The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) is a prominent health sciences center located in the city of Reus, Catalonia. It is celebrated for its highly practical curriculum and its integration within the "Catalunya Sud" International Campus of Excellence.
Because the faculty is based in Reus rather than the main university hub of Tarragona, it offers a specialized, health-focused environment that is closely linked to the local community and hospital network.
The faculty is located on the Bellissens Campus in Reus, a dedicated space for health and social sciences.
CFIS (Simulation Center): The Centre de Formació i Innovació en Simulació Josep Maria Martínez Carretero is the faculty’s crown jewel. It allows students to practice clinical skills in a controlled environment using high-fidelity simulators and virtual reality tools.
Integrated Research: The campus is closely tied to the IISPV (Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili), where students can engage in high-impact research, particularly in areas like nutrition, metabolism, and mental health.
CRAI (Learning and Research Resource Center): A specialized health sciences library on campus that provides extensive digital resources and collaborative study rooms designed for medical students.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
A defining feature of URV is its "Health Institutions" network. Students rotate through several major hospitals, gaining experience in different clinical environments.
Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus: The primary teaching hospital, located right next to the Bellissens Campus. It is a reference center for oncology and high-complexity care.
Hospital Universitari Joan XXIII (Tarragona): A major tertiary hospital that provides exposure to a vast range of surgical and internal medicine cases.
Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (Reus): A world-renowned psychiatric hospital where students complete their mental health and psychiatry rotations.
Verge de la Cinta Hospital (Tortosa): Provides a more decentralized, regional perspective of the healthcare system.
State University Affordability
As a public university, URV follows the official tuition rates set by the Government of Catalonia.
Note: Reus is significantly more affordable than nearby Barcelona. You can find high-quality student housing at much lower prices while being just a short train ride away from the Mediterranean coast.
Student life in Reus is integrated into the city’s lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Accommodation:
Shared Flats: Most students rent in the city center or near the Bellissens Campus. A room in a shared apartment typically costs between €250 and €400 per month.
University Housing Office: URV provides a dedicated housing portal to help international and first-year students find vetted accommodation.
Dining:
The campus features its own university cafeteria where you can get a full "Menú del Dia" for approximately €7.50 – €9.00.
Reus is also famous for its local markets and food culture, offering plenty of affordable grocery and dining options.
Entrance to the URV medical program is highly competitive and relies on the standardized Spanish university entrance system.
Cut-off Score: The "Nota de Corte" is high, usually requiring a score above 12.7 out of 14.0.
UNEDasiss: International students must validate their high school transcripts through the UNEDasiss portal.
PCE Exams: It is essential for international applicants to take Specific Competency Tests (PCE) in Biology and Chemistry to maximize their entry score.
Language: Classes are taught in a mix of Catalan and Spanish. A B2 level in Spanish is necessary for hospital rotations to ensure you can communicate effectively with patients.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus