Small Campus, Big Opportunities: Studying in English at Nebrija University

If you’re considering studying abroad in Spain, Nebrija University in Madrid might just be the international experience you’re looking for. In this article, we break down the key highlights from our March 2025 Global College Spotlight webinar to help you explore Nebrija’s academic programs, student life, and admissions process without needing to watch the full video.

A City-Centered Campus Experience

Located in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Madrid, Nebrija University offers a unique combination of academic excellence, international exposure, and hands-on learning. With four campuses—three situated in the heart of Madrid and one nestled just outside the city—students benefit from both a bustling urban environment and serene study spaces. The Princesa campus, for instance, is just a 10-minute walk from Plaza de España and housed in a beautiful historic building that seamlessly blends tradition with modern academic facilities. The newly launched Francisco de Vitoria campus is dedicated to arts and communication, while Dehesa de la Villa serves as the hub for health sciences and offers a shuttle bus for student convenience. The Berzosa campus, located slightly outside the city, completes the university’s campus network. You can explore Nebrija’s campuses in detail here.

Academic Programs with a Global Lens

What makes Nebrija stand out among other Spanish universities is its commitment to personalized education. With around 3,000 undergraduate students and a total student body of about 13,000, the university ensures small class sizes and meaningful interaction between students and faculty. This personalized approach is paired with a clear emphasis on internationalization and practical experience. The university currently offers five full undergraduate degrees entirely in English: International Business & Economics, Business Creation, Administration & Management, Tourism, International Relations, and Modern Languages. Two more programs—Architecture and Mechanical Engineering—are set to launch in English by September 2026.

In addition to its English-taught programs, Nebrija offers double-degree options that allow students to combine two related fields of study over five years, such as Business and Law. Master’s degrees are also available in areas such as bilingual teaching, business management, and the MBA, some of which are taught in English. Notably, Law and Architecture are the only undergraduate programs also available online, though students must come to campus for exams twice a year.

Not ready for a degree yet – Consider Nebrija University’s Bridge Year

If you’re not quite ready to start your undergraduate degree in Spanish, Nebrija also offers a Bridge Year focused on language development. It also makes for the perfect Gap Year experience. Students with at least an A2 level in Spanish can strengthen their language skills and participate in cultural activities to prepare for future academic work in Spanish.

Recognition and Quality

Recognition for Nebrija’s academic quality is well documented. The university holds five QS Stars in areas such as Teaching, Internationalization, Employability, Online Learning, and Inclusivity. It ranks among the top five private universities in Spain, and boasts a 91% employability rate for undergraduate students and 93% for graduate students.

Real-World Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning is at the heart of Nebrija’s academic philosophy. All undergraduate students must complete a mandatory three-month internship in their final year. Nebrija’s career services office actively supports students in securing placements in Spain or abroad. The university even accommodates student-sourced internships and has over 400 global academic partnerships. Students can spend a semester or full year at partner universities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Most students take advantage of this during their third year when they are more academically and personally prepared./

A Welcoming Student Life – Housing Options & More

Outside the classroom, Nebrija fosters a vibrant student life. Residence options include four residence halls and various host family arrangements, most located within walking distance of the city campuses. Each residence offers private rooms, meal plans, gyms, study lounges, and recreation areas, ensuring students feel at home. Clubs and extracurriculars such as the International Club, Cinema Club, and Sports Club help students connect and build community – particularly valuable for international students adjusting to a new environment.

Tuition and Financial Planning

For those planning financially, tuition ranges by program. As of 2025, humanities and social sciences degrees typically cost between €7,000 and €13,000 per year, while programs like Law, Engineering, or Medicine can go up to €19,000. The average tuition falls between €12,000 and €15,000 annually. Payment plans are available, and students who pay upfront may receive a discount. Scholarships are also offered for academic excellence and to students from large families.

Admissions and Other Requirements

Nebrija’s admissions process is holistic and accessible. Applicants don’t need SAT or ACT scores. Instead, they complete an application, submit a motivation letter, take a psychometric test (covering language, logic, and soft skills), and attend a Zoom or Teams interview with a program director. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is recommended, but the university considers other strengths if a student’s academic record is not ideal.

Health insurance is a visa requirement for non-EU students, and Nebrija advises securing Spanish-based insurance, which is both comprehensive and cost-effective. Companies like Sanitas and Adeslas offer coverage for around €400 per year, significantly less than U.S.-based plans.

A Closer Look at Nebrija’s International Relations Degree

Finally, Nebrija’s International Relations degree deserves a special mention. It blends global affairs, business, law, and even a touch of psychology. Internships may include placements in institutions such as the European Commission in Brussels, or within international departments of companies in Madrid. The program is taught in English and draws students from Spain and all over the world.

Whether you’re seeking a full degree in English, immersive cultural exchange, or personalized academic support, Nebrija University offers a well-rounded, globally focused education in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Learn more about Universidad Nebrija here or watch our Global College Spotlight webinar below instead.

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