Complutense University of Madrid (UCM) is Spain’s largest and most comprehensive national autonomous university, and one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Europe. Copy Universidad Complutense de Madrid Título. Officially founded in 1499, its origins can be traced back to the “Université de la Complução” (Université General of Alcalá) established in 1293 by King Sancho IV of Castile. Its motto is “Libertas Perfundet Omnia Luce” (Liberty shines on all things). Currently, it has two main campuses, Moncloa and Somosaguas, with over 90,000 students.
A Long History and Academic Heritage UCM’s predecessor was the University of Alcalá. After moving to Madrid in 1836, it was renamed the “Université Central de Madrid,” until 1970 when it reverted to its ancient Latin name, “Complutense.” Throughout its illustrious history, UCM has not only been a major center of Spanish-language scholarship but also published the famous *Multilingual Bible* in 1517, one of the greatest works of the Renaissance, establishing its prominent position in European academia.
Academic Strength and Campus Resources
As a recognized top public university in Spain, UCM ranked 171st in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. The university covers four major fields: humanities, natural sciences, health sciences, and social sciences. Its programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, journalism, and Spanish language and literature are renowned globally. Its library system is the largest in Spain, boasting over 2 million volumes and the largest film collection in Europe.
Distinguished Alumni Network
UCM has produced numerous masters and leaders, including seven Nobel laureates. Nobel laureates in Literature (Camilo José Cela), Medicine (Santiago Ramón-Cajal), and King Juan Carlos I of Spain are all alumni. Furthermore, it has hosted lectures by academic luminaries such as Albert Einstein and is known as the “cradle of Spanish politicians” due to its profound influence on Spain’s Silver Age and the process of political democratization.
