Studying Medicine Abroad – A Quick Guide to Europe’s Options
Do you dream of studying Medicine abroad but are unsure which country or university to choose? Read our guide to discover where to study Medicine in Europe.
For over 10 years, Medicor Tutor has been supporting and guiding an ever-growing number of Italian students in studying Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy at the best foreign universities. Some students choose to study abroad for the unique experience of an international academic environment, studying in English, and gaining life experience far from home.
Di seguito vi daremo delle informazioni utili su dove e come studiare Medicina e Odontoiatria in Europa:
UK & Ireland
In England and Ireland, all Medicine and Dentistry faculties have a limited number of seats. There are numerous prestigious universities with very high academic rankings, and admission requires passing an entrance test and achieving a specific minimum score. One of the two main entrance tests used in the UK is the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). A good UCAT score ranges between 650 and 680, while a high score is above 680. The other selection test used in the UK is the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
In Ireland, the entrance test is the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT). This exam assesses various skills in candidates, including logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, non-verbal reasoning, and the ability to understand people’s thoughts, behaviors, and/or intentions. Students aspiring to enter Medicine and Dentistry programs must aim to achieve an HPAT-Ireland score of 150 or higher (out of a maximum of 300). The HPAT is a low-scoring test, and a score above 170 is considered very high.
Medicine degree programs in Ireland can last four to six years. Universities offering 6-year programs include: University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Galway, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, RCSI – Bahrain. For 5-year programs, the universities are: University College Cork, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Galway, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain. For 4-year programs, the options are: University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Both in the UK and Ireland, in addition to the tests mentioned above, the final high school exam grade, grades obtained in specific subjects during the school years, passing the IELTS test with a specific score (determined by individual universities), and other logic or subject-specific tests may be required. Additionally, motivational letters and references must be included in the application. Academic fees in the UK and Ireland are generally very high, typically exceeding €30,000 per year.
For more information on studying Medicine and Dentistry in Ireland, click here.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has become one of the top destinations for Italian and European students in recent years to study Medicine and Dentistry in English. The Charles University of Prague is one of the most renowned universities in Europe, with a very high academic ranking. It is in the top 1.5% of the best universities in the world and among the top 50 in Europe (out of over 5,000). Founded in 1348, Charles University of Prague is the oldest university in Central Europe, and even the famous Albert Einstein was a full professor of theoretical physics there from April 1911.
Another prestigious Czech university is Masaryk University in Brno, located in the heart of Europe, near Vienna. Masaryk University is among the top 2% of universities worldwide and ranks among the top 150 in Europe. With a total area of over 40,000 sqm, its university campus is one of the most modern and technologically advanced in Europe, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a five-story simulation center (SIMU) with a total area of 8,000 sqm, unique in Europe.
Brno is an international city ranked 6th among the best student cities in the world according to the QS indicator, after only Munich (Germany), Montreal (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), Berlin (Germany), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). It also boasts the second-highest percentage of students among all cities worldwide.
Degree programs at these two universities are entirely in English, and admission requires passing an entrance exam in English on Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Medicor Tutor, as the sole official partner in Italy, organizes these tests every year in Milan and Rome.
The academic fees are approximately €15,000–16,000 per year.
For more information on studying Medicine and Dentistry in the Czech Republic, click here.
Malta
Malta has become an increasingly popular destination for international students wishing to study medicine in a stimulating and multicultural environment. Among the island’s most renowned universities, three stand out for their academic excellence and automatic accreditation: the University of Malta, the Queen Mary University of London Malta Campus, and the MediCampus Europeo (MCE).
The University of Malta offers highly competitive medical programs. Founded in 1769, it is the oldest university on the island and enjoys a well-established reputation in the field of medicine. The automatic accreditation of its programs ensures that students receive internationally recognized qualifications. The university is particularly advanced in medical research, focusing on innovative areas such as biotechnology, regenerative medicine, and chronic diseases.
The Queen Mary University of London Malta Campus offers medical programs in an environment that combines the British study method with Mediterranean culture. Queen Mary is a British university and a member of the Russell Group, an alliance of 24 elite UK universities renowned for teaching and research excellence. The Malta campus is an extension of the British institution in the heart of the Mediterranean, with a specific focus on medical education. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and world-class faculty, ensuring high-quality training and opportunities for international collaboration.
The MediCampus Europeo, Faculty of Medicine in Malta, represents an innovative option for students wishing to pursue medical studies. Thanks to its advanced academic model and international partnerships, MCE offers a rigorous training program led by Italian professors from prestigious universities in Italy. The six-year program combines lectures, laboratory work, and clinical field training, preparing students from the very first year to excel in both public and private medical settings. Additionally, from the third year onwards, students have the unique opportunity to complete internships in Italy, at Italian hospitals.
A medical degree obtained from the European MediCampus or the University of Malta is automatically recognized in Italy and throughout the European Union. Graduates are not required to take additional integration exams to have their qualifications recognized and to practice medicine in EU countries, greatly simplifying the transition into the workforce. However, the medical degree obtained from the Queen Mary University of London Malta Campus requires additional steps for recognition in Italy and the EU. This is because the degree program spans five years and provides 300 ECTS credits, meaning graduates must complete the missing 60 credits with supplementary exams to meet EU recognition requirements.
The tuition fees for the European MediCampus are approximately €14,500–15,500 per year.
