Spain allocates €17 million to maintain 1,135 medical school places

The Spanish government has approved a maximum funding of €17,025,000 to maintain 1,135 medical degree places in public universities for the 2026-2027 academic year. Formalized through Royal Decree 854/2026, the measure aims to ensure the continuity of students currently in their second, third, and fourth years of study.

The funding provides €15,000 per place to cover teaching staff costs and operational expenses. The distribution includes 683 places for second-year students, 305 for third-year students, and 147 for fourth-year students. This initiative is part of a broader strategy launched in 2023 to increase the number of professionals available to the National Health System (SNS).

While the decree addresses the shortage of medical graduates in specific specialties, such as Family and Community Medicine, it does not include funding for new entry positions. The financing for new medical school places has been deferred to the next fiscal year due to current budget constraints.