The majority of international students consider countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada for pursuing higher education. However, Spain has also made its place the ideal destination globally.
Pursuing medicine in Spain opens suitable career pathways for medical students. Being home to the best clinical schools that train the students with the right skill set required to set foot in the practical world, Spain welcomes thousands of students every year. The country is known for its flexible and well-structured educational system that offers the students a chance to choose from numerous degree programs.
Being one of the most significant countries of the European Union that international bodies have accredited, Spain universities offer affordable education. The country’s education system provides top-notch clinical training that prepares the students for the real world.
The table below shows some critical course highlights.
Duration
5 years+ 1-year internship
Mode of instruction
Spanish, English
Average salary after MBBS
3,960 EUR/month
MBBS in Spain: Curriculum
Similar to most EU countries, the Spanish medical curriculum lasts for six years. It includes 360 ECTS, wherein 1 ECTS equals ten classroom hours and 15 student workload hours. The year-wise curriculum followed by Spanish universities is given in the table below.
Year
Curriculum
First and Second Year
The first two years of medicine in Spain focus on offering preclinical studies or basic training to the students. They include subjects like Anatomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Bioethics, Biophysics
Third to Fifth Year.
During the third to fifth year, students learn compulsory clinical subjects, including histology, immunology, pharmacology, genetics, radiology, and Surgery.
Sixth Year
The last year includes clinical rotations where students are given exposure to hospitals, state clinics, and community centres.
Top Universities in Spain for MBBS
Before we dive into the details of studying in Spain, let’s start by knowing about the top universities for MBBS first.
University
QS Ranking 2022
University of Barcelona
168
Autonomous University of Barcelona
209
Complutense University of Madrid
223
Pompeu Fabra University
248
University of Navarra
266
University of Granada
492
University of Zaragoza
531 to 550
University of Seville
551 to 560
University of Valencia
571 to 580
University of Salamanca
651 to 700
Source: QS World University Ranking
Course Intakes in of Medicine Programs in Spain
The two intakes that Spain offers are given in the table below
Intake
Admission cycle
Application deadline
Fall intake: The fall intake in Spain starts in October.
There are two admission cycles for this intake. The first one falls in early June, and another falls in early September.
The application deadline for the first admission cycle is the first week of June. Whereas the application deadline for another admission cycle in September is the first week of September.
Spring intake: The spring intake in Spain starts in January.
The admissions for Spring intake open in early December
The first week of December
Medicine Programs in Spain for Undergraduates
Category
Duration
Medicine
6 years
Neuroscience
4 years
Dentistry
5 years
Optics and Optometry
4 years
Podiatry
4 years
Nutrition and Dietetics
4 years
Eligibility Criteria for Medicine Program in Spain
To be eligible to apply for MBBS in Spain, the applicant must
Be of 18 years of age before commencing the program,
Clear the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) test before applying for the course,
Fulfil the English language proficiency requirements (IELTS, TOEFL)
Qualify for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) exam
Note: Some specific universities like the University of Navarra and CEU Cardenal Herrera University may also require candidates to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)
Entry Requirements for Medicine Programs in Spain
To get admission into medical universities in Spain, the students must submit the required documents such as
Copy of the Passport
Passport Size Photographs
Educational transcripts
Birth Certificate
Medical Certificate
NEET Report Card
Proof of finances
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, Cambridge, and PTE)
Since the medium of instruction of the majority of medical schools in Spain is Spanish, students need to prove their proficiency with the Spanish language. The certifications that universities accept include
Diploma of Spanish
Approved Certificates (UNICERT/CLES)
The European Language Certificate
Application Process for MBBS in Spain for International Students.
To apply for MBBS in Spain, students can follow the steps given below
Choose a suitable university
Fill in the application form on the official website of the university
Pay the application fee
If their application gets accepted, the students will receive an offer letter
Upon receiving this offer letter, they must pay the acceptance fee to ensure that they have accepted the offer letter.
Does the final step involve applying for a student visa?
Those looking for global exposure in one of the world’s biggest and most flourishing healthcare economies should aim for Spain. Also, it is for those who want to study at comparatively affordable rates. Spain also offers suitable training and a globally recognized degree that will come in handy if you wish to build a global career in the future.
Why study MBBS in Spain?
There are many reasons for studying MBBS in Spain including the following:
1. Student-friendly campuses with good infrastructure and facilities.
2. Highly-ranked universities for medicine with global accreditation.
3. Innovative curriculum that is built around hands-on learning methods.
4. Qualified and experienced teachers.
5. Comparatively affordable medical courses in Spain than many other countries.
MBBS in Spain: Tuition Fees
The tuition fees of private universities in Spain are slightly higher than public universities. The table below shows the range of each university.
University
Tuition fee
Public university
€ 150 to 3,500/year
Private university
€ 20,000 to 30,000/year
Source: masters portal
Cost of Living in Spain
The cost of living covers the accommodation costs, utilities, transportation, and food expenses.
Though the cost of living in Spain depends on the city you want to live in, the average costs for each category are mentioned in the table below.
Here are the scholarship options available for students:
1. Spanish Studies Abroad Financial Aid
This scholarship is merit-based and given to those sharing their personal life story that demonstrates dedication to learning Spanish and how they have tried to learn the same, in 400-500 words. The award amount is roughly $500-1,500 (approximately INR 37,500-1,12,500).
2. MOPGA Scholarships
The Make Our Planet Great Again Scholarships offer 1,190 Euros (INR 1.01 lakh) per month to students for 12-24 months.
Universities may also offer their respective grants and financial aid to students in need.
Full-time doctors at public hospitals may earn up to 4,130 Euros each month or. They may make up to 4,852 Euros per month, without including bonuses and other allowances, including overtime.
Aspiring doctors will have to go through appropriate licensing for working in Spain. They can expect rewarding careers in Spain’s healthcare system, encompassing public and private hospitals, medical research centres, and other establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MBBS course duration in Spain?
The course duration of MBBS in Spain is six years. The last year includes clinical rotations in which the students gain practical experience by working with hospitals, state clinics, and community centers
Is Spain a good place to study medicine?
Yes, Spain is a good place to study medicine. Being a home to top universities of medicine, the country offers six types of medical programs. These programs are comparatively cheaper than other study destinations.
What is the average salary after pursuing MBBS in Spain?
The average salary that MBBS graduates can monthly earn in Spain is around 3,960 EUR, including housing, transport, and other benefits.
What is the medium of instruction for medical degrees in Spain?
The medium of instruction of most medical universities in Spain is Spanish. However, certain universities offer English-taught courses. These universities are the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University of Navarra, and the Complutense University of Madrid.
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