Studying physiotherapy, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain

Welcome to the exciting path of study in Spain, an increasingly popular destination for ambitious and inquisitive students looking to train in the healthcare field, including physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

Before embarking on this enriching adventure, it's crucial to be well informed about the essential aspects that will shape your academic and professional path. In this article, we'll explore the key points to consider before making your decision and embarking on this academic expatriation.

If you're a student planning to study in Spain in these fields, or the parent of a young student, it's essential to understand the study programs at public or private universities, the language requirements, the recognition of diplomas and the importance of internships and practical experience. You'll also need to know how much these studies will cost, and how to finance them before you leave, so you can make the most of student life in this country rich in culture and history.

If you'd rather listen to this article than read it, check out our podcast dedicated to higher education in Spain.

Study in Spain: dentistry, physiotherapy, veterinary... yes, it's possible!

Here we go, explaining everything you need to know before you embark on your studies as a physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary surgeon in Spain.

1. Study programs to become a dentist, physiotherapist or veterinarian in Spain

The Spanish higher education system is internationally recognized for the quality of its programs. Indeed, Spain is renowned for its universities offering competitive health programs. This is obviously also the case for physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine.

Spanish universities are investing in modern facilities for medical, dental and veterinary students. Fully-equipped laboratories, university clinics and state-of-the-art technology are often made available to enable high-quality practical training.

Health courses in Spain: how do they work?

The length of a healthcare course in Spain varies according to the field chosen.

Physiotherapy in Spain

The physiotherapy program generally lasts four academic years, equivalent to 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits. These credits are used to evaluate the student's workload, and are recognized throughout the European Union. The official title of this degree awarded by Spanish universities is "Grado en Fisioterapia".

Dental in Spain

Dental studies last five academic years, corresponding to 300 ECTS credits. The curriculum includes a combination of theoretical courses, practical laboratories and clinical internships to train qualified dentists. The official title of this degree awarded by Spanish universities is "Grado en Odontología".

Veterinarian in Spain

To become a veterinary surgeon, students must complete a five-year degree course, equivalent to 300 ECTS credits. Studies cover animal biology, preventive and clinical veterinary medicine, as well as laboratory and field training. The official title of the degree awarded by Spanish universities is "Grado en Veterinaria".

How do I choose a university to study physiotherapy, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain?

The first step for students interested in studying physiotherapy, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain is to find out which universities offer these programs.

When considering higher education in Spain, one of the crucial choices you'll face is between public and private universities. In the Spanish education system, there are two options. Each has distinct characteristics that can influence your academic experience.

Public universities in Spain are government-funded and, as a result, tend to have more affordable tuition fees. European students often benefit from even lower costs, while international students from outside the European Union can also find competitive rates.

Private universities in Spain, on the other hand, are financed from private sources, such as student tuition fees and corporate investment. As a result, they tend to have higher fees.

At FEEduc, we've been carefully selecting our partner universities for over 10 years.

Before choosing a university to study in Spain as a physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary surgeon, you need to take into account criteria such as the university's reputation, any accreditations it may have, the internship opportunities on offer, and sometimes even the languages of instruction (programs exist in English and French in some courses).

All these criteria are part of the rigorous selection process we put in place to offer quality support to all families who choose to entrust their higher education project in Spain to us.

I invite you to consult the list of universities we offer on our dedicated page here.

It's important to know that each university in Spain may have specific requirements for student selection criteria, and sometimes especially for foreign students. Make sure you know the admission criteria, the different entrance tests required, and the additional documents needed.

Please note that admissions timetables vary from university to university, depending on the course of study and the number of places available.

Courses in veterinary medicine and dentistry are in high demand, and tend to fill up faster than courses in physiotherapy, for example, because there are more places available.

Explore the different options available and check out the physiotherapy, dental and veterinary medicine programs offered by Spain's various public and private universities. Make sure it matches your career aspirations.

Before you make your choice and embark on this expatriation, future healthcare professionals, get advice on which university is best suited to your project. Together with the other experts on the FEEduc team, we'll be delighted to help you move forward with your project.

2. Language requirements: to study in Spain, you need to speak Spanish!

You're going to study in Spain for at least 4 or 5 years. So a good command of the Spanish language is essential!

This will be one of the decisive criteria for accessing the studies of your dreams, enabling you to become a physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary surgeon after studying in Spain.

