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Guide to the Best Medical Universities in Spain 

Are you considering studying medicine in Spain? You’ll find that Spain is home to some of the best medical schools in the world. With a wide range of medical universities, there are plenty to choose from, so it can be hard to decide which is the right one for you. 

To help with your decision on where to study, we’ve done the research for you and shared our comprehensive guide to the top medical schools in Spain - including the University of Barcelona, Complutense University of Madrid, and more.

University of Barcelona 

The University of Barcelona (UB) consistently ranks as one of the top medical universities in Spain. Located in one of Europe’s leading cosmopolitan centres, the University of Barcelona is not only one of the oldest institutions in Spain, but also one of the most prestigious. 

Its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers an impressive variety of health-related degrees, making it a prime choice for students seeking to study at a leading medical university. Courses include six Bachelor’s degrees, 12 Master's degrees, 122 Postgraduate courses, and three Doctorates - providing students with a variety of specialisms and types of degrees that can achieve.

The University of Barcelona is also consistently ranked among the top universities in Spain and is considered one of Europe’s leading research centres, helping to cement its reputation as a prestigious university to graduate from. 

UB also has 16 libraries and 100,000 square meters dedicated to student health and sports, including a stadium, a sports track, a rugby field, a football field, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. 

And accommodation? Check out our student housing options in Barcelona.

Autonomous University of Barcelona

The Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) is another top contender among medical universities in Spain. Located just 25 minutes from the heart of Barcelona, UAB is the most recent university in the city, and has been recognised for its excellence in research and quality education. 

The Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine at UAB focuses on hands-on, skills-based training, ensuring students graduate with practical experience in real-life medical settings, and helping prepare them for life as medical professionals. 

By collaborating with the region's largest hospitals and primary care centres, UAB students can learn through real-life scenarios and clinical practices, reinforcing both their essential medical knowledge and specialised skills.

And, when it comes to student life at university, UAB offers all the facilities a student might need, such as specialised libraries, a language learning centre, sports facilities (with a gym, swimming pools, and football fields), a health centre, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Complutense University of Madrid

With roots dating back to the 13th century, the Complutense University of Madrid is considered one of the oldest universities in the world, and one of the most renowned medical universities in Spain thanks to its long-standing tradition of academic excellence.

The significance and influence of Complutense University of Madrid can not be understated. Attracting 86,000 students, it is the largest university in Spain, with its alumni including many famous historians, philosophers, poets, and political leaders.

The Faculty of Medicine is one of the most well-known due to its highly competitive programmes, advanced research opportunities, and international collaborations - all of which has helped it to offer students the best teaching methods, clinics, and labs needed to acquire the crucial knowledge and skills for their chosen profession. 

Additionally, the university offers several "study abroad" programmes with universities in Paris, Prague, Slovakia, and the United States. It also has its own newspaper and radio station, with the university hosting over 100 recreational societies and several competitive sports teams. 

And where to live? Check out our student housing options in Madrid.

Autonomous University of Madrid

The Autonomous University of Madrid (La Autónoma) is another renowned choice when it comes to the best medical universities in Spain. Located close to the Hospital La Paz, one of Madrid’s most important medical centres, La Autónoma has developed a reputation for excellence in both research and academia, consistently ranking among the top universities in the country, as well as performing well in Europe and worldwide.

One of the leading attributes of The Autonomous University of Madrid is its Faculty of Medicine, which offers cutting-edge education combining research, clinical practice, and international exchange programmes to students from all over the world.

Unlike others on this list, La Autónoma was designed to be a self-contained student city, and the main campus certainly achieves this. There are 16 cafes and dining halls, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a medical centre, sports fields, and beach volleyball courts - plus a train station and bus services connecting the campus to central Madrid. 

University of Valencia 

The University of Valencia is not only one of Spain’s largest institutions, but it’s also ranked as one of the top five scientific research centres in the country. Spread across three campuses and serving nearly 60,000 students, the University of Valencia is a modern and global university with a commitment to research and teaching excellence.

As a leading medical university in Spain, the Faculty of Medicine at The University of Valencia is connected to several major hospitals, such as the Clinical University Hospital, the University Hospital La Fe, the General University Hospital, and the Doctor Peset University Hospital - all providing students with extensive clinical training.

These connections and the overall quality of teaching mean a Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine here offers in-depth training to ensure students acquire adequate knowledge of the sciences and techniques related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. 

In addition, the University of Valencia is also home to a science park of over 80 startups and six research institutes, including the Astronomical Observatory, and boasts its own botanical garden, which was founded in 1567 and originally used to grow medicinal plants for its medical school. 

Plus, Valencia has plenty of great student accommodation. Take a look at our student housing options in Valencia.

Where to Live Whist Studying Medicine in Spain

With so many prestigious medical universities in Spain offering highly respected degrees, there’s no shortage of excellent options for your medical education. 

Whether you're drawn to the history of the Complutense University of Madrid, the research-driven focus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona, or the clinical opportunities at the University of Valencia, you're sure to find the perfect university for your needs.

The next task on the list? Finding that all-important accommodation. Check out our student housing options in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.

Want to study something else? 

Check out our top 10 best universities in Spain, the best business schools in Spain, or the best international universities for Spanish students.