MBBS in Spain at Any Age (25, 40, and 45-Years)

Thinking about pursuing an MBBS (Grado en Medicina) in Spain but worried about your age? Whether you are 25, 40, or 45 years old, this guide will walk you through all the options, requirements, and strategies to successfully enroll in a Spanish medical university.

• MBBS in Spain at Any Age at 25, 40, and 45-Years
• Study MBBS in Spain at Any Age: Admission Guide for 25, 40 & 45‑Year‑Olds
• How to Get MBBS in Spain at 25, 40 or 45 Years: Complete Admission Guide
• MBBS in Spain Eligibility & Admission for All Ages (25, 40, 45 Years)
• Study Medicine in Spain (MBBS): Admission Steps for Adults 25–45 Years
• Guide to MBBS in Spain for 25, 40 & 45‑Year‑Old Students

Why Study MBBS in Spain?

• Spain offers high-quality medical education at public and private universities.
• European MBBS degrees are recognized internationally, including India, with proper licensing exams.
• Affordable tuition at public universities compared to private institutions in other countries.
• Rich clinical exposure and modern teaching methods.

Grado en Medicina (Spain) vs. MBBS

Grado en Medicina (Spain)

• Duration: 6 years
• Degree awarded: Graduado/a en Medicina
• Includes:
  • Pre-clinical + clinical training
  • Mandatory clinical rotations
• After graduation, to work as a doctor in Spain you must pass MIR (specialty exam).

MBBS (UK, India, many Commonwealth countries)

• Duration: 5–6 years (varies by country)
• Degree awarded: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
• Includes:
  • Pre-clinical + clinical training
  • Internship or foundation year (country-dependent)

Are they equivalent?

✔ Yes, in terms of medical education level
Both degrees qualify you as a medical doctor in their respective countries.

Eligibility for Different Age Groups in Spain

The admission routes in Spain vary depending on your age:

1. Age 25 – Standard Admission

• Complete high school or equivalent (Bachillerato)
• For non-Spanish students, apply through UNEDasiss ((part of the Spanish National Distance Education University) to validate credentials
• Take the PCE exams (if required) for competitive degrees like Medicine
• Demonstrate Spanish proficiency (DELE B2 recommended)

2. Age 40 – Mature Student Access

• Take the special access exam for students over 40
• Demonstrate maturity, reasoning, and written skills
• Admission depends on available quota for mature students
• Apply through the regional pre-inscripción system for Medicine

3. Age 45 – Special Access for Seniors

• Written exam: text analysis, Spanish language, and reasoning
• Interview assessing academic potential
• Passing the exam allows entry to a reserved 2% quota for seniors in Grado programs
• Admission is not automatic — depends on ranking and available seats

Admission Process

1. Validate your previous education: Homologación or UNEDasiss credential for non-Spanish high school diplomas.
2. Prepare Spanish language skills: DELE B2 recommended, especially for Medicine.
3. Take required exams: EBAU/PCE for younger applicants, Prueba de mayores de 40/45 for mature students.
4. Apply during pre-inscripción period: Select your preferred university and Grado en Medicina program.
5. Wait for results: Admission depends on ranking, scores, and available seats.
6. Student visa (for non-EU students): After acceptance, provide proof of funds, accommodation, and health insurance.

Step-by-step Admission Process Guide 

Step-by-step guide on how a foreign student (non-Spanish) can apply to study Grado en Medicina at an University in Spain — what you need, what’s required, and the process: 

 🎓 1. Meet the basic academic entry requirements 

To apply for Grado en Medicina as an international student, you must have: 

 📌 Your High School Diploma / Secondary Education 

You must have completed secondary school (equivalent to Spanish Bachillerato/High School diploma). If your diploma is from outside Spain and your country doesn’t have a special agreement with Spain, you typically must apply for homologation (recognition) of your high school diploma to the Spanish one. 

 ✔ Homologation = Spanish Ministry of Education confirms your diploma is equivalent to Spanish Bachillerato. 👉 Without this, you cannot enter undergraduate studies like Medicine in Spain. 