In some cases, to get into university without having to brush up on your Spanish, you'll need to pass a Spanish language certification such as DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) or SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española). You can find out more about these certifications here.

Although some universities offer programs in English or even French, fluency in Spanish is clearly a major asset in everyday life.

What's more, in all cases,access to clinics and internships requires a thorough knowledge of the language, otherwise you run the risk of not understanding patients and their needs.

Without a certain level of Spanish, it will not be possible to continue practical training, and this applies to physiotherapy, dental and veterinary studies in Spain.

Make sure you meet the specific language requirements of each university. Some require B1 level, others B2 and sometimes C1 before you can apply.

Start improving your Spanish now!

This is one of the pieces of advice I give most often to students: focus on Spanish to better prepare for your studies in Spain.

There are plenty of opportunities to work on your Spanish: you can use free or paid apps, online revision sites or follow video lessons on Youtube.

Another simple option is to start watching films and TV series in Spanish, and listening to podcasts and music to get even more familiar with the sounds of the language.

You can of course take private or group lessons, either face-to-face or online. Immersion in Spain generally helps you make faster progress.

You can find partners to help you improve your Spanish on our dedicated section.

3. International recognition of diplomas obtained in Spain

What about the recognition of physiotherapy diplomas issued in Spain?
dentistry diplomas issued in Spain?
veterinary medicine diplomas issued in Spain?

First of all, let me reassure you: the health-related degrees awarded by Spanish universities are widely recognized internationally.

How can I work in Europe after graduating from a healthcare course in Spain?

After studying in Spain for 4, 5 or more years, your graduation is just a few months or weeks away. If that's what you're thinking about, it's time to think seriously about settling in Europe.

There are different categories of trades.

Some professions are automatically recognized, such as architecture or, in our case, dentistry and veterinary medicine. You need to register with the professional association to which you will be affiliated. You'll need to present documents in French, translated by sworn translators.

Regulated professions are subject to licensing commissions. This is the case for physiotherapists and audioprosthetists, orderlies and ambulance drivers, among others.

The theoretical part of the training in Spain is validated by the French state, but the practical part must be assessed by these licensing commissions.

There are 3 possible answers given by these commissions:

• you are not authorized to work in France: this is not the case for courses given in Spain.
• you receive a positive response: you are immediately eligible to practice, so you can then register with the Order of Physiotherapists to start work.
• you receive a response with reservations: you will be authorized to practice subject to a certain number of compensatory measures. This may involve internships in a certain field of specialization: pediatrics, geriatrics or neurology, for example. Once these hours have been completed, all you need to do is send the supporting documents to the commission to prove that these compensatory measures have been implemented.

There is also the possibility of taking a knowledge exam (but none of our students have ever taken this route to obtain their authorization to practice physiotherapy in France).

To sum up, for various non-regulated professions such as dentists or veterinarians, after registering with the Ordre, the traditional route of job hunting, mobilizing your professional network and that of your friends and family may suffice.

On the other hand, for professions such as physiotherapists, to work as a healthcare professional outside Spain, graduates will need to follow certain administrative procedures before they can practice. You will need to demonstrate that your qualifications meet the requirements of the relevant authorities.

Please note that administrative procedures may vary depending on the legislation in force at the time of application. We advise you to contact the relevant authorities for up-to-date information on diploma recognition in the various European countries.

4. Cost of studying to become a dentist, physiotherapist or veterinary surgeon in Spain

Education in Spain may be more affordable than in other European countries, but it's essential to understand the costs involved.

When considering a course of study in physiotherapy, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain, you need to be aware of the costs involved. Find out how much tuition fees are, and look into possible financing options.

Here's a new tip: Plan your finances in advance!

Take into account the number of years of study in your curriculum. The length of study to become a physiotherapist is shorter than to become a veterinary surgeon or dentist in Spain.

Studying to become a physiotherapist in Spain: how much can you afford?

Annual tuition fees for physiotherapy studies at a public university in Spain range from 700 to 1,500 euros. Please note that these costs may vary depending on the specific university and the specific conditions for national and international students.

At private universities in Spain, annual fees for physiotherapy studies can vary between 8,000 and 15,000 euros.

Studying dentistry in Spain: how much should you budget?

To study dentistry at a public university in Spain, annual fees can vary between 1,000 and 2,500 euros.

To study dentistry at a private university in Spain, annual fees can range from €15,000 to €25,000.

