. Students can also live outside the University system in a colegio mayor (student residences) or a shared apartment.
SLU-Madrid offers to arrange housing with host families for students. If the student has specific dietary needs, we recommend choosing the kitchen-privilege option, in which he or she cooks for himself/herself. Students willing to live by themselves or with other students may choose to live in studios or shared apartments, though SLU-Madrid does not arrange this.
Not at all. Many students choose to live in other neighborhoods around Madrid. Most students will find that the city is easily navigable and that the public transport system in Madrid is clean, safe and reliable.
Most homes in European city centers are quite a bit smaller than what students in the U.S., for example, are accustomed to. However, all homes have been evaluated by our housing coordinator to ensure that students will be comfortable, and most families have hosted SLU-Madrid students for many years. Cultural immersion greatly adds to the value of studying abroad. All the students who make the effort to try to adapt to Spanish customs and learn to speak Spanish invariably find that they have a much more memorable and fulfilling experience than those who do not.
No. Public transportation is affordable, safe and efficient. Students use the bus, subway and trains to travel around the city and country.
Safety
Generally, Madrid is quite safe. Pick-pocketing and petty crime are prevalent, but violent crime is not common. Students are reminded to exercise logical precautions and generally be aware of their surroundings.
SLU-Madrid offers a welcome session to better prepare students for life in Madrid. Our Student Life staff provides students with tips on how to avoid the common pitfalls of being in new surroundings.
All newly arrived students must attend the welcome session and read both the Student Insider's Guide (PDF) and the pre-departure information. Our website's safety and security section is updated regularly with information that you and your student will find useful. Finally, students are strongly encouraged to always have their Sanitas Medical Insurance card and personal emergency protocol with them.
All SLU-Madrid registered students are automatically covered by Multi Sanitas health insurance while they are enrolled for credit. Students must visit the Office of Student Life at the start of each semester to pick up their new card. The Multi Sanitas card and a valid ID allow students to visit Sanitas network physicians free of charge. Prescriptions are not covered.
SLU-Madrid does not have a medical facility on campus. However, we can put your student in contact with an English-speaking general practitioner in the city center who can help you find the same or similar medication in Spain.
Keeping in Touch
Spanish data protection laws are very restrictive. If your child is 18 or older, SLU-Madrid cannot provide any information to anybody without their prior written consent.
Students who live with a host family arranged through the university will have wireless internet access. Keep the time difference in mind for phone calls and chat sessions. Students adapt to life abroad more successfully if contact with loved ones at home is regular without excessive, though this may be different for every student.
Students should visit our Student Life staff for assistance at the first sign of trouble or discomfort. If we cannot directly address the problem, we will refer the student to a faculty or staff member who can.
If students are out sick, they must notify their professors as soon as possible. Traveling to other European cities every weekend may have detrimental effects academically and personally. Traveling is a good idea and worthwhile, but balance and moderation are key to a successful and stress-free time abroad.