🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain · Spain's #1 technical university
Master's in Engineering
Earn a European engineering master's at Spain's leading technical university — for a fraction of private-school fees. UPM combines strong research, deep industry links and Madrid's affordable lifestyle, with a 12-month post-study permit to launch your EU career.
2 years
Full-time duration
€6,500
Tuition / year (intl.)
Sep 2026
Next intake
IELTS 6.0
English (where taught)
Overview
✓ Study at Spain's #1 technical university with deep research and industry links
✓Public-university tuition — a European master's for around €6,500/year
✓ EU degree with a 12-month post-study permit and Europe-wide mobility
UPM offers master's specialisations across mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial, telecommunications, aerospace and energy engineering. Programs are research-led and closely tied to Spanish and European industry, with labs, projects and internships built in.
The combination of low public tuition, a top technical reputation and affordable Madrid living makes UPM outstanding value. A 12-month post-study permit and EU mobility open engineering careers across the continent.
Bachelor's in engineering or a related technical field
Prerequisites
Vary by specialisation (mechanical, electrical, civil…)
English
IELTS 6.0+ for English-taught tracks
Spanish
Required only for Spanish-taught tracks
💡
Course language matters at UPM. Your counsellor confirms which English-taught engineering specialisation matches your bachelor's and career goals.
What you'll study
Example areas
01 Advanced Engineering Maths
02 Systems & Control
03 Materials / Structures
04 Energy & Sustainability
05 Specialisation Electives
06 Master's Thesis
After you graduate
Career outcomes
€30k+
Typical EU graduate engineer salary
12-month permit
Post-study job-seeking in Spain
Sectors
Energy, manufacturing, construction, tech
EU mobility
Work across the European Union
How to apply
Application timeline
Winter 2025 – spring 2026
Prepare your application
Confirm your specialisation, gather transcripts and (if needed) an English or Spanish certificate, and prepare your documents. Your counsellor reviews everything free.
Spring 2026
Submit via UPM admissions
Apply through UPM's official admissions process for your chosen master's. Deadlines vary by program — apply early for the September intake.
Spring – summer 2026
Receive your admission
UPM confirms admission and issues your acceptance letter. Your counsellor helps you finalise documents.
Summer 2026
Accept & student visa
Confirm your place, then apply for your Spanish Type D student visa with proof of funds and insurance.
September 2026
Orientation & start
Arrive in Madrid for orientation and begin your engineering master's at UPM.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & costs
Tuition (international)
Per annum (indicative)
€6,500
Total programme cost
2 years
~€13,000
Student visa fee
Type D (national)
~€80
Health insurance
Required for visa
~€50/month
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Spanish Government MAEC-AECID
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
€600–€900/month
Coverage: Living costs + tuition waiver (public unis)
Eligibility: Students from developing countries
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Typically January–March
Source: aecid.es
La Caixa Foundation Fellowship
Private foundation · Merit-based
Up to €18,000/yr
Coverage: Tuition + monthly stipend
Eligibility: Outstanding international postgraduates
Duration: 1–2 years
Deadline: Typically October–February
Source: fundacionlacaixa.org
Government Scholarships (home country)
Saudi SACM, Kuwaiti MOHE, etc.
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living expenses + flights
Eligibility: Varies by country — engineering often prioritised
Duration: Full programme
Deadline: Varies — your counsellor checks eligibility
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International postgraduate loans · No collateral
Collateral-free loans for international students at leading European universities, assessed on your future earning potential rather than a cosigner.
Work during studies
Student visa holders · Up to 30 hrs/week
With a work authorisation you may work up to 30 hours per week during study — with low tuition, part-time work goes a long way in Madrid.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Madrid
Low public tuition plus affordable living makes Madrid one of Europe's most cost-effective study destinations — sunny, safe, and well connected. Sharing a flat keeps costs down.
Rent (shared flat)€500–€800
Food & groceries€250–€350
Transport (abono joven)€8–€55
Health insurance€50
Books & supplies€40–€80
Personal & leisure€150–€300
Estimated total€1,000–€1,550/month
Student-visa financial requirement: €600/month (100% IPREM) in addition to tuition — via bank statements or a sponsor letter.
Student visa
Spanish student visa requirements
Visa type
Student Visa (Type D, national)
Acceptance letter
Admission letter from UPM
Application fee
~€80
Financial proof
€600/month (100% IPREM) + tuition
Health cover
Private health insurance required
Post-graduation
12-month job-seeking permit (modificación de residencia)
Student stories
Hear from our students
"I couldn't believe a top European engineering master's could cost so little. UPM's labs and industry projects were excellent, and with such low tuition I could focus on studying. My counsellor matched me to the right English-taught track."
HM
Hassan M.
MSc Engineering, UPM — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
"Madrid is affordable and lively, and UPM's reputation opened doors across Europe. The 12-month post-study permit let me find an engineering role in Spain after graduating."
NE
Nadia E.
MSc Engineering, UPM — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Why is UPM so much cheaper than private schools?
UPM is a public university, so international tuition is a fraction of private schools — around €6,500/year for a master's. It's also Spain's leading technical university, with strong engineering research and industry links, making it exceptional value for a European engineering degree.
Are courses taught in English?
UPM offers a growing number of English-taught master's programs, especially in engineering. Some tracks are bilingual or in Spanish, so course choice matters — your counsellor confirms which English-taught specialisation fits your background.
Can I stay and work in Spain after graduating?
Yes. Spain offers a 12-month post-study job-seeking permit that lets you stay to find work or start a business. You can also work up to 30 hours per week during study with a work authorisation. Engineering skills are in demand across the EU.
What background do I need?
You need a bachelor's in engineering or a closely related technical field, with the specific prerequisites depending on the specialisation (mechanical, electrical, civil, industrial, telecommunications, etc.). Your counsellor matches your degree to the right UPM master's.
How affordable is Madrid overall?
Very — combined with low public tuition, Madrid makes for one of Europe's most cost-effective study destinations. Budget roughly €1,000–€1,550/month for living, plus €6,500/year tuition. The student-visa requirement is €600/month (100% IPREM).
