Medicine is a notoriously competitive field of study, with many applicants facing rejection as the most likely outcome from their chosen college or university. It can be a difficult industry to get into, but not entirely impossible – there are many applicants who find success in the process and go on to have a unique and innovative 4 years in some of the best countries to study medicine.
Studies have found that the average medical school acceptance rates are 5.5%. With an increasing number of medical school applicants every year, acceptance rates continue to decrease especially at very popular or competitive medical schools.
However, some countries fare better than others when it comes to medical studies. Many applicants are willing to travel to a different country for a better quality of education, with the majority seeking out the best country to study medicine as their chosen destination.
Applicants frequently go above and beyond looking for the best choice of institution to study in; research suggests that a thriving medical school will have a strong commitment to the health and well-being of its community, which is important enough for students to be willing to change countries for their education.
In this article, we’ll help you to identify the 3 best countries to study medicine as a student, as well as the different requirements, benefits and student lives that accompany them. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the 3 best countries to study medicine.
#1 United Kingdom
Medicine has frequently been identified as one of the most sophisticated and noble professions available to young students. Respected around the world, it can be a highly attractive career course for the aspiring doctor, with a range of different options to help students cater their studies towards them.
One of the best countries to study medicine is the United Kingdom. It is well known that studying medicine in the UK at one of the most prestigious destinations will only add credibility to your profile that is unmatchable against other applicants. The United Kingdom can add a flair of authority and confidence to your future CV or personal statements to help make job progression and growth faster and easier.
The United Kingdom boasts a range of top-level medical academies, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London, Imperial College London and King’s College London, to name a few. This is one of the reasons why the UK is considered one of the best countries to study medicine, due to the range of different universities across the country, not just in London. Medical academies such as these provide student-centred education, early-stage clinical learning and opportunities for elective positions abroad in a range of different roles and organisations. Located in the most innovative centre of medical studies, London, students will have a difficult job finding somewhere more immersed in the field than here.
The quality of teaching is some of the best in the world, especially because all the medical schools in London offer incredible learning opportunities in hospitals that have some of the greatest expertise in the country. The United Kingdom is one of the top nations in terms of medical education and advancement, and the local universities reflect that – students will have a plethora of opportunities for extracurricular work experience, hospital placement, further research and mentorship from their university and the neighbouring institutes.
Students often report satisfactory levels of work-life balance whilst attending London universities, with many ensuring that there is still time to party. In fact, unlike the typical American college experience, partying happens during the week at Oxford; bars and nightclubs run their special parties on weekdays, and students have plenty of opportunities to go out clubbing and have some fun in between study sessions. Whilst it is important to remember you’re there to learn, a little fun can be good for mental release, and can go a long way in making sure you get the most out of your time at university.
Although we have ranked the UK as one of the best countries to study medicine, there are some drawbacks to studying medicine in the UK. Although the quality of teaching and experience is world-leading, the costs are very high, and a lot more effort is needed than the standard university because of how competitive universities in the UK are. Additionally, there are only a limited number of courses available in comparison to other countries, and those that are available may not be accepted or recognised by your home country.
#2 United States Of America
The US has widely been recognised as a medical powerhouse for some time now, with many patients choosing to travel to America for its superior healthcare and treatment (regardless of costs). The advanced medical milieu that Americans enjoy has led to the world’s best cancer survival rates, a life expectancy for those over 80 that is actually greater than anywhere else, and lower mortality rates for heart attacks and strokes than in comparable countries. As a result, it’s no surprise that aspiring medical students travel here to undergo their studies and consider it one of the best countries to study medicine.
America has a large range of different medical universities, including but not limited to Harvard Medical School, Yale School of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Emory University School of Medicine, Michigan State University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Although these schools are amongst the best available, studying medicine in the US is still extremely challenging. However, if you have the passion and are willing to put in the effort required, it is worth the hard work.
Medical school requires learning about problems through clinical studies and hands-on training. Luckily for you, it can be the most rewarding type of school for its students – financially, going to medical school in the US and becoming a doctor can be profitable, especially if you’re able to save and invest a considerable amount of your income before retirement. Doctors are among the highest-paid American professionals largely because of the structure of the healthcare system, which allows for greater salaries and greater promotional options later on in their careers. As a result, it may be extremely beneficial to study and learn in America.
Students of medicine in America are also able to complete their qualifications with much greater ease than perhaps in other countries; research has found that 90% of respondents in 2016 said that US schools were “a little easier” or “much easier” than their schools at home. Further studies have found that the US is ranked 1st in education for 2021 and 2020, highlighting the comfort, care and support that American schools can offer.
However, like in any country, there are downfalls to studying in America. There is ample evidence to suggest that American schools perform worse than schools in many other countries, and the US ranks towards the bottom of the industrialised nations on international tests. They are not particularly well-known for their quality of education, with a closer focus on party culture rather than careers.
#3 Germany
Germany is a medically-developed country renowned for its free education and quality of care for its students. Although the courses offered in English are limited, there are ample opportunities for employment following medical school that can make Germany a highly attractive place to begin learning and practising.
It is one of the best countries to study medicine due to the reputation that German institutions have in the world of medical science. German medical training enjoys a great reputation around the globe and may allow you to start a career in other countries as well.
Germany is also world-renowned for the happiness and self-fulfilment of its students. Many students that went to Germany have shared their experience, with a total of 1003 students leaving a review of their experience in Germany, creating an overall satisfaction grade of 8.9, ranking 11th in the world. With so many happy students, it’s inevitable that Germany has a strong work-life balance for all schools and institutes, including the many medical schools they have.
One of the reasons that German medical schools have such an esteemed reputation is that they hold their students to especially high standards. In fact, precisely because the German school system is so well structured and rigorous, it produces some of the most accomplished students in the world. This means that, by choosing to go to medical school in Germany, you will have access to more sophisticated materials, and will leave with a better standard of teaching than other students in neighbouring countries.
The German education system is heavily invested in by their government, with the medical sector getting special grants especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. Infamous medical institutes based in Germany include Heidelberg University, University of Munich, Humboldt-Universitat Zu Berlin, Freie Universitat Berlin and the University of Hamburg.
However, not all of the medical institutes in Germany are good. Some push their students to such high standards that they are forced to drop out, whilst others barely pass their classes due to the extreme pressure from peers and teachers alike. Additionally, those coming to Germany from abroad will need to learn the language both to learn and to practice, which can make the already-difficult education system even harder.
Conclusion – The Best Country to Study Medicine
It’s difficult to select just one country, especially out of these 3 best countries to study medicine, with so many factors to consider. We hope to have covered these considerations in this article.
For any additional information or any support with your application get in touch with us to benefit from the range of student support services to make sure your application is successful. Whether you need help with your Personal Statement or need to Improve your Interview Skills – here at The Future Medic we are your one-stop resource for making your dream medical career a reality.
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