About the school
The Facultad de Veterinaria of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) is Spain's largest veterinary faculty and one of the oldest. It is located on the prestigious Ciudad Universitaria campus in northwest Madrid, with excellent Metro access (Line 6, Ciudad Universitaria stop). It holds EAEVE Full Accreditation.
UCM offers approximately 200 places per year — the most of any Spanish veterinary school — making it slightly less competitive than UAB or Córdoba on nota de admisión, while still being highly selective.
🏆 EAEVE Accreditation
Full accreditation since 2008. Degree recognised throughout the EU without additional validation.
🏥 Hospital Clínico Veterinario
One of Spain's largest teaching hospitals. Small and large animals. Students begin rotations in year 4.
📍 Madrid city centre
Located on the Ciudad Universitaria campus, 20 min from Puerta del Sol by Metro. Full Madrid lifestyle available.
200 places
Largest intake in Spain. Slightly more accessible cut-off than UAB or Córdoba.
Degree details
| Duration | 5 years (300 ECTS) |
| Campus | Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid · Metro L6 |
| Places | ~200 per year |
| Tuition | ~€2,000/year (public rate) |
| Accreditation | EAEVE Full (since 2008) |
Academic requirements and fees verified against ucm.es/veterinaria (April 2026). Historical cut-off grade from universidades.es. Founded 1792 (Real Escuela de Veterinaria de Madrid). Places and fees subject to annual revision.
Campus & Facilities
La Facultad de Veterinaria de la UCM es la oldest veterinary school in Spain (founded 1792), part of the Ciudad Universitaria campus in Madrid — one of Europe's largest university campuses. Facilities include:
- Clinical Veterinary Hospital — one of Spain's largest teaching hospitals, with ICU, advanced imaging, and specialist referral services
- Teaching farm in Zarzuela del Monte (Segovia, 50 km from Madrid)
- Clinical analysis, microbiology, and histology laboratories
- Veterinary library with 18th-century historical collections
Direct metro and bus connections from central Madrid (Moncloa station, 5 min walk). Madrid is a world-class city with outstanding student life.
Academic requirements
Access to Veterinary Medicine at UCM is exclusively through the EBAU (Spanish university entrance exam). There is no interview or additional selection process.
- General phase: Upper secondary grades (60%) + 4 subject exams (40%)
- Specific phase (PCE): Biology (mandatory, weight 0.2) + Chemistry (mandatory, weight 0.2) + optional: Mathematics II or Physics (0.1)
- Cut-off grade: ~11.5/14 (varies by year)
- Places: 200 per year
- Science Bachillerato track is required to prepare the specific phase
Source: ucm.es/veterinaria — verified April 2026. Cut-off grade varies annually.
Work experience
No prior animal experience is required for admission to Spanish public vet schools. Selection is purely grade-based (EBAU score). However, practical experience before starting the degree is strongly recommended:
- Confirms your vocation before committing 5 years
- Eases the clinical learning curve from Year 1
- Some European master's programmes require prior practical hours
Contact local veterinary practices for observation placements or check if the faculty organises open days.
Admission
Places 200
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1. Choose your EVAU subjects wisely
Biology (×0.2) and Chemistry (×0.1 or ×0.2 depending on region) carry the highest weighting for veterinary. Take both as optional EVAU subjects.
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2. Sit EVAU in June
Register through your school and community education authority. Exams held mid-June.
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3. Apply via Madrid admissions system
Apply through the Community of Madrid admissions portal (acceso.upm.es or equivalent) in July.
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4. Results
Places allocated by nota de admisión. Check results mid-July. UCM often has a second round for unfilled places.
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5. Enrol at UCM
Bring required documents and complete enrolment. Pay first instalment of fees.
- EVAU/PAU passed — Spanish university entrance exam
- Biology and Chemistry optional subjects recommended for maximum nota de admisión
- Nota de admisión = Bachillerato (40%) + EVAU (60%) + optional weightings
Tuition fees
| Student profile | Annual fees | 5-year total |
|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Public rate | €2.000 | €10.000 |
Scholarships & financial aid
Becas generales de estudios universitarios. En universidades públicas las condiciones son favorables. becas.educacion.gob.es
La UCM convoca ayudas propias al estudio. Verifica en ucm.es/estudiantes/becas.
Matrícula de honor en Bachillerato da derecho a exención de tasas el primer año.
Financing options for students at UCM:
- Spanish Ministry of Education (MEFP) General Grant — up to ~€6,000/year for students from lower-income households. Apply May–June at becas.educacion.gob.es.
- Public tuition fees — Veterinary Medicine at UCM costs ~€1,900–2,100/year for Madrid residents (first enrolment). Fees are heavily subsidised.
- Erasmus+ — UCM has agreements with vet schools across Europe and Latin America.
- UCM Own Scholarships — emergency, mobility, and academic excellence. See becas.ucm.es.
Source: ucm.es/becas — verify current fee schedule at ucm.es/secretaria-virtual — April 2026.
Cost of living
Application timeline
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Nov–Feb Jornadas de orientación UCM
Jornadas de puertas abiertas de la Facultad de Veterinaria UCM. Contacto con estudiantes actuales.
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Abril–Mayo Intensivo EvAU
Últimas semanas de repaso. Practica con la herramienta de preparación.
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Junio EvAU (Comunidad de Madrid)
Examen de acceso en Madrid (EvAU). Fase obligatoria y voluntaria.
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Julio Preinscripción Madrid
Preinscripción a través del portal de la Comunidad de Madrid. Sigue las listas de asignación.
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Septiembre Matrícula y becas
Formalización de matrícula. Gestión de becas y ayudas.
FAQ
What nota de admisión do I need for UCM Vet?
Is UCM Vet EAEVE accredited?
What is the Hospital Clínico Veterinario like?
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