Admissions to medical programs are generally tedious. For international students, it can seem even more daunting. Students can often get lost in the nitty-gritty of the application process. Through this article, Gyanberry presents a simplified list of what you need to know to study medicine in Europe. We will take you through the entry requirements to study medicine in Europe.
Study Medicine in Europe: An Overview
Over the years, Europe has been gaining prominence for its medical studies. There are several reasons for this. The quality of medical education is at par with the popular study abroad countries: the US, the UK, and Canada.
Studying medicine in the English-speaking countries of the US, UK, and Canada is not easy. Universities tend to be highly competitive. In the US and Canada, students can only pursue their medical studies after completing their bachelor’s.
This is not the case in Europe. International students can aim to join their preferred university after high school. More medical degrees from Europe represent being highly qualified. The degrees are well-recognized in the EU and non-EU countries. The entry requirements to study medicine in Europe are less stringent.
Another prominent reason for international students to prefer Europe is the costs. Europe is known to provide the best education and living standards at an affordable cost. The tuition fees range between USD 10,500 and USD 18,700. And the cost of living can range anywhere from USD 3,500 to just 12,000 USD for one year.
Entry requirements to study medicine in Europe for international students
Requirements vary from country to country. Each university also states different criteria. This article focuses on the general entry requirements to study medicine in Europe. The application process for international students can be time-consuming. But applying through Gyanberry ensures a fast and easy procedure.
Keep reading to know the admission requirements at the best medical universities in Europe.
Czech Republic
Close to 60,000 students choose the Czech Republic for higher education. It is home to some of the best medical universities in Europe. Charles University, Masaryk University, and Palacky University are among the sought-after universities. Several students have been able to reach these universities through Gyanberry assistance. Take a look at the admission requirements at these universities.
Charles University: First Faculty of Medicine
- Online Application form
- Proof of secondary education
- Entrance Exam in subjects Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Interview
- Motivation letter
Charles University: Second Faculty of Medicine
- Secondary school completion
- Entrance exam in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Logic
- Interview
Charles University: Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
- High school diploma
- School-leaving certificate
- Entrance exam in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics
- University may conduct an interview
Charles University: Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove
- School-leaving certificate
- Entrance Exam
Masaryk University
- High School Diploma
- Entrance Exam in chemistry, biology, and physics or mathematics
Palacky University
- Completion of a secondary education
- Entrance exam
Ireland
Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the EU. This feature is highly advantageous to international students. Unlike in other European countries, international students do not have to learn the local language. Some prominent medical universities in Ireland are University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It should be noted that Ireland is quite costlier than other EU countries on this list. The cost of studying in Ireland can go up to EUR 57,000 and above.
University College Dublin
- High School completion (Standard 12-CBSE/CISCE/State Board)
- Must score at least 81% overall in 12th
- Must score at least 80% in Maths in 12th and at least 65% in 10th
- Two letters of reference
- Personal statement
- English proficiency with at least 6.5 overall and no component below 6.0 in IELTS (or equivalent)
Trinity College Dublin
- School leaving certificate
- Average of 80% – 85% in six subjects in Grade XII
- Must have studied physics, chemistry, and biology
- IELTS score of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6) or equivalent
- Required to undergo “Garda Vetting”
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Bona-fide certificate issued by CBSE or CISCE
- An average score of 90% or above in five subjects in Grade 12 (5-year Entry)
- An average score of 80% or above in five subjects in Grade 12 (6-year Entry)
- At least 75% in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics
- IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0 (or equivalent)
- Police clearance or ‘Garda vetting’
Poland
Poland has emerged as one of the most popular countries to study medicine. The Central Statistics Office reported growth of 11,000 international students in the past year. There are many medical universities in Poland. The admission requirements at some of the popular ones are listed below
Medical University of Bialystok
- School Leaving Certificate/High School Diploma
- Must have studied at least two out of 4 subjects (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics)
- Knowledge of the English Language
- Interview
- Health Certificate
- Photocopy of passport
- One color passport photograph
Admissions are based on the ranking of candidates for the first year. The ranking is determined by their high school grades, interview, and English language proficiency.
