The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) is widely considered the top-tier medical school in Spain and one of the best globally. Established in 1450, it combines centuries of tradition with cutting-edge clinical research, consistently ranking as the #1 medical university in Spain and within the top 100 worldwide.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the faculty maintains its highly competitive and clinical-focused approach.
The faculty is split into three main campuses, each integrated with world-renowned hospitals and research centers.
Medicine Campus (Clínic): Located in the heart of Barcelona (Carrer de Casanova). It is directly linked to Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, a global leader in high-complexity care and translational research.
Bellvitge Campus: Located in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat. It is integrated with the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, focusing on advanced surgical techniques and oncology.
Sant Joan de Déu Campus: Located in Esplugues de Llobregat, specifically dedicated to pediatrics and maternity through the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, one of Europe's top pediatric centers.
Clinical training focuses heavily on high-complexity systems such as the cardiovascular network.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The UB's strength lies in its association with three of Europe's top-tier hospitals. Students are assigned to a "Teaching Unit" based in one of these centers:
Hospital Clínic de Barcelona: Frequently ranked as the best hospital in Spain. It is a global leader in high-complexity surgery and organ transplants.
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge: A major tertiary hospital specializing in oncology, cardiology, and advanced surgical technology.
Hospital Sant Joan de Déu: One of the most important pediatric and maternity hospitals in Europe. Students interested in pediatrics receive world-class training here.
State University Affordability
As a public university in Catalonia, fees are set by the regional government and are significantly subsidized for residents.
Note: Barcelona is one of the more expensive cities in Spain, so shared accommodation or university halls are common choices for students.
Since the UB is an urban university, it does not have a single "gated campus" for housing, but it offers extensive student services:
Hostel (Accommodation): The UB has its own "Colegios Mayores" (Residential Colleges) like Sant Jordi or Penyafort-Montserrat. These are much more than hostels; they offer meals, laundry, and academic support.
Cost: Approximately €900 – €1,200 per month (including full board).
Alternative: Many students stay in private student residences like Livensa Living or rent shared flats in the Eixample or Sants neighborhoods.
Mess (Dining): Each campus and hospital has a University Canteen.
Subsidized Meals: Students get a 3-course "Menú del Dia" for about €7.50 – €9.50. The food focuses on the Mediterranean diet, ensuring healthy options for medical students.
Admission to the UB is the most difficult in Spain due to extremely high demand.
Entrance Grade (Nota de Corte): For 2025, the required grade was 12.85 for Campus Clínic and 12.65 for Campus Bellvitge (out of 14.0).
International Access: Non-Spanish diploma holders must process their validation through UNEDasiss.
PCE Exams: International students must take the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) in Biology and Chemistry to achieve the near-perfect scores required.
Language: While theoretical material may be in Spanish or English, Catalan is the primary language used for patient interaction in clinical rotations from the 3rd year onwards.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus