Universidad de Cantabria Facultad de Medicina

Campus & Infrastructure

The faculty is located in the Cazoña area of Santander, strategically positioned directly across from the main university hospital.

• Location: Av. de Valdecilla, s/n, 39008 Santander, Cantabria, Spain.

• Campus Vibe: A specialized, clinical-focused campus. The atmosphere is professional and research-oriented, given the constant movement of students, doctors, and researchers between the faculty and the hospital.

• Key Facilities:

• Valdecilla Virtual Center (VsB): One of the most advanced medical simulation centers in Europe, offering high-fidelity training in surgery and clinical emergencies.

• Anatomy and Dissection Rooms: Modernized facilities for foundational medical training.

• IDIVAL (Valdecilla Health Research Institute): A cutting-edge research hub located within the hospital-faculty complex where students often participate in biomedical research.

Medical Library: Specifically tailored to health sciences with extensive digital databases.

Healthcare Pillar: Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital

The Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (HUMV) is the cornerstone of the faculty. It is a National Reference Center (CSUR) for multiple specialties.

• Primary Teaching Hospital: Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla.

• Associated Centers:

• Hospital de Liencres.

• Hospital Laredo.

• Hospital Sierrallana (Torrelavega).

Educational Engine: The hospital is famous for its "Valdecilla Methodology," emphasizing early clinical exposure and specialized training in complex pathologies, particularly in transplants, neurosciences, and oncology.

Fee Structure and Costs (Estimated 2025/2026)

As a public university, fees are regulated by the Government of Cantabria. Prices are among the most competitive in Spain.

Note: Santander is generally more affordable than Madrid or Barcelona, offering a high quality of life on the Atlantic coast.

Accommodation and Dining (Hostel & Mess)

• Student Residences (Hostel):

• Residencia Universitaria de Cazoña: Located extremely close to the Faculty of Medicine.

• Residencia Alberto Pico: Another university-affiliated option in Santander.

• Private Shared Flats: Most students rent apartments in the Cazoña or Valdecilla neighborhoods to be within walking distance of the faculty.

• Dining (Mess):

• Faculty Canteen: Offers affordable daily menus for students (approx. €6.00 – €7.50).

• Hospital Cafeterias: Due to the proximity, students frequently use the dining facilities at the Valdecilla Hospital.

Admissions Process

Admission is strictly merit-based through the Spanish national centralized system.

1. Entrance Grade: The "Nota de Corte" for Medicine at the University of Cantabria is very high, typically above 13.0 out of 14.0.

2. International Access: Students from foreign systems must apply via UNEDasiss. You will likely need to take PCE exams in Biology and Chemistry to reach the competitive score required for admission.

3. Application Period: Pre-registration usually takes place in late June or early July.

Information for Foreign Nationals