FAQs
DEGREES AND PROGRAMS
What’s the difference between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree?
A Bachelor’s Degree is a four-year accredited undergraduate program totaling 126 credits. Equivalent to a university degree in Spain, it equips students with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to become competitive professionals in their field.
An Associate Degree is a two-year program consisting of 65 credits. It provides students with foundational knowledge and skills to enter the workforce. The curriculum includes general education courses, electives, and major-specific courses. While it offers direct career opportunities, many students pursue an Associate Degree intending to transfer to another university to complete their Bachelor’s Degree.
What Bachelor Degree programs can I study at CIS University?
Our students can complete a full four-year undergraduate education in Madrid and earn the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communication and Advertising, or Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
Are all programs at CIS University taught in English?
Yes. As an American university, all our degrees and academic programs are taught entirely in English.
How long do the programs last?
A Bachelor’s Degree takes 4 years, while an Associate Degree only takes 2 years.
Are CIS University degrees accredited?
Yes. CIS University is authorized by the Community of Madrid as a foreign university in Spain (B.O.C.M. No. 81, April 6, 1998, and B.O.C.M. No. 134, June 7, 2019). Moreover, thanks to our partnership with Endicott College, degrees are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
What career opportunities are available with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management?
Graduates with this degree can pursue a wide range of professional roles in the business world, such as: CEO, Business Consultant or Advisor, CFO, Human Resources Director, Sales Director, Market Analyst, Account Executive, Product Manager, Financial Analyst, Accountant, Broker, and many more.
What career opportunities are available with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communication and Advertising?
This degree offers a variety of career opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles such as Marketing Director, Sales Manager, Market Analyst, Brand Manager, Customer Relations Analyst, Account Director, Product Manager, Communications Director, Advertising Director, Content Creator, among others.
What career opportunities are available with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies?
Graduates can find positions in NGOs, foundations, humanitarian aid, or within local and international government agencies. Some potential roles include: Human Rights Specialist, Diplomat, Government Social Research Officer, Humanitarian Aid Worker, Political Risk Analyst, Public Affairs Consultant, Foreign Affairs Specialist, International Organization Representative, and many others.
Does CIS University offer athletic programs?
Yes, CIS University offers high-performance athletic programs that allow students to pursue their academic goals while maintaining their passion for sports. Our Athletics Department is dedicated to supporting student-athletes in balancing their studies with training.
Currently, we offer three athletic programs: the Elite Soccer University Program, the Elite Basketball University Program, and the Student Athlete Placement Program, which assists athletes in other sports, including equestrian, golf, tennis, hockey, and more.
ADMISSIONS
What are the steps to complete the admissions process?
The admissions process for studying at CIS University includes the following steps:
1- Complete the online Admission Form.
2- Submit the required documents:
-Academic transcripts (grades from the last four years).
-Letter of Recommendation from your school, institute, or previous university (only required for transfer students).
-Copy of a valid ID or Passport.
-Personal Statement Essay (a 500–650-word essay in English explaining why you believe you’re a strong candidate).
-Payment of the non-refundable Admissions Fee (€100).
3- Personal interview.
4- Admissions exams, which include an English proficiency test (eliminatory) and a math placement test.
For additional information, please visit the admissions section of our website.
Is there a deadline to apply to CIS University?
We open applications each October for the following academic year. Admissions remain open until all spots are filled.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement to get into CIS University?
CIS University does not have a fixed GPA or cutoff score. We evaluate each application individually, considering academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and admission exam results.
What do the admissions exams consist of?
The admissions exams include:
–Personal interview to assess your profile and motivation based on your chosen program.
–Math test (non-eliminatory) to evaluate your level in areas like calculus, algebra, logical reasoning, and problem-solving.
–English test (eliminatory), both oral and written, to ensure you’re prepared to study in English without academic difficulty.
You don’t need to prepare in advance for these exams.
Do you offer Campus Open House Day?
No, we do not organize Open House events. At CIS University, we believe in a personalized approach. From your first visit, we ensure each family receives individual attention tailored to the student’s specific needs, both during the information session and the campus tour.
