How much does it cost to study medicine

The cost of studying medicine can vary depending on the country, university and personal lifestyle. In addition to tuition fees, you must also take into account the cost of learning materials, food, rent and insurance. Scholarships and grants can reduce the financial burden. Detailed planning is therefore essential.

You need to factor in these costs for a complete medical degree programme

How much money you need to budget for tuition fees and other expenses depends on the country and the university. Expenses abroad can be different to those of studying in Germany. Many medical students look for one or more part-time jobs alongside their studies in order to reduce the financial burden. However, this alone is often not enough, especially if tuition fees are very high. If you decide that you want to Study medicine it is therefore advisable to draw up a complete financial plan to get an overview of all necessary expenses. Such a list includes:

• Tuition fees
• Rent
• Learning materials
• Food
• Insurances
• Transport costs (public transport, bicycle, car)
• Leisure activities and social expenditure
• Fees for examinations and aptitude tests
• Buffer for unforeseen payments 

Studying medicine is most favourable in Germany

In Germany, medical students pay low tuition fees compared to other countries. There is only a semester fee, which varies between 70 and 400 euros depending on the federal state and university. 

The low costs are a major advantage compared to other countries and for many students an important reason for deciding against studying abroad.

Exception: private universities 

Private universities in Germany charge significantly higher tuition fees for medical studies. Several thousand euros per semester are due here. If applicants are unsuccessful due to the strict NC If you are unable to obtain a place at a state university, a private university may be an alternative.

In most other countries, tuition fees are significantly higher than in Germany

In Germany, the majority of the costs of studying medicine are borne by the state. This is very different in other countries.

Studying human medicine is most expensive in the USA and Australia, but it is also common in most European countries for students to pay several thousand euros in fees each semester during their training to become a doctor. In Europe, it is common to pay between 5,000 and 10,000 euros per semester.

Other countries where studying medicine is comparatively cheap or free

Not all universities charge a fortune to study medicine from the start to the state examination. There are other countries in which teaching is regarded as something that should be accessible to everyone regardless of their financial means and financed by the state. In these countries, the tuition fee is comparatively low or even completely waived.

500 to 3,000 Swiss francs per semester in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the individual cantons decide on tuition fees. Medical students here can expect to pay between 500 and 3,000 francs per semester. Compared to other universities, this is relatively low and offers an attractive opportunity to study medicine or dentistry in a highly developed education system. The good education and internationally recognised degrees make Switzerland attractive to many students. However, as in Germany, there are far more applicants than places.

In some European countries, locals study completely free of charge.

There are countries in Europe where studying is completely free. However, this only applies to locals. The countries in which citizens can study human medicine free of charge include the following countries:

• Sweden
• Finland
• Denmark
• Austria

As a student from abroad, however, you have to pay to study medicine at the universities in these countries.

Popular countries for studying medicine abroad

Among the most popular countries for a Studying medicine abroadwhich is fully recognised in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, include the following:

Tuition fees at universities abroad in the above-mentioned countries range from €4,000 to €10,000 per semester.

Studying abroad still has advantages

Despite the higher tuition fees, many students choose to study medicine abroad every year for good reasons. 

While study places at German universities are allocated centrally by the Foundation for University Admissions and are associated with a high NC, universities in other countries usually decide for themselves which applicants are admitted. Obtain a study place. Here, everyone has the opportunity to impress with their motivation and qualifications, regardless of their A-levels.

The universities abroad that we recommend have everything you need for a good medical education. Students will find well-equipped laboratories, excellent supervision and, thanks to internationally oriented degree programmes, can study in English or even German.

Financing your studies abroad - these are the options

Studying medicine abroad can cost a lot. Fortunately, however, there are a number of financing options, so that this alternative to studying in Germany is also possible if you don't have rich parents or savings. We will now briefly introduce you to some solutions that may be the answer to the question of how to finance your studies.

BAföG

Even if you would not receive BAföG to study medicine in Germany, in many cases it is possible to receive it due to the higher costs. This can help you to finance your tuition fees and other expenses. It is important that you submit an application in good time and provide all of your details correctly and in full.

Reverse intergenerational contract

The reverse intergenerational contract is an innovative financing option for your medical studies. An education fund pays your tuition fees and living costs. In return, you pay a fixed percentage of your income into the fund for a fixed period after graduation. This option is particularly attractive for human medicine and dentistry degree programmes and offers financial security.

Scholarship

A scholarship is an excellent solution for financing your medical studies. Various organisations and foundations offer financial support. Prerequisites are often good grades and social commitment. It is worth finding out about the various options and making an enquiry for each scholarship project for which you fulfil the requirements.

Student loan

A student loan can help your Financing medical studiesif other means are not sufficient. You can usually withdraw a fixed maximum monthly amount. This saves you a lot of stress and you can concentrate on your studies at university. The interest rates are often comparatively low and repayment does not begin until after your studies. 

Are the costs associated with studying abroad worth it?

While tuition fees in all German federal states amount to a maximum of a few hundred euros, abroad they are usually a few thousand. 

If you have not been offered a place at university in Germany due to the NC, it is still worth considering studying at a university abroad. This is particularly worthwhile because you will earn a good salary as a doctor. By taking the opportunity to study directly, you can work in the profession earlier and earn good money. This will enable you to pay back a student loan, for example.