If the Ministry of Health decides not to continue financing the increase in new entry positions, the University of Granada (UGR) could face the need to reduce the number of first-year vacancies for Medicine studies. The UGR currently offers 272 first-year places and could be forced to reconsider this number due to uncertain future funding.
The need for more medical professionals is evident, especially after the strain the health system suffered during the pandemic. The Ministry of Health previously provided funding to Spanish medical schools to expand their places for new students. This led to an increase in first-year positions at the UGR from 253 to 272.
The UGR’s governing council has now approved the offer of 272 first-year positions for the upcoming academic year. However, there is a reservation related to Medicine studies. Without state financing from the Ministry, the UGR may have to rethink its offer for one of its most in-demand studies.
The UGR’s Faculty of Medicine consistently receives between 2,500 and 3,000 applications annually, with 100% of the places filled each year. The high demand places the cut-off grade among the highest of the UGR degrees, typically above 13 in recent years.
In 2023, the Ministry of Health provided 1.7 million euros to the UGR to support the increase in positions for the 2023/2024 academic year. However, the continuation of this funding remains uncertain beyond the next two academic years.
The UGR’s approval of the offer of degree places for the 2024/2025 academic year includes a total of 10,989 vacancies, compared to 10,948 for the 2023/2024 academic year. This increase is mainly due to the approval of a new group in the Computer Engineering Degree. However, other degrees also saw expansions or reductions in the number of available places, mainly to match supply with demand or improve conditions for students.
While the Ministry aims to maintain subsidies for the coming years, universities can offer places independently, even if the subsidy ceases to exist. The UGR will need to navigate any potential changes in funding to ensure sufficient medical professionals are trained to meet the needs of the health system.