How do I schedule a campus visit or information session?
Campus visits are available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
To ensure personalized attention, we recommend booking your visit in advance. To schedule, call us at +34 915 636 740 or email [email protected]. We’ll be happy to welcome you!
Do I need to take the Spanish university entrance exam (EVAU/Selectividad) to study at CIS University?
No. CIS University follows an American educational model and does not require the Spanish university entrance exam. Instead, students must complete our internal admissions process and entrance exams.
I’m studying under a non-Spanish educational system. Can I apply?
Yes. We welcome students from various educational systems, both Spanish and international. Visit our website to see the required documents based on your specific education system.
If your system isn’t listed, contact our admissions team for a personalized review: [email protected].
What level of English is required to study at CIS University?
All applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.
You can submit official test scores during the application process. Additionally, we assess your level through our English test and personal interview.
Is there an admissions fee?
Yes. There is a non-refundable admissions fee of €100 for all applicants.
Do I need to pay the admissions fee when submitting the application form?
No, you can submit the form and pay the fee later. However, we cannot evaluate your application until the fee is received, along with the other required documents.
Once you’ve submitted your form, your assigned admissions counselor will let you know which documents are still pending for your application to be reviewed.
You do not need to resubmit the form to pay the fee. You can do it here.
What if I don’t have my official transcript yet because the academic year hasn’t ended?
You can submit your current transcript showing the grades available so far. Once your school or university issues the final official transcript, they must send it to us. This is mandatory.
Transfer students must also submit their university transcript so we can review course equivalencies for credit transfer.
Is an essay or resume required for admission?
Submitting a resume (CV) is optional, but if you include one, it will be reviewed as part of your application. However, an Essay Personal Statement (500–650 words in English) is mandatory. This essay should explain why you believe you’re a strong candidate for CIS University.
How do I submit the required documents for the application?
You don’t need to include all documents when submitting the online form. Once the form is submitted, you can email any missing documents directly to your assigned admissions officer as they become available.
They will guide you through every step of the process.
Will I receive an acceptance letter after submitting my application?
Once you’ve completed all steps of the admissions process, your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If accepted, you’ll receive an official acceptance letter.
How long does it take to receive a decision after completing the admissions process?
The Admissions Committee reviews completed applications within 7 business days, though most students receive a decision in under 4 days.
How do I schedule the admissions exams?
After you submit your application form, your designated admissions representative will contact you via email to schedule a date for the exams.
Exams are held in person, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last session starts at 3:00 PM). Students living outside Madrid may take the exams online during the same hours.
For any questions, contact [email protected].
How do I reserve my spot?
After receiving your acceptance letter, you have 10 business days to pay the enrollment fee. Once we receive the payment, your spot will be secured.
If the fee is not paid within the deadline, your spot may no longer be guaranteed, even if you were previously admitted.
After payment, we’ll send you:
-Your Educational Services Contract, which must be signed and returned.
-Detailed tuition and fee information.
Once this is complete, your enrollment will be confirmed.
What if I want to transfer from my current university to CIS University?
If you’re transferring from another university, follow these steps:
1- Complete the online Admission Form.
2- Submit the required documents:
-Academic transcripts from the last four years.
-Your university transcript, which we’ll use to assess potential credit transfers.
-Letter of recommendation from your current university (optional but recommended).
-Copy of a valid ID or Passport.
-Personal Statement Essay (a 500–650-word essay in English explaining why you believe you’re a strong candidate).
-Payment of the non-refundable Admissions Fee (€100).
3- Personal interview.
4- Admissions exams, which include an English proficiency test (eliminatory) and a math placement test.
Will my courses transfer if I come from another university?
CIS University recognizes and transfers courses that:
-Are officially accredited.
-Have been passed with at least a minimum passing grade.
-Match the content and structure of our academic curriculum.
-Are equivalent to 3 American credits per course.
We’ll conduct a preliminary credit transfer evaluation and send it to you to assist with your decision.
TUITION FEES
Is the enrollment fee paid annually or only upon entering the University?
The enrollment fee is paid annually. It’s a once-a-year payment that reserves your seat.
