🏛️ About UAB Facultat de Veterinària
The Facultat de Veterinària at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the #1 veterinary school in Spain and consistently ranked in the top 15–25 worldwide for Veterinary Science in the QS World University Rankings. The faculty was established in 1982 as part of UAB, which itself was founded in 1968 and has grown to become one of Spain’s leading research universities.
The Grau en Veterinària (Degree in Veterinary Medicine) is a 5-year undergraduate programme (10 semesters) taught primarily in Catalan and Spanish. With approximately 120 places per year, it is one of the most competitive degrees in Spain, requiring a nota de tall (cut-off grade) of approximately 11.5–12.5 out of 14. The degree is accredited by EAEVE (European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education) and fully recognised across the EU under Directive 2005/36/EC, meaning graduates can practise veterinary medicine in any EU/EEA country without additional examinations.
Bellaterra Campus — Facultat de Veterinària & Hospital Clínic Veterinari
The veterinary faculty is located on UAB’s Bellaterra campus, a large, self-contained university campus set in green surroundings approximately 20 km north of Barcelona city centre. The campus is well connected by FGC commuter train. Key facilities include the Hospital Clínic Veterinari (HCV) — the university veterinary hospital handling thousands of clinical cases per year across small animal, equine, and farm animal services. Students also benefit from the Servei de Granges (university farm), modern anatomy and clinical skills laboratories, and dedicated research centres. UAB is one of Spain’s top research universities, and the veterinary faculty has a particularly strong research output.
Hospital Clínic Veterinari · Servei de Granges · Anatomy labs · Clinical skills · Research centresSource: uab.cat/veterinaria, UAB prospectus
📋 Entry Requirements — Grau en Veterinària (5-year)
Spanish PAU/EBAU (Selectivitat) — domestic route
- Nota de tall (cut-off grade): approximately 11.5–12.5 out of 14 — varies yearly, consistently one of the highest in Spain
- Students must complete Bachillerato (Spanish upper secondary) and sit the PAU/EBAU (Pruebas de Acceso a la Universidad / Evaluación del Bachillerato para el Acceso a la Universidad), known as Selectivitat in Catalonia
- The admissions score combines Bachillerato grades (60%) and PAU/EBAU exam results (40%), with the option to sit additional specific-subject exams to boost the score above 10 (up to a maximum of 14)
- Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) strongly recommended in Bachillerato for the best admissions weighting
- Admission is purely grades-based — no interview, no admissions test beyond PAU/EBAU
International/EU credential conversion via UNED
- International and EU students can apply through UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia) for credential recognition and grade conversion
- UNED converts foreign qualifications to the Spanish grading scale and provides an acreditación that allows entry to the Spanish university admissions system
- Students may optionally sit PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) exams through UNED to improve their admissions score
- The converted grade must meet or exceed the nota de tall for that year
French Baccalauréat
- Accepted — grades must be converted to the Spanish system through UNED
- High marks in sciences required to meet the nota de tall (~11.5–12.5/14)
- The Bac général with spécialités in sciences (SVT, Physique-Chimie) provides the best preparation
- Consider sitting UNED PCE exams to maximise your converted score
International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Accepted through credential conversion via UNED
- IB grades are converted to the Spanish 0–14 scale
- Higher Level Biology and Chemistry recommended
- Strong overall score needed to meet the nota de tall after conversion
Unlike UK veterinary schools, UAB has no separate admissions test (no UCAT, no BMAT) and no interview. Admission is entirely grades-based — your PAU/EBAU score (or converted international equivalent) is the sole selection criterion. This means your academic performance is everything. There is no opportunity to demonstrate motivation or experience through an interview — your grades must speak for themselves.
Language requirements
- The programme is taught primarily in Catalan and Spanish — some materials in English
- Spanish: minimum B2 level recommended for non-Spanish speakers
- Catalan comprehension is highly beneficial as many lecturers teach in Catalan
- IELTS/English: not required for the programme itself, but English proficiency is useful for some electives, international opportunities, and accessing scientific literature
- UAB offers Catalan and Spanish language courses for incoming international students
If you do not speak Spanish, begin learning well before applying. The programme is delivered in Catalan/Spanish, and while professors are generally accommodating, you will need working proficiency in Spanish (B2 minimum) to follow lectures, complete assessments, and interact with clinical cases. Catalan comprehension develops naturally if you have Spanish, but starting with some exposure is advisable.
