Study Medicine in Spain in 2025

There are a million reasons why studying abroad in Spain is a good idea for international students. Aside from the quality of education you will receive at Spanish universities, you are lucky to experience the perfect combination of high quality of life as well. Spain is ranked in the top ten countries in the world for its prestigious universities.

When it comes to its reputation as a destination for living and studying, Spain offers the experience of a lifetime. With the vibrant nightlife and amazing beaches, you will be part of a very exciting community.

To study medicine in Spain, there are certain factors to keep in mind such as language, achievements and other requirements. This is especially important to know for international students outside of the EU. 

There are many benefits to studying medicine in Spain as it is already a highly rewarding degree. If you’re an international student, keep reading for a thorough guide on why and how to pursue a medical degree in Spain.

Why Should I Study Medicine in Spain?

Spain’s high quality of education and large number of programs and universities available, make it a perfect study abroad destination, especially for those who wish to pursue a higher education degree in medicine. 

Here are just some of the many benefits of studying medicine in Spain:

• Availability: There are 50 medical schools in Spain (36 public and 14 private). 
• Affordable tuition fees: In countries like the US, UK, and Australia getting a degree in the field of medicine can be quite expensive. In contrast, the cost of studying medicine in Spain is relatively affordable and accessible for most students.
• Language of instruction: Spanish (B2 needed as minimum requirement).
• Bologna education system. Spain has been a full member of the Bologna system since 1999. 
• Globally Recognized Degree. A medical diploma from Spain is highly valuable and Spain can have their degrees recognized in over 48 countries, including all EU countries. Additionally, it is well-regarded in other developed countries like the US,UK, and Canada.  
• Top-ranked universities.Affordable tuition fees: In countries like the US, UK, and Australia the field of medicine can be quite expensive to get a degree in. In contrast, the cost of studying medicine in Spain is relatively affordable and accessible for most students.

Requirements to Study Medicine in Spain

Similar to other countries and degrees, there are certain requirements to fulfill when you are applying for a university degree abroad. Some of the essential requirements include previously obtained diplomas, student visa (if applicable), diploma recognition, admission tests (in some cases), and more. 

However, the difference when applying for a medicine degree, which is generally similar everywhere, is that universities consider your GPA, competitive criteria for your high school diploma, and other additional requirements, which you can read more about below. 

Requirements for Private Universities in Spain

Private universities in Spain have a limited number of students they can accept for degrees in medicine, which in the country is also known as “numerus clausus”. They started implementing this system for the good of the students and the academic staff. 

Given that studying medicine involves a significant amount of work both at university and at home, and that training is a mandatory part of the degree, students will be able to learn more effectively and avoid overcrowding.

Here are the requirements to study medicine in a private university in Spain:

• A minimum GPA of 70%. The minimum grade point average required to ensure admission (equivalent to a 2.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale).

• Anexo I (European Education systems: A-level, IB Diploma, China). Students from European education systems like A-levels (UK), IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate), or China need to fulfill specific educational requirements outlined in Annex I. 

• UP to 10 points + 2 PCE possible subject recognition. Additional points (up to 10) can be awarded based on certain criteria such as performance in specific exams (PCE), and subject recognition may allow credits to be transferred. 

• High School Achievement. High academic results (over 90-95%) in high school is recommended to increase chances of getting in. 

• Perfect score in PCE. PCE stands for "Pruebas de Competencias Específicas" (Specific Competencies Test), including entrance exams for Spanish universities, meaning that they are compulsory and high scores are required for admission.

International Students:

• GPA. International students need to have a GPA of 3.6 or equivalent.

• Selectividad Scores. Selectividad is the equivalent of an entrance exam in Spain. International students need to score at least 6.7 out of 8 points in this exam. 

Application to Medicine from a Bachelor private university:

• Graduates in Health Science. Possible to apply without taking the internal exam (e.g., Universidad CEU San Pablo). 

• Graduates in other fields. Follow the normal admission process, which you should check with the relevant university program.

Transfer students (private): 

• Only from Medicine to Medicine. Transfers within the same field (Medicine to Medicine), have higher chances of admission.

• No transfers into public universities. Transfers into public universities are not supported; only transfers to private universities are considered. 

Note that: Processes of public transfers are otherwise considered too long and tedious. 

Admission Process for Private Universities in Spain

When to apply for private universities for Medicine?

• Application periods. Applications for private universities open one month after the previous intake,e.g. if you're applying for the September 2025 intake, enrollment will open in October 2024.

• First come, first serve. Admissions are typically handled on a first come, first served basis, so it’s recommended to apply as early as you can.

• Application duration. The application process can take anywhere from 1 to 4 months, as often as students may need to pass internal exams specific to the university.

• Master's degree with an international MD (Medical Doctor). If you’re applying for a Master’s degree with an international MD, you may need to take official exams like the MIR (Medical Intern Residency exam in Spain).

Important: There is no commission paid for private medicine programs, meaning that they do not offer any discount for the application.