Medical University of Silesia
- High School Diploma (original or notarized)
- Scanned passport photo
- Certificate of English proficiency of more than 6.0
- Health Certificate
- Entrance Exam (in Biology and Physics or Chemistry)
Medical University of Lodz
- High school diploma/secondary school certificate
- Must have studied at least two subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics
- Entrance exam
- English proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent
- Scanned passport copy
- Scanned photographs
- Hep B Immunization proof
Italy
There are many public and private universities in Italy. A total of thirteen universities offer English language medical programs to international students. Most other programs in public universities are taught in Italian. However, private universities in Italy cater well to international student requirements. Admission requirements for popular private universities are given below
UniCamillus University
- Entrance test
- Secondary school diploma
- Digital photograph
- Photocopy of a valid identity document
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
- Secondary School Diploma
- English Language Proficiency of at least 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent
- Entrance test
Applicants whose main language of instruction in High School was English do not need to submit a language proficiency certificate.
Humanitas University
- High School Diploma
- Must have studied Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and other suitable subjects per curriculum
- English language proficiency up to CEFR B2 level
- Admission Test
- Evaluation Test
- Copy of ID or passport
- Passport-size photo
Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
- High school diploma/certificate
- Admission test
- English language certificate up to CEFR C1 level
The certificate is not necessary if the last two consecutive years of school are entirely in English.
Hungary
Hungary has some of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. The country offers arts, humanities, and sciences programs besides medicine. One of the biggest advantages of studying in Hungary is its cost of living. Hungary has some of the lowest living costs in Europe. The admission requirements for studying medicine in Hungary are given below.
University of Pecs
- Must have completed upper secondary (high school) education
- English proficiency of IELTS 5.5 and above (or equivalent)
- Copy of valid passport
- Europass CV in English
- Medical certificates and assessments
- Payment receipts
- Entrance exam and interview
University of Szeged
- Certified copy of your High School Diploma
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport photo
- Photocopy of your valid Passport
- Curriculum Vitae
- General Medical Certificate
- Motivation Letter
- Reference Letter
University of Debrecen
- High school certificate
- English language proficiency (assessed as part of entrance exam)
- Entrance exam
- Passport
- Resume/CV
- Medical certificate
Semmelweis University
- Completed high school/senior secondary school
- Curriculum Vitae (Resume)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letter
- Copy of passport
- Medical Certificate
- Entrance Exam
Cyprus
Cyprus has many private universities that offer English-taught courses in Medicine and Dentistry. Being a part of the EU, Cyprus degrees are valid across the EU. Universities like Eastern Mediterranean Univerity, Near East University, and the University of Nicosia offer ample medicine, dentistry, and health sciences courses. Admission requirements at these universities are:
Eastern Mediterranean University
- High school completion
- Students should score at least 85% overall
- EMU English proficiency exam / English proficiency certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Copy of passport
- Passport-size photographs
Near East University
- Entrance test
- High school diploma with at least 60-65%
- Students should be in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics)
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (If any standardized test is taken)
- Copy of passport
University of Nicosia
- High school certificate with at least a 90% score
- Must have studied Biology and any one of Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics
- English proficiency of IELTS 6.5 and above
- A copy of your passport
- Interview
Latvia
Latvia offers only two universities for medical programs. University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University are among the high-ranking ones in the world. Additionally, Riga Stradins University is also known for its high percentage of international students at 27%. Admission requirements for these universities are:
University of Latvia
- Passport
- LU Medical Report (form available at the university website)
- High school diploma
- Apostilled Academic Transcripts
- Required subjects: Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry with a grade of 6 on 10.
- Proficiency in the English language with an IELTS score of at least 5.5 or equivalent
- Payment receipt
- Interview
Riga Stradins University
- Secondary/High school diploma
- Academic Transcripts
- Compulsory subjects: English, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
- Copy of passport
- Letter of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- English proficiency certificate up to B2 Level
Lithuania
Lithuania is yet another prominent study abroad country for medicine. The country shares its borders with Latvia and Poland. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences and Vilnius University are the two universities offering the 6-year medicine program. The program is taught in the English language. Admission requirements for each university are given below.
Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
- High school certificate and transcript
- Knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
- Entrance Exam
- Motivation letter
- Passport or ID copy
- Passport photos
Vilnius University
- High school completion
- Must have studied Biology and Physics, Mathematics or Chemistry.
- English Proficiency certificate (not required if taking the entrance exam)
- Entrance exam
- Interview
- Motivation letter
- Certified copy of passport
- Application fee receipt