Final admission depends on completing the application process, which includes meeting the academic requirements set by CIS University and paying the enrollment fee to guarantee the student’s intent to join.
The enrollment fee is non-refundable.
What payment options are available?
Tuition fees can be paid in three different ways:
• Advance payment of course
This option is only available if payment is made before July 25 prior to the start of the academic year. A 3% discount is applied to academic fees (advance payment of semester option). This option is only available to students enrolling in the Fall Semester.
• Advance payment of semester
Tuition is paid in three installments: Fall (September), Spring (January), and Summer (May).
• Monthly Payment
This option is not available to international students, especially those required to have a visa. Tuition is paid in 10 monthly installments (from September to June), and includes a 3% surcharge on the advance payment of the semester option.
You can find full tuition fee details for each academic year on our Tuition Fees page.
When should I make my first payment?
Your first payment will depend on the payment plan you choose:
Advance payment of the full course: Must be completed before July 25 prior to the start of the academic year.
Advance payment per semester: Full semester payment is due by:
>Without visa requirement:
Fall Semester – by September 1
Spring Semester – by January 1
Summer Course – by May 1
>With visa requirement:
Fall Semester – by July 31
Spring Semester – by November 30
Summer Course – by March 30
Monthly Payment Plan: 10 monthly payments are made from September through June, between the 1st and 5th of each month.
Students admitted after the above deadlines must pay both the enrollment fee and the semester tuition fees within 10 days of receiving the official admission letter.
If I choose the monthly plan, do I make 10 payments?
Yes. Under the monthly payment plan, tuition fees are paid in 10 installments, from September through June, between the 1st and 5th of each month during the academic year.
This payment option is not available for international students.
I would like to pay for the entire academic year, but what happens to the Summer Course payment if I decide not to take it? Are the funds transferred to the Fall semester, or do I lose them?
If you choose the annual payment plan and later decide not to take the Summer Course, the corresponding amount is not lost. The funds will be credited toward the next semester or academic year. The same applies if changes are made to your course load during the year.
In any case, our Academic Department will review your academic plan with you before any decisions are made, in order to evaluate the importance of the courses.
For more details, please refer to our refund policy for the corresponding academic year.
Can I use 529 Plan or FAFSA funds to pay for tuition at CIS University?
As a general rule, universities located outside the United States are not authorized to receive funds from programs like the 529 Plan or FAFSA. Both programs maintain a list of approved and registered U.S.-based institutions.
I am an international student. When can I request my official enrollment certificate from CIS University for my visa application?
International students who require a visa may request the official enrollment certificate after completing the payment of both the enrollment fee and the corresponding semester tuition.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Is there a scholarship program available?
Yes. CIS University offers several internal scholarships to support students in accessing quality education. If you’re interested, you can explore the available options here.
When should I apply for a scholarship?
The CIS University Scholarship Program is open year-round.
Students who are beginning their studies at CIS University (new students) may apply for a scholarship after receiving their admission letter, through the Admissions Department. Once a scholarship has been awarded, students will have up to 10 business days to confirm their enrollment at CIS University by paying the enrollment fee.
Current students who have not previously applied for a scholarship may submit their application at any time.
How long does it take to receive a scholarship decision?
Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee in the order they are received. All required documentation must be submitted for the application to be considered.
Newly admitted students will receive a decision within 15 days. Current students will receive a decision at the end of each academic semester.
What are the requirements to apply for a scholarship?
To be eligible for a scholarship at CIS University, you must meet the following requirements:
>Be an admitted (new) or enrolled (current) student at CIS University.
>Submit all required documents:
-Completed scholarship application form.
-Personal essay explaining the reasons for requesting a scholarship.
>Be enrolled as a full-time student (Fall and Spring).
>Meet the specific eligibility criteria for the scholarship you are applying for.
>Not be receiving any other form of aid for the same purpose.
>Meet the financial requirements set by CIS University.
What should I include in my scholarship essay?
Your essay should clearly explain why you are requesting a scholarship, including financial, academic, family, and/or personal reasons that justify your need for support. We recommend being honest and specific, and highlighting how this financial aid will help you grow personally, academically, and professionally.
