The University of Alcalá (UAH) is one of the world's most historic academic institutions, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Faculty of Medicine is highly regarded for its academic excellence, rigorous research, and its pivotal role in the Madrid public healthcare system. It is consistently ranked as one of the top public faculties in Spain for preparing students for the national MIR (medical residency) exam.
Type of Institution: Public University.
Affiliation: Constituent Faculty of the University of Alcalá (UAH).
Recognition: Fully accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Universities and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
Status: A historical institution (originally founded in 1499) that transitioned into a modern, technology-driven health campus.
Language of Instruction: Spanish (Total fluency is required for both academic coursework and clinical rotations).
The faculty is primarily based at the Science and Technology Campus, located on the outskirts of Alcalá de Henares.
Location: Carretera Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid.
Campus Vibe: A specialized academic city that houses the faculties of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biology, providing a dedicated environment for life sciences.
Key Facilities:
Clinical Simulation Unit: High-tech spaces that recreate hospital rooms and emergency wards for risk-free practical training.
Anatomy Labs: Featuring world-class dissection rooms and anatomical collections.
Medical Library: A comprehensive resource center with 24-hour study rooms during peak exam periods.
Research Support Centers: Including specific units for Fine Chemistry and Biology-Medicine.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training at UAH is supported by a robust network of public hospitals across the Eastern Madrid region and Guadalajara.
Primary Teaching Hospitals:
Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias (Located directly on the Science and Technology campus).
Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (Madrid).
Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara.
Hospital Universitario de Torrejón.
Hospital Universitario del Henares.
Clinical Rotations: Students begin rotations in their third year, moving between large national reference centers (like Ramón y Cajal) and community hospitals to gain a balanced view of patient care.
State University Affordability
As a public university, fees for Spanish and EU citizens are heavily subsidized. Non-EU international students generally pay a higher rate.
Note: Alcalá de Henares offers a lower cost of living compared to central Madrid, while remaining only 35 minutes away by train.
Student Residences (Hostel):
Residencia Giner de los Ríos: Located on the Science and Technology campus, within walking distance of the Faculty of Medicine and the University Hospital.
Campus Village (Ciudad Residencial Universitaria): Apartment-style university housing located on the main campus.
Historical Residences: Such as San Ildefonso or Lope de Vega for those who prefer living in the historic city center.
Dining (Mess):
Faculty Canteen: Provides daily "Menú del Día" (fixed-price lunch) for approximately €6.50 – €8.00.
Campus Cafeterias: Various affordable snack bars and coffee shops are distributed throughout the technological campus.
Admission is highly competitive and is based strictly on academic merit through a centralized system.
Entrance Grade: Admission to Medicine at UAH requires one of the highest scores in Spain (typically above 13.1 out of 14.0).
International Access: Students with foreign diplomas must use the UNEDasiss service to homologate their grades and take PCE exams (Specific Competency Tests) in Biology and Chemistry to boost their scores.
Language Proficiency: A minimum of B2/C1 Spanish is essential, as patient interaction during hospital rotations is conducted entirely in Spanish.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus