Studying medicine abroad

MUDr Andreas Zehetner

MUDr Andreas Zehetner

CO-Founder of futuredoctor

Reading time: 17 Minuten
Last updated: 5 November 2024

☝️ The most important facts in brief

  • Study medicine abroad: Good chances of study places without depending on the numerus clausus.
  • Dentistry, human medicine, veterinary medicine: you'll find the right degree programmes abroad.
  • Recognition of medical studies in Europe is possible in Germany without any problems.
  • Foreign universities rely on science entrance tests instead of NC.
  • Whether it's lower tuition fees or the prospect of an NC-free selection procedure - there are good reasons to study medicine abroad. We show you what options you have and what costs you can expect.

📖 Table of contents

The most important points for your medical studies abroad at a glance

Many want to, only a few are allowed to: To study medicine.

Medicine, not just a subject, not just a degree, not just a science - medicine is a vocation, medicine is a passion. Every year there are thousands of young people who would give anything for this dream. In the following blog article, you can find out what is really necessary, what costs are involved in studying medicine abroad and what options there are for medical study enthusiasts.

Studying medicine abroad: what are the advantages?

Through your Studying medicine abroad you have the opportunity to get to know new cultures and student cities, live internationally and advance your career. The degree programmes are just as demanding as in Germany, but the entry requirements are often better.

If you have a talent for foreign languages, there is little to stop you from studying abroad. Lectures are often held not only in the local language, but also in English. This can help you considerably during your medical studies.

Studying medicine abroad: why not?

Studying medicine abroad has many advantages, but there are also some points that speak against it. One common problem is the recognition of the degree in Germany. With Future Doctor, however, it is guaranteed that the degree obtained abroad will be recognised in Germany. This means that you don't have to worry about additional examinations or waiting times. Language barriers can be a challenge both during your studies and in everyday life. Although the cost of living is generally lower than in Germany, it can vary depending on the country. The distance from home and the associated separation from family and friends can also be stressful. These aspects should be carefully weighed up before deciding to study medicine abroad.

Are you interested in studying medicine?

We will be happy to advise you free of charge about your options for studying medicine, including advice on studying medicine in another EU country, which is fully recognised in Germany.

Studying medicine abroad: What are the admission requirements?

In Germany, the NC (Numerus Clausus) is a prerequisite for studying medicine. High school graduates who want to study medicine abroad can rejoice: In many foreign countries, you can study without an NC, but unfortunately you also pay higher fees. However, even these study places are not completely free of admission requirements - a medical test and special admission procedure must be completed in advance. Medical study place compulsory at most universities.

Your advantage when applying to study abroad: As an applicant, you can prepare for the scientific tests and increase your chances of studying medicine abroad. Futuredoctor will help you to avoid any difficulties when preparing to study medicine abroad. Has medicine always been your dream? You can successfully study abroad at a renowned university even if your A-level average does not meet the NC requirements.

Where is the best place to study medicine abroad?

The best solution for students is to study in a country that recognises your studies in Germany. Once you have completed your medical training, all you have to do is apply for a licence to practise medicine in Germany.

Bear in mind that your recognition is not automatically certain; different countries in the European Union have different requirements.

A degree from a university in Switzerland or Europe is safe for you, as it is automatically recognised in Germany. If you have successfully completed your medical studies at one of the universities there, you can apply directly for a licence to practise medicine in Germany. This is your prerequisite and the official state licence to practice medicine in Germany.

Recognition is also possible for non-EU countries. A basic requirement for this is that the level of the training is equivalent to the German degree programme. To ensure this, an examination is carried out in the respective federal state before the licence to practise is granted.

Studying medicine abroad: Which countries offer study programmes?

Do you value a German-language study abroadHungary is a good choice as a place to study with German-language degree programmes. It doesn't matter whether you prefer a Study human medicine strive for, or Study dentistry would like to study abroad. Other countries of interest for studying medicine abroad include Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia or Croatia as moderate admission requirements and equivalent course content make your chances of gaining a place easier. The language of study in human medicine and dentistry programmes in these countries is English.

Also popular is CyprusHowever, at 9,000 euros, the tuition fees for the medical Master's degree programmes are particularly high here.

We have compiled a list of popular countries that give you the opportunity to study medicine abroad:

Slovakia

The Studying medicine in Slovakia is particularly suitable due to its proximity to the Austrian border and the relatively low tuition fees. Then you can expect a culturally sophisticated country with renowned universities and automatic recognition in Germany.

Czech Republic

Once you have passed your A-levels, you can Studying medicine in the Czech Republic nothing against it. Low tuition fees, no numerus clausus and favourable living costs speak in favour of the country.

Hungary

The degree programme itself is clearly based on the options available in Germany, but the fees for your Medical studies in Hungary higher than in many other EU countries. If you can afford an expensive degree programme, you will find good opportunities for high-quality and recognised medical studies abroad in Hungary.

Croatia

Seven universities in the country offer Master's degree programmes for medical students from Germany. Recognition in Germany is a formality, all you have to do is apply for your licence to practise medicine. As a sun lover, you will benefit from Studying medicine in Croatia from the location by the sea. Not every student can enjoy preparing for exams on the beach.