Sources: uab.cat/veterinaria, UNED (uned.es), Generalitat de Catalunya university admissions
🐾 Work Experience
Work experience is not a formal requirement for admission to the Grau en Veterinària at UAB. Since admission is purely grades-based (PAU/EBAU score or equivalent), there is no interview or personal statement where experience would be assessed. However, prior animal and veterinary experience is strongly recommended to ensure you understand the realities of the profession before committing to five years of study.
Even though UAB does not assess work experience for admission, arriving with hands-on animal experience gives you a significant advantage in the early clinical and practical modules. Students who have spent time in veterinary practices, on farms, or with animals tend to adapt more quickly to the demands of the programme. It also helps you confirm that veterinary medicine is truly the right career for you.
🏥 Clinical veterinary experience
- Time spent in a veterinary practice (small animal, mixed, equine, or farm)
- Observe consultations, surgeries, and client interactions
- Understand the day-to-day realities of veterinary work
- Experience across different practice types is valuable
- Volunteering at animal shelters or rescue organisations
🌿 Broader animal experience
- Farm work (dairy, sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry)
- Equine yards, riding schools, or stables
- Wildlife rehabilitation or conservation
- Kennels, catteries, or animal shelters
- Laboratory or research experience with animals
The Grau en Veterinària includes a Practicum (clinical rotations) in the final year, where students rotate through the Hospital Clínic Veterinari and external placements. This is a core component of the programme and provides intensive hands-on clinical experience. Students also benefit from practical work at the Servei de Granges (university farm) throughout the course.
Source: uab.cat/veterinaria, UAB Grau en Veterinària programme guide
📝 Application Process — Step by Step
Route 1 — PAU/EBAU (Spanish/Catalan students)
Students who have completed Bachillerato in Spain sit the PAU/EBAU (known as Selectivitat in Catalonia) in June. The admissions score is calculated from Bachillerato grades and PAU/EBAU results. Students then apply to universities through the preinscripció universitària (university pre-registration) system managed by the Oficina d’Accés a la Universitat in Catalonia. You rank your preferred degree programmes, and places are allocated based on your admissions score against the nota de tall for each programme.
PAU/EBAU (Selectivitat) exams: mid-June each year. Preinscripció (university pre-registration): late June. First round of offers (assignació): July. Matriculació (enrolment): July–September. Exact dates vary yearly — check the Oficina d’Accés a la Universitat and UAB websites for current dates.
Route 2 — UNED (international/EU students)
International and EU students who did not complete Bachillerato in Spain must have their credentials recognised through UNED (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia). The process involves submitting your secondary school qualifications for acreditación (credential recognition) and grade conversion. You may also sit PCE (Pruebas de Competencias Específicas) exams through UNED to improve your admissions score. Once you have a converted Spanish-system grade, you apply through the same preinscripció system as domestic students.
The UNED credential recognition process can take several months. International students should begin gathering documents and contacting UNED well in advance — ideally 6–12 months before the application deadline. Required documents typically include certified translations of transcripts, apostilled certificates, and passport copies. PCE exams are held in May/June at UNED centres worldwide.
Step 3 — Preinscripció and offer
All applicants (domestic and international with converted credentials) apply through the preinscripció universitària system. You list your preferred programmes in order, and the system allocates places based on your admissions score. If your score meets or exceeds the nota de tall for Veterinària at UAB, you receive a place. Multiple rounds of offers may be made as students accept or decline places.
Step 4 — Matriculació (enrolment)
Once you receive and accept a place, you complete matriculació (formal enrolment) at UAB. This includes selecting your first-year subjects, paying tuition fees, and completing administrative registration. International students should also arrange their student visa (if required), health insurance, and accommodation during this period.
Sources: uab.cat, Oficina d’Accés a la Universitat, UNED (uned.es)
🎤 Interview Information
UAB’s veterinary programme operates very differently from UK vet schools when it comes to the selection process.
No interview — grades-only admission
There is no interview at any stage of the admissions process for the Grau en Veterinària at UAB. Admission is entirely based on your academic score — your PAU/EBAU (Selectivitat) result or your UNED-converted equivalent. This is standard practice across Spanish public universities.
