Study dentistry abroad

In addition to studying medicine, the opportunity to study dentistry abroad is also a tempting alternative. More and more young people want to specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial diseases and are applying for the limited number of places to study dentistry in Germany. The admission requirements are demanding and the competition is fierce. But you don't have to let this put you off. This is possible at numerous universities abroad with an NC-free degree programme and therefore your chance to realise your dream after all.

Advantages of studying dentistry abroad

Getting a place to study dentistry is not so easy in Germany. The situation is different in other European countries: more study places and an NC-free admission procedure attract numerous future dentists to foreign universities every year. But studying abroad has even more advantages! Studying abroad offers you an excellent opportunity to get to know other cultures, live in international student cities, improve your foreign language skills and make friends in a multicultural environment.

Where is it possible to study dentistry abroad?

Dentistry is offered at numerous universities abroad. Here you will find a selection of some European universities that offer dentistry for international students in German or English:

• Masaryk University, Brno - Czech Republic
• Charles University, Pilsen - Czech Republic
• Palacky University, Olomouc - Czech Republic
• Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
• Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria
• Medical University of Varna, Bulgaria
• Riga Stradins University, Riga - Latvia
• University of Latvia, Riga - Latvia
• Semmelweis University, Budapest - Hungary
• University of Pécs, Hungary
• University of Szeged, Hungary
• University of Rijeka, Croatia
• University of Zagreb, Croatia
• University of Kaunas, Lithuania
• Vilnius University, Lithuania
• University of Wroclaw, Poland
• University of Katowice, Poland
• University of Cluj, Romania
• University of Iasi, Romania
• University of Targu Mures, Romania
• Victor Babes University of Timisoara, Romania
• University of Bratislava, Slovakia
• University of Kosice, Slovakia
• University of Vienna, Austria
• University of Innsbruck, Austria
• University of Graz, Austria
• University of Bern, Switzerland
• University of Zurich, Switzerland
• University of Nicosia, Cyprus

Where can you study dentistry abroad in German?

In addition to universities in German-speaking countries such as Austria and Switzerland, it is also possible to study dentistry in German at Semmelweis University in Budapest.

What are the requirements for studying dentistry abroad?

To be accepted to study dentistry at medical universities abroad, you need a university entrance qualification, i.e. the Abitur. The grade point average required depends on the university of your choice. Some universities require an average in the 1.0 range. However, there are also many foreign universities for which you do not need an outstanding NC you need. However, good grades in science subjects such as biology, chemistry or physics are often an advantage.

At universities where less emphasis is placed on the grade point average, you qualify via a letter of motivation and/or a personal interview.

Admission tests are also very popular in the application process for the dental degree programme. For example, there is a Manual Dexterity Test, which tests your manual dexterity, or written tests that test your previous scientific knowledge. These tests can be country- or university-specific. For more detailed information, you should check the website of your chosen university.

If the lectures are held in English, you will need a language certificate. The TOEFL or IELTS language certificate is recognised here. Knowledge of the local language can be an advantage, but is not obligatory when applying.

How is studying dentistry abroad organised?

The structure and content of dental studies abroad can vary from country to country and university to university.

The duration of the dentistry degree programme is usually 5 years. The first semesters serve to provide students with basic anatomical and scientific knowledge. There are lectures and practicals in organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics. From the second year onwards, the organ systems are discussed. These lectures are often attended together with the human medicine students.

In the third year of study, basic dental knowledge and basic dental manual skills are taught. This is followed by teaching, diagnostics and prevention of dental diseases as well as reconstructive and surgical treatments.

Parallel to the lectures, practical courses are held in dental practices, oral surgery wards and laboratories.

In some cases, the dentistry degree programme is also divided into a three-year Bachelor's degree and a two-year Master's degree. However, the content is the same as the standard degree programme.

As a rule, your dentistry degree from another European country is recognised in Germany in accordance with the German Dental Licensing Regulations (ZApprO) and the Dentistry Act.

How much does it cost to study dentistry abroad?

The Costs of studying dentistry abroad are made up of tuition fees and living costs.

The amount of tuition fees required to study dentistry depends on the respective university. These can range from 4,500 euros per semester at Sofia University in Bulgaria to 8,700 euros per semester at Semmelweis University in Hungary. On average, they are around 6,000 euros per semester.

The cost of living also varies between the individual European student cities. You should find out in advance about the rent and average monthly expenditure on food and leisure activities in your chosen city. In some cases, these are significantly lower than in Germany, which means that the study costs are also more relative. However, there are also numerous options for financing your dental studies abroad. Scholarshipsthat could support you.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study dentistry abroad?

The application process is different in each country and can be done via portals or at the respective university itself. It is important that you submit your required documents within the university-specific application deadline submit. It may be necessary to have the documents notarised or translated beforehand. We are happy to help you with our experience in this process!