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Looking to study medicine in Spain? When it comes to the best medical universities in Spain, you’re spoilt for choice. In fact, there are so many, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of the best medical schools in Spain.
University of Barcelona (Universitat de Barcelona)
One of the best medical universities in Spain is the Universitat de Barcelona (UB). Located in one of the major cosmopolitan hubs in Europe, the University of Barcelona is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. It’s consistently ranked among the best universities in Spain, and is regarded as one of the leading research centres in Europe.
The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a wide choice of quality degree programmes in the field of health, with six Bachelor's degrees, twelve university Master’s degrees, 122 Postgraduate degrees and three Doctoral programmes.
The university also boasts 16 libraries and 100,000 square metres dedicated to student health and sport - including a stadium, sports track, rugby pitch, football pitch, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
The Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona)
Just a 25-minute journey from Barcelona city centre, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the city’s newer university, renowned for its excellence in research and quality. The Bachelor's degree in medicine at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona focuses heavily on skills-based teaching, helping to prepare students for life as a doctor.
By collaborating with the biggest hospitals and primary healthcare centres in the region, students can learn through real-life scenarios and clinical practices, strengthening both their essential and specialised medical knowledge.
The university has all the facilities a student could need, including specialised libraries, a language learning centre, sports facilities (with gym, pools and football pitches), a healthcare centre, restaurants, shops and cafés.
Complutense University of Madrid (Universidad Complutense de Madrid)
With roots that date back to the 13th century, Complutense University of Madrid is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the world. Home to over 86,000 students, it’s the largest university in Spain and its alumni includes many famous historians, philosophers, poets and prime ministers.
The Faculty of Medicine at Universidad Complutense de Madrid is highly competitive and renowned for its excellence and expertise. Students learn from the finest teaching methods, clinics, and laboratories to obtain the crucial knowledge and skills for their chosen profession. The university also boasts a number of ‘study abroad’ programmes with universities located in Paris, Prague, Slovakia and the US.
Alongside its own newspaper and radio station, the university also houses over 100 recreational societies and several competitive sports teams.
The Autonomous University of Madrid (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid)
The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, also known as la Autónoma, is a highly regarded public university located in Madrid. With a reputation for excellence both in research and academia, the university consistently ranks among the country’s top universities, and performs well in Europe and the rest of the world too.
The university was designed to be a self-contained student city and the main campus certainly delivers on that. There are 16 cafes and canteens, indoor and outdoor pools, a medical centre, sports pitches, and beach volleyball courts – plus a train station and bus services linking the campus to central Madrid.
Close to Madrid’s La Paz Hospital, the prestigious Faculty of Medicine is considered to be one of the best in Spain. The university combines innovative teaching with research to give students a deep knowledge of the world of medicine. Its international presence is also supported through numerous exchange and training programmes with universities throughout the world.
University of Valencia (Universitat de Valencia)
Spread across three campuses and serving nearly 60,000 students, the University of Valencia is a modern, global university. It’s also known to be one of the top-five scientific centres in Spain thanks to its commitment to excellence in research and teaching.
Its Degree in Medicine provides in-depth training that ensures that students attain an adequate knowledge of the sciences and techniques associated with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illnesses. Linked to the University Hospital Clinic, La Fe University Hospital, General University Hospital, and Doctor Peset University Hospital, the university places a strong focus on teaching through clinical practice.
The university’s science park is home to more than 80 start-up companies and six research institutes, including the Astronomical Observatory. The university also has its own botanical garden, which was founded in 1567 and was originally used to grow medicinal plants for its medical school.
So, with so many prestigious universities offering highly regarded medical degrees, you’re guaranteed to find one that ticks all the boxes when you choose to study medicine in Spain. The next job on the list? Finding that all important accommodation. Check out our student accommodation across Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.
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Want to study in Barcelona but not sure where? Check out our guide for a full breakdown of the city’s universities and find the perfect fit based on your needs!
A complete guide for students
Universities in Madrid
Madrid is home to more than 10 major universities - get the key details on each in this handy guide and find out which one is best for you!
