Factors such as language and other requirements play an essential role in studying Medicine in Spain as an Indain student. Studying Medicine in Spain can be pretty exciting. Spain has affordable public universities for international students to pursue MBBS. Medical schools in Spain are limited in the number of students they can accept. The number of open posts was modified to allow students to gain more practical experience and avoid overcrowding during hospital training.
MBBS in Spain Vs MBBS in India
Med Schools in Spain follow a different education system than Indian system of Medical education. Refer to the table below to understand the critical differences between MBBS in India and MBBS in Spain.
| Parameter | India | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| Med Schools | 706 | 43 |
| College Type | Pub & Pvt | Pub & Pvt |
| Tuition Fee for Course | Pub 1-3 Lacs Pvt 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr | Pub 2.5-3 Lacs, Pvt 1 Cr+ |
| Duration | 4.5 | 6 Years |
| Infrastructure | Good to Below Avg | Good to Excellent |
| Degree Awarded | MBBS | MD General Medicine |
| Medium of Instruction | English | English cum Spanish mix |
| World Rank | Only AIIMS, Delhi | 5 in the Top 1000 |
| Teaching Experience | 5-50 Years | 100-500 Years |
| Study Pattern | Asian-Pre, Para & Clinical | European ECTS (360) |
| Internship | 1 Year | 1 Yr incl. in 6 Yr course |
| Subjects in MBBS | 19 Subjects | 44 mandatory, 65 Optional |
| PG Options in UK & USA | 473 Colleges approved ECFMG(USA), GMC UK | All 43 Approved |
Reasons why to study Medicine in Spain
- Internationally renowned universities : Spain has highly ranked universities, with five of them even ranking in the top 200 worldwide universities for Medicine.
- large international student community : Back in 2015, there were 1.5 Lacs+ international students in Spanish universities, which will increase to 2.5 Lacs in 2023.
- Beautiful culture : Spanish culture is entertaining, impressive, and exceptional. With the flamenco dance, great food, and an untiring desire to live life to the fullest, Spain is undoubtedly a place to study and relax.
- Tuition fees : In comparison to destinations like the US, Australia, or the UK, the cost of studying Medicine in Spain for international students is affordable and at Par with other European countries like Poland, Lithuania and Latvia
Does NMC Recognize the MBBS Degree from Spain?
In general, to study MBBS in Spain in English, students must also have good knowledge of Spanish language as well. Most medical programs are in Spanish, with only a few exceptions where universities mix English and Spanish. As per NMC's new gazette 2021, You must complete your entire Medicine course in English in Spain. Unfortunately, none of the Spanish universities offer MBBS courses entirely in English. So as per NMC rules your degree is not valid in India, explore the below destination to secure your license in India.
Duration to MBBS course in Spain?
Studying general Medicine in Spain takes up to 6 years in every medical school, including training and internship. Students can further pursue a master's degree for specialization training.
Top Medical Universities in Spain
There are 43 Medical universities in Spain as per the WDOMS list. The top medical schools in Spain are also continuously ranked among the top worldwide universities. For example, QS World University Rankings in Medicine ranks 5 Spanish universities among the top 200 worldwide universities.
1. University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona is among the best medical schools in Spain. Founded in 1450, it is among the nation's oldest and is also ranked among the top 200 in the world. University is respected for its excellence in science and now also in the field of Medicine. It has various undergrad and post-grad courses in Medicine and life sciences.
Even the Univ of Barcelona, ??the Top-Ranked Medical University in Spain, doesn't conduct the Medicine course entirely in English.
2. Rovira, I Virgili University
Rovira I Virgili is the 16th top University in the nation and among the top 600 universities worldwide in Tarragona, Spain. Rovira is a young and leading University with thriving excellence in its education quality and standards. They have various undergraduate programs and master's programs in Health Science.
3.University of Navarra
The University of Navarra is one of the best medical schools in Spain; this Spanish medical school is located in Pamplona, ??Spain, and was founded as a private institution in 1952.
This Spanish University has frequently collaborated with top universities worldwide, making it a welcoming environment for international students interested in studying Medicine in Spain.
Also listed among the top medical schools in Spain, the University of Navarra maintains 31 exchange programs with prestigious universities in 16 countries worldwide, allowing students to earn international experience and get a global outlook in the world of Medicine.
4. University of Valencia
The University of Valencia is located in Valencia. It was founded in 1499 and currently has three campuses. This Spanish medical school is the oldest in Spain and one of the best universities in the country.
The medium of instruction for the Medicine program at this University is English & Spanish, though classes are also delivered in Spanish and Valencian.
5. University of Seville
Established around 1551, the University of Seville is Spain's oldest and top-ranking University. It is known for its excellence in science and engineering, and the University has academic excellence for its innovation and high-quality learning. It also offers 60+ programs and various courses for international students.
6. Pompeu Fabra University
Pompeu Fabra University is among the top 200 best global Universities, ranked at 188. Pompeu Fabra is located in Cantalonia in Barcelona, ??Spain. This University's two courses in Medicine are Bachelor of Medicine and Human Biology.
MBBS Education system in Spain
The first two years focus on pre-clinical medicine study, which will teach the fundamentals of medical sciences in biology, physics, basic anatomy, physiology, and the normal and abnormal processes within the organ systems. Usually, this is the only period students will have dedicated time to learn medicine fundamentals.
| Year | Basic training | Compulsive | Optional | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre Clinical-1 | 48 | 9 | - | 57 |
| Pre Clinical-2 | 45 | 12 | - | 57 |
| Para Clinical-1 | - | 52 | - | 52 |
| Para Clinical-2 | - | 58 | - | 58 |
| Clinical | 9 | 48 | - | 57 |
| Electives | - | 55 | 36 | 250 |
| Total | 102 | 234 | 36 | 360 |
Pre-clinical training followed by Para clinical period for 2 more years i.e 3 & 4th Years. After this 5 Years is core clinical subject taught. 6th Year is a choice given to students to select their Medical elective in Spain as per their preference for the Speciality they are planning for their Masters. , students will begin their clinical studies under the supervision of doctors. After six years, students can proceed to their specialisation for further training.
Cost of studying MBBS in Spanish medical universities
The fees to study MBBS in Spain are reasonable and relatively inexpensive, especially compared to more significant international student hubs like the US, UK or AUS. Like in any other country, there are substantial differences between tuition fees in public and private universities, where private universities have higher tuition fees across their degree programmes.
Spanish universities have among the lowest fees in Europe. Specifically, tuition fee for an MBBS course in Spain at a Public Univ can range to €3,000 per year. the cost of studying Medicine in Spain can go as high as €20,000 per year at private universities.
The total cost for MBBS in Spain for Indian students will range from 15 Lacs to 1 Cr INR for all 6 years depending upon Pub and Pvt Med Schools excluding living costs,
Requirement for MBBS course in Spanish Med schools?
Admission to universities is either merit-based or entrance-based. Some universities take entry based on state eligibility tests. To study Medicine in Spain in English
- GPA: Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or more in 12th grade
- Entrance Exam: Clearing of Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is asked by most of Spanish Univ for Medicine admission.
- English Language: This English-language exam, administered by Cambridge Admissions Testing, assesses one’s knowledge of Science and Math.
- Spanish Language: B2 Level Spanish Proficiency
You need to meet above eligibility criteria for MBBS course in Spain.
Admission Process Study Medicine in Spain?
You must Apply to respective to respective Med School with all relevant doc like Transcript, BMAT Score, Language Proficiency Score etc.
- Medical University in Spain will conduct a personal interview
- After clearing the Interview, Spanish Med School will issue an offer letter
- Students need to pay the Tuition fee to the Univ
- University will issue a Confirmed Admission letter post fee payment
- Now you need to start the VISA process
Documents Required for VISA in Spain
After getting admission to a medical school in Spain, students need a student visa to enter and stay in Spain. Indian students can apply for their student visa from the Spanish embassy in Delhi.
The following documents are required to process for Student VISA.
- Completed visa application form(s).
- Valid passport.
- Valid ID.
- Two recent passport photos.
- Letter of acceptance.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of financial stability.
Medical PG Options After MBBS in Spain
Medical Residency In Spain (MIR)
Remember that physicians must complete post-graduate training after graduation, also known as MIR (Medico Interno Residente). After studying Medicine in Spain, the graduate can choose any speciality among the 50 available options.
Medical Residency (MIR) isa 5-hour-long MCQ-based test consisting of 225 Qus conducted in February every year; the exam costs 30 Euros. After passing the exam, students can start their Speclility program in May. There are approximately 6,800 MIR slots become available.
Medical PG in India or NEXT
During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College, which is 11% we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting a Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be very difficult, or else students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College, which may be in Crores!
| Total Applicants NEET PG 2022 | Specialty | Govt Med College | Pvt Med College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Success Ratio | Seats | ||
| 2.09 Lacs | ||||
| MD (Non Clinical) | 15K | 8.6% | 10K | |
| MS (Clinical) | 8K | 4.6% | 5K | |
| Total | 23K | 11.4% | 15K | |
Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist?
NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Medical history. Those who clear NEXT-2 are awarded a license to practice, and rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to the Page for detailed information on the Next Exam.
Medical PG in USA (USMLE)
We are well aware of the difficulty of getting a PG in India. With the introduction of NEXT, most students in India are attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum much more easily. US Healthcare system is considered one of the best healthcare systems for numerous reasons like High rewards, excellent infrastructure, Merit-based assessment, and Open opportunities for Super specialities. In most of the countries trying to replicate the US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates, the USMLE exam is divided into 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during an internship, and USMLE Step 3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam that can be taken at the PROMETRIC centres across India.
MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.
Medical PG IN UK (PLAB)
Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether she can be trained to practice medicine in the UK.
In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that test your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.
The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score on specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2, during which you may apply no later.
By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. The COVID pandemic has resulted in a major change that has affected life everywhere and at every level.
Especially the healthcare sector has faced unprecedented pressure. Consequently, the GMC UK will change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.
Medical PG in Germany
PG in Germany after MBBS in Spain is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2, qualifying you to apply for the visa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do an Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. Residency follows this.
This may sound simple here, but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany after MBBS in Spain,
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