IE University Exchange
IE University Exchange
Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Spain
GPA: 3.0
Program Overview
Study abroad as an exchange student in Madrid! In this exchange program, you will enroll directly in classes at IE University. As an exchange student, you will be able to take classes in business administration, economics, international relations, behavior and social sciences, design, computer science and artificial intelligence, communication and digital media. Classes are available in English and Spanish.
Founded in 1997, the university is a top international university in Spain. The Madrid campus is the IE Tower, a tech-based urban campus in Madrid’s financial district. IE University enrolls over 61,000 students and boasts 19 academic programs, 30 offices around the world, and 70 student clubs. The University provides unique opportunities for exchange students to take full advantage of the culture and lifestyle of Madrid with easy access to the City Center.
IE University has Counselling Services that provide services to help students deal with challenges in emotional, interpersonal, and academic/career–choice situations.
As the capital and most populous city of Spain, Madrid is a city of contrasting styles and reflects the different periods of change and development. Madrid is home to world-renowned museums, international jazz festivals, a myriad of art galleries, and is overflowing with restaurants and vibrant food markets.
Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Deadline | Arrival Date | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | 2024 | 2/1/2024 | Late August | Late December |
| Spring Semester | 2025 | 2/1/2024 | Early January | Late May |
| Academic Year | 2024-25 | 2/1/2024 | Late August | Late May |
Academic Details
The academic year at IE University is divided in two semesters. The fall semester starts at the end of September and finishes in mid-December. The spring semester starts in early January and finishes at the end of May.
Exchange students at IE University have access to a large variety of coursework available in English. Students wishing to take courses in Spanish will need to prove a minimum level B2 CEFR. UO exchange students are required to register at least 70% of their courses in their study area/major. UO students can take courses from the following study areas:
Behavior & Social Sciences
Business Administration
Communication & Digital Media
Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence
Data & Business Analytics
Design
Economics
International Relations
Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics
IE University uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. The workload for a full-time IE University student is 30 ECTS credits per semester. ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = .75 quarter credits.
Undergraduate exchange students are required to register at least 70 % of their courses in their study area/major. Students attending IE University must register for 24-30 ECTS credits per semester.
Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to IE University.
Course Equivalencies
UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.
Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.
Application process
The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.
Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements.
Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.
Housing Description
Though IE University can share some general recommendations about housing, you will be responsible for arranging your own housing. The main options that are available are student residences or apartments. You are encouraged to look for accommodation well in advance, as it can be difficult to find available housing in Madrid.
When searching for housing, it is recommended that you use a service dedicated to student housing. Beyond Campus is an exclusive platform, made by IE students, for IE students, that shows apartments and student residences near the city center and the new campus. You can browse what is available at this link.