Studying veterinary medicine in Spain: how much can you afford?

For veterinary medicine studies at a Spanish public university, annual fees can vary between 1,000 and 3,000 euros.

Annual fees for studying veterinary medicine at a private Spanish university can vary between €16,000 and €25,000.

Let me warn you: in Spain, if a subject is not passed, it can be retaken, but this will incur additional costs. Here again, pricing policies vary from one establishment to another.

Please note that when planning your budget, in addition to tuition fees, you'll need to take into account the cost of living, accommodation and personal expenses for food, leisure activities, outings and trips home.

Don't forget to leave room for unforeseen circumstances, because yes, in my experience, the unexpected often happens...

5. The importance of practical experience for physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary studies in Spain

Experience is fundamental to medical training. Indeed, the practical component, through internships, is of crucial importance in physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine training in Spain. This aspect plays a decisive role in preparing students for their future careers.

For physiotherapy students in Spain, universities can set up partnerships with health institutions, rehabilitation centers, university clinics or doctors' surgeries to offer practical placements to their students. These collaborations ensure immersion in the professional environment from the earliest stages of training.

Dental students in Spain can benefit from university dental clinics, where they can gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced professionals. These clinics also serve to provide dental care to the local community.

Similarly, veterinary students in Spain can include internships in university veterinary clinics, where students work alongside practicing veterinarians, gaining hands-on experience.

Find out more about the opportunities offered by the various universities by looking at their list of partners.

Internships enable the development of essential professional skills, such as patient communication, clinical decision-making and emergency management. These skills are crucial to success in the fields of physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine, and are an integral part of training.

These experiences enable students of kinesiology, dentistry or veterinary medicine to merge theory and practice, develop crucial professional skills, and prepare effectively for their professional future. Having solid practical experience can greatly influence your employability after graduation.

6. Enjoy student life while studying in Spain

In addition to its sunshine and quality of life, Spain is renowned for its rich culture, delicious cuisine and many leisure activities. University campuses in Spain often boast a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.

Students can explore local festivals, museums, historic sites and, above all, enjoy the lively nightlife that characterizes some Spanish cities.

Adapting to a new environment can sometimes be difficult. Integrating into the local community can help ease this transition.

• Join sports clubs or student associations,
• participate in extracurricular activities,
• get involved in volunteer projects.

This will enable you to meet like-minded Spanish and international students. It will help you feel at home and create lasting friendships.

Adapting to the local culture is an important part of your student experience in Spain. Familiarize yourself with Spanish culture and social activities to make the most of your stay. Each autonomous community has its own traditions: there's always a festival somewhere in Spain to discover!

I advise you to explore student life in the city where you plan to study.

7. Studying in Spain to become a physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary surgeon: the winning combination?

Across all fields of study, statistics show that foreign students who come to study in Spain generally have a high success rate.

How successful are foreign students in Spain?

In Spain, statistics on the success rate of foreign students in physiotherapy, dentistry and veterinary medicine can vary from university to university and from program to program. Success rates depend on a number of factors, including program requirements, students' language skills and other training-related factors.

According to figures from the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport, the success rate of foreign students in higher education is around 89%.

These figures reflect the quality of education in Spain and the effectiveness of university programs, particularly in the health sector.

Foreign students make no mistake about it, coming to study in Spain in increasing numbers every year. In 2022, nearly 80,000 foreign students (not including Erasmus students) came to study in Spain. This figure is almost 10% up on the year before, but represents a 67% increase on 2015.
*According to figures from the Spanish Ministry of Universities in its Estadística de Internacionalización report.

If you've managed to read everything so far, congratulations! You now know everything you need to know before embarking on your studies as a physiotherapist, dentist or veterinary surgeon in Spain.

Choosing to study physiotherapy, dentistry or veterinary medicine in Spain is an excellent opportunity for international students.

It's important to make informed decisions and prepare well by researching the right universities, knowing the admission requirements, planning finances and integrating into the student community.

Now it's up to you to make the most of this unique experience.

Remember, every step of this journey will contribute not only to your professional training, but also to your personal development.

If you aspire to a career in these exciting fields, Spain could be the ideal setting for your academic and professional development.
The entire FEEduc team will be delighted to help you make this project a reality.

Good luck in this new educational adventure in Spain!

See you soon,

Expert on higher education in Spain for FEEduc (formerly FrancEspagne Éducation)