Spain is home to several of Europe’s oldest universities, including institutions founded more than 400 years ago. As a member of the European Union, Spain also attracts international students through degree programs and exchange opportunities such as Erasmus+.
With this in mind, there are also several excellent public health programs in Spain. Public health is widely accepted and respected worldwide. As an international student, you cannot go wrong by choosing to pursue this field, and studying it in Spain can help you build an international academic and professional profile.
Let us discuss five of the best universities for students interested in public health in Spain!
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in Spain
1. University of Valencia
Founded in 1499, the University of Valencia is one of the oldest universities in Spain. It has about 55,000 students and is ranked #=449 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. The university is a strong option for students interested in public health and health management in Spain.
The University of Valencia offers the official Master’s Degree in Public Health and Health Management through its Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences. The program carries 60 ECTS credits and teaches students about public health problems, health policy, and health management.
While the university does not list a standalone doctorate in public health among its current doctoral programs, it does offer other health-related doctoral programs that may interest students who want to continue into research.
The university also participates in international mobility and exchange opportunities, so students interested in studying abroad during their degree should check the program page and the university’s international office for the latest options.
2. University of Granada
Founded in 1531, the University of Granada is one of Spain’s historic public universities and one of the country’s largest higher education institutions. The university has more than 60,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with a wider university community of students, researchers, lecturers, and staff linked to the institution. It is also listed in the 601–800 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
The Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health is home to programs for students who wish to enter this field. The university offers a 60-credit Master’s Degree in Research and Advances in Preventive Medicine and Public Health, and it also offers a Doctoral Programme in Clinical Medicine and Public Health.
These programs can help students build a foundation in epidemiology, health promotion, disease prevention, patient safety, and public health research methods.
The university’s campus is also one of the most expansive in the country. It is home to a wide variety of student associations, cultural workshops, and sports facilities, all of which students attending the university can join.
3. Autonomous University of Barcelona
Founded in 1968, the Autonomous University of Barcelona has grown into one of Spain’s leading public universities. It is ranked 183rd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 and #211 in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
The university offers an inter-university Master’s Degree in Public Health with Pompeu Fabra University. This 120-ECTS program is taught on campus over two academic years, with instruction mainly in Spanish and some subjects in English. The Barcelona Master in Public Health began in 1989 and has been jointly organized by UPF and UAB since 2006.
UAB also offers a Ph.D. in Methodology of Biomedical Research and Public Health. This doctorate focuses on biostatistics, epidemiology, public health, community health, international health, clinical epidemiology, health systems research, and healthcare quality evaluation.
Barcelona is one of the most important cities in Spain, second only to Madrid in terms of population. Students studying at UAB should take the chance to explore this historic city. The Gothic Quarter, Palace of Catalan Music, and the city’s football culture are all worth exploring if you get the chance.
4. University of Oviedo
The University of Oviedo traces its origins to papal authorization in 1574, and official university history states that the academic institution was inaugurated in 1608. Today, it is another strong university in Spain for students interested in public health, especially public health in emergency and disaster settings.
Students interested in public health can take part in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Public Health in Disasters. This two-year, 120-ECTS program focuses on public health in disaster situations and is organized by the University of Oviedo, Karolinska Institutet, and the University of Nicosia.
Because this is an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s program, students should carefully review the current program page for partner universities, mobility paths, admissions requirements, scholarships, and application deadlines before applying.
5. Autonomous University of Madrid
Another excellent university that offers public health-related degrees in Spain is the Autonomous University of Madrid. Founded in 1968, the university has earned a strong reputation in Spain and abroad. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, UAM is ranked #226 worldwide.
For students interested in public health, the Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health, and Microbiology is the best place to look. The department organizes the Master’s in Epidemiology and the Doctorate in Epidemiology and Public Health. It also participates in other related programs, including the Master’s in Microbiology.
The Master’s in Epidemiology is a one-year, 60-ECTS program taught in Spanish and delivered in person. The Doctorate in Epidemiology and Public Health is an inter-university doctoral program involving the Autonomous University of Madrid, the University of Alcalá, and Rey Juan Carlos University.
FAQs: Public Health Studies in Spain
Which Country is Best for Studying Public Health?
If you are looking for the best countries to pursue public health studies, consider countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Spain. These countries offer well-established public health programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as research and professional development opportunities that can help build your skills and knowledge.
Are Spanish Universities Good for International Students?
Spain has a lot to offer international students, ranging from historic universities and international exchange opportunities to a beautiful climate and a diverse culture. In 2023/24, Spanish universities recorded 149,280 international enrollments, and in 2024/2025, more than 65,000 Erasmus+ students traveled to Spain. Many Spanish universities also offer programs or selected courses in English, especially at the master’s level.
If you are looking to start or continue your studies in public health outside your home country, Spain is a good country to explore. It offers a rich culture to learn from and recognized public health study programs at several universities. Dive deeper into the universities above to find your most suitable program. Good luck!
We hope this article on the Best Universities for Public Health in Spain was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Spain and Programs in Europe for International Students!
