Studying Medicine in Spain is an attractive choice for international students. The tuition cost here is relatively cheaper than in other European countries. Living costs are also affordable in Spain, allowing students the financial freedom to explore the country and bask in its cultural and historical wealth.
While there are courses taught in English, some universities offer Medicine as a bilingual course, thus giving international students the perfect opportunity to master the Spanish language.
Aspiring doctors can choose from over 40 medical schools in Spain. With these many options, it is crucial to know which schools offer the best quality education and fit well with their academic goals. Also, choosing a top-performing school can be excellent preparation for their professional life.
Can Foreigners Study in Spanish Medical Schools?
Yes, foreigners can study Medicine in Spain. One of the universities that accept international students is CEU Cardenal Herrera University. The university offers bilingual Medicine degree programs taught in English and Spanish, and applicants need to prove language proficiency. Meanwhile, applicants from other countries who followed the Spanish Education System abroad are still required to go through the Spanish admission process.
What is the most prestigious medical school in Spain?
The University of Barcelona has the most prestigious medical school in Spain. Currently, the school ranks between 51st to 100th in QS World Ranking for 2020. It also ranks between 101st to 125th for Times Higher Education world ranking for 2021. Aside from Medicine, the school offers other programs in Health Sciences, including Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Dentistry, Podiatry, and Biomedical Engineering.
Best Medical Schools in Spain
1. University of Barcelona – Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
As previously mentioned, the University of Barcelona is the best medical school in Spain. The school dates back to 1843, established from the College of Surgery founded by Pere Virgili. Through the years, the school successfully adapted to the changing needs of education in the country and achieved the highest spot in the list of best medical schools in Spain.
Currently, it offers six bachelor’s degrees, 13 master’s degrees, 122 post-graduate degrees, and three doctoral degree programs. With these many options, students have the freedom to choose their career goals.
The faculty is located on three different campuses, namely, the Bellvitge Health Sciences Campus, the Medicine Campus, and the Sant Joan de Deu Campus. The school also hosts several research institutes, such as the Institute for Nanobioengineering of Catalonia, the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, and the Barcelona Science Park Foundation.
2. Autonomous University of Barcelona – Faculty of Medicine
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, another top medical school in Spain, also provides a top-quality education in the country. Founded in 1968, the Faculty of Medicine has become home to enthusiastic educators, providing future doctors with excellent training in their future medical fields. Aside from Medicine, the faculty also work with other university faculties to deliver courses in related Health Sciences fields such as Biomedical Sciences and Speech Therapy.
The Faculty of Medicine offers a six-teaching-unit structure to its students. It means that students undergo a teaching unit of Basic Medical Sciences at the Bellaterra Campus for their preclinical courses. They will then take the five hospital teaching units for their clinical studies in different university hospitals in the country.
Besides its vast options for hospital training, the faculty also offers opportunities for students to explore research through its collaboration with research institutes, such as the Sta. Creu I St. Pau Hospital Research Institute, and the Vall d’Hebron University Hospital.
3. Autonomous University of Madrid – Faculty of Medicine
The Autonomous University of Madrid Faculty of Medicine is one of the best medical school in Spain, which started its teaching activities in 1970, after the inauguration of its Medicine Campus. It provides practical teaching in clinical settings through its four university hospitals; Hospital de La Paz, Hospital de La Princesa, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, and Hospital Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda. Furthermore, the faculty employs over 600 professionals in these hospitals, allowing all possible practical help extended to its students.
Besides this phenomenal feat in practical learning, the faculty also employs over 30 permanent professors and 120 associate professors to provide teaching and research activities to students from different Medical specialties. Research opportunities also provide a tremendous advantage for future doctors, and the faculty ensures support through its research institutes, such as the Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and the Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz.
4. The Complutense University of Madrid – School of Medicine
Another notable medical school in Spain, Complutense University of Madrid School of Medicine, went back to 1499, through the initiative of Cardinal Gonzalo Jimenez de Cisneros. It was finally instituted on October 10, 1843, by a Royal Decree of Carlos III.
This medical school in Spain aims to educate excellent health professionals by developing their scientific skills and teaching them to adapt to society’s changing needs. Furthermore, the school aspires to become leaders in education and research through scientific innovation and focus on its students, patients, and society.
The school resides in a unique building equipped with modern facilities, laboratories, classrooms, libraries, an amphitheater, and degree classrooms. It also offers extensive clinical and practical learning through its university hospitals, such as the San Carlos Clinical Hospital, the 12 de Octubre University Hospital, and the Gregorio Marañón University Hospital.
5. University of Navarra – School of Medicine
Established in 1954, the University of Navarra School of Medicine provides scientific and technical training while guiding students to develop a deep respect for human rights. The school places extreme importance on student learning, putting students at the center of teaching, research, and healthcare. Besides classroom instruction, students acquire competence through practical education in different hospitals, such as the Clinica Universidad de Navarra and the Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra.
The school also ensures students have international training and practical experience in Medicine by sending them to university hospitals in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the United States of America. In doing so, its students have the opportunity to learn from foreign lecturers and practice Medicine from a global perspective.
I hope that this article on the best medical schools in Spain was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Medical School Category!
