Madrid Universities Program (MUP)
Madrid, Spain
In the heart of Spain’s capital, the Madrid Universities Program (MUP) offers Reed students and guest students from US partner institutions the opportunity to study at two leading universities in Spain: the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) and the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M). Both universities offer a broad range of disciplines that cover many majors at Reed, with courses available in both English and Spanish. MUP gives students significant flexibility in their studies and encourages a strong sense of independence.
Through robust agreements with our partner universities in Madrid, Reed continues its commitment to rigorous academic practice, critical thought, and creativity. The program has a Director based in Madrid and an Assistant Director for Reed in Spain who supports the Madrid site throughout the year. Students receive ongoing guidance from the moment they apply, through academic advising and all orientation sessions, to an end of term closing meeting designed to help them reconnect with Reed and guest students’ home schools after studying abroad. Students in Madrid also enjoy a calendar of activities that include cultural events, excursions in the Madrid region, and several overnight trips to other parts of Spain.
MUP is also an exchange program. Students from UAM and UC3M are able to study at Reed and are invited to participate in cultural and social activities in Madrid before they depart, helping to build a sense of community between students in both cities.
Track 1 (Spanish Immersion Program): Students take a full course load taught in Spanish.
Track 2 (English Program): Students take direct enrolment courses taught in English, as well as a mandatory Spanish language course.
Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester
Type of Program: Exchange
Languages of Instruction: Spanish, Spanish
Language Prerequisite: No
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 4 courses
- Units recorded in: ECTS credits
- Conversion to Reed units: 6 ECTS = 1 Reed unit
- Grading system: 0-10/0-100
- GPA Requirement: Contact IPO Director
- Credits: 24-30 ECTS
- Other requirements: Exchange Institutions. Reed students must be nominated by the International Programs Office (IPO).
Application
Application Deadline: Fall/AY: March 15 | Spring: Oct 15 (Guest student nominations: Fall/AY: March 7 | Spring: Oct 7)
Reed Student Program Application
Guest Student Program Application
Housing:
Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family, Independent Housing
The program advises on housing, which is not provided directly through the program. Reed partners in Madrid offer MUP students on-campus residence halls options. Food is not included in any of the housing options.
Immigration
Visa Deadlines and Requirements:
Students must apply for a single semester or for a full school year visa. Students should be aware that they are two different processes. The first step is to ensure students have a valid passport as early as possible. Reed students will apply through the Spanish Consulate in San Francisco, which operates a mail-in program. This can still take a few months, so students should be aware of this. Once accepted into the program, students will have a first advising meeting with the program coordinators which will include visa advising.
New EU Travel Requirements: Expected to start in 2026, US citizens and those of many other countries are required to get the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering 30 different European countries. This is a quick process that will stay valid for three years, or until the person's passport expires. Check the ETIAS website for up-to-date information.
Financial
Cost to attend:
Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.
Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.
Guest students from Reed's US partners must check with their study abroad office about the program fees to participate at BUP.