Today we will talk about why it’s worth to be educated in Spain, what modern programs in the field of medicine are offered there, as well as what courses are taught in English (wholly or partly) and what programs are available for international, in particular British students.
What are the advantages of studying Medicine in Spain?
European universities have long been the basis for the development of medical science – they allow to combine theory and practice effectively, as well as transfer the experience of leading doctors and specialists to the younger generation.
The medical faculties of the universities of Spain hold leading positions in the world rankings. The latest unique methods of treatment are developing at the universities of Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia etc. Now they make important discoveries and their innovative technologies are introduced into the modern wellness and restorative processes in many clinics of the world.
For example, it is worth noting that graduates of the medical faculties of Barcelona’s universities are amongst the popular for large employers in the labor market. Another argument raised is that the world’s leading clinics of various profiles are also located in such cities as Barcelona and Madrid.
What documents are needed to study in Spain?
After implementing of Brexit, the new students from the UK have to obtain a student visa to enter and reside in Spain. The set of documents for a Spanish student visa usually include the following:
- Completed visa application form.
- Valid passport/ID.
- 2 photos.
- Enrolment letter.Health insurance.
- Bank statement (proof of financial viability).
The 10 best universities for studying medicine in Spain
Below we present the universities sorted according to their positions in the prestigious Shanghai educational ranking. Also, we will show the passing score and prices in some of these universities in recent years.
University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona)
- Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Phone: (+34) 934 02 11 00
- Website:ub.edu
The University of Barcelona has the Faculty of Medicine that is recognized as the best in Spain. Total 259 places were offered for its recent course and the passing score was 12.638. The price of the first course was 2.372 euros. The faculty is placed in the center of the city.
It works with 4 hospitals where students can do internships: Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital de la Mútua de Terrassa. This university is really an institution with the highest educational quality in Spain, so it can be a very good option to start doing a brilliant medical career here.
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Bachelor’s degrees: Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Podiatry
Master’s degrees: Advanced Medical Skills, Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice, Applied Research Methodology in Nursing Care, Biomedicine, Chinese Traditional Medicine (temporarily discontinued), Clinical Investigation, Erasmus Mundus in Biosciences and Bioengineering Innovations for Precision Medicine, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Nutrition, Chronic Diseases and Healthy Ageing, Integral Podiatric Surgery, Introduction to Mental Health Research, Leadership and Management in Nursing, Principles of Care and Education for Diabetes Sufferers, Transplational Medicine.
Special programs for foreign students
- ISA Study Abroad
- Barcelona SAE
University of Valencia (La Universitat de València)
- Address: Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 13. 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Phone: (+34) 963 86 41 00
- Website: uv.es
The University of Valencia – there is just one that has the most prestigious faculties of Medicine at the international level. Its last course included 320 places and the passing score was 13.058, one of the highest in the country. The price for the first year was 1.270 euros.
It works with 4 hospitals for students’ internships: Clínico Universitario, Universitario La Fe, General Universitario and Universitario Doctor Peset. The university is conveniently situated in the city center.
Health Sciences Branch of the university offers the followings degrees: Dentistry, Food Science and Technology, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Optics and Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Psychology, Speech Therapy.
Special programs for foreign students
- ISA Study Abroad
- AIFS Study Abroad in Valencia
Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
- Address: Campus de la UAB, Plaça Cívica, 08193 Bellaterra, B
- Phone: (+34) 935 81 11 11
- Website: uab.cat
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, located in Bellaterra, a town near Barcelona, is also one of the best Spanish universities in which to study medicine. This last course included 320 places and the passing score was 12.253, somewhat lower than in the University of Barcelona. The price of the first year was 2.372 euros.
Despite not being placed in the center of Barcelona and its entry score is somewhat lower, it is a faculty that enjoys great respect worldwide. It collaborates with 5 hospitals where students can have internships: Hospital de Sant Pau, Hospital de la Vall d’hebron, Hospital del Mar, Hospital Taulí Sabadell and Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol.
Master’s degrees in English:
- Erasmus Mundus in Leading International Vaccinology Education.
- Erasmus Mundus in Science in Infectious Diseases and One Health.
- Internet of Things for e-Health.
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology.
- Transfusion Medicine and Advanced Cell Therapies.
