Medical studies Spain

What makes studying medicine in Spain special

Studying medicine in Spain is not only the start of a great adventure, but also has a number of advantages.

Numerus Clausus is not everything!

Unlike in Germany, your A-level grades only make up 60 per cent of the application process for places at Spanish medical universities. The other 40 per cent is determined by an entrance test. So even with a less than perfect average grade, you still have a chance of getting a place.

Medical studies in Spanish or English

Did you already speak Spanish at school or are you interested in learning the language? Depending on the university, medical studies in Spain are offered to students in English, Spanish or both languages. You therefore have the opportunity to automatically improve your skills in at least one world language during your medical studies.

Renowned universities and international recognition

Spain has a long history of medical education and research and the medical faculties of Spanish universities (in Spanish: facultad de medicina) offer many study places and enjoy an excellent reputation. The high-quality Spanish medical degree is internationally recognised, so you can then start working in an EU country of your choice. 

Exciting university cities in Spain

Spain has some of the most beautiful student cities in Europe! Whether it's Barcelona, with its magnificent architecture, culture and nature with its proximity to the sea, or Madrid, with its vibrant art scene and tranquil parks - every Spanish city has its own special charm and can offer you everything you need for an exciting student life and make your medical studies easier.

Studying medicine in Spain - possible at these universities

In Spain's beautiful student cities, you will find a whole host of universities where you could start your medical studies. Here is a selection of the most popular universities for medical studies.

Medical studies at the University of Barcelona

The University of Barcelona is one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Spain. It offers students the opportunity to study dentistry and human medicine in the winter semester. Most of the lectures within the degree programmes are held in Spanish and Catalan. As the Faculty of Medicine also pursues an international vocation, some academic lessons are also taught in English in all academic years.

The university campus is located in the centre of Barcelona and exudes a very special atmosphere thanks to its historic buildings. After your lectures, you can enjoy your free time to the full. Barcelona is one of the most popular student cities and, in addition to the Spanish sun, offers students beaches, shopping and nightlife options and a lively music scene in a Mediterranean climate.

Study places at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona/ UAB)

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona is almost 50 years old and is one of the top 200 universities in the world. At the Faculty of Medicine, which cooperates with numerous modern teaching hospitals such as the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, you can start studying human medicine. The majority of students come from abroad, which is why the university has a higher proportion of foreign students with international exchanges on campus. 

University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense Madrid)

At the Complutense University of Madrid, medical studies are offered in Spanish in the winter semester. In cooperation with five teaching hospitals, students receive an excellent medical education with a particular focus on research and practice.

Madrid is the second largest city in Europe. With historical sights, a diverse nightlife and traditional tapas bars, the city is bursting with a unique Spanish quality of life, making it a particularly interesting place to study medicine.

University of Valencia (Universidad Cardenal Herrera/ CEU)

At the Cardenal Herrera Private University in Valencia, 50 new students are offered a degree in human medicine every year. The first two years (4 semesters) are taught entirely in English, followed by a mixture of English and Spanish. The medical faculty is particularly distinguished by its excellent teaching staff and its state-of-the-art Advanced Medical Simulation Centre.

Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM)

At the Catholic University of San Antonio de Murcia, you can also study medicine and dentistry in English or Spanish. The university particularly promotes the latest state-of-the-art learning technologies and interdisciplinary teaching in all clinical subjects. For example, there is a digital anatomical dissection table to help you learn about the structure of the human body. 

What are the admission requirements for studying medicine in Spain?

If you would like to study medicine in Spain, you have exactly the same requirements as applicants from Spain. Your Abitur grade only plays a subordinate role as an admission requirement, as it only accounts for 60 per cent of your chances of admission. You also score points here if you have taken science subjects such as chemistry or biology in the upper school. The other 40 per cent is determined by the result of your entrance exam. This is also known as the "Selectividad" or "Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad". It takes place twice a year in Germany and consists of multiple-choice questions in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics and maths. General knowledge is also tested. You have 60 minutes to answer these questions. This is followed by a 15-minute interview in Spanish. You can also take the exam in Germany. Many universities also have their own entrance test for medical studies. We can help you prepare for these exams and fulfil all the requirements!

Many universities also require proof of language proficiency as an admission requirement. For example, you can prove your knowledge of Spanish with the DELE (Diploma de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera) or your knowledge of English with the Cambridge Certificate. However, many universities also offer their own language test.  

Unfortunately, a vocational baccalaureate is not enough to get a place to study medicine in Spain. No surprise? You may not be aware that in some European countries it is possible to get a Medical studies with a specialist baccalaureate to start.

Studying medicine in Spain - duration and procedure

Studying medicine in Spain usually begins with a two to three-year foundation course. During this pre-clinical period, the main focus is on body structure, biology, statistics, genetics and biochemistry. You will also gain an insight into the psychology and ethics of medicine. At the end of this pre-clinical stage, there are already lectures on surgery, orthopaedics and traumatology.

Structure of the study programme

The clinical section of your medical degree programme follows the foundation course. This focusses primarily on practice. You will gain knowledge in various specialities such as gynaecology, obstetrics and emergency medicine and then apply this theory in practice during your rotations on various hospital wards. Numerous electives and courses such as occupational medicine and sports medicine can help you prepare for your future specialisation. Thanks to numerous collaborations with foreign universities and hospitals, you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad or do a clinical traineeship in another country in Europe, Africa, Asia or South America during this time.

The clinical phase is usually followed by the internship year ("ano internado"), during which you can build on the practical skills you have already learnt.

Degree recognised in all EU countries

After a Duration of studies After 6 years (12 semesters), you will graduate from university with the title "grado en medicina". If you are aiming to obtain a doctorate in medicine, you can write a doctoral thesis in a research area of your choice at the end of your studies.

As your degree is recognised in Germany and all other EU countries, you have the opportunity to start your specialist training in any country after successfully completing your studies. However, if you want to continue your career in Spain, you must now take a state exam (MIR exam), the results of which will qualify you for your specialisation.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Spain?

The Costs of studying medicine in Spain differ between public and private universities. At public universities, tuition fees for students from the EU/EEA are between €2,800 and €3,600 per year. Private universities can charge up to 25,000 euros per year.

The cost of living in Spain can vary greatly depending on where you study, your lifestyle and your individual needs. As a rough estimate, the rental costs for students for a room in a shared flat or a small flat are between 300 euros and 600 euros. You should also factor in at least 200 euros for food and hygiene. Including transport costs, study materials and leisure activities, your monthly expenses could therefore be between 700 euros and 1,200 euros.

Fortunately, there are numerous Scholarships for studying medicine abroad. Futuredoctor will be happy to advise you on your options.

Country and people: 3 exciting facts about Spain

1. 964 metres of coastline is what Spain has to offer. And that's not all: according to the Foundation for Environmental Education, Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the world! In 2019, a total of 566 beaches were awarded the status.

2. The oldest restaurant in the world is located in Spain. The Sobrino de Botín in Madrid was opened back in 1725 and has been open ever since. It serves traditional Spanish cuisine.

3. In Spain Europe's only desertTabernas in Andalusia extends over 280 square kilometres.

How do I apply to study medicine in Spain?

Applications are usually made online on the website of the respective university. You must submit your documents, which include your certified school-leaving certificate translated into the Spanish grading system, within the Application deadlines submit a complete application form. The application process at some medical universities in Spain also includes a personal interview or a separate entrance test. We at futuredoctor are here to help you with our experience so that your application to study medicine in Spain is a success.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Spain? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.