Latvia or Lithuania

The similarity to the German northern federal states provides a Studying medicine in Latvia to ensure that you quickly feel at home. The universities in Riga in particular have established themselves among German students, where you will quickly make contact with an international audience. In Lithuania, the short waiting time is a factor. In cities like Vilnius, life is buzzing and as a doctor-to-be, you have a lot to look forward to during your studies. Studying medicine in Lithuania the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the culture, customs and special features of the country.

Romania or Bulgaria

With a Medical studies in Romania you will obtain a fully-fledged degree and can work as a doctor after your licence to practise medicine. Above all, the favourable cost of living and reasonable tuition fees are positively emphasised in the experiences of other students. The Studying medicine in Bulgaria offers a similar programme, and the study places are very popular with students abroad. Many attractive cities make the country a welcome location for training.

Poland

The country has numerous renowned universities and also awards medical study places to applicants from abroad. Students are generally well looked after and feel at home due to the proximity to Germany. If you choose a city close to the German border, you will have the opportunity to visit your family and won't feel quite so foreign. This makes a Studying medicine in Poland particularly interesting for students who want to spend the weekend at home.

Italy

With a Studying medicine in Italy you will gain a lot of cultural experience in the country and have the opportunity to study at renowned universities. However, language skills are mandatory and lectures are usually held in Italian. During your studies abroad in Italy, you will enjoy sunshine, good humour and a good medical infrastructure.

The Netherlands

Studies here are primarily in Dutch, but there are also universities with English lectures. In the border regions, the programme is also aimed at medical students from Germany. Studying medicine in the Netherlands of lower language barriers.

Switzerland

A popular alternative to university in Germany is the Studying medicine in Switzerland. The high quality of the degree programme ensures that places are in high demand. If you manage to get into a Swiss university, you can look forward to helpful fellow students and a high standard of study.

Spain

Many German students favour study places in Spain. The country offers cultural diversity and variety. However, knowledge of Spanish is a basic requirement for the Studying medicine in Spain.

Study medicine abroad with futuredoctor

Do you dream of studying medicine, but the chances of getting a place in your home country are slim? We can help you find a suitable study place abroad.

Advantages at a glance:

  • EU-wide recognised qualifications
  • Study in English or German
  • > 95% Success rate
  • > 1,000 study places allocated

From the selection of universities and support in the application process to orientation and finding accommodation - we are at your side.

Study medicine abroad: These are the costs

If you want to try out the famous faculties in the United States, such as Harvard, Yale, Cornell, etc., you will soon realise that tuition fees of up to USD 500,000 are not uncommon.

Successfully studying medicine abroad will pave the way for you to study dentistry, human medicine or veterinary medicine. Which country you choose depends largely on the tuition fees. If you study in another EU country, you have the option of Bafög abroad to apply. To do so, you must fulfil the same conditions as when studying medicine at a German university.

However, the cost of studying medicine depends not only on the tuition fees themselves, but also on the cost of living abroad. Eastern European countries are cheaper than Switzerland or Austria. In Poland, CroatiaHungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and the like, your costs for accommodation and everyday life are lower. With high academic achievements and recognition of the degree, demand is high.

However, bear in mind that for some Medical study place have to pay fees. In Germany and Austria, this does not apply as you are studying at state universities. The following overview shows you how expensive it is to study medicine abroad, depending on the country. If you are interested in studying medicine abroad, you can generally expect to pay tuition fees of between 7,500 - 20,000 euros per year. Living expenses such as housing and learning materials are added to this.

Approximate tuition fees per semester:

  • Hungary: 7,200 - 7,300 euros depending on the university
  • Poland: 5,600 - 6,300 euros depending on the university
  • Romania: 2,500 - 3,000 euros depending on the university
  • Croatia: 4,500 to 5,000 euros depending on the university
  • Slovakia: 4,500 to 5,000 euros depending on the university
  • Czech Republic: 7,000 to 9,000 euros depending on the university
  • Latvia: 6,000 euros
  • Lithuania: 5,500 Euro
  • Cyprus: 10,000 euros
  • Lithuania: 5,500 Euro

You can find a detailed cost overview of the tuition fees at the various universities at futuredoctor here.

Studying medicine abroad: study and discover foreign cities and cultures at the same time.

Studying medicine abroad: which countries are the easiest?

At European universities, you study at a high level, regardless of the country. Nevertheless, there are some study places that are particularly sought-after due to the conditions for German students.

Hungary, for example, is highly regarded among international students for its popular medical programmes. Here you can expect a high-quality education at favourable tuition fees. Especially the well-known universities such as Semmelweis or Debrecen offer you the opportunity to graduate in the fields of human medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine. If you plan to live abroad later on and would even like to move to the United States after your studies, you will benefit from Hungary as a country. The degree is not only recognised in Germany, you can even obtain your licence to practise in the USA (following examinations).

Alongside Austria and Switzerland, Italy is known for its English-language programmes, which makes studying medicine abroad easier for people with little knowledge of the language. However, you will need to speak Italian in large parts of the country, as the population's knowledge of English is relatively low.

