While more than 8,000 medical students graduate in the UK each year, thousands also graduate outside of the country. The UK is one of the best countries to study medicine, but it competes closely with other nations, including Germany and the USA.
Thousands of students choose to study overseas every year to experience new cultures and satisfy their desire to travel whilst still progressing in their careers. Chances are you have found this blog, as the travel bug has also bitten you!
Is studying abroad right for you? Continue reading to find out.
Can I Study Medicine in Any Country?
Studying abroad may be the best option for international students looking to carve out a successful career in medicine. Whilst certain processes will be the same everywhere, each country has a code of practice that aligns with different career goals.
Anyone can study in different countries, but there are different rules to follow which will dictate how viable the course is for you. For example, you can only study medicine in the USA as an international student if you graduate. For this reason, some students will choose to pass their degrees in their existing country but travel to specialise in certain fields.
Depending on your chosen medical school’s requirements, you must also consider application criteria such as language proficiency, visa requirements, and academic status.
What Are the Limitations of Studying Medicine Abroad?
Choosing the right university course is essential for ensuring you achieve your goals. Whilst studying abroad is likely to be a romantic image of combining study with exploring a new town or city; it does have some disadvantages that you need to consider. Not all items on this list will be negative for everyone, but as the cost of studying within the medical field is higher than some other courses, it’s important to consider what these factors would mean to you.
- Language and cultural barriers may be apparent. Most courses will dictate what level of the native language is required, but that doesn’t mean all the courses will be easy to understand if taught in a different language. Learning a new language is the best way to manage this, but just be sure you know enough to not miss out on any key detail to your course.
- You should also ensure that your qualification is relevant in any country you wish to work in. The UK General Medical Council lists the courses that are not recognised online. These have all been found to not cover the level of medical skill required by the UK medical fields.
Some of these institutions include the Atlantic University School of Medicine (Antigua and Barbuda), Saint Luke School of Medicine (Liberia), and the University of Seychelles American Institute of Medicine (USAIM) (Seychelles).
- If you are not accustomed to living abroad or spending time in the country that you have chosen, transferring to a different University is difficult if you change your mind. If you decide the course isn’t for you, your entire medical career could be delayed or permanently derailed.
What Are Some of the Reasons to Study Medicine Abroad?
At The Future Medic, we understand that each student’s hopes and desires differ. Studying medicine is incredibly rewarding when you find the course that is best for you. While some of the best medical universities are in the UK, you may decide that studying here is unsuitable. Alternatively, you may also be an international student looking for advice on which other country is ideal for you.
Our expert team has experience in helping students apply to institutions worldwide, so you can be sure to receive the best support if an international study programme is your final choice.
Some of the reasons that you may want to study abroad include the following:
Duration of Studies
It takes five years of full-time study to obtain a UK medical degree. This is the average time, with some countries offering longer courses and some shorter ones.
If a five-year course isn’t your choice, an overseas study option will suit you. Should you wish to quality sooner, options such as the Australian three-to-four-year or four-year course in Poland would suit you.
For some people, studying for four to five years may not seem long enough. One of the longest medical school processes is in the USA, which can take ten to fourteen years to quality. You may be thinking, why would I need to study for that long to get the same qualification? The course offers much more practical and residency-based training, so if you prefer to learn by doing, this could be the solution for you.
There is no right or wrong time frame to study, so you should consider your life goals and how the length of medical courses aligns with them.
Life Experiences
Studying abroad is a brilliant option for those that want to experience more of the world. Many people like to see more of the world before settling down in their long-term careers.
Choosing to study abroad means you can benefit from more life experiences whilst getting to satisfy those cravings. As medicine is a long course to study, this means that you are staying on track with your final career for a while, giving you more future opportunities.
Working in medicine also means you need to have excellent emotional intelligence and social skills. Studying with new people will help to develop these skills to ensure your are more desirable when it comes to securing your post-study work.
Tuition Costs
41% of students have considered leaving their university course due to money worries. It is no secret that studying for any undergraduate or postgraduate degree can be a costly experience. Still, it allows you to elevate your future earning potential.
If the cost of study is weighing heavy on you, select a course that is in line with your budget. In addition to this, you will need to consider what financial opportunities are available if you are an international student. This is something that our team can explore with you.
In the UK, the fees for studying medicine are £9,250 per year. The amount you can expect to pay for each country will differ, so be sure to research.
How Do I Apply to Study Medicine Abroad?
Once you have decided upon your chosen course, it is time to start the application process. When considering how you can study abroad, you will be met with a whole host of requirements that you will need to meet.
When choosing your medical course, you need to ensure that:
- You meet the academic entry requirements.
- You are eligible for a visa if you study in a different country.
- You can commit to the full term of study.
- The course covers all medical fields you want to focus on later in your career. This could include skills needed to specialise in a certain practice or different degrees you may want to explore.
The application process is similar across the board, and our team can help with all areas. Generally, you must complete a few interviews, prepare a personal statement, and pass any entry examinations. In the UK, this is the UCAT.
Working with a professional medical school mentor is the best way to ensure success and tackle any barriers. At The Future Medic, we have more than fourteen years of experience in medical school admissions. We have seen many changes in the requirements and trends of studying in new countries, allowing us to create robust services that help students achieve their studying goals.
To learn more, get in touch with us today! Whether a tropical medical programme is on your list or a metropolitan experience is more in line with your goals, we can give you the best advice to make your medical dreams a reality.