How does a scholarship affect the cost of tuition?
Scholarship discounts are applied proportionally based on the amount awarded and the number of credits you are enrolled in each term: 40% toward Fall tuition, 40% toward Spring tuition, and 20% toward the Summer Course.
If I choose not to take the Summer Course, what happens to the portion of my scholarship allocated to it?
Students who do not take the Summer Course are not eligible for the portion of the scholarship assigned to that term, as no tuition fees are generated. Scholarship amounts are not transferable or cumulative across terms.
How many scholarships can I apply for?
You may apply to as many scholarships as you wish, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each one. The Scholarship Committee will review your application carefully and match you with the most suitable scholarship. They base their decision on available funding, your academic and personal profile, and demonstrated financial need.
Keep in mind that scholarships at CIS University cannot be combined; students may only receive one scholarship at a time.
I’ve been admitted and awarded a scholarship. What do I need to do to secure it?
To confirm your scholarship and your place in the program, you must complete your enrollment within 10 business days from the date the scholarship is awarded. If you had already completed your enrollment before receiving the scholarship, no further action is required.
Can I combine scholarships and discounts?
Discounts cannot be combined, but they are compatible with scholarships. If you receive a scholarship, the discount will be applied to the remaining balance after the scholarship has been deducted from the total tuition.
The scholarship I received was not what I expected. What can I do?
If the scholarship you received was lower than expected, it may be because you applied with a GPA below the required minimum, or because limited funds were available at the time of your application.
In either case, you may request a scholarship increase for the following semester. Your request will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee.
ACADEMICS
When does the academic year begin?
At CIS University, the academic year is divided into two semesters: the Fall Semester (September to December) and the Spring Semester (January to May). We also offer a Summer Session that takes place in May and June.
For exact dates, please refer to our Academic Calendar.
What courses does CIS University offer?
You can check out the full list of available courses here.
Does CIS University offer activities outside of class?
Yes, CIS University offers a variety of extracurricular activities to enrich students’ academic and personal experiences outside the classroom. You can explore them here.
Does the university provide any academic support services?
Yes. In addition to extracurricular activities, our Student Support Program offers personalized academic assistance through a variety of initiatives.
How many mandatory internships do I need to complete?
At CIS University, we understand how important internships are for academic and professional development. That’s why all of our academic programs include two mandatory internship periods.
The first internship takes place during the Sophomore year (second year), requiring a minimum of 120 hours of professional experience.
The second internship is completed in the Fall semester of the Senior year (fourth year), during which students work full-time throughout the semester to build the skills needed for the professional world.
When can I start doing internships?
The curriculum includes two mandatory internship periods: one in the Sophomore year and another in the Senior year, ensuring a gradual and enriching professional experience.
However, students can also take on optional extracurricular internships at any point during their studies, provided they receive approval from the academic department based on academic performance.
Who is responsible for arranging internships, the student or the university?
Internships can be fully arranged through our Internship Department, which guides and supports students throughout the process. Alternatively, students may find their own internships.
If a student arranges their own internship, they must contact the Internship Department ([email protected]) to ensure the company meets all university requirements.
When can I request to transfer to another university?
You may request a transfer at any time. However, if you’re planning to complete your degree at another university, we recommend the 2+2 program, which allows you to earn an Associate Degree after two years and typically aligns with the maximum number of transferable credits.
Is class attendance mandatory?
Yes, attendance is mandatory at CIS University. Our learning model is hands-on and interactive, so regular attendance is essential for academic success.
Students may have up to three absences per semester before it starts to affect their final grade.
Also, punctuality is critical. Arriving more than 10 minutes late counts as an absence.
What happens if I drop or withdraw a course?
You can check the academic calendar for the official drop and withdraw deadlines.
The impact of dropping a course depends on when it is done, so we recommend contacting the Academic Department to discuss your situation and explain the possible implications.
You can also refer to the tuition and fees page for information on the refund policy that applies for the academic year.
STUDENT LIFE
Does CIS University have student housing?
