Study Medicine in Spain
Medicine in Spanish in Valencia, dentistry in English in Madrid. EU member since 1986, degree automatically recognised, language as a genuine barrier.
At a glance
The key facts about studying medicine in this country.
Universities
2 locations
Tuition fees
14.400–21.300 EUR per year
Living costs
800–1.100 EUR per month
Language of instruction
Spanish or English
Duration
6 years, dentistry 5–6
Admission process
Application and selection process
Recognition
Automatically recognised across the EU
EU status
EU member since 1986
Why international students study here
Spain has been a member of the European Union since 1986, and a human medicine or dentistry degree from a state-recognized Spanish university is automatically recognized across EU member states. For international applicants, two very different locations in Spain are available. One requires Spanish, the other teaches in English. This decision comes down primarily to language.
Valencia: Human Medicine in Spanish
In Valencia, the Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir teaches human medicine. Tuition fees are 14,440 EUR per year. The language of instruction is Spanish — throughout: lectures, seminars, examinations, and conversations with patients at the bedside. Valencia is one of the most pleasant university cities in Spain, with beaches, a mild climate, and rents lower than in Madrid and Barcelona.
Madrid: Dentistry in English
The Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid offers dentistry in English for 10,650 EUR per semester, so 21,300 EUR per academic year. For prospective dentistry students without a Spanish background, Madrid is the obvious route.
Language is the real hurdle
Those who want to study human medicine in Valencia need Spanish at a level sufficient for anatomy lectures, examinations, and patient history-taking. Realistically, this means a preparation year or intensive course for those beginning without prior knowledge. Those who cannot invest this time should honestly consider dentistry in Madrid or an English-language country instead.
All universities in this country
Each university with programmes, fees and language of instruction — one click leads to the full university page.
What does studying medicine here cost?
The Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir charges 14,440 EUR per year for human medicine. The Universidad CEU San Pablo in Madrid lists 10,650 EUR per semester for dentistry, or 21,300 EUR per academic year. The gap between the two is just under 7,000 EUR per year — explained less by the city than by the subject, as dentistry is more expensive everywhere due to materials and equipment.
For living costs, a realistic estimate is 800 to 1,100 EUR per month. A rough estimate for one academic year of human medicine in Valencia: approximately 25,500 EUR. For dentistry in Madrid: approximately 33,500 EUR. The language course before Valencia is an additional cost that should be planned early.
How does the application process work?
Spain does not apply grade-based entry restrictions to international applicants at these private universities. The selection process consists of an application with academic documents, a selection interview, and a subject-specific test in science fundamentals. For human medicine in Valencia, Spanish is required at a sufficient level; for dentistry in Madrid, English proficiency is demonstrated.
The academic year begins in autumn. Both universities have limited places per year group. Medschool Experts takes you through the specific process, assesses your qualifications, and prepares you for the interview. The first consultation is free.
Is the degree recognised internationally?
Spain has been a member of the European Union since 1986. For human medicine and dentistry, the Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC applies, providing for automatic recognition across EU member states. A degree from a state-recognized Spanish university listed in Annex V is recognized without an equivalency or knowledge examination.
Contact the competent licensing authority in your target country for specific requirements. Language proficiency, registration steps, and timelines vary by country.
For Switzerland, recognition of a Spanish degree is handled by MEBEKO; for Austria, by the Austrian Medical Association.
Studying and everyday life on site
Teaching runs in smaller groups with attendance taken seriously and continuous assessment throughout the semester. In dentistry in Madrid, patient treatment takes place in Spanish even in the English-language program, so Spanish should be learned in parallel. Most students live in shared apartments. Valencia is compact and beach-close; Madrid is larger with excellent metro connections but higher rents. There are German-speaking students at both locations, though in smaller numbers than in Eastern Europe.
Frequently asked questions about studying medicine in this country
Do I need specific grades to study medicine in Spain?
No. Both Spanish universities select through their own process: documents, an interview, and a subject-specific test. Grades count but do not decide alone.
How good does my Spanish need to be for Valencia?
Good enough for lectures, examinations, and patient consultations. The program is entirely in Spanish; those starting without prior knowledge should plan for a year of intensive language preparation.
What does studying in Spain cost?
Human medicine in Valencia: 14,440 EUR per year. Dentistry in Madrid: 10,650 EUR per semester (21,300 EUR per year). Living costs: approximately 800 to 1,100 EUR per month.
Is a Spanish degree internationally recognized?
Yes. Spain has been an EU member since 1986, so Directive 2005/36/EC applies with automatic recognition across EU member states. Contact the competent licensing authority in your target country for specific requirements.
Can I transfer from Spain to another university?
Possible but never guaranteed — credits are assessed individually. Many students complete their degree in Spain and apply for licensure in their target country afterward.
Ahmad
Sabrina
Rami
Noah
500+ students placed.
Now it's your turn!
No daydreaming, no empty promises. Just a clear plan — for the start of your medical degree.
40 minutes, no obligation