Calling all aspiring doctors, do you fancy studying Medicine at a reputable medical school in Europe?
Wondering what kind of European medical schools are out there, and what advantages they will bring to your life and career?
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know in order to study Medicine in Europe.
Why study Medicine in Europe?
There are numerous benefits to studying Medicine in Europe. It will be a life-changing and unforgettable experience, which nobody can take away from you.
Many graduates settle in Europe after studying at medical school there, because they enjoy working in the country where they trained as a doctor.
Attending medical school in Europe will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone. You will get to see the world, make lifelong friends, build resilience and experience personal growth.
Europe boasts some of the best medical schools in the world, renowned for their high-quality research and teaching. Also, European medical degrees are widely valued by employers worldwide.
Amazingly, many European medical schools deliver their Medicine programme in English, so you don’t have to be fluent in that country’s language to study there!
European countries have a high proficiency in English and lots of universities there also offer language classes to help non-native speakers. So, the language barrier shouldn’t be a problem.
Always check the medical school’s entrance requirements to see if you meet the criteria. E.g. at some medical schools, it is mandatory to have sufficient skills in the language that the course is taught.
The benefits of studying Medicine in Europe
Better career opportunities
Studying abroad may enable you to practice Medicine in different countries, which significantly increases your career opportunities. Employers look very favourably at graduates who have studied abroad, as it looks excellent on CVs and job applications.
So, studying abroad will make you stand out from other job applicants.
Immerse yourself in different cultures
If you study Medicine in Europe, you will get to experience new cultures and new ways of life. You will improve your cultural awareness and intercultural communication, which are valuable life skills.
Gain valuable work experience
Many European medical schools are affiliated with hospitals and clinics, so they offer outstanding work placement opportunities.
You will undergo clinical placements and rotations, which will provide a realistic understanding of the realities of a career in Medicine.
Increase your knowledge about different healthcare systems
If you study Medicine in Europe, you will come across a wider variety of illnesses that you may not have encountered in your home country. This will prepare you far better for when you work as a doctor.
Attending medical school in Europe will also equip you well if you want to work in international healthcare.
Learn and develop language skills
One of the most exciting things about studying abroad is the opportunity to learn a new language. This will open many doors for you, socially, culturally, and internationally.
In the medical industry, there is a huge demand for bilingual graduates, because better communication helps improve health outcomes in populations.
Therefore, having an additional language under your belt will create a better experience for patients and grant you a competitive edge over other job applicants.
Meet new people
Studying Medicine in Europe will broaden your horizons and introduce you to people from all walks of life. During your medical training in Europe, you will be networking, building connections and fostering positive relationships with the people around you- whether that’s with your fellow trainees, lecturers, patients, and placement colleagues.
Good communication is a vital skill for doctors- you will constantly be interacting with patients to treat their illnesses.
So, studying in Europe will help you understand people from different cultural backgrounds, which will make you a better communicator overall.
Travel in your free time
Living in and studying in a foreign country means you will get to explore new places in your spare time. Who wouldn’t be attracted to the idea of touring cultural sites, sampling new cuisines and trying different recreational activities?
In Europe, you will find some of the world’s best historical sites, landmarks, museums, art galleries, cathedrals, palaces, restaurants, tourist attractions, and so on. The list is endless.
So beautifully diverse is Europe, that you will never run out of places to explore and sites to see. There are plenty of exciting cities, historical monuments, breathtaking natural landscapes, stunning beaches and quaint villages to choose from. You will never be bored in Europe!
More affordable than non-European medical schools
Many European medical schools charge lower tuition fees than their non-European counterparts because their country has lower living costs.
For example, on average, UK home students pay £9,250 per year in tuition fees for Medicine.
Whereas, the University Oradea in Romania charges € 4950 per year for their 6-year Medicine course, which is equivalent to roughly £4,269.80. In the city of Oradea, living costs are cheap, averaging between €400 and €700 (approximately £345 to £604) per month, including rent.
More flexibility with application deadlines
If you apply to study Medicine in Europe, you may be awarded greater flexibility with the application deadline. Medical schools across Europe have different intakes for prospective students each year.
For example, at UK universities, the deadline for applying for Medicine degrees is usually 15 October, to start the course the following September.
Whereas, at medical schools in Serbia, prospective students have until early February to submit an application for the summer semester.
So, if you do receive an offer to study Medicine in Europe, depending on your start date, you may have a little extra time before you start the course, which is really useful for moving to a new country! This extra time will also allow you to gain more work experience and do some academic reading before you join the course.
What is the best country to study Medicine in Europe?
There are many fantastic medical schools across Europe. Europe is a hub of academic excellence, with distinguished professors, strong teaching and cutting-edge research, which has transformed the global healthcare industry.
When you are choosing your medical school, think about what you hope to get out of your course. Are you looking for a large research university, with a buzzing student population and lots of cultural attractions close by? Or are you happier to learn at a smaller institution with more intimate class sizes?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to where you should study Medicine in Europe. It all depends on your preferences, career ambitions and comfortability.
Here are some of the best countries to study Medicine in Europe:
Serbia
The best medical school in Serbia is the University of Belgrade, in the capital city. Their 6-year programme leads to an MD degree (Doctor in Medicine) for international students.
The institution has turned out over 30,000 graduates since its inception in 1920.
Romania
The home of Transylvania is a popular choice for international medical students.
Romanian MD degrees are recognised worldwide, while tuition fees and living expenses are very affordable (ranging from £4,324 to £7,426 per year).
Bulgaria
Bulgaria attracts international students from all over the world because the country offers internationally recognised qualifications, affordable tuition fees and cheap living costs.
The Balkan country has 5 medical schools that teach in English, and tuition fees range between €7,000 to €8000 per year.
A degree from a Bulgarian medical school is recognised in the entire European Union.
Armenia
Armenia is very popular with international students. The capital city, Yerevan, hosts all 4 Armenian medical universities that deliver the course in English.
Medical education in Armenia is affordable – there are no entrance fees or hidden costs.
At Yerevan Haybusak University, one of Armenia’s top medical universities, the average tuition fee for international medical students is $3,800 per year, which equates to about £3,278.20 per year.
UK students wanting to study Medicine in Europe: What you need to know
Always check the advice of the UK Government and the country you will be studying in.
To study Medicine in Europe, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- A valid Student European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Student Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
- Personal statement.
- The A-Level grades (or equivalent) that meet the entry requirements.
- You may have to sit an entrance exam which is specific to the country you are applying to.
- You may have to pay administrative fees.
- You may have to purchase travel insurance while you are still in the UK to cover any medical treatment or emergencies.
Can I receive a loan or grant from Student Finance England?
No, you are not eligible for financial support from Student Finance England if you are enrolled on a course which is substantially provided abroad.
If you need funding for your dream Medicine course, it is worth looking into scholarships, grants and bursaries- these may not be widely advertised, so get researching.
And there you have it. If you do choose to study Medicine in Europe, this will be a dynamic and rewarding experience, which will set you up for success in life.
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