Studying at MediCampus Europeo offers students a unique experience. The MCE Campus covers an area of approximately 3,500 square meters and is located in the peaceful town of Pembroke, near the renowned St. Julian's. Within the MCE Campus, there is also a student residence featuring comfortable and spacious apartments, as well as a restaurant/cafeteria.
Malta is a culturally rich, safe island with a strong sense of community. On the island, the primary language is English, creating a familiar and welcoming environment for international students. Additionally, Malta is well-connected with many direct low-cost flights.
For more information about studying Medicine in Malta, click here.
Germany and Austria
In Germany and Austria, Medicine and Dentistry degree programs at all universities are exclusively taught in German. There are no German or Austrian universities offering Medicine and Dentistry programs in English. Therefore, students are required to have a German language proficiency level of B2 or higher. As in Italy, all Medicine and Dentistry faculties have a limited number of seats, and an entrance exam is required for admission.
In Germany, admission is based on the final high school grades and performance in science subjects during the academic journey. Therefore, achieving excellent high school grades is crucial.
France
In France, Medicine and Dentistry degree programs at all universities are exclusively taught in French. There are no universities in France offering Medicine and Dentistry programs in English. Therefore, students are required to have a French language proficiency level of B2 or higher.
All universities have open access, meaning there is no entrance exam for Medicine and Dentistry. However, students must pass a highly selective exam to move on to the second year. If they fail this exam, they will have one last opportunity to retake it the following year. If they fail again, they will not be allowed to continue their studies.
Spain
In the Iberian country, all Medicine and Dentistry faculties are numerus clausus. The Medicine faculties of all Spanish universities are exclusively taught in Spanish. There are no universities in Spain offering Medicine in English. Therefore, students are required to have a Spanish language proficiency level of B2 or higher. However, it is possible to study Dentistry in English. Many Spanish universities offer Dentistry degree programs in either the local language or in English.
To enter Medicine and Dentistry, students must pass a selective process, which is particularly challenging for public universities. For admission, Spanish universities place significant importance on the student's academic record, including their high school diploma and grades from the final three years of secondary school, particularly in scientific subjects. They will then need to complete a questionnaire with questions on Biology and Chemistry and pass Spanish and English language tests. The Universidad Europea de Madrid is the largest private university in Spain, where it is possible to study Medicine (in Spanish), Dentistry (in Spanish or English), and Physiotherapy (in Spanish). Another excellent private university for studying Dentistry is the Universidad Europea de Valencia. Being private institutions, their tuition fees are relatively high, ranging from €16,000 to over €20,000 per year.
Medicor Tutor is the official partner of many Spanish universities. For more information on studying Medicine and Dentistry in Spain, click here.
Switzerland
Switzerland also requires a national entrance exam (usually held in July) for admission to its Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry. This test focuses on scientific subjects (chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics) as well as logical reasoning. The Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry at all Swiss universities are exclusively in German or French. There are no universities offering Medicine and Dentistry in English or Italian. Therefore, students must have a proficiency in either German or French at a B2 level or higher. In the Canton of Ticino, where the primary language is Italian, only the University of Lugano offers a Medicine program exclusively in German.
Bulgaria e Romania
If you wish to study Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy, Bulgaria and Romania are among the most popular destinations for international students. This popularity is largely due to the lower tuition fees compared to other European countries. The annual tuition fees range from 6,000 to 8,000 euros, depending on the university and faculty chosen.
There are many universities in Bulgaria and Romania offering undergraduate programs in Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy entirely in English. Admission to these universities typically involves passing an entrance exam in English covering Chemistry and Biology. Additionally, Bulgarian and Romanian universities place significant emphasis on the student's academic background, including the high school diploma and grades in scientific subjects.
Some of the most renowned Bulgarian universities include the Sofia Medical University, Plovdiv Medical University, and Pleven Medical University. Among the most well-known Romanian universities is the University of Timisoara.
For more information click here.
Netherlands and Nordic Countries
In the Netherlands and Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway), all university programs in Medicine and Dentistry are exclusively in the local language. There are no universities offering Medicine and Dentistry courses in English. Therefore, students are required to have a proficiency in the local language at a B2 level or higher, with the exception of the Dutch universities of Maastricht and Groningen, which offer the possibility to study the first three years in English, with the obligation to complete the last three years in Dutch.
The faculties of Medicine and Dentistry at all these universities are subject to a limited number of places and require passing an entrance exam.
Cyprus
In Cyprus, it is possible to study Medicine and Dentistry in English, and the most well-known university is the modern European University Cyprus in Nicosia (EUC). Being a private university, it has very high costs (21,000 euros per year in tuition fees). The degree programs are entirely in English, and admission requires passing an interview and the evaluation of the student's academic background, including presenting the high school diploma and grades from the last three years of high school, with mandatory science subjects.
Medicor Tutor is the official partner of EUC. For more information about studying Medicine and Dentistry in Cyprus, click here.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
If you have a limited budget, Bosnia is definitely an interesting destination. It is possible to study Medicine in English at the East University of Sarajevo, with an annual tuition fee of only 3,500 euros.
Admission requires passing an entrance exam in English on subjects such as Chemistry and Biology.
For more information about studying Medicine and Dentistry in Bosnia, click here.
Make your dream come true, study Medicine abroad at one of the best universities in Europe. Contact us and request a free consultation with one of our experts. Click here and fill out the form, or call us at +39 02 56 56 68 28.
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