Saint Louis University-Madrid (SLU-Madrid) is the Spanish campus of Saint Louis University, a U.S.-accredited university with a long history of international education. The Madrid campus began in 1967 as a study abroad programme and has grown into a full academic centre offering U.S. undergraduate and graduate degrees in Spain. Students can complete 23 undergraduate majors and two master's degrees in Madrid, or begin one of more than 40 other SLU degree programmes in Madrid and finish at the St. Louis campus.
Popular study areas include Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering, International Business, Economics, Communication, Biology, English, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Nursing. The campus has more than 1,600 students, represents 75 nationalities, and has a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
SLU-Madrid follows the Jesuit education tradition of Saint Louis University. Its facilities include a library, STEM labs, Media Lab, classrooms, counselling services, career services, student life facilities, cafeteria and fine arts spaces. Students can study in Madrid for a full degree, transfer between Madrid and St. Louis, or join short-term study programmes.
| Intakes |
September,April |
| All Campuses |
SLU-Madrid |
| Website |
https://www.slu.edu/madrid/index.php |
| Monthly Living Cost |
€900–€1,300 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
€600 |
| Application Fees |
€225 |
| Currency |
€ |
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>International students may have work rights under Spain's student residence rules, subject to the conditions of their residence authorisation and Spanish immigration law. Students should confirm their exact work conditions with the relevant Spanish authority.</p> |
Ranking
Saint Louis University-Madrid is part of Saint Louis University, so global rankings generally apply to the university rather than to the Madrid campus as a separate institution.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: SLU-Madrid does not have a separate ranking position.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: No separate Madrid-campus position published.
- UK University League Table: Not applicable; Saint Louis University is a U.S. university.
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable; The Guardian's main university table covers UK universities.
Saint Louis University reports recognition in U.S. rankings, including a Top-50 U.S. News & World Report best-value position. Its 2026 U.S. News graduate rankings placed more than 25 graduate and professional programmes among the U.S. top 100.
English Language Requirements
SLU-Madrid accepts several English tests. The minimum score depends on whether the student enters the one-semester Bridge Program or is placed directly into ENGL 1500.
| Test |
Minimum for SLU Admission |
Direct Placement into ENGL 1500 |
| TOEFL iBT |
63 |
80 |
| IELTS |
6.0, minimum 5.0 in Reading & Writing |
6.5, minimum 6.0 in Reading & Writing |
| PTE |
50 |
54 |
| TOEFL ITP + TWE |
500 + 3.0 |
550 + 4.0 |
| Cambridge |
CAE Grade C or higher |
CPE Level C1 or higher |
| Trinity ISE |
ISE II with distinction |
ISE III with pass |
| SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing |
500 |
550 |
| ACT English Language Arts |
20 |
21 |
| IB English B |
4 |
5 |
Students who completed four years in certain English-medium educational systems can qualify for an exemption.
Scholarship Policy
SLU-Madrid offers merit scholarships and other financial aid options for eligible students.
Merit Scholarships
Eligible first-year students are automatically reviewed for merit scholarships during admission. No separate scholarship application is required for the standard merit scholarship review. Students may need SAT, ACT, IB, A-level or approved English-language results for scholarship consideration.
For Fall 2026, listed awards include:
- Borja Scholarship: €1,650 per academic year
- Javier I Scholarship: €4,600 per academic year
- Departmental Support Scholarships: Tuition discounts in return for approved campus work
- Regis 50 Scholarship: 50% of M.A. tuition
- Regis 100 Scholarship: 100% of M.A. tuition for eligible candidates
SLU-Madrid states that merit scholarships may be combined with need-based assistance or outside funding, subject to the applicable rules.
Fees & Funding
For the 2026–27 academic year, permanent full-time undergraduate tuition for 12–18 credits is €13,800 per semester, making the two-semester tuition €27,600 per academic year before other charges. Graduate tuition is €1,000 per credit.
Other listed charges can include:
- €225 non-refundable tuition confirmation fee
- €110 cafeteria fee per fall or spring semester
- Programme-specific fees for music, nursing, software and other courses
- Housing costs, if university-arranged accommodation is selected
SLU-Madrid allows eligible non-U.S. students to pay tuition in instalments.
Application Guidelines
Students generally follow these steps:
- Select a degree or programme.
- Review the academic and English-language requirements.
- Complete the SLU-Madrid application.
- Submit academic records and required test scores.
- Provide passport information and other required documents.
- Wait for the admission decision.
- Accept the offer by paying the €225 confirmation fee.
- Complete visa and pre-registration requirements if required.
Students requiring a Spanish student visa should apply early. SLU's published timeline gives April 1 as the complete application deadline for students needing a visa for Fall admission.
