Introduction:
Universidad Pontificia Comillas belongs to a network of more than 200 Jesuit universities in the world. It is over 100 years old, having been founded in 1890 and is one of the most prestigious private universities in Spain. Over 2000 students visit every year for academic exchanges, double degrees, or to study in their programs and make up a large part of their almost 12,000 students.
Disclaimer:
Due to the continued impact of COVID-19, applicants should be aware that changes to academic calendars may occur with little or no notice. Students are encouraged to either wait to book travel or book travel that allows for changes with no financial penalty.
Applicants should also be aware that processing of visas may be impacted or halted by specific countries. Failure to secure the necessary visa may result in inability to participate in this program.
Participants on this program may be required to self-quarantine prior to the start of their program for a specified period of time. Students are responsible for arranging (logistics and financial) their travel appropriately to ensure self-quarantine is completed prior to the start of the program.
Located in the political, financial and cultural heart of Madrid, it offers students a marvelous opportunity for personal, professional and social development.
Students should have a intermediate knowledge of Spanish, since most classes are taught in Spanish, unless they are following a study plan in English.
There are two campuses where our students would take courses, the Alberto Aguilera campus, where the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (ICADE) and ICAI School of Engineering are located, or the Campus Comillas Cantoblanco, where the Faculties of Theology, Humanities and Social Sciences are located.
The Cantoblanco campus is about 45-60 minutes from the Alberto Aguilera campus by public transportation at a distance of about 13 miles.
Both campuses accessible by public transportation
Academics:
Students will take courses within one Faculty only. There is not an opportunity to mix and match. Acceptance is based on the students major here at UM, however there are opportunities to take elective courses and not focus on major courses.
The four faculties at Comillas are:
- ICAI School of Engineering
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (ICADE)
- Faculty of Law (ICADE)
Students can access their website
here to view course offerings, keeping in mind that they may be updated from time to time.
Grading Scale:
Professors at Spanish universities rarely award a 10; students generally receive grades between 6-8. Spanish universities can be severe in their grading in comparison to the US.
| Scale |
Grade Description |
U.S. Grade Equivalent |
| |
Matricula de Honor (With Honors) |
A |
| 9-10 |
Sobresaliente (Outstanding) |
A |
| 8-8.9 |
|
A- |
| 7-7.9 |
Notable (Notable) |
B+ |
| 6-6.9 |
|
B |
| 5.5-5.9 |
Aprobado (Pass) |
B- |
| 5-5.4 |
|
C |
| 4-4.9 |
Suspenso (Failure) |
F |
Credit Equivalency:
1 ECTS Credit = .5 UM credita
Prerequisites: Intermediate Spanish language is recommended as most courses are offered in Spanish.
Program Dates:
First Semester/Fall: September - December
Second Semester/Spring: January - May
Housing:
Universidad Pontificia Comillas does not have its own on-campus or off-campus accommodations. The
Information and Accommodation Office will work to help students search for accommodation.
Comillas has worked closely with the following, and often there may be discounts available for Comillas students:
Off-campus housing resources:
The following resources are not affiliated with the University of Miami but are options that exist if you’d like to research further.
- Livensa Living: Student Accommodation company with locations in west Madrid and Getafe (near UC3M) – rooms come furnished, private kitchen and bathroom and you can choose between different studio types
- CityLife Madrid: Provides free and paid services to identify housing options
- DoveVivo: Short-term rentals (amenities included in rent) located throughout the city
Required Health Coverage:
Health insurance coverage is necessary for all students in Spain but more so for international students, who apply for a student visa, as you will be asked to provide this during the visa application process.
Passport Requirements:
In order to go abroad, you must have a valid passport that will not expire during your time abroad or within 6 months upon your return.
Visa Requirements:
It is up to you to consult the Embassy of Spain in your country of origin to determine your visa requirements.
An official letter of acceptance from your host institution is required to apply for your student visa. You must wait until within 90 days of your start date to apply.
Next Steps:
Serious applicants should plan to submit a complete, well thought out, and comprehensive application. In the required essay, please focus on sharing your academic, personal and professional goals and how admission to Comillas will help you achieve them.
Students who submit a complete application by the deadline will be granted an interview. Qualified candidates will be nominated to Comillas,however Comillas will make the final admission decision. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Participation in the program cannot be guaranteed as there may be a limit on the number of students we can send to Comillas in a particular semester. Please ensure that you think critically about your second choice option when completing this portion of your online application.
