Erasmus in Madrid: Housing, Health Insurance, TIE and Cost of Living
Madrid is one of the most popular Erasmus destinations in Spain. Here's which universities receive the most international students, where to live and at what price, and how much you need to budget per month.
Universities with the most Erasmus students in Madrid
Madrid has the largest concentration of universities in Spain, both public and private, and several of them have a strong tradition of hosting international students:
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) — the largest in Spain, with programmes in practically every field.
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) — a strong research tradition and much of its programme already oriented towards internationalisation.
- Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) — one of the public universities with the most subjects and programmes taught in English in the country.
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) — a leading engineering university, with numerous European technical agreements.
- Several private universities in Madrid (IE University, Universidad Europea, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, among others) have programmes specifically designed in English to attract international students, both exchange and full-degree.
You can compare the full profile of each university — entry grade, price and career outcomes for each degree — in Vocaria's search by the Community of Madrid.
Where to live and at what price
Accommodation is usually the biggest expense in Madrid. As a general industry reference (not an official statistic), a room in a shared flat runs between 500 and 900 euros a month, depending on the area and room size.
The areas most sought after by students are those closest to university campuses:
- Moncloa-Aravaca: next to the Complutense and Politécnica campuses, this is the quintessential university area, with many flats shared between students — also among the most expensive due to high demand.
- Argüelles and Chamberí: central, well connected, with a good student atmosphere and prices somewhat above average.
- Carabanchel, Vallecas or Tetuán: more affordable rents, in exchange for longer commutes by metro or bus to campus.
Besides shared flats, colegios mayores and university halls of residence are another common option, with prices that usually include meals and often organised social activities — highly valued by those arriving without knowing anyone in the city, though it's worth applying early since places fill up.
TIE, NIE and health insurance in Madrid
The stay paperwork is the same across Spain, it doesn't change specifically for Madrid, but it's worth being clear on it before arriving:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: no visa needed. If the stay exceeds three months, it's worth applying for the NIE at the immigration office or police station corresponding to the district where you register your address.
- Students from outside the EU: if the stay exceeds 6 months, they need the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). Appointments are booked online through the National Police's electronic office — in Madrid, given the volume of applications, it's worth booking well in advance, as available slots fill up quickly.
- Health insurance: the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU students under the public healthcare system; those who aren't from the EU, or who stay more than 90 days, need full private health insurance, with no copayments or waiting periods.
Full details on deadlines, forms and fees are in the general Erasmus in Spain guide.
Rough monthly budget
Adding up accommodation, food and transport, a reasonable monthly budget in Madrid is around 900 to 1,300 euros, depending on the type of accommodation chosen and lifestyle. Madrid's public transport (Metro and EMT) has a discounted youth pass for under-26s, usually the most economical way to get around the city if you don't live within walking distance of campus.
Rough figures based on student accommodation platforms (2026), not an official statistic — treat them as a reference, not a fixed price.
Compare universities in Madrid and across Spain — entry grades, price and career outcomes — at Vocaria →
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Madrid as an Erasmus student?
A rough monthly budget is around 900-1,300 euros including accommodation, food and transport, though it varies a lot by neighbourhood and type of accommodation: a room in a shared flat runs from 500 to 900 euros a month.
Which Madrid universities receive the most Erasmus students?
Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid are the public universities with the most agreements and international students, alongside several private universities with English-taught programmes.
Where is it cheaper to live in Madrid as a student?
Neighbourhoods a bit further from the centre, such as Carabanchel, Vallecas or Tetuán, usually have lower rents than central university areas like Moncloa or Argüelles, in exchange for longer commutes by metro or bus to campus.