6 Best medical schools in Spain For International Students
In this article, you will find the answers to the question, “What are the best medical schools in Spain?” However, before delving into that, let’s take a look at some key points.
Spain is an excellent destination if you’re seeking a quality medical program at a reasonable cost. The country is not just for tourists anymore; it’s expanding its views and schools by accepting international students and offering classes taught in English. Moreover, Spain is one of the warmest and sunniest countries in Europe, providing more than just education.
We will look at some key points before going to the Best medical schools in Spain.
Can Foreigners Study in Spanish Medical Schools?
Yes, it is possible for foreigners to study Medicine in Spain. One of the universities that accepts international students is CEU Cardenal Herrera University, which offers bilingual Medicine degree programs taught in both English and Spanish. Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency to be accepted. However, 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 most esteemed medical school in Spain is at the University of Barcelona. Currently, it holds a rank between 51st and 100th in the QS World Ranking for 2020 and between 101st and 125th in the Times Higher Education world ranking for 2021. Apart from Medicine, the school provides other courses in Health Sciences such as Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Dentistry, Podiatry, and Biomedical Engineering.
Best medical schools in Spain
University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is a public university located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. With 63,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Spain and also one of the oldest, established in 1450. It is renowned for its excellent medical program, which is considered one of the best in Spain.
The UB has consistently been ranked first in Spain in most of the 2021-2022 university rankings, and is also ranked around 50th in Europe. As one of the main centers for university research in Spain, UB is an ideal place to study medicine and pursue research in your chosen field of interest.
The MD program at UB is highly respected and spans six years, with a strong emphasis on practical training including rotations and clinical practice for primary and specialized care. The university has access to numerous healthcare institutions and hospitals where students can gain valuable practical experience.
Autonomous University of Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona is a public university located in Cerdanyola del Vallès, near the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain.
As of 2012, the university has 57 departments in the experimental, life, social, and human sciences, spread across 13 faculties/schools. Together, these centers award a total of 85 qualifications in the form of first degrees, diplomas, and engineering degrees.
The Faculty of Medicine is situated on the Bellaterra Campus and provides ample opportunities for clinical practice in large hospitals and primary care centers in the surrounding area, as well as a competitive research environment. Students have the option to study in Spanish or Catalan.
Complutense University of Madrid
The Complutense University of Madrid, also known as Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad de Madrid, or Universidad Central de Madrid, is a public research university situated in Madrid. It is one of the oldest universities in the world, having been founded in Alcalá in 1293 and later relocating to Madrid in 1836. The university has an excellent reputation for its medical school, which is considered one of the best in Spain.
The university occupies a vast campus that encompasses the entire Ciudad Universitaria district of Madrid and has additional facilities in the Somosaguas district of Pozuelo de Alarcón.
The School of Medicine operates several hospitals, including the Hospital Clinico Universitario de San Carlos, Hospital Gregorio Maranon, and Hospital 12 October. In addition, there are several specialized clinics on campus, which collaborate with the Ministry of Health or carry out specific research for the ministry. The School of Medicine enjoys substantial funding from the government due to its close collaboration with them.
Pompeu Fabra University
Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) is a public university located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is renowned for its excellent medical school, and it was established by the Autonomous Government of Catalonia in 1990. The university was named after Pompeu Fabra, a Catalan engineer, and grammarian who was the primary author of the normative reform of contemporary Catalan language.
In 2021, UPF was ranked as the best university in Spain and the 10th best young university globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The medical program at UPF is offered jointly with the Autonomous University of Barcelona in a multidisciplinary environment. The campus is located in Parc de Salut Mar, which houses significant research facilities such as the Hospital del Mar and the Parc de Recerca Biomedica de Barcelona.
Only a limited number of students, around 60 each year, are admitted into this program.
The University of Granada (UGR) is a public university located in the historic city of Granada. The city is located 35 km away from the stunning Sierra Nevada mountain range and 65 km from the tropical Mediterranean coast.
The University was established by the Emperor Charles V in 1531 and built upon a long-standing teaching tradition dating back to the madrasahs of the Nasrid dynasty of Granada. As a result, it is one of the most historically significant universities in Europe.
The Faculty of Medicine at UGR focuses on general medicine and dermatology as its two core areas. The medical degree initially emphasizes a solid scientific foundation, which progressively evolves into clinical practice from the third year of the program, culminating in exclusively practical experience in the sixth year.
Clinical training is conducted at nearby health centers such as the San Cecilio University Hospital, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, and the Health Centers of the Granada-Metropolitan Health District.
Autonomous University of Madrid
The Autonomous University of Madrid is a public university situated in the Spanish capital, founded in 1968, simultaneously with the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of the Basque Country.
The medical school in Spain primarily teaches in Spanish, though it offers some courses in English specifically 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 intend to obtain an MD degree, you will need to enroll in the six-year Spanish-language course.
Compiled by Lofty Scholars