Madrid Campus: FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

about the Madrid Campus

What is the Accreditation of Schiller International University ?

Schiller International University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools [ACICS] to award Associate, Bachelor and Master degrees. ACICS is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The address of ACICS is 750 First Street, NE, Suite 980, Washington, DC 20002 – 4221. Telephone: (202) 336-6780. The University is licensed by the Florida State Commission for Independent Education (CIE) to award Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degrees. The address of the CIE is Commission for Independent Education, 325 West Gained Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399. Telephone: (850) 245-3200. Toll Free (US) (888) 244-6684.

Its accreditation of degree-granting institutions is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Schiller is an American university that offers American degree programs - at the Associates, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels – at Madrid and its other European campuses in Heidelberg and Paris as well as its main campus in Largo [Tampa], Florida. The language of instruction is English.

From the ACICS website [www.acics.org]: Founded in 1912, ACICS is the largest national accrediting organization of degree-granting institutions in the United States. We accredit professional, technical and occupational programs, and are one of two national accreditors recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation with a scope that includes private postsecondary institutions offering certificates, diplomas and degrees from the Associate’s through the Master’s.

In Spain, Schiller International University is recognized by the Consejería de Educación de la Comunidadd de Madrid (local higher education authorities.

What is a Course in the Schiller academic system ?

Typically in the American definition, a ‘Course’ is one subject, for example Economics or Statistics, or Accounting, etc. A ‘Class’ is one of the multiple sessions offered in the Course. For example, an Accounting Course would include 15 classes [sessions]. The ‘Program’ usually refers to the entire degree program.

For example, a Bachelor degree program would include 40 Courses [40 different subjects]. While this is not always the case at every institution, these are the definitions typically used in Schiller International University and many other American universities. These terms sometimes differ in usage from those in other English-speaking countries, where a Course might be defined as the entire ‘degree program’ or a ‘class’ may be defined as a ‘course’ in some countries.

One of the notable features of the Schiller academic model is that the University operates on a four-month semester or term basis, but within the student’s semester they will take four one-month university courses. That is, students will study four different subjects in a semester, one ‘course’ each month, which will involve focused interaction between the students and their teacher. This allows to the student to focus intently on the assigned course each month.

What number courses/credits are required to complete a program ?

Note: This information is provided as a general guide only. Individual circumstances may vary depending on the student’s previous studies or on the program selected. All interested applicants are encouraged to speak with an Admissions Representative for further information.

Undergraduate students typically require 120 credits (40 courses) in order to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Each course typically earns 3 credit hours or ‘credits’ toward the completion of the degree program.

Graduate Students typically require 36 credits up to 45 (12 to 15 courses) for a specialization in International Business. Some MBA programs may require the student to take additional /preparatory courses. Please, Consult an Admissions Representative for details.

Students whose prior credits from other universities or schools are eligible and approved for ‘credit transfer’ have the potential to complete their degree program faster at Schiller. Transferring credits to Schiller International University and completing the university’s ‘residency requirements’ are subject to the university’s policies. Please, Consult an Admissions Representative for more information.

Please, find all details concering the programs on the Schiller catalog

What is the enrollment process ?

Students are required to enroll in and pay for at least one full semester [four consecutive months]. However, with the Schiller academic model, students may begin their first semester during the beginning of any calendar month, in accordance with the university’s academic calendar and policies. Subject to the academic criteria and university policies, some students may be eligible to take an additional course within the semester, allowing them to accelerate the completion of their degree program. The European campuses also have a Summer Enrollment Period when students may elect to continue their studies uninterrupted throughout the year, or take some of the summer months off, subject to the university’s policies for the Summer Enrollment Period.

What are the start dates and Deadlines for Admission ?

As noted, students may begin their studies at the beginning of any calendar month. But all tuition and fees must be paid in full a mimimum of one week before the first start of class [start of the course during that semester or month, as relevant]. With our academic model that allows a student to begin in any month throughout the year, students do not have to delay their educational goals or wait for a traditional ‘September intake’ to begin at Schiller. In today’s competitive, fast-pace world, we feel this is an advantage for serious students who want to obtain their education but also advance their career goals and get into the workplace as soon as possible.