No, CIS University does not have its own residence hall, but it has a Housing Department that helps students find accommodation during their stay in Madrid.
We have partnerships with nearby residences halls, host families, and apartments to fit different budgets and needs.
You can check out all available housing options here.
What will my first day as a new student at CIS University be like?
Before classes start, you will attend orientation sessions , tailored for either national (local) or international students. These sessions are designed to help you get started at the university and, in some cases, adjust to a new city like Madrid.
During orientation, you will meet your fellow first-year students, explore Madrid, and get familiar with the American university methodology, as well as with CIS University and its extracurricular activities, clubs, coaching, and support services available to you.
After orientation, you will begin your classes with the schedule and courses assigned by the academic department. You will also become part of a community of professors, students, and staff who will be there to help you at any time.
Does the University offer activities outside the classroom?
Yes, CIS University offers a range of activities where students can apply what they’ve learned and make the most of their university experience. You can check out our extracurricular activities here.
Does the University offer academic support workshops to boost academic performance?
CIS University offers the Student Support Program to provide personalized academic assistance. View the program here.
What does Madrid have to offer?
Madrid welcomes thousands of international students each year, thanks to its outstanding educational opportunities, which include some of the best educational institutions in the world. The city combines an excellent quality of life with a rich culinary, cultural, and leisure scene, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for students seeking a full academic and cultural experience. But that’s not all, there are many more reasons to study in Madrid. Discover them here.
CIS University
How does the American education system work?
The American education system is known for its great flexibility and student-centered approach. Here are some of its main advantages:
• Students can choose a major before beginning their degree, but it’s also perfectly acceptable to decide during the first two years. Those two initial years are mostly made up of general education courses, which all students are required to take. This, in addition to generally allowing greater flexibility, also makes the process of transferring to a different university or changing majors much simpler if necessary.
• Evaluation is an ongoing process throughout every semester. Written exams typically count for no more than 20% of the final grade. The course methodology involves the practical application of concepts, and professors take the day-to-day work of each student into account while grading.
For more details, we invite you to check out this document, where we explain the advantages of the American education system in depth.
What’s the difference between the 2+2 Program and the 4-Year Program?
Our 4-Year Programs allow students to complete their entire undergraduate degree (Bachelor’s) in Madrid, earning a fully accredited American degree.
Meanwhile, our 2+2 Programs (Associate Degree) enable students to study for the first two years at our Madrid campus, giving them time to adjust to the American academic system. After that, they can transfer to CIS University, Endicott College, or any accredited American university worldwide to complete their Bachelor’s degree.
At CIS University, we offer fully American undergraduate programs (Bachelor’s and Associate degrees) in fields such as Business, Communication, Marketing, Advertising, International Relations, and Humanities. All programs are taught entirely in English.
What is Endicott College, and its relationship with CIS University?
In 1995, CIS University and Endicott College signed an academic partnership agreement that allows all CIS University students to graduate with an official American Bachelor’s Degree.
As a result of this agreement, CIS University became Endicott College’s sister Campus, providing students the opportunity to pursue an American degree right here in Spain.
Is CIS University accredited in both the U.S. and Spain?
CIS University is a foreign university in Spain, officially authorized by the Community of Madrid (B.O.C.M. No. 81, April 6, 1998, and B.O.C.M. No. 134, June 7, 2019).
This means that while our degrees are not governed by the Spanish education system, they are highly respected and internationally recognized.
All academic credits at CIS University are awarded by Endicott College, which is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
What’s the maximum number of students per class?
All of our classes have fewer than 30 students, with an average class size of only 16.1 students. This low student-to-faculty ratio fosters close interaction between students and professors, greatly enriching the learning experience.
Does CIS University have a Corporate Social Responsibility?
Yes. At CIS University, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of our identity, reflecting the humanistic values we stand for. Through our two foundations and NGO, the CIS University educational group leads over 10 international projects focused on education, human rights, and social development.
These projects are run in collaboration with organizations such as the Real Madrid Foundation, the U.S. Embassy in Spain and Andorra, International Finance Bank, the Consulate General of Miami in Spain, and many others.
