- Students per class: 15,4
- 15 student/teacher Ratio
- Internships carried out by 100% of our students
- 600+ hours of mandatory internship
- International students from 35+ countries
- 95% employability rate
- 60% of International Faculty
- 100% in English
CIS University Endicott International
Introduction
CIS University, an American University in Madrid, was founded in 1981. It is in the very heart of Madrid in one of the loveliest parts of the city. Our building is easily accessible and in an extremely safe area. We take great pride in offering students an American higher education, especially characterized by the practical methodological approach.
CIS University is an uncommonly tight-knit learning community, which is often described as “like a big family.” Administrators and professors do everything they can to ensure that our students are comfortable as we guide them through what will ultimately be one of the biggest events of their lives in an exceedingly international setting — in many cases in a foreign country. Every member of our staff and faculty at CIS University has lived or studied abroad, so we understand the needs of our non-Spanish students who make Madrid their temporary home, as well as the needs of our Spanish students who will ultimately finish up their bachelor’s degree elsewhere.
American System Advantages
The American Higher Education System has been implemented around the world with some of the best, and most successful models on the planet.
The principal advantages of the “American System” are as follows:
- Lower risk of academic failure. Since young people seldom know with 100% certainty what they want to be doing ten years from now, students are not required to be locked into an area of study, in some cases, as early as their sophomore year of high school. Students are not even required to definitively choose upon beginning college. Students are encouraged to choose a focus or major, but certainly not penalized should they change their mind during the first two years of their studies, which mostly involve general education requirements that are nearly universal for all degree programs. By year three, students are required to decide, but then again, students in year three are typically in a better position to make such a determination.
- It is very easy to change degree programs because the general courses that are required in all majors offered at CIS University remain consistent whether a student is studying business or journalism. Likewise, should a student change from business to journalism, the business courses satisfy the free electives included in general coursework. This truly is the most flexible system in the world, and we believe young students need time and freedom to discover who they are instead of being academically locked into something they could one day regret and resent.
- The credit system is consistent among American Colleges and Universities around the world, so transferring is also relatively simple.
- Students organize and design their course schedules under the supervision and guidance of our experienced deans.
- It is based more on the practical application of concepts than theory. We profoundly believe that students learn better by actually doing what they are studying than they do by simply attempting to memorize data. The data is important, but there needs to be a less abstract way of thinking about it to make sure the information is truly learned.
- There are weekly assignments, so studying is done daily as opposed to cramming at the end of the semester for exams. Developing study skills in such a way tends to become a lifelong asset.
- Continuous evaluation favors consistency and encourages students to do their best even if they perform worse than expected on an exam or project since they have a multitude of opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and ability.
- Students are motivated by many short-term goals, as well as by being largely responsible for their study schedule and workload.
Academic Partner: Endicott College
Since 1995, CIS University has worked closely with our academic partner, Endicott College in Boston (MA). A partnership that allows students enrolled at CIS University to receive Endicott College credits.
Upon completion of their first two years at CIS University, students have the opportunity to complete their last two years with us in Madrid or apply for a transfer to Endicott College (our sister Campus), or to any American university in the world.
Accreditation
In 1995, CIS University and Endicott College entered into an affiliation agreement whereby CIS University students receive Endicott College credits, which can be transferred to any US college or university.
Endicott College (Massachusetts, USA) is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
CIS University is authorized by the Community of Madrid as a foreign university in Spain (BOCM number 81, April 6th, 1998, and BOCM number 134, June, 7th, 2019).
Statistics
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Admissions
Admission requirements
- Complete the application form online.
- Academic transcript: File containing the grades from your last four years.
- Letter of recommendation from your college/high school.
- Photocopy of National ID Document (DNI) or passport.
- Essay Personal Statement: A writing in English of 500–650 words explaining why you believe you are a good candidate.
- Online payment of the Admission Fee.
Personal interviews & admission exams
Your interview will allow you to meet with a member of the Admissions Committee and the Student Dean so we can learn more about your interests, motivations, and extracurricular skills. Our goal in interviews is to undertake reflective evaluations that are respectful of each student.
