Ready to Start
Your Pathway to SLU - Madrid?
We are thrilled to extend an admission offer to Verto participants who meet our outlined eligibility requirements. This unique opportunity provides a global, transformative learning experience designed to help you begin your college journey on a high note. The curriculum encourages both personal growth and academic achievement, setting the stage for success at the SLU-Madrid Campus.
2.5 GPA
24 Credits
2 Semesters
*All eligibility requirements listed below
How does the
Direct
Transfer Pathway work?
Transfer Pathway work?
Apply to Verto to begin your pathway to Saint Louis University - Madrid.
Review Saint Louis University - Madrid's full eligibility requirements for guaranteed admission and set academic goals for your experience abroad.
Embark on your Verto abroad experience and work with staff on-site to submit your free Verto Partner Application to Saint Louis University - Madrid.
Arrive on campus at Saint Louis University - Madrid with a deeper global perspective and skill set that will serve you as a student and well into your future.
*Admission only guaranteed if the respective school has capacity and/or program/major availability.
Some schools or majors may have additional eligibility or application requirements. Students must maintain good conduct and meet the college's admissions requirements.
Saint Louis University’s Madrid Campus offers students an American university atmosphere amidst a global experience. Founded in 1967, they are the oldest U.S. campus in Spain.
Saint Louis University’s Madrid Campus offers four-year, U.S.-accredited degrees and study abroad programs. Join students from the United States, Spain and more than 65 other countries at SLU-Madrid.
"We love Verto students! If you’ve already studied abroad, why not stay abroad and finish your American degree at a U.S. university campus in Spain?"
-Heidi Buffington, Director of Admissions
SLU Madrid Students Are:
Adventurous
Unique
Curious
1,250
student body
16
average class size
12:1
student to faculty ratio
1st
U.S. University branch campus in Europe
75
nationalities on campus
#2
for community service out of all U.S. universities
Though the SLU-Madrid campus is located in Spain, most courses are taught in English!
You can study at one or both campuses of Saint Louis University – #oneslu.
ACADEMICS
SLU-Madrid offers some courses you won’t find everywhere, like Art in Spain, which includes visits to the Prado Museum and other landmarks. There are also classes in Flamenco dance and Spanish cuisine, making it a blend of academics and culture. Explore over 20 undergraduate degree programs that can be completed entirely in Madrid.
Top majors (among 20) include:
- Psychology
- International Business
- Mechanical Engineering
- Political Science
- Computer Science
TRANSFER STUDENT SUPPORT
Each semester there is an extensive orientation program where students meet faculty, staff and other students. We have other support services like:
- Academic peer tutoring
- Personalized academic advising (course registration)
- Language and writing support at the Center for Eloquentia Perfecta
- Counseling and mental health services
- Housing support
- Career services
FINANCES
SLU-Madrid is committed to supporting students — and their families — who choose to invest in themselves and their future by studying in Spain. Any student from any country in the world is eligible for University-funded aid.
Students may be eligible for multiple transfer student scholarships and awards, increasing the affordability of their SLU-Madrid degree. While students may receive only one Saint Louis University merit-based scholarship, the scholarship they receive may be combined with need-based financial assistance or outside funding.
Students will automatically be considered for merit scholarships. They will need to apply for the Departmental Support Scholarship as well as family and alumni awards.
STUDENT LIFE
SLU-Madrid is home to an abundance of clubs and organizations catering to a wide variety of interests. Whether distributing meals to the homeless, sharing common athletic or academic interests or creating a safe space to discuss social issues, there’s bound to be something for you. SLU-Madrid’s Jesuit education focuses on preparing the whole person to make the world a better, more just place.
SLU-Madrid would also serve as your home. With regards to housing, there is no required housing at SLU-Madrid. Most new incoming students will organize their housing before arrival whether it’s a SLU-organized host family or they organize their own housing. We have many students choosing to live in residence halls associated with Yugo Residencias and three are 10 minute walks from campus. More information can be found on our webpage under housing.
Did you know you could study abroad while at SLU-Madrid? Choose from locations around the world to earn credits toward graduation and have more international experiences.
To earn guaranteed admission to SLU-Madrid through the Direct Transfer Pathway, during your time with Verto you will need:
- 2.5 GPA
- Minimum 24 credits
While not required, students are encouraged to enroll in 15 credits per semester while abroad with Verto.
If you are enrolled with Verto only for the spring semester and are interested in SLU-Madrid for the fall, we encourage you to apply through the Verto Partner Application. While you will not be eligible for the guarantee, you will be reviewed holistically for admission.
The Direct Transfer pathway includes only the following programs at SLU-Madrid:
- Art History
- Communication
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Science
- History
- International Business
- International Studies
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Modern Languages and Intercultural Communication
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Spanish
- Theological Studies
The following program may likely take longer than four years to complete: Mechanical Engineering.
