Nursing is one of the most noble professions and a cornerstone of health care in every part of the world. Whether you’re an aspiring nurse eager to start your education or a health care professional aiming for career advancement, this list of five notable places to study nursing in Spain will be useful for you.
Read on for an overview of universities where international students can study nursing in Spain. Explore their offerings, facilities, and reputation so you can decide which program may be the best fit for you.
Here are five universities in Spain that stand out for nursing education:
Top Schools Offering Nursing Programs in Spain
1. University of Barcelona
The University of Barcelona has a rich history that goes back more than five centuries. Established in 1450, it has witnessed the evolution of Spain and has been home to many important scholars. Its nursing programs are now handled by the Faculty of Nursing, which was created in 2023 after nursing had previously been part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Students benefit from clinical training at the university’s five university hospitals, as well as additional associated hospitals, social-health centers, and primary care centers.
The bachelor’s degree in Nursing is a four-year, 240-credit, face-to-face program with compulsory placements. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, the Faculty of Nursing lists three official university master’s programs: Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice; Leadership and Management in Nursing Services; and Applied Research Methodology in Nursing Care. Tuition is calculated per credit and can vary by program and student status; for example, UB lists €19.37 per credit for the 2025–2026 Advanced Nursing Clinical Practice master’s degree under the standard public price category and €82 per credit for students who are not EU nationals and do not currently reside in Spain. The faculty also participates in the Doctoral Program in Nursing and Health, an interuniversity program with Rovira i Virgili University coordinated by UB.
2. University of Navarra
The University of Navarra, or Universidad de Navarra in Spanish, was established in 1952. It offers an on-site Degree in Nursing on the Pamplona campus; the program is listed as a four-year, 240-credit degree taught in Spanish. Students may complement the degree with options such as the International Nursing Program, Psychology of Care, Palliative Care, and Leadership, Research, and Teaching.
At the graduate level, the university lists a Master’s Degree in Advanced Nursing Practice and a Master’s Degree in Advanced Nursing Practice in Oncology. The School notes that the oncology master’s has no places available for the 2026/27 academic year and directs students to newer Advanced Nursing Practice master’s options. It also offers a Doctorate in Nursing Science.
3. University of Granada
The University of Granada is one of the oldest universities in the country. It was officially founded in 1531, although its origins can be traced further back to the Middle Ages. The university’s official nursing page lists an approximate tuition fee of €757 for the undergraduate nursing degree, making it a comparatively affordable public-university option.
The undergraduate degree is a four-year, 240-ECTS program taught in Spanish. It includes five modules: health sciences, nursing sciences, cross-curricular training, elective subjects, and internships and dissertation. Graduates are employed primarily in health care in both the public and private sectors. They may also join NGOs or pursue research, teaching, management, or consultancy roles.
The university also offers a Master’s Degree in Critical Care in Urgencies and Emergencies in Nursing. It is designed for nurses who want advanced training in urgent, emergency, and critical care.
4. University of Valencia
The University of Valencia (UV) is one of the top universities in Spain, with more than five centuries of history. Its Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry offers programs in nursing at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students comparing universities should check the latest subject-ranking tables rather than relying on older ranking figures.
UV offers a four-year bachelor’s program in Nursing worth 240 credits. The degree is taught face-to-face in Spanish and Valencian, and the official page lists €18.00 per credit for first enrollment and €36.00 per credit for students who are non-EU nationals and do not have the relevant residency or equivalence status. At the graduate level, the university offers a 60-credit, one-year master’s program in Oncology Nursing, taught face-to-face in Spanish, with a listed price of €35.34 per credit and €70.68 per credit for non-EU and non-communicating students from abroad. Students interested in research can apply to the doctoral program in Clinical and Community Nursing.
5. Autonomous University of Barcelona
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, or the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), is a public university in Spain established in 1968. It ranks among Spain’s leading universities and is ranked 211th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2027; it is also within the top 200 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
UAB offers undergraduate nursing education through its Faculty of Medicine and affiliated schools. The main bachelor’s degree in Nursing is a four-year, 240-credit, classroom-based program offered across Bellaterra, Barcelona, Sabadell, and Badalona, with a listed price of €17.69 per credit. Students receive person-centered training with an emphasis on humanistic values and complete work placements in health care centers. The affiliated Sant Pau School of Nursing also offers a four-year, 240-credit nursing degree at a different listed per-credit fee.
At the graduate level, UAB lists the 60-ECTS University Master’s Degree in Nursing Innovation Applied to Vulnerability and Health, though the official page states that it is in the process of extinction. The university also offers a PhD in Nursing: Vulnerabilities and Health, focused on research and care in situations of vulnerability.
Read More: Best Countries to Study Nursing
FAQs: Nursing Studies in Spain
Why is Spain Regarded as One of the Best Countries to Study Nursing?
Spain can be an attractive country for nursing studies because public universities often list moderate per-credit tuition fees compared with many private systems, and major universities provide clinical placement opportunities through hospitals and health centers. Scholarship and aid options vary by university and student status, so applicants should review each university’s current fees and funding pages before applying.
Spain’s rich culture, diverse regions, busy health care centers, and international student communities can also provide a valuable experience for students pursuing a nursing degree.
Is it Possible for International Students to Find Nursing Jobs in Spain After Completing Their Studies?
Yes, international students may be able to find nursing jobs in Spain after they complete their studies, but they must meet the relevant professional, language, immigration, and hiring requirements. Non-EU graduates who completed an eligible higher-education program in Spain may apply for Spain’s residence authorization for job searching or starting a business, provided they meet the current requirements.
The current residence authorization for job searching or starting a business can be requested during the 60 days before the study authorization expires or during the 90 days after it expires. It can last up to 24 nonrenewable months and does not authorize the holder to work during that period; once a suitable job is found, the corresponding work or residence authorization must be requested. Your university is a useful resource during this process; for example, the Autonomous University of Barcelona provides information on post-study job-seeking residence authorization for its students.
Spain and other European countries continue to report shortages in health and care roles, including nurses, but employment is not automatic. International graduates should confirm degree recognition, professional registration, Spanish or regional language expectations, and visa requirements before planning to work as nurses in Spain.
In conclusion, Spain is home to several institutions dedicated to training the health care professionals of tomorrow. This article has highlighted five nursing schools in Spain, each with academic programs and practical training opportunities.
We hope this article about the best nursing schools in Spain will help jumpstart your career in health care. If you want to know more about where you can study abroad, check out the Study in Spain and Available Programs for International Students pages.
