ENGR Exchange: Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (Spain)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
The mission of Carlos III University of Madrid is to contribute to the improvement of society through teaching of the highest quality and cutting-edge research in line with stringent international guidelines. The University aspires to excellence in all its activities, with the aim of becoming one of the best universities in Europe. Within the public service framework of higher education, the University strives to promote the development of all those individuals who form part of the University community. The values of merit, ability, efficiency, transparency, fairness, equality and respect for the environment guide all of its activities.

Host City
Studying in Madrid offers you a wide range of cultural, athletic and leisure activities. In addition to getting a quality education at a prestigious university, Madrid is a welcoming city that very easily allows you to turn your university stay into an unforgettable experience. It is one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, which helps attract students from all over the world. About 30% of students admitted each year come from other regions in Spain. The capital has a rich historic, artistic and cultural heritage; it is home to some of the best art museums in the world. Additionally, the Madrid Community region includes historic municipalities such as Alcala de Henares, Aranjuez, and El Escorial, and it is in close proximity to the monumental cities of Segovia and Toledo.

The UC3M campuses, located in Getafe, Leganes and Colmenarejo, are very well connected to the city centre by public transport.

Madrid also provides opportunities to watch and participate in many athletic activities, including winter sports as there are several ski resorts in the Madrid Community region. Below you can find further information about the University, as well as the athletic and leisure possibilities you’ll be able to enjoy both on and off campus.

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
• You must be an ENGR major

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

Courses are taught in both English and Spanish.

The Language Center provides semester Spanish courses for international students who wish to learn Spanish or improve their knowledge at Leganes campus. These 40 hour courses will take place from mid February until the end of April. 

Disciplines available:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Energy Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). 

• If you are interested in taking an engineering course not listed in the SACD, please submit an engineering course evaluation request.
• If you are interested in taking a non-engineering course not listed in the SACD,  please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.

 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at  Universidad Carlos III de Madrid will be converted as follows:

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Credits	UMD Credits
.667 Credits	1 UMD Credits
6 Credits	4 UMD Credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on March 27, 2014.

Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
 

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Grade	UMD Grade
5 or "E"	C -

Students needing to take extraordinary exams at Carlos III may be required to remain within or return to Spain during June.

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Students have the option of staying in a shared flat with other students, or an individual flat. There are a number of housing providers available in Madrid. We recommend using one of the following services:

• LodgerIn
• Aluni
• Yugo

These companies have been vetted by University of Maryland staff and are legitimate housing organizations with a physical presence in Madrid. You may also consider options recommended by the UC3M international office.

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Students participating in a BMGT or ENGR exchange program are not charged differential tuition. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

The Clark School of Engineering provides additional services to engineering students studying abroad in Madrid to support our students during their time abroad. This includes support from the in-country program director, 24/7 emergency support, cultural activities, an overnight group trip to Sevilla (or similar location), optional day trips, group meals, and a pre-arrival orientation. The cost for this service is:

Fall '23: $675
Spring '24: $675

This fee will be billed to your UMD account.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
There are a wide range of clubs and groups on campus, including outdoor clubs, special interest clubs, and international student groups. In addition, there are a number of sport and fitness activities which are open to exchange students for a small fee.

International Welcome/Orientation
To prepare new exchange students for their studies at Carlos III, you are invited to participate in the Welcome Day organized before the beginning of each semester.  In addition to Welcome Day, there is a Buddy Program for interested students.

Counseling & Health Services
If you feel homesick or need support, Carlos III offers confidential psychological and pedagogical support. 
 

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