Common documents include academic transcripts, official test scores, passport information, English-language evidence where required and financial or visa documents for international applicants.
Apply Online
Yes.
SLU-Madrid provides an online admissions process for undergraduate applicants. Students can apply through the university's admissions system and track their application through the university portal.
Immigration Support Service
SLU-Madrid provides information and guidance for international students preparing to study in Spain. Its admissions team gives students information about Spanish student visas, required documents, housing and arrival procedures. The university's visa guidance covers passport requirements, financial evidence, Spanish health insurance, proof of housing and other documents that may be requested by the Spanish consulate.
For students staying in Spain for more than 90 days, a Spanish residence card is generally required for non-EU students. SLU-Madrid advises students to check the exact requirements with the relevant Spanish consulate.
The university's Student Life team runs orientation activities to help new students settle into Madrid and learn about campus services.
No image found!
Saint Louis University-Madrid began in 1967 as a study abroad programme created by Saint Louis University. The programme grew quickly, and Spanish and European students soon joined its liberal arts courses. SLU later developed Madrid into a permanent campus where students could complete undergraduate study in Spain. In 1990, the university purchased Padre Rubio and Padre Arrupe halls, giving the campus a permanent base. In 1996, SLU-Madrid became the first U.S. university to receive official recognition from Madrid's higher education authority. The campus later added full degree programmes, including a B.A. in Spanish.
Campus facilities expanded again in 2011 with the addition of San Ignacio Hall, which added library, cafeteria and auditorium space. In 2024, Manresa Hall opened with new classrooms, STEM and engineering labs, nursing facilities and a media lab. Today, SLU-Madrid has more than 1,200 students from over 65 countries and offers 23 undergraduate and two graduate degrees that can be completed in Madrid.
Saint Louis University-Madrid gives students access to a U.S.-accredited education in Spain. Students can complete a full degree in Madrid or combine their studies between Madrid and the main campus in St. Louis. The Madrid campus offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in computer science, data science, engineering, business, economics, psychology, communication, history, Spanish and other subjects.
The campus provides academic advising, career services, counselling, a library, computer facilities, STEM labs, nursing facilities, a media lab and student-life services. Small classes and access to faculty support are part of the academic experience. Students from more than 65 countries create an international campus community.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
SLU-Madrid operates as a campus of Saint Louis University rather than as a separate university with its own faculty structure. Its academic areas include:
- Arts and Humanities: Art History, English, History, Philosophy, Spanish and Modern Languages and Intercultural Communication.
- Business and Economics: International Business, Marketing and Economics.
- Science and Technology: Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
- Social Sciences: Communication, International Studies, Political Science and Psychology.
- Health and Exercise: Exercise Science and Nursing-related study.
- Graduate Study: M.A. in Political Science and Public Affairs and M.A. in Spanish.
Students can complete 23 undergraduate and two graduate degrees fully in Madrid. More than 40 other SLU degree programmes can be started in Madrid and completed at the St. Louis campus.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
SLU-Madrid provides university-funded financial aid to students from any country. Students may qualify for more than one type of financial support, though only one SLU merit scholarship can normally be awarded. Merit scholarships may be combined with need-based aid or outside funding.
Key options include:
- Merit Scholarships: Awards based on academic performance and admission credentials.
- Need-Based Financial Aid: Support for students who demonstrate financial need.
- Departmental Support Scholarships: Some awards provide tuition support in exchange for approved campus work.
- Graduate Scholarships: Funding options are available for eligible students in selected graduate programmes.
- Outside Funding: Students can combine eligible university aid with funding from external sources.
Students should review the current scholarship rules and deadlines with the SLU-Madrid financial aid office.
Student Accommodation
SLU-Madrid does not operate its own student residence halls and students are not required to live in university housing. The university recommends several housing options and helps students understand their choices.
One option is a host family arrangement. For the 2026–27 academic year, SLU-Madrid lists:
- Semi-independent host family: €2,950 per semester
- Half-board host family: €4,580 per semester
- Housing application fee: €200, non-refundable
These prices apply to the listed Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 periods.
Students can contact the SLU-Madrid housing team for current availability and payment details.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
SLU-Madrid does not operate its own student residence halls and students are not required to live in university housing. The university recommends several housing options and helps students understand their choices.
One option is a host family arrangement. For the 2026–27 academic year, SLU-Madrid lists:
- Semi-independent host family: €2,950 per semester
- Half-board host family: €4,580 per semester
- Housing application fee: €200, non-refundable
These prices apply to the listed Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 periods.
Students can contact the SLU-Madrid housing team for current availability and payment details.