Financing medical studies abroad

In which country is it most favourable to study medicine?

In countries with a low cost of living, tuition fees are often lower, so you save on shopping and other everyday expenses as well as on the money you pay to the university.

For example, the semester fee at the university of Varna in Bulgaria „nur“ 4.500 Euro. Im Vergleich zu den Gebühren an einigen Universities in Great Britain, die teilweise das Dreifache betragen können, ist das ein echtes „Schnäppchen“.

If you don't want to take out too large a loan and can't get funding for your studies from your parents or other lenders, the following options are available Bulgaria, Romania, Poland and other low-income countries may be a good choice. Medical students here will be able to Universities abroad similarly well trained as in more expensive countries. Qualifications from Romania can be recognised in Germany without any problems.

Das Auslandsstudium finanzieren – So kannst du dir gute Bildung leisten

Most students only have a very low income. It can therefore be a great challenge to finance your studies abroad. To help you find a way to do this, we will now introduce you to various financing options.

The education loan

The so-called educational or student loan is a good option that is by no means limited to German universities. Medical students can receive a fixed amount through such an educational loan. Depending on the type of loan, this can either be a one-off payment or a continuous payment during their studies. 

The first option is particularly suitable if you want to finance the tuition fees and placement fees for your studies abroad with the loan. Loans where you can withdraw a certain amount each month and only pay interest on the portion of the loan that you have actually used are suitable for everyday life.

Repayment of an education loan usually only begins when you are already firmly established in professional life. This allows you to complete your studies abroad in a relaxed manner and then dedicate yourself to repayment when you are probably back in Germany and earning well thanks to your medical degree.

BAföG abroad

Many prospective students cannot receive sufficient financial support from their parents. In such cases, BAföG is often a suitable option for financing your studies abroad. Even if you are not entitled to receive BAföG in Germany, it is worth checking your entitlement to BAföG abroad and the current regulations of the Federal Government.

Because with a Studying medicine abroad higher costs are incurred, you will have to deal with these additional expenses as a medical student. This means that you may be able to receive BAföG for studying abroad even if you would not be eligible for BAföG at home.

The reverse generation contract from CHANCEN eG

The aim of the solidarity organisation CHANCEN eG is to make education possible regardless of income. The cooperative helps to finance your medical studies in Germany and abroad by covering all or part of the costs.

As a medical student, you can concentrate on your studies and the course itself without being constantly plagued by money worries. The question of the type and amount of repayment only arises later, when you are already working. The principle of solidarity applies here: if you earn a lot, you pay back more than someone with a lower income. In this way, the community can then finance access to universities for the next generation of students.

Scholarships

In many cases, a scholarship can cover a significant part of the costs of studying abroad. One of the biggest advantages is that you usually don't have to pay anything back. However, the demand for scholarships is naturally high, which is why it is no easy task to obtain one. However, it is worth finding out about the various options and trying to apply to the organisations where you have a chance of receiving a scholarship.

There are numerous possible providers of scholarships:

• German state
• European Union
• University
• Private providers and foundations

Both a full scholarship and a grant within a clearly defined framework are possible. However, certain requirements must be met for both, such as a high level of social commitment or special achievements.