In 1988 the Complutense University decided to open its doors and build a bridge uniting Science, Culture and Politics with Spanish society. With its wide range of subjects dealt with every year, the Summer Courses have become a reference point for the media. In the Summer Courses the lecturers, specialized at the highest levels, are more accessible, creating an atmosphere in which students have the opportunity to converse with distinguished figures in, as well as outside the classes. The speakers themselves also have an excellent chance to exchange experiences enriching their own investigative and professional activities.
All courses have an average duration of five days consisting of conferences and round tables.
They are complemented by nightly activities from the scenic arts, be it a concert, a play or a film. Every year almost 7,000 students from varying Spanish and foreign universities attend the courses. A third of these receive scholarships covering the costs of accommodation and food. Most are in the last year of their degrees, however, many are post-graduates or working professionals seeking to update their knowledge, therefore giving them new perspectives in their careers. The students can enroll as resident or non-resident.