How to Study Medicine in Europe

From affordable studies to a sense of adventure, there are plenty of reasons to study medicine in Europe. If you’re considering applying to medicine, you already probably know how fulfilling it can be to pursue a medical education. However, there are some key things to consider before deciding to up and leave your home country.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some considerations you should make and the potential benefits of studying medicine in Europe. We’ll even take a look at the cost and admission requirements of Europe’s top medical schools. Let’s jump right in.

Accreditation:

The majority of university courses in Europe are fully accredited by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), as well as the General Medical Council (GMC). Due to this, even if you don’t continue working after your medical degree, you can still graduate with an MD to your name. You’ll be able to move directly back to your home country and find work as a junior doctor. Considering that Europe has over 40 countries, this gives you a great opportunity to travel to a new part of the world and learn.

Entry Requirements:

Although all universities differ slightly in what they want to see from applicants, the vast majority do not require a UMCAT. For those of you that didn’t score quite as high as you would have liked, this will come as a big relief. Instead, most commonly you’ll have to sit an entry exam in chemistry and biology. There will also be a series of interviews, not unlike traditional university interviews you would encounter if you were applying to study medicine in the U.K.

Tuition Fees:

On average, if you were to obtain a degree in medicine in the U.S.A, it would cost you anywhere between $140,000-240,000 over the four-year course. For 6 years in Europe, on the other hand, it will only cost you anything between $60,000-90,000. What’s more, these are typically upper limits. Some countries, like Belgium, will only charge 900 Euros for a year if you’re an EU citizen. In Europe, a typical medical degree will last for 6-years of undergrad. You will normally begin clinical rotations in your third year of study. These will take place within hospitals located near to your place of study. 

What are the benefits of studying medicine in Europe?

• Time – In Europe, your medical degree will last for 6 years, with another 6-7 after that in training. This is a shorter route than the U.S., where you will complete the MD in 4 years, but have to train for up to another 10.
• Money – Europe’s prices are considerably lower than other parts of the world.
• Language Learning – What better way to learn a new language than live in a foreign country for several years!

Top 10 Medical Schools in Europe that teach in English:

University of Oxford Location: U.K. Rank: #1 in the world. Entry Requirements: A*AA, with an A in Chemistry and A in Biology, Physics, Maths, or Further Maths. Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

University of Cambridge Location: U.K. Rank: #3 in the world. Entry Requirements: A*A*A in Chemistry, and one of Biology, Physics, Maths. Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

Imperial College London Location: U.K. Rank: #4 in the world. Entry Requirements: AAA, with A in both Biology and Chemistry Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

University College London (UCL) Location: U.K. Rank: #8 in the world. Entry Requirements: A*AA, with Chemistry and Biology Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

Karolinska Institute Location: Sweden Rank: #12 in the world. Entry Requirements: Not Specified. Tuition Fees Per Year: €17,756

Kings College London Location: U.K. Rank: #17 in the world. Entry Requirements: A*AA Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

University of Edinburgh Location: U.K. Rank: #24 in the world. Entry Requirements: AAA Tuition Fees Per Year: £9,250

Heidelberg University Location: Germany Rank: #34 in the world. Entry Requirements: Delta Exam, Transcript, Subject Exams Tuition Fees Per Year: €4500

ETH Zurich Location: Switzerland Rank: #40 in the world. Entry Requirements: Entrance exams, transcripts, subject exams. Tuition Fees Per Year: €266

KU Leuven Location: Belgium Rank: #41 in the world. Entry Requirements: GPA of 3.0 Tuition Fees Per Year: €922

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for a way to see more of the world while also getting a world-class education, studying medicine in Europe could be for you! Not sure how to study for upcoming Biology and Chemistry exams? No matter your current level, our team of expert tutors will be able to guide you towards better marks. Get in contact with our qualified team today and find yourself a tutor!