Nursing is one of the most noble professions and a cornerstone of healthcare in all parts of the world. Whether you’re an aspiring nurse eager to start your education or a healthcare professional aiming for career advancement, this list of the top 5 places to study nursing in Spain will be useful for you.
Read on to get an overview of the best universities for international students to study nursing in Spain. Explore their offerings, facilities, and reputation so you can decide which program is best for you!
Why is Spain Regarded as One of the Best Countries to Study Nursing?
Spain, with its affordable tuition fees and scholarship opportunities, offers a welcoming environment for international students who enter the allied health programs. Upon graduation, students also benefit from good job prospects, as the country faces a growing demand for healthcare professionals.
Aside from all those, Spain’s rich culture, beautiful landscapes, bustling health care centers, and diverse community all provide a wonderful experience for those pursuing a nursing degree. Thus, overall, the country is an attractive destination for aspiring healthcare professionals from around the world.
Is it Possible for International Students to Find Nursing Jobs in Spain After Completing Their Studies?
Yes, international students can find nursing jobs in Spain after they complete their studies. Non-EU students can apply to stay in Spain post-study to seek employment. However, they cannot work during this time and must show proof of financial means to sustain their stay.
If you want to stay in the country after your degree, you can apply for a job-seeking visa 60 days before your study visa expires or within 90 days after its expiration. Your university is a great resource to guide you in the process. For instance, here is the Autonomous University of Barcelona providing information on post-study visas for its students’ benefit.
Also, Spain is experiencing a rising demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, making it conducive for well-trained graduates to secure employment. Additionally, many Spanish universities offer career services to assist international students in their job search, facilitating a smoother transition from education to employment.
Top Universities in Spain to Study Nursing
Here are five universities in Spain that stand out for their commitment to excellence in nursing education:
1. University of Barcelona – Faculty of Nursing
The University of Barcelona has a rich history that goes back more than five centuries. Established in 1450, it has been a witness to the evolution of Spain and housed some of its greatest minds. It has also offered many courses, including its nursing programs that were previously offered through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences but are now handled by the recently-opened Faculty of Nursing. Its students benefit from training at the university’s five hospitals and other affiliated health centers.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree in nursing, the Faculty of Nursing offers three master’s programs in areas of nursing such as clinical practice, research methods, and leadership. The annual tuition fee for the Master’s programs is around 1,660 euros for students from the EU and 4,920 euros for non-EU nationals. The faculty also offers a Doctoral Program in Nursing and Health (offered jointly with the Rovira i Virgili University).
2. University of Navarra – School of Nursing
- Nursing Programs Offered: School of Nursing
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The University of Navarra, or Universidad de Navarra in Spanish, was established in 1952. It ranks not just 2nd in our list of top nursing schools in Spain but is also within the top 100 in the world for nursing according to the QS World Rankings by Subject 2023. This institution offers a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing. Students may combine that program with diplomas offered by the school in Psychology of Care; Palliative Care; and Leadership, Research, and Training.
Students can also opt for the International Nursing program, in which 25 percent of the courses are taught in English, and students get to study abroad for a short period for an academic or clinical internship. Meanwhile, at the graduate level, the university offers a practice-focused master’s program in Advanced Nursing in Oncology and a doctoral program in Nursing Science.
3. University of Granada – Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Granada is one of the oldest universities in the country. It was established in 1531, although its origins can be traced even further back to the Middle Ages. It is one of the most affordable universities in the country, and is a popular choice for international students – nearly 9% of its undergraduate population, 16% of its Master’s students, and 30% of its doctoral students are from outside Spain.
The undergraduate degree is a four-year program that includes core subjects in health and nursing sciences, cross-curricular training, elective subjects, and internships. Graduates are employed primarily in health care in both the public and private sectors. They could also join NGOs, or take up research, teaching, or management positions.
The university also offers a Master’s Degree in Critical Care in Urgencies and Emergencies in Nursing. It is for graduates who have studied nursing at the undergraduate level and want to work with people suffering from critical health problems.
4. University of Valencia – Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry
Ranking 4th among the best nursing schools in Spain is the University of Valencia (UV). It is one of the top universities in Spain, with more than five centuries of history. It offers some of the best nursing programs in the country, ranking among the top five universities in Spain in the QS World Ranking by Subject 2023, and within the top 100 in the world.
UV offers a four-year bachelor’s program in Nursing, with a tuition fee of 1,080 euros per year. At the graduate level, the university offers a master’s program in Oncology Nursing, which has a strong research orientation. The annual tuition fee for the Master’s program is 2,120 euros. Students interested in research can apply to the faculty’s doctoral program in Clinical and Community Nursing.
5. Autonomous University of Barcelona – Faculty of Medicine
The Autonomous University of Barcelona, or the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), is a public university in Spain established in 1968. It has been just over half a century since its inception, but the university already ranks among the best in the country and the top 200 universities in the world. Around 30,000 students study at its campus, with about 5% of undergraduate and 30% of master’s degree students coming from outside the country.
UAB offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in nursing. The bachelor’s program trains students so they can provide the best quality care to patients, with an emphasis on humanistic values. They get the opportunity to intern at prestigious centers of health care. The university offers a bachelor’s program in nursing not only through its Faculty of Medicine but also through affiliated schools.
At the graduate level, the university offers a Master’s degree in Nursing Innovation Applied to Vulnerability and Health. This degree trains students in the knowledge and skills to care for vulnerable populations. It’s also a great stepping stone to continue to a Ph.D. program for those interested in an academic career.
Spain is home to several institutions of excellence dedicated to producing the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. This article has shed light on the top five nursing schools in Spain, each known for its commitment to academic rigor and its strong emphasis on practical training.
We hope this article about the best nursing schools in Spain will help jumpstart your career in healthcare. If you want to know more about other top countries where you can study nursing abroad, check out this article!