In addition to Hungary and Italy, Eastern European countries are also becoming increasingly popular for studying medicine abroad. Can you get a place to study in Poland? Bulgaria or the Czech Republic, you can look forward to uncomplicated entry requirements for studying dentistry or degree programmes in pharmacy/human medicine or veterinary medicine.

In which countries is there no NC for medical studies?

Studying abroad may be an option for you for various reasons. If the NC is your problem, the European universities are a good option for your purposes. The grade point average does not matter here, there are other admission requirements that will pave the way for you to become a doctor. The experience of many students shows that the requirements are no less demanding. Semester after semester, you will learn everything you need for your final exam - regardless of whether you are studying human medicine, dentistry or medicine. Study veterinary medicine would like.

Studying medicine abroad: How we help at future-doctor

Once you have decided to study medicine abroad, the first step is to secure a place. This is where we at futuredoctor come into play. We help you to find a place at the most famous universities in Europe and realise your dream of a place.

Are you frustrated with the admission requirements in Germany?
Your NC is not sufficient to study dentistry or human medicine without a waiting period? If you don't want to waste valuable time, think seriously about studying medicine abroad.

Afraid?
This is understandable, because applying abroad doesn't work one-to-one like you know it from Germany. But you are not alone, because we will help you to take the right steps. We'll make sure your application runs smoothly and take care of the tedious administrative procedures and bureaucratic challenges for you.

This is how futuredoctor prepares you for your medical studies abroad:

  • We take care of the bureaucracy, you take care of the learning. And we won't leave you to your own devices. The differences between German and foreign universities are not just the language of study and tuition fees.
  • If you apply to study abroad, you will be welcomed at the university even without an NC. Whether you are studying dentistry or human medicine, your only hurdle is the entrance exam. This is exactly where we come into play again, because futuredoctor will help you prepare. Our aim is for you to answer question after question without any problems and soon be one of the students abroad.
  • We use test simulations to check your level of performance so that you are optimally prepared for the upcoming exams.

Not only are you afraid of the costs, but you are also a little scared of the conditions in the new country?
We answer all your questions before, during and after your studies and provide help if you need it. Take the first step into your new future with futuredoctor. We have a local network of professionals who will find the right accommodation for you and help you with any questions you may have. Appointments with the authorities? No problem, futuredoctors will take care of the bureaucracy for you and prepare you for the medical test for your medical studies abroad.

Free information material

Studying medicine abroad 🎉

Order your information pack now, find out more about studying medicine abroad and get started as a medical student!

Frequently asked questions

FAQs on studying medicine abroad

Studying medicine abroad offers many advantages, including international experience, language skills, a broader range of clinical experience and often the opportunity to study in smaller classes.

In Hungary there are several universities that offer a medical degree programme in German. With futuredoctor you have the opportunity to study at the Semmelweis University in Budapestthe Medical University of Pécs or at the Medical University in Szeged to study medicine in German.

Admission requirements vary greatly from country to country and from university to university. It is important to find out about the specific requirements in advance. We would be happy to advise you on this in a free personal consultation.

All Universities where you can apply via futuredoctor are available within the recognised throughout the EU. This means that you can work as a doctor in Germany, Austria or Switzerland after completing your studies abroad.

Most Universities at futuredoctor offer a medical degree programme in English. We also have some universities in our programme where you can study in German. English is therefore a basic requirement in most cases.

The costs of studying medicine abroad can vary greatly. In addition to tuition fees, you should also consider the costs of living expenses, books, travelling and insurance. Here you will find a list of costs for the various countries and universities.

Good grades, relevant internships or volunteer work, as well as good language skills can improve your chances of admission. There are also entrance exams at many universities. At futuredoctor, we prepare you for these entrance exams in a targeted manner. You can find out more about what futuredoctor has to offer for your medical studies abroad here.

The length of medical studies can vary depending on the country and programme (human medicine or dentistry). As a rule, a full-time medical degree programme lasts five to six years.

futuredoctor is at your side. Our team is here to help you solve problems, whether they are academic or related to your life abroad. We offer support in overcoming challenges, from finding accommodation to professional issues and any other difficulties during your medical studies abroad.

You can easily apply for your favourite universities abroad via the futuredoctor applicant portal. Register in our portal and select a degree programme and your universities. We will then start the application process directly at your chosen universities. Universities.

Click here for the applicant portal

As Cost of living refers to the costs that can arise in a place of residence for basic expenses such as food, basic supplies and leisure activities. These are around 10 to 20 % lower at the locations offered by futuredoctor compared to Germany and Austria. On average, students require monthly pocket money of around €400 to €500.

The Housing costs include the basic rent and all periodic or monthly fees for the use of a flat. Depending on whether you opt for a shared flat, your own flat or a student hall of residence, the monthly costs per person average between €250 and €600.

As you can see, the dream of studying medicine abroad is definitely realisable and, especially at the present time, doctors who want to pursue their passion with conviction are in demand. We are always available to answer any questions you may have about studying medicine and are happy to advise you on your studies abroad.