Below is a list of prestigious Spanish universities that offer degree programs in Medicine, with their specific admission requirements. This will give you an overview of what each institution expects from candidates, helping you make an informed decision about where to apply.

Medicine Programs in Spain

Admission Process for Public Universities

Anex I (European education systems, A-levels, IB Diploma, China): Applicants from these educational systems can earn up to 10 points for their qualifications, and they may be subject to recognition depending on the university.

1. UNED Accreditation + subject recognition (not all universities will accept the

latter). Students have their qualifications recognized. However, not all universities accept subject recognition.

2. Pathway Program. Students may need to complete 2 or 3 PCE exams (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics), depending on the university’s requirements.

3. B2 DELE. A B2 level of Spanish language proficiency is required for language proficiency (DELE exam).

International Students (up to 6 points): International students need to fulfill the following criteria:

1. Homologation of HS Diploma and transcripts. The student’s high school diploma must be homologated (officially recognized) by the Spanish government. This can be done at your hometown’s relevant Spanish consulate or embassy.
2. Pathway program for Selectividad. Students may need to take a Pathway Program for Selectividad. The number of exams required is either 6 or 4 exams depending on the region.
3. B2 DELE. A B2 level of Spanish language proficiency  is required for international students as well.

Top recommended programs for Medicine in Spain

Here are some of the best universities in Spain to study medicine, both public and private. These universities have been chosen based on their high quality of education and world rankings for best universities. 

Best Public Universities to Study Medicine in Spain:

• Universitat de València Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universidad Complutense Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universitat de Barcelona Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona Bachelor's Degree in Medicine

Best Private Universities to Study Medicine in Spain:

• Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universidad de Navarra Bachelor's Degree in Medicine
• Universidad de Deusto Bachelor's Degree in Medicine

MIR & Specializations

1. Accreditation (homologation) of the Medical Diploma

• EU Diplomas. The accreditation process for EU diplomas is done through The Ministry of Universities – Accreditation Process

• Non-European Degrees. The accreditation process for non-European is long and complicated, since it normally takes about 1 to 1.5 years to complete. We recommend doing this by using professional services, which typically costs around 600€.

• Accreditation received. Once you receive the accreditation of the diploma, students may be asked to take additional exams to complete the necessary credits according to the Spanish medical curriculum.

For more information on the homologation process, visit: Homologation Info.

2. MIR Exam

• Preparation. Intensive preparation programs for the MIR exam typically last 8 months and cost around 3,400€. 
• Programs. There are also 17-month long programs available, and they cost around 4,000€. You can choose between face-to-face and online options.
• Cupo Extracomunitarios.The reserved spots for non-European applicants in the MIR exam, which make up for 6% of the total number of places.

Here are the recommended Academies for MIR preparation:

a. Academia Amir

b. Curso Mir Asturias

Further information on the MIR for non-European graduates can be found here:

https://www.curso-mir.com/informacion-medicos-extracomunitarios.html 

Studying Dentistry in Spain

Compared to the general medicine studies, pursuing a higher education degree in dentistry requires less work and most universities typically require that you have done at least Biology and Chemistry in High School. 

Here is an overview of a typical Dentistry degree program in Spain:

• 27 Dental Schools:  13 public, 14 private.
• Public university cutoff grades: 12.399 - 13.121 (based on 2023 cut off grades).
• Private university minimum grade required: 7/10 in the penultimate year of highschool, Year 11.
• Language of instruction: Spanish or English.

Requirements to Study Dentistry in Spain

The requirements for admission to Dentistry degree programs in Spain are similar to those of Medicine studies. 

This includes: 

• GPA of 70% for private universities
• High school grades above 90-95% for higher chances and,
• A perfect score in PCE tests. 

• International students need to achieve a GPA of 3.6 and at least 6.7/8 points in Selectividad. 

Transfer students are only accepted from Dentistry to Dentistry within private

Top Recommended Programs for Dentistry in Spain

For all students who are passionate about pursuing a degree in Dentistry in Spain, you have chosen the right place, as some of the most renowned Spanish universities offer exceptional dentistry programs. 

Best Private Universities to Study Medicine in Spain:

• Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• Universidad CEU SAN PABLO Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• UCAM Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• Universidad Europea (Madrid or Valencia) Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry

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Best Public Universities to Study Medicine in Spain:

• Universitat de València Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• Universidad Complutense Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• Universitat de Barcelona Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry
• Universidad de Salamanca Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry

FAQ’s

Q: Can I study Medicine in English?

A: Yes/No. You need Spanish too as there is no 100% English program.

Q: Can I apply without a certificate in Spanish (DELE/SIELE)?

A: No

Q: Will my degree be valid in my home country?

A:Yes, after getting the homologation (diploma recognition) in your country.

Q: Can I work as a doctor when I graduate in Spain/Europe?

A: Yes. But you must get your qualification recognized, prove Spanish language proficiency and obtain the necessary documents for a work permit.

Q:Can I do a Master in Medicine in English?

A: No. 

Q: Can I transfer from Private to Public?

A: No.

Q: Can I transfer to Medicine if I have started a Bachelor in a Health Science field?

A: No. 

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