Medicine has evolved over centuries and as always, it is one of the most prominent fields of study throughout the world. The demand for medical professionals is ever-increasing year by year and pursuing a medical degree is a coveted dream for many people out there.
While undoubtedly, the USA has some of the world’s best education in medicine, alongside the UK, Canada, Korea, and India closely following, it can be challenging to get into a recognized university in one of these countries.
Competitive exams, complex admission processes, and unfamiliar medium of instruction shouldn’t deter you from pursuing a medical degree that you like. In this article, we will go through some of the best alternative countries that provide top-notch medical programs.
Easiest Countries to Study Medicine
1. Hungary
Among the European countries, Hungary is most known for being a popular destination for students who wish to study medicine. Not only is it easy to find a university that has a program in English for international students, but Hungary also offers high-quality education at affordable tuition rates. Medics who qualify in one of the three universities for international students in the country are allowed to be medical practitioners throughout Europe and in many other countries around the world including the United States (with additional exams).
Medical and dental programs offered in Hungary usually take between five to six years, after which students graduate with a master’s degree. Some of the Hungarian universities admitting international students are Debrecen University, Semmelweis University, and Szeged University, and all of them offer medicine, dentistry, and pharmacology in the English and German languages.
It can be very challenging elsewhere in the world to follow a medical program despite being a competent student with all the required skills. In Hungary, tuition costs are only a fraction of what it would cost elsewhere, and the admission process is relatively easy. Students who are applying as undergraduates are required to sit for a written exam with multiple choice questions in Biology, Chemistry, and Medical English and an oral examination by one of the university professors on fundamental medicine. Students can also follow an external pre-medicine program to ensure they are ready for the entrance exam.
Students who fulfill all the prerequisites to enter a medical school would start off with three pre-clinical years which are entirely in English, 2 clinical years which require knowing the Hungarian language, and a placement year. International students are taught the Hungarian language in their freshman year so they can perform well in their clinical years.
2. Italy
Italy is not only a perfect hub for cultural diversity and breathtaking art and architecture, but it is also one of the popular destinations for international degree-seeking medical students. It offers some of the best medical programs at affordable prices in the English medium for international students. Italy has been revolutionizing in many ways throughout centuries, and its medical education is also similarly unique. While their curriculum usually focuses mostly on theoretical medicine, it varies depending on the choice of your university.
Just like in most other countries in the EU, in Italy, the medical program usually takes about 6 years or 12 semesters. Even though most programs are conducted entirely in English, it is advisable to become proficient in the Italian language, because students will have to encounter locals during their years there, and it’s always a plus point if you are planning to continue to engage in clinical practice in the country. Universities and hospitals in Italy are often very closely affiliated, and therefore, students can gain the required exposure before stepping into the field of medicine.
As of now, 13 public universities in Italy provide medical education in English all of which rank among the top 500 universities in the world. There are also other private universities in the country that provide equally high standards of medical education.
Apart from the requirement of 12 years of completed education, students are also expected to pass the university exam in Italy and the IMAT (International Medical Admission Test). Getting into an Italian University as an international student can be quite challenging as the selection process is very competitive. However, being meticulous about meeting the requirements and submitting it ahead of time can reserve your spot at an esteemed medical school in Italy.
3. Poland
With a great education system, affordable tuition fees, and English as a common medium of instruction, Poland is yet another least restrictive country that offers medical programs to international students. Poland has a rich history with many renowned scientists and some of the oldest universities in the European region. The oldest universities in Poland date back to the 14th century and today, these universities are up-to-date with state-of-the-art facilities and a constantly evolving education system.
Poland boasts a safe and friendly environment for international students to thrive in, amidst the amazing sights of history and heritage. Over ten universities in Poland have integrated English as their primary language of instruction, opening up many opportunities for international students. Most Polish citizens are also English speakers and therefore, international students won’t find it challenging to fit in.
Students who meet all the requirements to enter a medical school in Poland sit for a university-specific entrance exam. In addition, proof of English proficiency, like TOEFL and IELTS are also among the requirements. The return on investment in pursuing medicine in Poland is high, with the program being recognized in the US, the UK, and across Europe including in countries like Germany.
The application process for med school in Poland is often straightforward and depends on your choice of university. Generally, medical programs last around six years with some universities requiring a pre-med program of one year prior to enrolment. The intensive study program provides a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree upon graduation. Since the state consistently monitors the programs offered by these universities, the curriculum is of high standards and therefore, recognized across the globe.
The above-mentioned countries are some of the easiest countries to be admitted when applying for a medical degree program. Not only are they the easiest but some of the universities provide high standards of teaching and research at affordable costs. Remember, quality education can be found elsewhere other than in the most popular countries for international students. You just need to search and look for the best suitable degree and study destination for your academic needs!
We hope the article has the information you are looking for. You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
