A new horizon for future doctors in Catalonia
The Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVic-UCC) is becoming the epicentre of an educational revolution in the field of Medicine. The Departament de Recerca i Universitats has announced an ambitious plan that will allow students to benefit from a grant of 40% on the total cost of their studies, provided they complete their training at this institution.
This system, representing a total investment of 4 million euros, aims to curb the exodus of students who abandon their studies midway through their degree. In recent years, it has been observed that between 30% and 45% of students leave their course between the second and fourth years, seeking opportunities at public universities where spots become available.
The current cost of studying Medicine at UVic-UCC is 13,500 euros, which positions it closer to private prices than public ones. However, with this new measure, it is expected that the price will drop to 7,560 euros, thus bringing tuition fees to more accessible and competitive levels.
This change will not only benefit students financially; it also aims to ensure an adequate number of teachers and facilities in line with the expected increase in enrolment. The university has suggested that if the cost is similar to public rates, it is likely that more students will decide to stay until they complete their training.
Starting from the academic year 2026-2027, in addition to the new financial conditions, 25 new places will be created for studying Medicine in Vic. This increase is part of the Comprehensive Plan announced by Salvador Illa, the councillor responsible for the area, who also highlighted the additional creation of medical programmes at other Catalan universities such as Ramon Llull and Abat Oliva.
Núria Montserrat, councillor for Research and Universities, emphasised that this effort seeks to improve access to higher education and help mitigate the current shortage of doctors in Catalonia. “UVic-UCC is a university with a public vocation,” Montserrat stated during the official announcement.
As this educational programme progresses, around 271 students are expected to graduate, with approximately 67% originating from Catalonia. This figure reflects not only the local interest in these studies but also the institutional commitment to the professional training necessary to strengthen the regional healthcare system.
In addition to direct financial support through scholarships and fee reductions, additional policies will be implemented to ensure that one-third of the student body can access aid based on both income and academic excellence.
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