In the UK, veterinary schools typically assess applicants through a combination of academic grades, personal statement, work experience, and interview (often MMI format). At UAB, none of these apply — there is no personal statement, no work experience assessment, and no interview. Your admissions score is the only factor. This makes the process simpler but places enormous importance on academic performance. If your score meets the nota de tall, you get a place. If it doesn’t, there is no alternative route in.
| Feature | UAB (Spain) | Typical UK vet school |
|---|---|---|
| Interview | None | Yes (MMI or panel) |
| Personal statement | None | Yes (UCAS) |
| Admissions test | None (beyond PAU/EBAU) | UCAT or equivalent |
| Work experience assessed | No | Yes (usually required) |
| Selection criterion | Grades only | Holistic (grades + interview + experience) |
Because there is no interview or other assessment, your academic score must meet the nota de tall (typically ~11.5–12.5/14). For international students, this means your UNED-converted grade must be very high. Consider sitting PCE exams to maximise your score. There is no “borderline” consideration — the cut-off is absolute.
Sources: uab.cat/veterinaria, Spanish university admissions regulations
💰 Tuition Fees 2025–2026
| Student status | Annual tuition fee | Total over 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish/EU resident | ~€1,600–€2,500/year | ~€8,000–€12,500 |
| Non-EU international student | ~€3,500–€6,000/year | ~€17,500–€30,000 |
UAB is a public Spanish university, which means tuition fees are regulated by the Generalitat de Catalunya and are dramatically lower than UK, US, or even most other European veterinary schools. EU/Spanish students pay approximately €1,600–€2,500 per year — less than a tenth of UK home fees. Even non-EU international students pay only €3,500–€6,000 per year, which is a fraction of what international students pay at UK or Irish vet schools (€30,000–€38,000/year). Over 5 years, the total tuition cost at UAB can be 5–10 times less than a comparable UK degree.
Fee comparison with UK
| Institution | Annual fee (approx.) | 5-year total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UAB (EU student) | €1,600–€2,500 | €8,000–€12,500 |
| UAB (non-EU international) | €3,500–€6,000 | €17,500–€30,000 |
| UK vet school (home) | ~£9,250 (~€10,500) | ~£46,250 (~€52,500) |
| UK vet school (international) | £30,000–£40,000+ (~€34,000–€45,000+) | £150,000–£200,000+ (~€170,000–€227,000+) |
Fees at Spanish public universities are set annually by the Generalitat de Catalunya and are subject to revision. Fees for repeated subjects are significantly higher (second and third enrolment carry surcharges). Always verify the latest fee information directly at uab.cat before making financial plans.
Sources: uab.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya fee regulations. Fees are approximate — always verify on uab.cat before applying.
🏠 Cost of Living — Barcelona Area
The Barcelona metropolitan area offers a high quality of life at moderate cost compared to other major European cities. While Barcelona city centre can be expensive, the UAB Bellaterra campus area and surrounding towns (Cerdanyola del Vallès, Sabadell, Sant Cugat del Vallès) offer more affordable options. Living costs are significantly cheaper than London and comparable to other Southern European cities.
Total monthly budget estimate
| Expense | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €350–€800 |
| Food & groceries | €200–€300 |
| Transport | €40–€80 |
| Books & course materials | €15–€40 |
| Personal / social / misc. | €100–€200 |
| Total estimate | €800–€1,300/mo |
Living in the Barcelona area is substantially cheaper than London. Accommodation near the UAB campus (Cerdanyola, Sant Cugat) is particularly affordable compared to central Barcelona. The T-jove (youth travel card) provides unlimited public transport across the metropolitan area at a fraction of London transport costs. Groceries, dining out, and daily expenses are all notably cheaper. A student at UAB can realistically live on €800–€1,000 per month with careful budgeting.
While more affordable than London, Barcelona’s rental market has tightened in recent years. Start looking for accommodation early — apply for UAB’s Vila Universitària (on-campus residences) as soon as possible. Shared flats (pisos compartidos) in Cerdanyola or nearby towns are typically cheaper than Barcelona city centre and closer to campus. Many students commute from Barcelona by FGC train (~30–40 minutes).
Sources: uab.cat, student reports, Barcelona rental market data