UAB master’s degrees in English:
- European Surgical Oncology; Reconstructive and Aesthetic Breast Surgery.
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology.
- Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- Swallowing Disorders.
Graduate diplomas in English
- Breast Reconstructive Microsurgery
- Genitourinary Reconstructive Microsurgery
- Head and Neck Reconstructive Microsurgery
- Reconstructive Microsurgery of the Limb
- Swallowing Disorders
Special educational programs for international students
The Pompeu Fabra University (Universidad Pompeu Fabra)
- Address: Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12, 08002 Barcelona
- Phone: (+34) 935 42 20 00
- Website: upf.edu
Pompeu Fabra University has the Faculty of Medicine that is already one of the best in Spain, despite its recent foundation in 1998. Last years, this university located in the city center, offered 60 places with an entry score of 12.396 – a middle ground between the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Barcelona.
The price of the first course was 2.513 euros and included internships as well, in the Hospital del Mar.
Master’s degree programs in English (Health and life sciences): Bioinformatics for Health Sciences, Biomedical Research, Multidisciplinary Research in Experimental Sciences.
PhD program in English: Biomedicine
Special program for international students
- The Global Citiesprogramme, an International Summer School presented by the University of California, Los Angeles.
Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
- Address: Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid
- Phone: (+34) 914 97 50 00
- Website: uam.es
The Autonomous University of Madrid has one of the best-rated medical faculties worldwide. Founded in 1968 and located on the outskirts of the city, the Faculty of Medicine offered 268 places with a passing score of 13.124 – the highest grade on the list of faculties.
The first year price was 1.568 euros.
Anyway, these difficulties by entry are rewarded with a great curriculum and the possibility of doing internships in 6 different hospitals: Hospital De La Paz, Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Hospital del Niño Jesús, Hospital De La Princesa, Fundación Jiménez Díaz and Hospital de Santa Cristina.
Master’s degree offered in English
- Faculty of Medicine
Special program for international students
- The DiLe Program
The University of Navarra (Universidad de Navarra)
- Address: Campus Universitario, 31009 Pamplona, Navarra
- Phone: (+34) 948 42 56 00
- Website: unav.edu
The University of Navarra is not among the public universities. It is a private high educational institution, where there are no admission scores, but they arrange a private entry test to admit students. This last course offered 200 places. The price for the first year was 15.700 euros.
The university is located in the center of Pamplona and, despite being private, enjoys a great international reputation as its curriculum is of excellent quality. It offers internships at the clinic of the University of Navarra, which has two offices, both in Pamplona and in Madrid.
Master’s degree at the university: Ingeniería Biomédica; Biomedical Research; General Health Psychology; Drug Research; Development and Innovation; Food Science, Nutrition and Metabolism; Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Management.
International Student services
Immigration Procedures, Welcome Days support, International Committee, Buddy Program, Language Institute, Spanish Language Courses (ILCE), Chaplaincy, Library, International Relations Office.
The Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)
- Address: Av. Séneca, 2, 28040 Madrid
- Phone: (+34) 914 52 04 00
- Website: ucm.es
Two Nobel Prize winners in Medicine are graduates of the Complutense University of Madrid: Severo Ochoa and Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Doesn’t this mean the excellence of this medical faculty? Located in the city center, this university offered 295 places with an entry score of 12.966. The price for the first year was 1.568 euros.
It has internships for students in 5 hospitals: Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, Infanta Cristina University Hospital, Infanta Leonor University Hospital, 12 de Octubre University Hospital and San Carlos Clinical University Hospital.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Chiropody, Dentistry, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optics and Optometry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Speech Pathology, Veterinary Science.
Master’s Degrees: Animal Production and Health, Applied Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Behavioural and Health Sciences Methodology, Biomaterials°Dental Science, Drug Discovery, General Health Care Psychology, Health Analysis, Health Care Research, Health, Integration and Disabilities, Immunology Research, Introduction to Mental Health Research, Microbiology and Parasitology: R&D, Optometry and Vision, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Psychogerontology, Psychopharmacology and Drug Abuse, Research in Medical Transfer, Speech Therapy Intervention, Swine Health and Production, Virology, Vision Science Research
Recommended study programs for international students
The Miguel Hernández University of Elche (Universidad Miguel Hernández)
- Address: Avinguda de la Universitat d’Elx, s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante
- Phone: (+34) 966 65 85 00
- Website: umh.es
This university in Elche has one of the most prestigious medical faculties in Spain. Its last offered course included 130 places and the passing score was 13.026, one of the highest in this field. But the study price here is one of the cheapest: the first course cost 1.270 euros.
Located in the center of Elche, it offers internships in 4 hospitals: Alicante University Hospital, Elche University General Hospital, Elda University General Hospital and Sant Joan D’alacant University Hospital.
Bachelor’s degree: Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Psychology.
Master’s degree: Gerontology and Health, Human Resources Management, Work and Organizations, General Health Psychology, Sport Performance and Health, Psychological Therapy with Children and Adolescents, Psychological Therapy with Children and Adolescents
Own degrees: UNIVERSITY SPECIALIST IN FAMILY INTERVENTION AND THERAPY; UNIVERSITY SPECIALIST IN TRANSDIAGNOSTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY.
For foreign students
The Area of Internationalization at the Miguel Hernández University participates in international mobility programs and recruits best students all over the world.
The University of Zaragoza (Universidad de Zaragoza)
- Address: Calle de Pedro Cerbuna, 12, 50009 Zaragoza
- Phone: (+34) 976 76 10 00
- Website: unizar.es
The University of Zaragoza has one of the best medical schools in Spain as well. Last years, 180 places were offered here and the passing score was 12.723. The price for the first year was 1.403 euros.
Located in the city center, it is associated with 2 hospitals where students can do internships: Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa and Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet.
Bachelor’s degree: Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Odontology, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science.
Master’s degree: Animal Nutrition, Evaluation and Physical Training for Health, General Sanitary Psychology, Genetic, nutritional and environmental growth and development conditioners, Nutritional and Environmental Growth and Development Conditioners NUTRENVIGEN (G+D) Factors, Global Health: Integration of Environmental, Human and Animal Health, Introduction to Medical Research, Nursing Studies, Public Health, Social Gerontology.
Doctorate program: Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Health and Sport Sciences, Medicine, Medicine and Animal Health.
Programs taught in English
Scientific English for medicine (Degree in Medicine), Applied English for Dietetics and Nutrition (Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics), English Used in Odontology (Degree in Odontology).
The University of Extremadura (Universidad de Extremadura)
- Address: Av. de Elvas, s/n, 06006 Badajoz
- Phone: (+34) 924 28 93 00
- Website: unex.es
The University of Extremadura is last on the list being the tenth best faculty of Medicine in Spain. Its last course offered 120 places and the passing score was 12.981. The price for the first year is really affordable – 1.111 euros – the cheapest tuition price on the list.
Located in Badajoz, the faculty contacts with the Infanta Cristina Hospital of Badajoz, where students have the possibility to practice in their skills.
Medical programs offered: ANATOMY, CELL BIOLOGY AND ZOOLOGY; BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES; NURSING, PHYSIOLOGY, ANIMAL MEDICINE, PSYCHOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY, ANIMAL HEALTH, MEDICAL-SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS.
IMPORTANT: ERASMUS + and BREXIT
The United Kingdom has left the European Union regarding to the agreement dated 31. January 2020, entered into force on 1 February 2020. The transitional period lasted until 31 December 2020. The withdrawal agreement provides for the participation of the UK in the current Erasmus+ program 2014-2020 until the closure of the program, which means that UK beneficiaries can continue to participate in the current projects until all activities were met, even if they continue beyond 2020. Therefore, all activities of students, teachers and staff of the Erasmus+ projects did’nt be interrupted in the 2014-2020 Erasmus+ framework, so these projects didn’t be affected by Brexit.
From 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom is treated as a third country for the purposes of access to EU-programs, including Erasmus+. The possible participation of the United Kingdom in future programs will depend on the general negotiations and relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom. However, the UK Government is committed to negotiating access to the next Erasmus+ program 2021-2027.
What’s about studying dentistry in Spain?
The universities offering dental programs in English are on great demand amongst the British students. It should be noted that Bachelor’s degree programs in dentistry in English are offered only in private Spanish universities, which include the following educational institutions:
- The International University of Catalonia (Barcelona).
- The CEU Cardenal Herrera Univercity (Valencia).
- The European University (Madrid).
- The CEU San Pablo University (Madrid).
- The Catholic University Of San Antonio (Murcia).
