Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

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Universidad Francisco de Vitoria

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria | Madrid, Spain

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria (UFV) is a private, non-profit Catholic university located in metropolitan Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1993, it has since become a fast-growing institution of higher education with a student body of over 4,300 undergraduate students and 4,000 postgraduate students. Located just 15 min outside of Madrid’s city center, UFV offers courses in business, finance, communication, marketing, hospitality, and Spanish language. At UFV you can choose to stay in a dorm, student apartment, or home stay with a local family. The university also provides a buddy program to help students integrate into student life and life in Madrid.

Mercer Application Deadlines:

This exchange does not offer a fall only option

October 1 (Spring)
March 1 (Academic Year)

Location: Madrid, Spain

Requirements: In order to attend an Exchange Study Abroad Program, students must have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

All students participating in Spanish exchanges are highly encouraged to purchase a supplemental health insurance policy through a Spanish health insurance company. As a part of the visa application process, students are required to show proof of health insurance, and policies procured through non-Spanish health insurance companies are more likely to be rejected. You can find a list of appropriate policies here.

All students participating in Spanish exchanges are highly encouraged to complete their partner institution applications as soon as they are available, due to the requirements for securing a Spanish visa appointment. Students who do not complete their applications as early as possible may not be able to secure a Spanish visa appointment in time for them to receive their visa before their program’s departure date.

All students participating in Spanish exchanges are required to travel in-person to the Consulate of Spain in Miami for their visa appointments. Students will have to make their own travel arrangements for this requirement.

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

UFV ACADEMIC CALENDAR

SEMESTER / PROGRAM DATES
Academic Year: early September – early May
Semester 2 (Spring): late January – early May

UFV APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Academic Year: 23 May
Semester 2 (Spring): 31 October

MERCER APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR EXCHANGE
Academic Year: 01 March (online applications)
Semester 2 (Spring): 01 October (online application)

To see a list of English and Spanish courses offered at UFV, please click here: UFV 24-25 Academic Offer

Please note that programs cannot be mixed. Students must register in courses belonging to their specific area of study. Changes may occur at the beginning of each semester.

Intensive Spanish Language Course
This course is designed for students who wish to improve their language skills before beginning the semester. It takes place prior to the start of each semester and offers in-class instruction as well as numerous visits to historic and cultural sites in and round Madrid. Moreover, students can receive ECTS for this course. Definitely a perfect way to kick-start your stay abroad!

Dates: August, January and June.
Duration: 2 weeks.
Number of hours: 40h of face-to-face clases and 20h of personal work.
The course is divided into two sections:

Language and Communication.
Spanish Culture and Civilization:
1. Spanish Golden Age Literature.
2. Multiculturalism in Spain.
3. Contemporary Spain.
4. Spanish Artistic Manifestations in Context.
5. Panorama of Spain within the Context of the European Union.

As part of this course, students participate in a series of four cultural activities, including guided visits to several museums and places of historic and cultural interest in Madrid.

Guided visit of the Habsburgs’ Madrid.
Prado Museum.
Reina Sofía Museum.
Royal Palace.

Semester-long Spanish Course
International students can also take advantage of free semester-long Spanish courses (with ECTS
credits). These classes are held twice a week for 90 minutes and cover all aspects, from grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation to oral and written communication. Students are divided into groups according to their individual levels

The UFV does not have a housing service. However, the International Relations Office has useful information that could help you to locate housing. The most economical option is to rent a flat shared with other students (between 500- and 700-euros excluding expenses – water, electricity, etc.). The options are diverse: single rooms with or without ensuite bathroom, full-floor rental, families, student residences, etc.

Our recommendation is to contact Citylife Madrid that will help you in everything related to your stay, even before arriving in Madrid (accommodation, bank account, transportation, mobile hiring, Internet, etc.)

Before signing a contract, check what expenses are included (heating, water, telephone, electricity, community, etc.). Normally the community and heating costs are included, whereas the cost of electricity, telephone and water will be paid by the renter. Always sign a lease that describes these conditions including whether a previous deposit is required or not.

The UFV recommends renting through specialized agencies who charge a small commission but guarantee you the security of having a signed contract and be able to claim in case of any problems.

The best areas for students are Argüelles, Moncloa, Alonso Martínez, Gran Vía, Bilbao and the surrounding areas. The areas of Aluche and Plaza de Castilla are also very well connected with the university

Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Tuition (Mercer): $21,006
Study Abroad Fee: $75
Mercer Technology and Facility Fee: $150

Billable Total: $21,231

Non-Billable Amounts:

Rates based on 2024-2025 academic year rates for one semester

Flight: $1,500
Housing: $3,300
Personal Expenses: $2,500
- including meals and groceries as UFV does not offer a meal plan for on-campus dorms

Non-Billable Total: $7,300

Total: $28,621

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Emily Dunn, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at dunn_ea@mercer.edu.

Applicable Financial Aid:

All Federal and State Loans
All Federal Grants (including Pell)
All Georgia State Scholarships and Grants (Hope, Zell)
All Mercer Scholarships and Grants

Our office highly recommends working with your financial aid officer before attending any study abroad program to understand how much of your current aid package is applicable to your chosen program. You can make an appointment with your officer here: Contact Us – Student Financial Planning (mercer.edu)