However, even if there are no deadlines for admission, we recommend students who require visas to apply at least 3-4 months before their desired start date, or perhaps longer for some European campuses.

How much are the Tuition Fees ?

Please refer to the Tuition & Fees Schedule on the Madrid website herein. We also encourage every applicant to review the information provided in this section or better, consult an Admissions Representative to discuss your situation or answer any questions you may have. We will be pleased to help you.

What about Scholarships & Financial Aid ?

New, first-time applicants to Schiller International University in Madrid may be eligible for a potential European Scholarship. For more information on this, please review the Admissions Section on the Madrid website or speak to an Admissions Representative for more details.

US citizens may be eligible for US financial aid support. Please contact Schiller International University’s Financial Aid office located at the main campus in Largo, Florida. www.schiller.edu

What are the Admission Requirements ?

Please refer to the Admissions section on the Madrid website for details. Or speak with an Admissions Representative.

Does Schiller have other campuses worldwide ?

Yes, Schiller International University is present in the USA and Europe (Madrid, Paris, and Heidelberg ). Here are all our locations.

What are the minimum required score for TOEFL /IELTS ?

All non native English speakers applicants are required to take an English exam, the TOEFL/IELTS (that is less than 2 years old).

The results of TOEFL/IELTS score must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Centre to the MADRID Campus prior to Registration. SIU’s TOEFL number is 0835.

This requirement can be satisfied with a minimum score of:

TOEFL: min. score of 500 written version, 173 computer based version / 61 Internet based version

IELTS: min. score of 5.5 bands

What about housing and living expenses ?

Please refer to the ‘Life in Madrid’ section on the Madrid website for details.

Where to send your documents ?

Applicants students must send:

a completed and signed Application File to the SIU Madrid campus , to the Attention of the Admissions Office:

Schiller International University

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

Calle Serrano, 156

28002 Madrid

Spain

The official transcripts (grades) must be sent directly , by courier or by post, in a sealed envelope, from the academic institution(s) to the SIU MADRID Admission office.

The TOEFL/IELTS must be sent directly from the Testing Center to SIU Florida (SIU’s TOEFL school number is 0835).

How to send your Application Fee ?

You can send your Application Fee by Credit Card, Bank wire or checks (if issued in Spain only). Theses fees are non refundable.

When to apply ?

Since Schiller International University operates on a monthly academic calendar, we have monthly intakes and there is no deadline for admission. However, we recommend students who require visas to apply at least four (4) months before their start date , the beginning of the term for which they wish to enroll, as the visa process for Spain can take time.

What are the terms of enrollment ?

Students must enroll forand pay for the full semester [also called a 'Term', which includes four consecutive months] and may begin their studies at the beginning of any term or month, which usually coincides with the first week of each month. Please see the Madrid Academic Calendar and speak with an Admissions Representative to confirm the start dates each month. Please also note that althougth the Schiller academic model is based on four, one-month Courses [subjects] in each semester, if a student drops or leaves during the semester the full semester’s tuition and fees will be charged, in accordance with the university’s policies.

When will I get an answer ?

Applicants will be advised of their acceptance status soon after the receipt of their file (including official transcripts). Typically this will occur with 3 – 5 business days after receipts of their file. Once accepted for enrollment, the admissions office will process your file and send you, by email and by post, an official Letter of Acceptance.

When do I have to pay for the tuition fees ?

Tuition fees must be paid in full no later than one week before registration and start of classes.

Can I visit the Campus ?

Yes, of course. We are pleased to welcome you at any time of your convenience at the Madrid campus. You only need to give a call to the Admission office to schedule an appointment: +34 91 448 2488

How can I get my Visa ?

Many of our students need to apply for student visas from the spanish consulate and we can provide information to help you with this process.

You will need proof of financial means, proof of residenc, proof of funds for tuition fees (from a € 600 deposit up to a full academic year) , an Acceptance Letter from the university. However, it is the responsability of each applicant to verify with the Spanish authorities the specific requirements for studying and living in Spain Please remember that it can take a couple of months to process a student visa.