 📑 2. UNEDasiss credential (mandatory for most foreign students) 

Most international students must apply through UNEDasiss (part of the Spanish National Distance Education University). This service: 

•  Converts your secondary school grades into the Spanish scale (0–10). 
•  Determines if your diploma meets Spanish access requirements. 
•  In some cases, helps you take “Specific Competency Tests” (PCE) to improve your admission score (especially for competitive degrees like Medicine). 

 💡 The higher your overall score (combining your grades + any PCE exam results), the better chance you have of getting a place — Medicine is very competitive (cutoff scores often very high) in Spain.

📝 3. Application through the Spanish university admission process 

For compulsory public universities (like UVa, UCM), you don’t apply directly to the university first. Instead: 

 🧾 Pre-inscription (Pre-application) There is a common application system for public universities in Castilla y León, including the Universidad de Valladolid, Salamanca, Leon, Burgos. You choose your preferred degrees, including Medicine. You upload your UNEDasiss results + homologation + other documents during this stage. 

 📅 The deadlines and exact dates are usually announced each year — you must check the University admissions calendar carefully. 

 🧠 4. Language requirements 

Since Grado en Medicina is taught in Spanish, you will need to prove your Spanish language ability. Commonly required: 

• DELE Spanish certificate (often B1/B2 depending on requirements) 
• Or equivalent CEFR certification 
• Often, University normally accepts an A2 to start but may require additional language courses. 

 🎯 Make sure your Spanish level is strong — Medicine is not taught in English at most Spanish public universities.  

 

 🪪 5. Student visa (if you’re a non-EU citizen) 

Once you’re accepted: 

 📌 Apply for a Student Visa At a Spanish Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Requirements generally include: 

• Letter of acceptance from University 
• Proof of finance, 
• Health insurance,  
• Criminal record certificate,  
• Medical certificate, 
• Valid passport …among other documents. 

You should start this as soon as you receive acceptance, because it can take time to process.  

 

 🧠 6. Advice & important points 

✅ Prepare early. Medicine in Spain is one of the most competitive degrees. You might need to take specific exams (PCE) via UNEDasiss if your initial equivalence score is low. 

 ✅ Spanish proficiency is critical. You will study complex subjects like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology — all in Spanish. 

 ✅ Ask for help from the International Office at UVa. The International Welcome Point can guide you before and after acceptance.  

 

 📌 Summary of key steps 

• Homologate your high school diploma to Spanish Bachillerato. 
•  Apply to UNEDasiss for conversion of your grades and (if needed) take PCE exams. 
•  Submit a regional pre-inscription for Grado en Medicina with your UNEDasiss results. 
•  Prove Spanish language ability. 
•  Get student visa after acceptance. 

Tuition and Living Costs

The best-established estimate of tuition costs for non-EU (international) students at a public university in Spain like Universidad de Valladolid, Salamanca, Leon, Burgos for Grado en Medicina — based on the most relevant official info and patterns seen across Spanish public universities: 

 💶 1. Tuition fees for non-EU students 

📌 Official “Visiting / International” fee 

Example from a University of Valladolid in Spain 

According to the University International Office’s fee listing: 

Non-EU students: ~€73.80 per ECTS credit for bachelor studies. (This is the international student rate listed for visiting students, and gives a strong idea of how non-EU tuition is set.) 

If that rate is similar for full degree enrollment (and many Spanish public universities charge similar multiples for non-EU students), then: 

60 credits per year × €73.80 = ~€4,428 per year 

6 years × €4,428 ≈ ~€26,568 total tuition for the entire Medicine degree 

 📌 Important: This figure can vary because: UVa might set slightly different official undergraduate non-EU rates for degree students vs. visiting students. 

Some Spanish autonomous communities or universities charge even higher international rates (sometimes 3–5× EU citizen rates). 

Some public universities cap the increase — but it will still be significantly higher than the EU fee.  

