Schiller International University is a private American university with a long history of international education. Founded in 1964, it opened its Madrid campus in 1967. The university now operates campuses in Madrid, Paris, Heidelberg and Tampa, giving students opportunities for international study and campus mobility. Schiller holds U.S. institutional accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and its Madrid campus is recognised by the Community of Madrid.
The Madrid campus offers bachelor's and master's programmes in areas such as International Business, Computer Science, International Relations and Diplomacy, International Marketing, International Hospitality and Tourism Management, Business Analytics, Data Science, Global Finance and Sustainability Management. Several programmes offer dual-degree options, giving students an opportunity to study across Schiller campuses or through partner arrangements.
The Madrid campus has around 3,000 m² of learning space with technology-supported classrooms and facilities. Its location at Paseo de Recoletos 35 gives students access to public transport and central Madrid. The university has a strong international focus, with students from many countries and a study model built around cross-cultural learning.
| Intakes |
September,February |
| All Campuses |
Madrid, Spain; Paris, France; Heidelberg, Germany; Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Website |
https://www.schiller.edu/ |
| Monthly Living Cost |
€1,255 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa |
€600 |
| Application Fees |
|
| Currency |
€ |
| Is Lang Mendatory |
Yes |
| Part Time Work Details |
<p>Non-EU students studying in Spain may work under the conditions attached to their student residence authorisation and Spanish immigration rules. Schiller provides information on working while studying in Spain.</p> |
Ranking
Schiller International University does not currently have a published position in the main global ranking tables requested.
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings: Not ranked
- QS World University Rankings by Subject: Not ranked
- UK University League Table: Not applicable
- The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable
The university's current academic recognition is based on accreditation and institutional recognition rather than a position in these league tables. Schiller is accredited by ACCSC and its Madrid campus is recognised by the Community of Madrid.
English Language Requirements
Schiller accepts several English-language tests. Current admission requirements include:
| English Test |
Minimum Undergraduate Score |
Minimum Graduate Score |
| IELTS |
5.5 |
6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT |
51 |
67 |
| TOEIC |
650 |
700 |
| Duolingo English Test |
95 |
105 |
| PTE |
GSE 46 |
GSE 52 |
| Cambridge FCE |
Grade B/B2 or higher |
Grade B/B2 or higher |
| Oxford ELLT |
OIDI Level 5 |
OIDI Level 6 |
| MBA IELTS |
— |
6.5 |
English proof may be waived for students who completed secondary or higher education in English, subject to Schiller's rules.
Scholarship Policy
Schiller offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The main Global Citizen Scholarship can provide funding of up to 35% for visa students applying to the Madrid campus in 2026. Students who do not require a visa may qualify for up to 50%, subject to the scholarship rules.
Other available options include:
- Global Citizen Scholarship: Based on academic achievement, leadership or exceptional talent.
- Early Bird Scholarship: An additional 10% for eligible students who meet the stated early-payment deadlines.
- Full-Year Commitment Scholarship: An additional 5% for eligible students who pay the full year's tuition upfront.
- Programme scholarships: Available for selected undergraduate and graduate programmes.
Scholarship places are limited. Applicants should request an eligibility review from Schiller before making payment.
Fees & Funding
For the Madrid campus, the published 2026 fee schedule lists the following tuition fees:
| Programme |
Duration |
Tuition Fee |
| BSc International Business |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| BSc Computer Science |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| BA International Relations & Diplomacy |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| BSc International Hospitality & Tourism Management |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| BSc International Marketing |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| BSc Business Analytics |
4 years |
€15,420/year |
| MBA |
12 months |
€16,560 |
| MBA International Business |
15 months |
€20,700 |
| MSc Sustainability Management – UNITAR |
12 months |
€16,500 |
| MSc Data Science |
12 months |
€16,500 |
| MSc Digital Marketing & E-commerce |
12 months |
€16,560 |
| MSc Global Finance |
12 months |
€16,560 |
| MA International Relations & Diplomacy – UNITAR |
12 months |
€16,560 |
Tuition includes books and materials, integrated language classes, personal development seminars and selected student activities. Accommodation, visa costs, travel and other personal expenses are separate.
Schiller accepts payment by bank transfer, credit card and Flywire. Eligible students may use scholarship and approved payment arrangements to manage tuition costs.
Application Guidelines
Students can apply by following these steps:
- Select a programme and Madrid intake.
- Check the academic and English-language requirements.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit academic records and identification documents.
- Provide English test results where required.
- Submit the signed enrolment agreement.
- Pay the required application or reservation amount.
- Receive the admission decision.
- Complete the Spanish student-visa process if required.
For undergraduate admission, applicants need proof of completion of secondary education equivalent to an American high school diploma. Graduate applicants need an appropriate bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Typical documents include academic certificates and transcripts, passport or official identification, English-language evidence, the signed enrolment agreement and financial documents for visa purposes.
