5 Great Reasons to Study Medicine in Europe

Students from all over the globe choose to start their medical careers in Europe. Why? For starters, studying medicine in Europe offers lower tuition rates and fewer years in school compared to the US. The format in Europe differs slightly too, with students applying directly from high school, and starting their training as undergraduates. This saves both time and money—and gives you access to some of the world’s oldest, most fascinating cities. In addition to a stellar medical education, you’ll have a front row seat to world history, the arts, music, sports, and some of the finest cuisines you’ll ever try.

Let’s take a closer look at 5 great reasons to study medicine in Europe.

1. Cost

Medical school costs are less expensive in Europe than in the US. Some places to consider? Poland offers top-notch, well-regarded medical education at a fraction of the cost in the US, Western Europe, or Australia. In fact, Dr. Maria Siemionow, the famous surgeon who completed the world’s first successful near-total face transplant in 2008, graduated from Poznan University of Medical Sciences.

Put your wallets away in Sweden and Germany, especially if you’re from the EU. In Sweden, if you’re outside of the EU, there’s a fee. In Germany, it’s free for anybody, but not without some footwork—like learning German. Both countries offer incredible learning opportunities at world-class research institutions. Italy and Belgium also offer great deals on medical school. Although costs vary by school and program, the relatively affordable costs of living make them great bets.

2. English

About 25 universities across Europe offer medical school programs in English. Schools in Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the UK, and Hungary are just a few of the countries that offer medical programs in English. While it helps to know the language of your host country, rest assured that you will find high-quality medical programs in English all over Europe.

3. Ease of Acceptance

It’s a simple matter of economics: supply and demand. In the US and in Western Europe, the supply of applicants exceeds the number of medical places. In Eastern Europe, there’s more space—at equally rigorous schools, if not more so. Lower demand makes acceptance rates higher. Getting accepted to world-renowned universities like Hungary’s University of Pecs or Prague’s Charles University (both of which teach in English) is a lot easier than getting accepted to a school in Western Europe, the US, Canada, or Australia— and not because the course is easier. The course is often harder—and internationally respected.

4. Simple Credit Transfer

Transferring credit in Europe is easier than in most other places. Many European medical universities abroad use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) for transferring credit within Europe. One credit is equal to about 25-30 hours of work. Medical credit transfer at most European schools can happen within the same program. This means that a medical student can transfer from one medical university with a 6-year program to another. One thing to note: students cannot transfer from a 4-year program to a 6-year program or vice versa.

5. International Physician

By studying medicine in Europe, you position yourself to practice anywhere in the world. You will gain international exposure, have colleagues from around the globe, study at some of the best and most famous schools in the world, and make yourself an excellent candidate, anywhere in the world.

Put yourself on the cutting edge of medicine and consider earning your medical degree in Europe. With highly-regarded programs at some of the world’s finest universities in the most cosmopolitan cities, lower costs, easier acceptance, programs in English, and the relative ease of European transfer, what more could you want? Your well-rounded, multi-cultural, international experience will serve you—and your future patients—beautifully.