To see all programs, review programs here: https://www.slu.edu/madrid/academics/degrees-and-programs/index.php
The Direct Transfer guarantee is for fall start only. Unfortunately, there is insufficient turnaround time for a spring start to allow for needed visa considerations.
While you won’t be eligible for the guarantee, we still encourage you to work with your Verto Care Team to prepare and submit a Verto Partner Application for holistic review.
While you won’t be eligible for the guarantee, we still encourage you to work with your Verto Care Team to prepare and submit a Verto Partner Application for holistic review. Make sure to request official copies of your prior college transcripts be sent to SLU when you apply. Credits earned prior will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
SLU-Madrid reviews homeschooled and GED/HiSet applications holistically.
GED/HiSet students should submit their high school transcript and official GED/HiSet score.
Homeschooled students should present five academic courses each semester for all four years of high school. These academic courses should include the following: four years each of English and mathematics (including Algebra I and II and Geometry) and three years each of natural sciences, social sciences and foreign language.
Yes, international students are eligible for the Direct Transfer Pathway. International students must submit their high school transcript in English translation and meet SLU’s English Language Proficiency requirement.
If you have questions around the application process, work with your Verto Care Team. If you have SLU-Madrid specific questions, you can connect with The Office of Admissions at admissions-madrid@slu.edu.
Once you arrive at your Verto location, you can begin working with Verto staff to prepare your application to SLU-Madrid. Applications are typically sent following mid-terms, so your mid-term report can demonstrate your progress towards Direct Transfer eligibility.
- College Essay
- Final HS Transcript
- Mid-term Report
- Official college transcripts if applicable
As visa processing only allows for a fall start at SLU-Madrid, you would not be able to defer your application to the spring.
Once SLU has received your Verto Partner Application you will begin to receive emails from SLU, including a notification to check your admissions portal once a decision is released.
SLU evaluates transfer applications on a rolling basis and generally releases official admission decisions within 1-2 weeks of receiving a complete application. SLU will automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships and will notify you of scholarships awarded.
Once admitted, you may apply for need-based financial aid by submitting a FAFSA, if you are eligible for U.S. federal aid. You may also apply for additional scholarships by reviewing this page: https://www.slu.edu/madrid/admissions/scholarships-financial-aid.php
Admitted student next steps are listed here: https://www.slu.edu/madrid/admissions/information-for-admitted-students/index.php
Please note, pre-articulated courses with a grade of “C” or better will transfer. A grade of “C-” or lower will not transfer to SLU under any circumstances.
SLU-Madrid students who are not legal residents or citizens of the European Union must apply for a visa to enter Spain and study at the Madrid campus. This usually includes any student who plans to study for more than one semester.
Although tourists from many countries may enter Spain without a visa, the length of their stay is limited to 90 days. Students planning to study at Saint Louis University — Madrid must know the rules and procedures for visas and passports. SLU-Madrid requires students to provide evidence of their legal residency in Spain. Failure to present the appropriate student visa upon arrival, if necessary, or to maintain legal residency as a student will result in immediate withdrawal from classes and expulsion from university housing. Refunds will be issued according to the refund policy.
SLU-Madrid provides this comprehensive resource to support you in your visa application process. And, the Office of Admissions runs webinars and zooms to give advice and guidance.
Your selection of Verto locations will have many factors, such as age requirements, visa considerations for your Verto semesters, your interests, and more! Work closely with the Verto Admissions staff to determine the best fit for you.
In terms of how your Verto locations could impact your visa process for SLU-Madrid, keep the dates of the spring Verto program in mind. The earlier you return to the U.S. or your home country after the spring semester, the earlier you can begin your Spanish visa application process. If you are applying for a visa within the U.S., you will need an FBI background check, which can be a lengthy process. Keep in mind that many Spanish consulates may require a background check from all countries where you have lived for more than six months. If you choose to stay in one location for the entire academic year, you may need to provide a background check from that country.
You will need to request an FBI background check that is generally valid for six months. Included with the background check is an Apostile of the Hague and an official translation of these two documents. All in all the process could take a month to six weeks or more, depending on the US government. Keep this in mind for planning purposes.
We expect future SLU-Madrid minor admits to earn 24+ credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA while abroad with Verto.
Once you are abroad with Verto, Verto staff will support you in submitting an abbreviated version of the Verto Partner Application to confirm your interest and provide your midterm grades.
Once you decide that you’d like to attend SLU-Madrid, you will need to pay the Confirmation Fee to SLU-Madrid and you can do that before you go to Verto or afterwards. SLU-Madrid will defer your admission, any merit scholarships and the confirmation fee.
You will need to request an FBI background check that is generally valid for six months. Included with the background check is an Apostile of the Hague and an official translation of these two documents. All in all the process could take a month to six weeks. Keep this in mind for planning purposes.
We love Verto students! If you’ve already studied abroad, why not stay abroad and finish your American degree at a U.S. university campus in Spain?
Heidi Buffington
Director of Admissions
Learn More About SLU-Madrid