Schiller recommends that international students who need a visa apply well ahead of the intended start date.
Apply Online
Yes.
Schiller International University provides an online application process for international applicants. Students can submit their application and supporting information online before travelling to Madrid.
Immigration Support Service
Schiller provides information and guidance for international students applying for a Spanish Type D student visa. Its Spain visa guidance covers the admission letter, tuition payment, financial proof, health insurance and other documents needed for the visa process.
For 2026, Spanish authorities require the main student to show financial means of at least €600 per month. If family members accompany the student, extra funds are required.
Students must have health insurance that meets Spanish government and consulate requirements. Schiller's Madrid campus states that students need their own health and accident insurance and that the coverage must meet Spanish requirements.
The Madrid campus can guide students with housing information and arrival preparation. Its student resources include accommodation guidance and information about local housing providers.
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Schiller International University began in 1964, when Walter Leibrecht founded Schiller College at Kleiningersheim Castle near Stuttgart, Germany. The institution started with a focus on international education and study-abroad opportunities. In 1967, Schiller opened campuses in Madrid and Paris, expanding its European presence. The German campus later moved to Heidelberg in 1969, giving students access to a major European research and technology centre. In 1981, Schiller College became Schiller International University and introduced its first MBA programme. The university received U.S. accreditation in 1983 and later expanded to Tampa, Florida, in 1991.
Today, Schiller has campuses in Madrid, Paris, Heidelberg and Tampa and serves students from more than 130 nationalities. Its programmes focus on international business, technology, international relations, sustainability and related fields. Students can study at different Schiller campuses and may have access to dual-degree programmes through partner universities.
Schiller International University is a good option for students who want an English-language education with an international focus. The Madrid campus offers bachelor's and master's programmes in business, technology, international relations and sustainability. Students can study in a multicultural setting and may have opportunities to move between Schiller campuses in Europe and the United States. The Madrid campus has around 3,000 m² of learning space, smart classrooms, library resources, a student lounge, a Digital Learning Hub and a UEX Room with tools such as 3D printers, VR equipment, podcast facilities and interactive boards.
The university reports more than 20,000 alumni from over 130 nationalities. Its faculty includes lecturers with backgrounds in business, economics, computer science, international relations, marketing, finance, hospitality and sustainability.
Schools, Faculties, and Institutions
Faculties
Schiller's academic structure is centred on several main study areas:
- International Business: International Business, International Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Business Analytics and related business programmes.
- Tech & Data: Computer Science, Business Analytics and Data Science.
- International Relations: International Relations and Diplomacy at bachelor's and master's level.
- Sustainability: Sustainability Management at master's level.
- Graduate Business: MBA and MBA in International Business.
The Madrid campus currently lists bachelor's programmes in International Relations and Diplomacy, International Business, International Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Marketing, Computer Science and Business Analytics. Master's options include International Relations and Diplomacy, MBA, Sustainability Management, Data Science, Digital Marketing and E-Commerce, Global Finance and MBA in International Business.
Schiller has faculty members based in Madrid in areas such as economics, finance, international relations, computer science, hospitality, sustainability and business.
Institutes
Scholarships, Bursaries, and Funding
Schiller provides several scholarship options for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Global Citizen Scholarship: Up to 35% for students who require a visa and apply to Madrid in 2026. Students who do not require a visa may qualify for up to 50%, subject to the scholarship rules.
- Early Bird Scholarship: An additional 10% may be available when eligible students complete payment by the stated deadline.
- Full-Year Commitment Scholarship: An additional 5% may be available to eligible students who pay the full year's tuition in advance.
- Merit-based support: Scholarships are linked to academic achievement, leadership and exceptional talent in areas such as arts, sports and science.
Scholarship places are limited. Students should check their eligibility with the university before making payment.
Student Accommodation
Schiller's Madrid campus does not operate a traditional university-owned residence hall listed on its current campus information. The university provides accommodation guidance for students coming to Madrid.
Schiller estimates €750 per month for housing in Madrid. Its current cost estimate puts total monthly student expenses at about €1,255, including housing, food, transport, telephone, personal expenses and study materials.
Students should confirm current housing availability, contract terms, deposits and utility charges before choosing accommodation.
Off-Campus Student Accommodations
Students can choose private accommodation in Madrid, including shared apartments, private rooms and student residences. The Madrid campus is located at Paseo de Recoletos 35, with access to Metro and other public transport services.
Private housing gives students more choice over location, room type and monthly budget. Areas with good transport links can make travel to campus easier. Students should compare rent, deposit, bills, contract length and travel time before signing a housing agreement. Schiller's estimated Madrid housing cost of €750 per month can be used as a basic planning figure.