The Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) is a standout institution in Spain, known for its deep integration of medical education with high-level biomedical research. Located in the heart of Barcelona's "biomedical district," it offers a modern, science-heavy approach to medicine that is unique among Spanish public universities.
Type: Public University.
Location: Mar Campus (Carrer del Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08003 Barcelona).
Ranking: Consistently ranked in the Top 100 globally for Life Sciences and Medicine and #1 or #2 in Spain for research impact.
Language: Trilingual (Spanish, Catalan, and English). While clinical work with patients is in Spanish/Catalan, many scientific modules and resources are in English.
The Mar Campus is located right on the Mediterranean seafront and is a specialized health sciences hub.
PRBB (Barcelona Biomedical Research Park): The faculty is physically part of the PRBB, one of Europe's largest research clusters. This allows students to study in the same building as Nobel-caliber scientists.
Core Facilities: Access to high-tech laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging.
Advanced Simulation Center: Includes simulated clinical environments (emergency rooms, consultation offices) where students practice before hospital entry.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
UPF is directly connected to the PSMAR (Parc de Salut Mar), providing a seamless transition from the classroom to the clinic.
Hospital del Mar: Located right next to the campus, this is the primary teaching hospital. It is famous for its research-driven clinical practice.
Hospital de l'Esperança: Focuses on rehabilitation and surgical specialties.
IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute): An affiliated institute where clinical research projects are integrated into the medical curriculum.
State University Affordability
As a public university in Catalonia, tuition is regulated by the regional government.
Note: The Mar Campus area (Barceloneta/Vila Olímpica) is one of the most expensive in the city. Many students choose to live further inland and commute via the Yellow Metro line (L4).
Accommodation:
RESA Residences: Several residences are near the campus, such as La Ciutadella or Investigadors. These are high-quality but high-cost (~€800–€1,200/month).
Shared Flats: Most students find rooms in the El Born or Poblenou districts. A room typically costs between €450 and €650 per month.
Dining:
The PRBB and Mar Campus canteens offer a "Menú del Día" for approximately €7.50 – €9.50.
Being by the sea, there are many outdoor spaces and beaches where students gather for breaks.
Admission to UPF is among the most difficult in Spain due to the very small number of intake spots.
Cut-off Score: The "Nota de Corte" is consistently one of the highest in the country, usually above 13.1 out of 14.0.
UNEDasiss: International students must validate their high school records through the UNEDasiss portal.
PCE Exams: To be competitive, international applicants must take the Specific Competency Tests (PCE) in Biology and Chemistry and aim for near-perfect scores.
Language Proficiency: A B2/C1 level of Spanish is required, as clinical practice involves direct interaction with the local population.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus