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Are you studying medicine, and you’re probably on the lookout for the best medical schools in Spain with reasonable tuition and programs? Do you want to know how medical students are trained?
What are the odds of studying medicine in Spain? Is Spain even a good choice?
Among many European countries, Spain offers world-class medical school programs at a really cheap rate.
Besides that, the cultural diversity, great weather, out-of-this-world food, good standard of living, and an excellent location make it interesting for students who want to study abroad.
As the need for more doctors continues to rise, it’s without a doubt that becoming a doctor or any other medical professional will never go out of style.
If you intend to study in Spain, it’s ideal to know that this profession is a competitive part of the country’s education system.
We believe that to receive the best training as a doctor, you need to be trained by the best instructors, and Spain boasts many excellent teachers.
Therefore, in this guide, we have compiled a list of Spanish medical schools that are ideal for you, along with the tuition costs in Spain.
Welcome aboard, Scholar!!!
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Studying Medicine in Spain: What is it Like?
If you’re considering a medical program, Spain is a viable option, especially for students who have faced financial constraints.
This is because Spanish universities have reasonable tuition prices. Besides that, many love Spain because of the following reasons:
- Comfortable and warm weather.
- Availability of English-taught programs.
- It’s home to some world-class universities.
- Spain welcomes international students from all nationalities.
- Tourist attractions, such as museums, libraries, sites, architecture, and cuisine, make the educational experience even more enjoyable.
- Spanish medical schools work with top-class educators, affiliate hospitals, and professional staff.
- Studying medicine in Spain offers excellent international connections.
Does Spain Accept International Students?
Yes, international students are welcome to study medicine in Spain. In fact, Spain is one of the prominent study abroad destinations due to its affordable tuition fees and high-quality education.
Currently, there are over 194,000 international students in Spain. Actually, this figure has grown by 27% over the last three years. This includes students from Europe, such as Italy, France, Hungary, as well as China, Colombia, Ecuador, and others.
This clearly demonstrates that Spain is an excellent choice for students seeking to study medicine. However, you might want to check out the tuition costs of medical schools in Spain before making a choice.
Read Also: Best Countries to Study in Europe for International Students
Medical Schools in Spain: Academic Medical Curriculum?
It’s essential you know that what you’re signing up for is not like the other courses of study in Spain. According to MedEdPublish, Spanish medical schools operate under a distinct curriculum compared to other professions.
If you’re studying medicine in Spain, your colleagues in other fields may graduate before you. That’s not a bad thing, actually. It only means the significance of the medical profession requires more work and practice to be assessed as worthy of the white coat.
Spanish medical schools run a six-year program that awards students a medical diploma. In the first 2 years, medical students undertake programs in the field and undergo pre-clinical or theoretical training in Spain.
At this stage, the medical programs in Spain typically cover more basic subjects, such as biology and chemistry. Following this is a four-year clinical study.
In recent years, the emphasis of medical programs has shifted to clinical practice, with a focus on working in a hospital in Spain. Here you will acquire practical knowledge and be under the supervision of a professional.
At the end of the six years, medical students can proceed to postgraduate specialization (MIR) to practice medicine in private or state facilities.
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List of the 10 Best Medical Schools in Spain For International Students
Without further ado, here is a list of some of the Spanish medical schools for you to study medicine.
#1. University of Valencia
- Founded: 1499
- School Status: Public
- Location: Avenida de Blasco Ibanez
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
The University of Valencia is one of Spain’s top academic institutions. Based in the city of Valencia, the University of Valencia operates three campuses, one of which is the Faculty of Medicine.
In this University, you can gain a degree in medicine via its six years full-time program. Typically, courses are taught in various languages, including Spanish, Valencian, and English.
Sometimes a mix of these three languages is used.
Studying medicine at the University of Valencia emphasizes the understanding of the necessities of biology and the importance of humans’ relationship with their physical and social surroundings.
Additionally, you earn a degree in medicine through a series of clinical practices.
#2. Autonomous University of Madrid
- Founded: 1968
- School Status: Public
- Location: Barcelona
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
Next on our list of best medical schools in Spain is the Autonomous University of Madrid. Through its medical campus located in the north of Madrid near the La Paz teaching hospital, the college trains students in medicine.
Its nearness to the Las Paz teaching hospital makes it more comfortable for medical students to partake in clinical practice.
At this college, the primary language of instruction is Spanish. However, exchange students have the opportunity to study some courses in English.
Through its Faculty of Medicine, the Autonomous University of Madrid welcomes both international students and visitors for clinical courses and visiting programs.
To obtain an MD degree, you will need to enroll in the six-year Spanish-language course.
#3. Complutense University of Madrid
- Founded: 1293
- School Status: Public
- Location: Alcalá, Madrid
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
Here’s another age-old university in the world, dating back over 800+ years. Not only old but also large, with a student population of over 86,000.
Among its many disciplines, the University is home to one of the best medical schools in Spain. Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine operates with 3 hospitals: Hospital Gregorio Marañón, Hospital Clínico Universitario de San Carlos, and Hospital 12 de Octubre.
Aside from these, the clinic has many technical campuses. Also at the Complutense University of Madrid, medical students participate in collaborative research projects with the Ministry of Health on innovative research.
Due to this affiliation, they enjoy funding from the Ministry. However, the requirements to enter include being able to speak Spanish fluently, passing an entrance exam, and holding a high school degree.
#4. University of Barcelona
- Founded: 1450
- School Status: Public
- Location:
- Annual Tuition Cost: 3000€ (EU) 6,000€ (Non-EU)
In 2020, the University of Barcelona came top in the overall European Union university ranking. With an age-long history, the university is one of the oldest universities in the world. And its medical school still holds onto its track record of excellence.
The University of Barcelona is a prestigious institution for studying medicine, as it’s one of the leading centers for university research in Spain. This university is ideal for students who wish to delve into research on health-related issues.
You can count on enough practicality in different care institutions where students carry out clinical practice for primary care and specialized care, as well as rotations.
Additionally, students gain access to numerous healthcare institutions and hospitals where this practice can be undertaken.
#5. Autonomous University of Barcelona
- Founded: 1968
- School Status: Public
- Location: Outside Cerdanyola del Vallès
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is one of the best medical schools in Spain.
It takes second place when it comes to studying medicine in Barcelona.
Although a large institution, its medical faculty is located on the Bellaterra Campus.
This course provides medical students with the opportunity to conduct clinical practice in primary healthcare centers and large hospitals.
Additionally, they have the opportunity to work in a competitive research environment within the field.
Another feature that makes this school stand out is the option to study in Spanish or Catalan.
Also Read: 15 Medical Schools with High Acceptance Rates
- Founded: 1345
- School Status: Private
- Location: Southeast of Pamplona
- Annual Tuition Cost: 16,000 €
If you’re looking to study in a private medical school in Spain, then the University of Navarra Faculty of Medicine is a good choice.
Many love this medical school because of its great features, such as the international exchange program in medicine and its main MD program.
Additionally, the University of Navarra offers numerous extensions to support medical students.
Such institutions include a medical research centre, a teaching hospital, CUN, and CIMA.
These Navarra CIMA extensions provide medical students the opportunity to conduct research in their areas of interest.
Typically, they work in five areas: oncology, cardiovascular sciences, neuroscience, gene therapy, and hepatology.
The University of Navarra is a highly selective institution, admitting only 200 students per year.
#7. Pompeu Fabra University
- Founded: 1990
- School Status: Public
- Location: Barcelona
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
Another medical school in Spain that comes on the list is Pompeu Fabra University.
The Autonomous Government of Catalonia established this University.
And today it is a university of reckoning worldwide and one of the top three overall universities in Spain.
Studying medicine in Spain is made possible by taking advantage of the joint degree offered by the university in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona.
Medical students have the opportunity to complete their programs at the Parc de Salut Mar campus in Spain.
On campus, there are important research facilities, including the Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona and Hospital del Mar.
Being a college of repute, only 60 students are admitted into this program every year.
#8. University of Granada Faculty of Medicine
- Founded: 1531
- School Status: Public
- Location: Granada
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
Another on our list of top medical schools in Spain is the University of Granada medical faculty.
This medical college is the 4th largest in Spain.
There are a variety of courses to choose from.
Interestingly, many students attend the school through the Erasmus program.
The University of Granada Faculty of Medicine focuses on dermatology and general medicine.
All medical students carry out their programs with a firm scientific grounding, after which they go ahead to clinical from the third year.
All clinical practices are conducted in the hospital located near the University of Granada’s Faculty of Medicine.
Like the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, San Cecilio University Hospital, and the Health Centers of the Granada-Metropolitan Health District.
#9. University of Salamanca Faculty of Medicine
- Founded: 1134
- School Status: Public
- Location: Salamanca
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
The University of Salamanca’s Faculty of Medicine is the third-oldest university in the world.
Over the years, it has undergone significant development, and today it remains a university of note.
It’s one of the universities that attracts more international students.
Through its numerous research centres, students supplement their theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Such centres, where medical students at the University of Salamanca can practice, include the Institute of Neuroscience of Castile and Leon, the Cancer Research Center, and the Ultrashort Ultraintense Pulse Lasers Center.
#10. University of Seville Faculty of Medicine
- Founded: 1505
- School Status: Public
- Location: Seville
- Annual Tuition Cost: Not Specified
It was first established as the Colegio Santa Maria de Jesus and was renamed the University of Seville years later.
Though old, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Seville houses one of the best medical programs in Spain.
Since 1508, the university’s faculty of medicine has evolved to become an attraction to both Spaniards and international students.
It prepares medical students for a career in the medical field.
Additionally, students benefit from clinical teaching opportunities at three large university hospitals: Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Virgen de Valme.
Additionally, it’s a valuable resource for research, as the university hosts numerous research groups that have made significant advancements in various health issues.
What’s the Tuition Cost of Medical Schools in Spain?
Studying medicine in Spain is less expensive compared to countries such as the UK and USA. The tuition cost of medical schools will depend on the type of college you’re attending in Spain.
Public universities are generally less expensive than private schools. In Spain, the public school’s medical tuition costs range between 500-1500€ per year. However, private medical schools in Spain cost about 20,000 €, depending on the school.
So, if you’re making a choice of institution based on cost, public medical schools will be ideal for a low budget.
However, if you’re looking for a less congested environment with excellent practicality, private medical schools in Spain may be the ideal choice.
How Long Will It Take To Study Medicine in Spain?
Studying medicine in Spain typically takes six years to complete. Any additional years may be due to other factors and are usually school-dependent.
Must I Know the Spanish Language to Study Medicine in Spain?
Well, not literally. Some Spanish medical schools have English-taught programs. Whereas some, on the other hand, teach in both English and Spanish.
The idea is to find the package that suits you. However, like most countries, we do recommend that you learn the basics of the Spanish language. This will help you pull through conversations and learn well, too.
As a medical student and future doctor, communication will be the key to your success, so you must understand the patient and provide the proper medical care.