Admission tests to CIS University consist of two parts:
Part 1: English exam. The English exam comprises an oral test with a teacher from the university and a written test (grammar, vocabulary, and development). It is an eliminatory test.
Part 2: Mathematics test. You are consisting of 21 test-type exercises. The mathematics test is not eliminatory. It helps us to assess your level and include you in the appropriate subject if you commence your studies at CIS University.
Students who do not live in Madrid and cannot take the tests in person will be allowed to sit them remotely.
Admission and course scheduling
Once the Admissions Committee has assessed your application, if you are successful, you will receive a letter of acceptance.
Once enrolled, you can meet the Student Dean to choose your courses and plan your first academic year.
Scholarships and Funding
At CIS University, we bet heavily on the future. We know every student’s story is different, which is precisely why we have always strived to make our school as accessible as possible through scholarships designed to help families and offer opportunities to more students.
This application process is very competitive as we receive many requests from highly qualified students. It is therefore imperative that applications be submitted as early as possible.
Students who start their university degree at CIS University (new students) may apply for scholarships upon receiving an admission letter from the Admissions Department. Should the scholarship application be accepted, potential students will have a maximum period of 10 days to complete official registration at CIS University.
Only fully completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Applications are considered throughout the year on a rolling basis and reviewed in the order of reception.
General Requirements
- Applicants must be admitted as a student.
- Submit the requested documentation:
- Fully completed scholarship application form.
- Essay explaining the reasons behind the scholarship application.
- Be a full-time student (Fall and Spring).
- Meet the requirements of the requested scholarship.
- Not to be the beneficiary of any other type of aid destined for the same purpose.
Types of scholarships
Work Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for undergraduate students who want to collaborate with the different departments of the University. It is a great opportunity to combine your university studies with your first steps in the work world.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a CIS University student or have completed the admission process and been admitted.
The number of work scholarships is limited to the number of positions that need to be filled at the University.
Once the scholarship is granted, the student will be informed about the work to be done, as well as the number of working hours required.
- Maximum scholarship: €2,400 per academic year
- The total amount of the scholarship will be discounted proportionally from each academic semester.
- Minimum average grade (GPA) 2.4 (or equivalent).
Academic Scholarship
At CIS University, we reward the effort and dedication given by our students. The academic scholarship is intended for undergraduate students with a good academic record. In addition, students who receive this scholarship will have the opportunity to be part of our social projects. We will request you to carry out volunteer work and collaborate, when required, in acts and events organized by the International Studies Foundation, the NGO Cruzada por los Niños, and the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation (CIS University Corporate Social Responsibility).
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a CIS University student or have completed the admission process and been admitted.
- Maximum scholarship: €6,000 per academic year
- The total amount of the scholarship will be discounted proportionally from each academic semester.
- Minimum average grade (GPA) 2.8 (or equivalent).
Presidential Scholarship
At CIS University we reward excellence and dedication. The presidential scholarship is intended for undergraduate students with an extraordinary academic record and with concerns beyond academics in social areas, entrepreneurship, and innovation. In addition, students who receive this scholarship will have the opportunity to be part of our social projects. We will request you to carry out volunteer work and collaborate, when required, in acts and events organized by the International Studies Foundation, the NGO Cruzada por los Niños, and the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation (CIS University Corporate Social Responsibility).
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a CIS University student or have completed the admission process and been admitted.
- Maximum scholarship: €9,100 per academic year
- The total amount of the scholarship will be discounted proportionally from each academic semester.
- Minimum average grade (GPA) 3.8 (or equivalent).
Elite Talent Scholarship
At CIS University, we support the talent and dedication of young people who play a sport at a high-competitive level. The Elite Talent Scholarship is intended for high-performance, accredited athletes with a good academic record.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must be a CIS University student or have completed the admission process and been admitted.
- Maximum scholarship: €9,100 per academic year
- The total amount of the scholarship will be discounted proportionally from each academic semester.
- Minimum average grade (GPA) 3.5 (or equivalent).
- Submit a High-Performance Sports Program certificate (except for Elite Soccer University Program students).
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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