The Spanish Ministry of Health has opened the selection period for the MIR 2026 specialty positions for newly graduated doctors.
This process determines the distribution of medical specialists across Spain's healthcare system, impacting where the next generation of physicians will train and practice. The selection order is based on academic performance, ensuring the highest-scoring candidates secure their preferred specialties first.
Approximately 9,000 specialty positions are available for the 2026 cycle [1]. The process begins with the top 700 students, who are granted the first opportunity to select their placements [1]. This structured rollout ensures that the most competitive candidates choose their specialty and hospital before the remaining pool of candidates begins their selection.
There are conflicting reports regarding the exact start date of the selection window. Some reports indicate the process began on April 23, 2026 [2, 3], while other sources state the selection opened on May 4, 2026 [2]. Regardless of the start date, the Ministry of Health has set the deadline for the selection of positions as May 27, 2026 [1].
The official calendar for the 2026 cycle was published on April 16, 2026 [4], providing the framework for the timelines and schedules used by the candidates. These positions are part of the Specialized Health Training (FSE) system, which serves as the primary gateway for medical graduates to enter professional practice in Spain.
Candidates must navigate the selection process within the designated timeframe to secure one of the limited spots. The window remains open until the May 27 deadline [1].
“Approximately 9,000 specialty positions are available for the 2026 cycle.”
The MIR selection process is a critical bottleneck in the Spanish healthcare system. By concentrating the first choices among the top 700 candidates, the system maintains a meritocratic distribution of specialists, though the discrepancy in start dates suggests potential administrative confusion or staggered rollout phases that candidates must navigate carefully to ensure placement.