 

 📊 Estimated tuition range for non-EU students in Spain (Medicine) 

Most public Spanish universities charge more for international students, and based on broader data: 

 📌 Typical range for Medicine for non-EU students €3,000 – €8,000 per year 

So a 6-year degree might cost roughly: 

👉 €18,000 – €48,000 total tuition (non-EU public rates). 

This range depends on: 

✔ Whether University sticks closer to the lower estimate (€73.80 per credit example) 

✔ Or whether fees are toward the higher side of what other universities charge (some places charge multiples above basic rates).  

 

🧾 2. Other academic costs (for non-EU students) 

In addition to tuition you may need to pay: 

•  Administration / enrolment fees (~€60–€150 at University for initial enrolment) 
•  Student insurance and student card fees (small amounts each year) 
•  Books and materials 
•  These are usually minor extras compared to tuition and living costs. 

 🏠 3. Living costs in Valladolid (non-EU student) 

For budgeting purposes (not tuition): 

•  Accommodation: €200–€350 / month 
•  Food: €150–€250 / month 
•  Transport & misc: €80–€150 / month 

👉 ~€450–€750 per month on average 

👉 €5,400–€9,000 per year living costs (approx.)

Costs vary based on age, student status, and whether you are EU or non-EU:

Category	EU Students	Non-EU Students
Tuition per year	€1,300–€1,400	€4,000–€6,000
Living expenses (Valladolid)	€5,400–€9,000	€5,400–€9,000
Total 6 years (approx.)	€40,000–€50,000	€50,000–€70,000+

Practical Tips for Mature Students

• Medicine is full-time; adjust professional workload if needed.
• Ensure no conflict of interest if you are academic staff.
• Private universities may offer flexible admission and schedules, but fees are higher (€18,000–25,000/year).
• Plan early for visa, accommodation, and language preparation.
• Consider preparatory courses or part-time health sciences programs as a bridge.

Spain “Grado en Medicina” Recognition in India

Yes, it CAN be accepted in India, but it is NOT automatic. All foreign medical degrees are regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Steps to Practice in India

1. Degree requirements: Your Spanish degree must meet NMC rules Your Grado en Medicina must:
   • At least 54 months (4.5 years) of study
   • 12 months of internship (clinical practice)
   • From a recognized Spanish university
   • Most Spanish medical degrees do meet this, but internship proof is very important.
2. Clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination): Mandatory exam conducted by NBE, 
• Passing score 50%, 
• Held twice a year. 
• Without passing FMGE, you cannot practice in India. 
• In the future, FMGE will be replaced by NEXT, but for now FMGE applies.
3. Additional internship: If Spanish internship is incomplete, up to 12 months in India. 
• Internship in India (if required). If NMC finds your Spanish internship incomplete or not equivalent, you may need to do, 
• Additional internship (up to 12 months) in India
4. Register with State Medical Council: Provisional registration → internship (if required) → permanent registration. 
•  After passing FMGE: 
•  Apply for provisional registration 
•  Complete internship (if required) 
•  Then get permanent registration 
•  Only after this can you practice legally in India

Key Takeaways

• Spain allows students of almost any adult age to pursue MBBS, but routes differ:
• Age 25: standard merit-based admission with PCE/EBAU
• Age 40: access exam for mature students (limited quota)
• Age 45+: Prueba de acceso para mayores de 45 (very limited quota)
• Language proficiency and credential validation are mandatory for non-Spanish students
• Private universities are an alternative for mature students seeking easier entry

Whether you are 25, 40, or 45, studying MBBS in Spain is possible, but planning, preparation, and realistic assessment of time and workload are critical.

Next Steps for Aspiring Students

1. Check 
• Las pruebas de acceso para mayores de 25, 40 y 45 años
• Instrucciones de inscripción para mayores de 40 años
• Instrucciones de matrícula para mayores de 25 años
  Instrucciones de matrícula para mayores de 45 años
2. Start Spanish language training
3. Validate educational credentials via UNEDasiss or homologación
4. Plan finances, visa, and accommodation early
5. Decide between public or private universities based on age/flexibility

💡 Pro Tip: Contact a Spanish University International Office for guidance specific to your age group and background to maximize admission chances.