1. Is the University of the Basque Country a public university?
+A: Yes. It is one of Spain's leading public universities with a strong reputation in medical education and biomedical research.
The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) – Faculty of Medicine and Nursing is one of Spain's leading public medical schools, located in Leioa, Spain. Renowned for excellence in medical education, biomedical research, healthcare innovation, and clinical training, the faculty prepares future physicians through a modern curriculum that integrates scientific knowledge, clinical practice, research, and patient-centred care. As the largest public university in the Basque Country, UPV/EHU has built a strong international reputation for academic quality and interdisciplinary healthcare education.
Founded in 1980, the University of the Basque Country was established by integrating existing higher education institutions across the Basque region. The Faculty of Medicine and Nursing continues a long tradition of medical education while supporting cutting-edge research, international collaboration, and healthcare development. Today, it serves thousands of students while maintaining strong partnerships with leading hospitals and research institutes throughout northern Spain.
The six-year Bachelor of Medicine (Grado en Medicina) follows European Higher Education Area standards and combines biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, public health, communication skills, ethics, research, and supervised clinical education. The programme gradually develops students' scientific understanding alongside practical clinical competence required for modern medical practice.
The curriculum begins with comprehensive study of anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, neuroscience, behavioural sciences, epidemiology, public health, medical ethics, and research methodology. These foundational subjects provide the scientific basis for clinical learning.
Teaching combines lectures, laboratory practicals, anatomy dissections, simulation-based learning, clinical skills training, case-based discussions, problem-based learning, digital learning platforms, and small-group tutorials. Students progressively strengthen analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, professionalism, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.
Clinical education is conducted through an extensive network of affiliated teaching hospitals, specialist healthcare institutions, outpatient clinics, primary healthcare centres, and community medical facilities. Students receive supervised practical experience across numerous medical specialties while applying classroom knowledge to real patient care.
Clinical rotations include internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, emergency medicine, anaesthesiology, ophthalmology, dermatology, ENT, radiology, oncology, nephrology, endocrinology, respiratory medicine, gastroenterology, geriatrics, infectious diseases, family medicine, rehabilitation medicine, and community healthcare.
Students actively participate in ward rounds, outpatient consultations, emergency departments, operating theatres, multidisciplinary meetings, diagnostic procedures, and supervised patient management. Clinical responsibilities increase progressively throughout the programme under experienced physician supervision.
Simulation-based education supports practical learning through advanced clinical skills laboratories equipped with high-fidelity patient simulators, emergency medicine training facilities, procedural laboratories, surgical simulation equipment, consultation rooms, and digital healthcare technologies. These facilities allow students to develop practical competence before entering hospital environments.
Biomedical research represents one of the faculty's greatest strengths. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects involving molecular medicine, neuroscience, genetics, public health, oncology, precision medicine, biomedical engineering, and clinical sciences. Participation in scientific conferences, publications, and international research collaborations further strengthens professional development.
The university collaborates closely with major healthcare providers, research institutes, universities, and international organisations throughout Spain and Europe. These partnerships enhance both medical education and research while providing students with broad clinical exposure and international opportunities.
The curriculum integrates evidence-based medicine, patient safety, healthcare leadership, ethics, professionalism, digital health, interprofessional collaboration, healthcare quality improvement, and public health throughout all six years of study. Graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare systems.
Students benefit from outstanding educational facilities including anatomy laboratories, biomedical research centres, simulation laboratories, clinical skills facilities, advanced medical libraries, digital learning platforms, and affiliated university hospitals.
Student life includes scientific societies, student research groups, sports clubs, cultural organisations, volunteering opportunities, international exchange programmes, leadership activities, and comprehensive student support services. The university promotes both academic excellence and personal development.
International students receive academic advising, language support, career guidance, counselling services, digital learning resources, and opportunities for international mobility. The university actively participates in Erasmus+ and numerous international academic partnerships.
Graduates continue into residency training, specialist medical education, biomedical research, academic medicine, healthcare administration, public health, and international clinical practice according to Spanish and international licensing requirements.
Today, the University of the Basque Country – Faculty of Medicine and Nursing continues to rank among Spain's leading medical schools through excellence in education, internationally recognised research, advanced clinical training, and continuous healthcare innovation.
