Among European countries, Spain offers world-class medical school programs for cheaper than many other countries. The cultural variety, great weather and food, good standard of living, and excellent location for further European travel also make it an excellent destination for studying medicine.
While there are differences between public and private universities, studying medicine in Spain is relatively cheap. The only important point to note is that the full-time medical degree can only be studied in Spanish (English-language courses are just one-off or exchange options).
Most major cities in Spain have a medical school, however, not all are top rated. Below are the best-ranked medical schools in Spain.
Helpful Posts
- Top Universities in Spain
- How to Study in Spain for Free
- Cheapest Universities in Spain
Related Scholarships
- University of Bologna Scholarships
- University of Leicester Scholarships
- TU Delft Scholarships for International Students
How much does medical school cost in Spain?
The cost of medical school varies between public and private universities in Spain. In public universities, tuition is as low as 500-1500 € per year even for a relatively more expensive degree such as medicine. In private universities, you can expect to pay up to 20,000 € depending on the school.
How long will it take to study medicine in Spain?
The medical program takes six years to complete.
Related Posts
- Free Medical Schools for International Students
- How to Study Medicine in Spain
- How to Study in Spain for Free
Top Medical Schools in Spain
1. University of Barcelona Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
The University of Barcelona is generally seen as the best university in Spain overall, ranking 1st in the European Union in 2020. It has been teaching students since 1450, too, which makes it one of the oldest universities in the world. University of Barcelona Faculty of Medicine is also considered the best medical school in Spain.
Given that UB is also one of the main centers for university research in Spain, it’s a great place to study medicine and go on to delve into research in your particular area of interest. The MD program is very well regarded and lasts six years, with a strong practical component including rotations and clinical practice for primary care and specialized care. The University has access to many care institutions and hospitals where this practice can be undertaken.
This is one of the top five medical schools in the world and tuition fees here are significantly lower than you would find in the US, for example. European Union students should expect to pay c. 3000€ a year, while non-EU only need to pay up to 6,000 € a year.
2. Autonomous University of Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is located outside the city in Cerdanyola del Vallès and is also a public institution. It was created in 1968 and is considered the second-best place to study medicine in Spain.
The Faculty of Medicine is housed on the Bellaterra Campus and offers the opportunity to conduct clinical practice in large hospitals and primary care centers in the area, as well as a competitive research environment. You will have the option of studying in Spanish or Catalan here.
3. University of Navarra Faculty of Medicine
This private not-for-profit university is located on the southeast of Pamplona. University of Navarra Faculty of Medicine is known as one of the best private medical schools in Spain and has an international exchange program in medicine alongside its main MD program. They also run a teaching hospital, CUN, and a medical research center, CIMA, where medical students can practice and also delve into research areas that they are interested in. The CIMA center has four areas of specialization: oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular sciences, and gene therapy and hepatology.
The medical degree intake is 200 students per year, Spanish students having to take an entrance exam after completing their high school degree preferably with a focus on the sciences. For international students, various options exist depending on your background. As it is a private university, the cost of tuition is 16,000 € per academic year at the University of Navarra, but a number of scholarships and financial aid options are offered as well.
4. University of Valencia Faculty of Medicine
The University of Valencia is one of Spain’s oldest universities and a leading academic institution in the country. Founded in 1499, it is based in the city of Valencia and has three campuses, of which the Faculty of Medicine is based at the Avenida de Blasco Ibanez campus.
The degree in medicine here is taught full-time over six years and classes use a combination of Spanish, Valencian and English languages. It places great emphasis both on understanding the essentials of biology and the importance of humans’ relationship with their physical and social environment, on the one hand, and on acquiring a great degree of clinical practice, on the other hand.
5. Autonomous University of Madrid Faculty of Medicine
Located in the Spanish capital, this public university was founded in 1968, at the same time as the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of the Basque Country. There is a dedicated Medicine campus north of Madrid near the La Paz teaching hospital – one of the many hospitals used for clinical practice by students.
This medical school in Spain teaches in Spanish, but there are some courses taught in English especially for exchange students. The Faculty of Medicine accepts international students for clinical rotations and also visiting students in the Master’s program. However, if you are looking to obtain the MD degree, you will need to enroll in the six-year Spanish-language course.
6. Complutense University of Madrid Faculty of Medicine
One of the oldest universities in the world, Complutense University was founded in Alcalá in 1293 before relocating to Madrid in 1836. It is a massive university with over 86,000 students and multiple specializations offered in a huge campus in the Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid.
The School of Medicine operates the Hospital Clinico Universitario de San Carlos, Hospital Gregorio Maranon and Hospital 12 October. There are numerous specialized clinics on campus as well, operated jointly with the Ministry of Health or performing specific research for the Ministry. As such, the School of Medicine works very closely with the government and enjoys significant funding in return.
In order to attend Complutense University, there are multiple entry options depending on where you’ve completed your high school degree. There are entrance exams and a requirement to speak fluent Spanish in order to complete the full-time degree.
7. Pompeu Fabra University
Another prestigious medical school in Spain located in Barcelona, Pompeu Fabra is a public university created by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia in 1990. Its name is an homage to the linguist Pompeu Fabra who was an expert on the Catalan language. This university is very highly regarded across the world and is known and one of the top three overall universities in Spain, next to the University of Barcelona and Complutense University of Madrid.
The degree in medicine is offered jointly with the Autonomous University of Barcelona, in a multidisciplinary environment. It is based in the campus at Parc de Salut Mar which has important research facilities such as the Hospital del Mar and the Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona.
A relatively low number of students is admitted into this program – c. 60 every year.
8. University of Granada Faculty of Medicine
Next on our list of top medical schools in Spain is the University of Granada Faculty of Medicine. Located in the city of Granada, the University of Granada was founded in 1531 by Emperor Charles V and is the fourth largest university in Spain. It offers a wide array of courses and welcomes a large number of visiting European students through the Erasmus program, making it one of the most popular European destinations. It is also held in high regard by international students.
The Faculty of Medicine here is focused on general medicine and dermatology as its two core areas. The medicine degree focuses initially on a strong scientific grounding, before moving on to clinical practice from the third year of the degree and progressively evolving until the sixth year, which is exclusively practical. Clinical practice is carried out in the nearby health centers: San Cecilio University Hospital, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital and the Health Centers of the Granada-Metropolitan Health District.
9. University of Salamanca Faculty of Medicine
Founded in 1134 in the city of Salamanca, this is the third oldest university in the world and the oldest one in the Hispanic world. The history of the University of Salamanca includes illustrious alumni and a strong connection to the ecclesiastical world at the outset, only to become gradually more secular over centuries.
Today, Salamanca has the most students coming from other regions in Spain, and attracts a large number of international students as well. It has a great number of research centers to supplement teaching, such as a Cancer Research Center, the Institute of Neuroscience of Castile and Leon, and the Ultrashort Ultraintense Pulse Lasers Center.
10. University of Seville Faculty of Medicine
Founded as the Colegio Santa Maria de Jesus in 1505, the University of Seville is one of the best medical schools in Spain. It was also immortalized in the opera Carmen by Bizet, as the buildings are where the opera takes place.
The Faculty of Medicine has evolved since 1508 in many iterations. Today, it welcomes a very large number of Spanish students looking to prepare a career in medicine. Its clinical teaching opportunities are in three large university hospitals: Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocio and Virgen de Valme. The university also hosts many research groups.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit theEurope Scholarships Page.
FAQs
Is Spain a good country to study medicine? ›
The top medical schools in Spain are also continuously ranked among the top worldwide universities. For example, QS World University Rankings in the field of medicine ranks 5 Spanish universities among the top 200 worldwide universities.
Is studying medicine in Spain hard? ›Medical programs in Spain take six years of full-time study. One thing to note about studying medicine in Spain is that most universities teach in Spanish and English. Students who do not speak Spanish fluently may find studying in Spain difficult.
How much does med school cost in Spain? ›The MD program at UB lasts for 6 years, offering a strong focus on practice. And one of its advantage is also that you will pay a lower tuition fee than elsewhere. Studying medicine at this university in Spain will cost up to €3,000/year for EU students and up to €6,000/year for non-EU ones.
Can I study medicine in Spain in English? ›If you want to study Medicine in Spain, the International Program in Medicine at the Universidad de Navarra gives you many benefits, such as: Nearly 50% of subjects in the First and Second years of the Medical Degree are taught in English.
Which is best country to study medicine? ›- Study MBBS in UK. The first and foremost is the best option to study medicine in Europe. ...
- Study MBBS in USA. ...
- Study MBBS in Canada. ...
- Study MBBS in Germany. ...
- Study MBBS in France. ...
- Study MBBS in China. ...
- Study MBBS in Ukraine. ...
- Study MBBS in Russia.
Medical school courses are six years long and at the end, you will take an exit exam called the MIR (Medico Interno Residente) test, which will determine your admission into residency programs.
What do you need to study medicine in Spain? ›- High school diploma or certificate equivalent to a Spanish qualification.
- Official transcripts.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Letter of motivation.
- Visa for students outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
- Proof of Spanish language proficiency.
Part of the academic hours are taught in English in all academic years. We also have a consolidated international exchange programme for the Faculty to connect to and exchange students and teachers with the best faculties of medicine in the EU and abroad.
How can a foreigner study medicine in Spain? ›Applicants need to submit their high school diploma (for Bologna process countries) and transcript or equivalent to study medicine in Spain. International students also need to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) for schools such as Universidad de Navara and CEU Cardenal Herrera.
Where can I study medicine for free in Europe? ›Free University of Berlin
There are no tuition fees associated with the Free University of Berlin – except for some selected graduate and postgraduate programs. The university offers undergrad and postgrad courses in Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Human Medicine, and Dentistry.
How many years is MBBS in Spain? ›
The MBBS course length in Spain is 5 years. The bits of knowledge in regards to the MBBS course ranges are inspected underneath: MBBS in Spain continues for a term of 5 years. The courses are taught in the English language.
Is medical school in Spain free? ›The cost of medical school varies between public and private universities in Spain. In public universities, tuition is as low as 500-1500 € per year even for a relatively more expensive degree such as medicine. In private universities, you can expect to pay up to 20,000 € depending on the school.
Is the University of Barcelona hard to get into? ›This 571 years old Spanish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this Spanish higher education organization a somewhat selective institution.
How many medical schools are there in Spain? ›Spain has seventeen medical schools all over the nation. The University of Barcelona was ranked among the top medical schools in Spain by QS subject ranking 2022 in Medicine.
How much are doctors paid in Spain? ›The average pay for a Physician is €107,314 a year and €52 an hour in Spain. The average salary range for a Physician is between €71,256 and €136,503. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Physician.
Which country is it hardest to become a doctor? ›In general, the toughest countries in which to become a doctor are the United States and Canada, since both of these countries require completion of an undergraduate degree first.
How much does it cost to study in Spain? ›Average tuition cost for a semester in Spain
Private providers such as Spanish Studies Abroad can vary a bit more. Still, a typical semester program will be about $12,000 to $20,000 for most or all of your direct expenses (not including your own trips and some spending money) or flights.
| Australia | France | Germany |
| United States | Ireland | Norway |
| Belgium | Switzerland | Sweden |
| Canada | Denmark | Finland |
| Arkansas | South Dakota | Idaho |
Russia. Russia comes in first as the cheapest country in the world to pursue a medical degree. Studying for a medical degree in Russia can go as low as US$1,750 per year.
What is the best country to study medicine in Europe? ›Ireland is one of the best countries to study medicine in Europe and one of the most preferred for medical students.
Does Spain need doctors? ›
After finishing medical or specialist studies, many doctors decide to gain professional experience abroad. There is currently a high demand for doctors in Spain and there are numerous vacancies in its health system.
Are Spanish hospitals good? ›Spain has a high quality healthcare system, guaranteeing universal coverage for all residents.
Where does Spain rank in healthcare? ›...
World's 25 Healthiest Nations.
All applicants must have a medical degree, completed residency, proof of language proficiency, and proof of residence in the province they plan to work and reside in. The final requirement is registering with the College of Physicians in Spain.
Does University of Barcelona teach in English? ›Consult the bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programmes offered in English at the University of Barcelona and the list of bachelor's degree subjects taught in English.
Where can I study medicine in Europe in English? ›- European University Tbilisi in Georgia - € 4800per year.
- The University Of Nis in Serbia - € 5500 per year.
- Sofia Medical University in Bulgaria - € 8000 per year.
- Plovdiv Medical University in Bulgaria - € 8000 per year.
...
Infrastructure of UB.
| Ranking | 154 1 |
|---|---|
| World ranking | 154 |
| Bachelor (foreigners) | from 5,320 USD/year. to 5,671 USD/year. |
| Master (foreigners) | from 3,901 USD/year. to 10,836 USD/year. |
| Living expenses | $589 -1,099 USD/month |
- Universitat de Barcelona.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
The Department of Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health has a pre-med track entrenched in the health science coursework.
Where can I study medicine abroad in English? ›There are following medical schools where you can study general medicine in the English language – 1st Faculty of medicine (Charles University), 2nd Faculty of medicine (Charles University), 3rd Faculty of medicine (Charles University), Faculty of Medicine in Olomouc (Palacky University), Faculty of medicine in Ostrava ...
How much does it cost to study in University of Valencia? ›
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $10,464 |
| Living Expenses | $12,512 |
| Mandatory Insurance | $2,492 |
| TOTAL | $25,468 |
Thanks! Estudia usted la medicina? Must be equally correct.
Which country is the cheapest to study medicine in Europe? ›- Poland.
- Sweden.
- Germany.
- Italy.
- Belgium.
- Hungary.
- Italy. Average living costs: 700 – 1,000 EUR / month. ...
- Germany. Average living costs: 700 – 1,100 EUR / month. ...
- France. Average living costs: 700 – 950 EUR / month. ...
- Spain. ...
- Lithuania. ...
- Business. ...
- Education. ...
- Computer Science.
The answer to is studying MBBS abroad worth it is a complete YES. There are multiple reasons why studying abroad is a preferred choice amongst Indian students: More Medical Seats: In India, there are medical seats, but the number of students applying for them is much higher when compared.
Is there any entrance exam for MBBS in Spain? ›In order to apply MBBS in Spain, you need to qualify the BMAT entrance examination.
How does med school work in Spain? ›Studying medicine in Spain takes the standard 6 years. The course is worth a total of 360 ECTS. One ECTS is equivalent to 10 hours in the classroom or 15 hours of independent study for each student. Pre-clinical studies, also known as basic training, take up the first two years of medical school in Spain.
Does University of Valencia teach medicine in English? ›We offer you a unique university-experience at the highest stage: Study medicine in English at the famous Universidad Cardenal Herrera (CEU) in Valencia! The CEU is the only university throughout Spain that offers medicine studies in English!
How can I study in Spain? ›Visas to study at a university in Spain
If you're from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland you'll need to apply for a student visa from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country but only after you've been accepted into a course at a Spanish university.
Public and private hospitals in Spain are ranked among the best in the world. The only downside to public healthcare in Spain is the long waiting lists for specialists and non-emergency care. To find the nearest hospital, check the Spanish health ministry website.
How many private universities are in Spain? ›
There are a total of 76 universities (or universidades) in Spain, 45 of which are run and funded by the state, while 31 are private or run by the Catholic Church.
What language is spoken at University of Barcelona? ›Catalan is the specific, official language of the University of Barcelona, and as such it is used for institutional and administrative matters. In university teaching, both Catalan and Spanish are used as the official languages of Catalonia.
Can I study in Spain for free? ›The direct answer is no. Universities in Spain have made arrangements for their local students to receive free tuition fees, but international students must pay for their school expenses.
Is university in Spain expensive? ›Private universities have higher tuition fees, but usually not exceeding 20,000 EUR/academic year. Some programmes offered by business schools can cost over 25,000 EUR/year. You'll also find MBAs and International Management degrees that charge tuition fees of 30,000 EUR/year or more.
Which is the best medical school in Spain? ›- University of Barcelona.
- Autonomous University of Barcelona.
- University of Valencia.
- Complutense University of Madrid.
- University of Navarra.
- Autonomous University of Madrid.
- University of Granada.
- Pompeu Fabra University.
Medical programs in Spain take six years of full-time study. One thing to note about studying medicine in Spain is that most universities teach in Spanish and English. Students who do not speak Spanish fluently may find studying in Spain difficult.
Is Spain good for medical students? ›The top medical schools in Spain are also continuously ranked among the top worldwide universities. For example, QS World University Rankings in the field of medicine ranks 5 Spanish universities among the top 200 worldwide universities.
How many years is medical school in Spain? ›In Spain, completing a medical program takes six years of full-time study.
Does University of Barcelona teach medicine in English? ›Part of the academic hours are taught in English in all academic years. We also have a consolidated international exchange programme for the Faculty to connect to and exchange students and teachers with the best faculties of medicine in the EU and abroad.
How can an American go to med school in Spain? ›Applicants need to submit their high school diploma (for Bologna process countries) and transcript or equivalent to study medicine in Spain. International students also need to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) for schools such as Universidad de Navara and CEU Cardenal Herrera.
How many medical schools are there in Spain? ›
Spain has seventeen medical schools all over the nation. The University of Barcelona was ranked among the top medical schools in Spain by QS subject ranking 2022 in Medicine.
Is medical school in Spain free? ›The cost of medical school varies between public and private universities in Spain. In public universities, tuition is as low as 500-1500 € per year even for a relatively more expensive degree such as medicine. In private universities, you can expect to pay up to 20,000 € depending on the school.
Is the University of Barcelona hard to get into? ›This 571 years old Spanish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 70-80% making this Spanish higher education organization a somewhat selective institution.
Where can I study medicine for free in Europe? ›Free University of Berlin
There are no tuition fees associated with the Free University of Berlin – except for some selected graduate and postgraduate programs. The university offers undergrad and postgrad courses in Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Human Medicine, and Dentistry.
...
Infrastructure of UB.
| Ranking | 154 1 |
|---|---|
| World ranking | 154 |
| Bachelor (foreigners) | from 5,320 USD/year. to 5,671 USD/year. |
| Master (foreigners) | from 3,901 USD/year. to 10,836 USD/year. |
| Living expenses | $589 -1,099 USD/month |
- Universitat de Barcelona.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
All applicants must have a medical degree, completed residency, proof of language proficiency, and proof of residence in the province they plan to work and reside in. The final requirement is registering with the College of Physicians in Spain.
Which undergraduate degree is best for medical school? ›- Pre-medicine. Pre-medicine undergraduate degree programs help students prepare specifically for medical school. ...
- Biology. ...
- Biochemistry. ...
- Exercise science. ...
- Public health. ...
- Health sciences. ...
- Foreign language. ...
- Nursing.
- European University Tbilisi in Georgia - € 4800per year.
- The University Of Nis in Serbia - € 5500 per year.
- Sofia Medical University in Bulgaria - € 8000 per year.
- Plovdiv Medical University in Bulgaria - € 8000 per year.
Doctors must complete a four-year undergraduate program, along with four years in medical school and three to seven years in a residency program to learn the specialty they chose to pursue. In other words, it takes between 10 to 14 years to become a fully licensed doctor.
Where can I study medicine abroad in English? ›
There are following medical schools where you can study general medicine in the English language – 1st Faculty of medicine (Charles University), 2nd Faculty of medicine (Charles University), 3rd Faculty of medicine (Charles University), Faculty of Medicine in Olomouc (Palacky University), Faculty of medicine in Ostrava ...
Is there pre med in Spain? ›The Department of Health Sciences, Nursing and Public Health has a pre-med track entrenched in the health science coursework.
How can I study in Spain? ›Visas to study at a university in Spain
If you're from outside of the EU/EEA/Switzerland you'll need to apply for a student visa from the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country but only after you've been accepted into a course at a Spanish university.