Lately, I’ve seen many threads on forums discussing major choices, so I thought I’d share what I know about studying medicine in Spain, with a focus on Spanish medical universities. In Spain, being a doctor is a highly respected profession with considerable social status and income. However, for this very reason, medical schools are notoriously difficult to get into. Their admission scores are consistently the highest, making them the most competitive of the competitive. But for students who are truly passionate about medicine, the quality of education here is absolutely world-class.
A Few Top-Tier Public University Medical Schools
Spain has many medical schools, but when it comes to the best, a few centuries-old universities are unavoidable. These institutions not only have a long history but also boast top-notch research capabilities and clinical resources.
Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
As one of Spain’s largest and oldest universities, UCM’s Faculty of Medicine is considered the best of the best. Its affiliated clinical hospital is one of the top hospitals in Spain, offering students unparalleled internship opportunities. The downside is that the admission score requirement is incredibly high, and the competition is extremely fierce.
University of Barcelona (UB)
The UB’s Faculty of Medicine is on par with UCM’s, consistently ranking among the top in Spain in various world university rankings for medicine. Its research strength is particularly formidable, especially in the field of biomedical research. Being located in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona also ensures a rich experience for both studying and living. Of course, its admission score is also very high.
Here is a simple table I’ve put together based on this ranking of Spanish medical universities, showing the recent admission cut-off scores for their medical programs to give you a clear reference. Note that these scores are out of a maximum of 14 and can fluctuate each year.
| University | 2023 Reference Cut-off Score | City |
|---|
| Complutense University of Madrid | 13.47 | Madrid |
| University of Barcelona | 13.04 | Barcelona |
| Autonomous University of Madrid | 13.43 | Madrid |
To study medicine in Spain, first, your scores from your home country’s university entrance exam must be high enough to be competitive after conversion to the Spanish system (nota de corte). Second, language is a strict requirement; a B2 level in Spanish is the minimum threshold, and C1 is even better. The entire program is long, and the academic pressure is intense, so be prepared for some sleepless nights. However, if you can persevere, the career prospects after graduation are extremely bright. Everyone is welcome to join the discussion, and if you have more inside information, please feel free to share!
