Study Medicine
Embark on a journey of healing and discovery—pursue a medical education abroad, gaining diverse perspectives and invaluable clinical experiences.
The Study of Medicine and Its Importance
The central idea of the study of medicine is life, its health and the healing thereof. The medical profession is multi-pronged and involves the harmonious efforts of doctors, specialists, nurses, technicians, paramedics, therapists, pharmacists, etc., to ensure that every physical or mental distress is cared for to maintain a healthy life. However, Doctors, among all other medical professionals, are considered next to the Creator, considering that they are responsible for diagnosing and prescribing cures that save lives besides prognosis and preventive care of possible future ailments. Although modern technology is crucial to diagnostics and critical treatment, doctors remain the driving force in treating health challenges scientifically and with empathy. And this sums up the importance of the study of medicine to build a career as a doctor.
The career path to become a doctor is through undergraduate degrees after completing high school, as in countries like the UK, Australia, Germany, France, etc. Some countries like the USA have a system of Graduate Entry wherein you start your first degree in medicine after duly completing a 4-year pre-med coursework equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree. A few universities also allow students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in fields like biomedical sciences, neuroscience, pharmacology or optometry, etc., to transfer into an undergraduate program in medicine. Alternatively, you could also take the Foundation course route to study medicine abroad if you did not study science subjects in your A-levels or your scores were not up to the mark for a Bachelor’s in Medicine application.
The medical curriculum generally comprises theoretical studies of anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and ethical and legal aspects of medicine. The other important part of your medical education is the practical-oriented clinical experience wherein you develop patient handling and procedural skills.
Why Study Medicine Abroad?
Top-ranking med schools in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, etc., are globally acclaimed for their teaching methodologies, research opportunities, scholarship options, and ease of application.
Studying medicine abroad means getting out of the comfort zone of your home country to explore the world beyond, strengthening your personality to smoothly handle the stress of being a doctor.
An overseas study in medicine means you will undertake your residency or internship in the host country. This experience of working in a foreign environment will add mileage to your career.
If you are keen on an international career, the study of medicine in a foreign country enhances your prospects of bagging the dream work role. However, if you wish to return to your home country after completing your study in medicine abroad, you add the edge of a foreign degree and global exposure to your resume, thus upping your employability quotient. You even bring to the table a host of advanced tech know-how and modern treatment procedures that are probably not in practice at your location but can make a difference in the lives of your patients.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Reality
General Eligibility Criteria to Study Medicine Abroad
Generally, to pursue an undergraduate medicine program, you need to hold a high school diploma. A graduate degree in medicine would demand a recognized bachelor’s degree in the same field, while pursuing a doctorate would require you to hold a relevant master’s degree and present a research proposal. Most countries would require you to clear specific standardized entrance tests appropriate for each level besides showcasing your language proficiency. Let us now check out popular destination-specific eligibility criteria for admission into medicine abroad.
UK
A-levels or equivalent in Biology and Chemistry, besides other requirements. The university of your choice may ask for BMAT or UKCAT scores.
USA
Pre-medical coursework, including college-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics with lab work and Mathematics (calculus and/or statistics). You must also present a valid Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score.
Canada
Pre-medical coursework along with a valid MCAT score.
Australia
Post-secondary diploma, UMAT or ISAT scores
Germany
A high school diploma and completion of the specified preparatory course (Studienkolleg). You may be asked to take the Test for Medical Studies (TMS).
France
High school diploma and the completion of PACES (the 1st Year coursework common to Health Studies).
Ireland
High school diploma with relevant subjects. Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) scores might be required.
New Zealand
A high school diploma and a valid UCAT or NZAT score
UAE
High school diploma with relevant subjects. Health Sciences Admission Test (HSAT) scores might be required.
Europe
Varies from country to country, entrance test scores like TMS, IMAT or country-specific exams might be required
UK
Bachelor’s degree in medicine, besides completing an Academic Foundation Program and a valid UKFPO SJT score.
USA
Related Bachelor’s degree (for example, Chemistry, Biology, or Neuroscience). You should also have cleared the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) you must hold a Step 1
Canada
Completed the Medical Council of Canada Evaluating Examination (MCCEE) and National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) Exam
Australia
Relevant Bachelor’s degree, cleared Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams
Germany
Relevant undergraduate medical degree
France
Completed the second cycle of studies in medicine
Ireland
Relevant Bachelor’s degree & Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT) scores might be required.
New Zealand
A relevant medical degree and a valid UCAT or NZAT score.
UAE
Relevant Bachelor’s degree & licensing exams scores might be required
Europe
An undergraduate medical degree
UK
A relevant Master’s program and present your research proposal along with the application. Your university may ask for your scores in either the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
USA
Completed the residency period before clearing the USMLE Step 3. MCAT scores may be required for MD-PhD programs.
Canada
Completed your Residency tenure. You may be asked to submit a valid MCAT score.
Australia
Relevant Master’s degree & submission of your research proposal with a valid GAMSAT score
Germany
MD degree with a promising research proposal
France
MD degree with a promising research proposal
Ireland
MD degree with a promising research proposal
New Zealand
MD degree with a promising research proposal
UAE
MD degree with a promising research proposal
Europe
MD degree with a promising research proposal
Types of Programs to Study in Medicine
Face-to-face learning with practical sessions
Unlike most other fields of study, the study of medicine requires rigorous classroom sessions alongside practical’s and hands-on clinical sessions. At the undergraduate level of medicine abroad, a specific tenure of the coursework is set aside for such clinical experiences, although the overall program requires full-time involvement of the participants.
Classwork, Research & Clinical Practice
In some programs at the postgraduate level of study in medicine, the participants must undertake a combination of classwork, research papers, and clinical practice to fulfil the certification requirement. Such programs can be termed as part-time coursework and are particularly helpful for medical professionals who wish to continue their education.
Online Medical Courses to upgrade skills
Finally, there is a new breed of online medical courses to upskill medical professionals with the latest research areas and developments in treatment procedures, etc. A case in point is the Harvard Medical School’s interactive online learning to advance professionals in a variety of healthcare career paths or the Royal Society of Medicine’s webinars and symposiums related to the study of medicine.
Cost of Attending Courses in Medicine Abroad
The finances required to study medicine abroad vary with the destination and the chosen university. Although the overall investment includes tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses and medical insurance, tuition is a major element to consider. Knowing the approximate cost of attendance can help you decide whether a particular destination suits your budget or not. Here’s presenting a country-wise overview of the estimated tuition fee range of programs in different levels of medicine abroad.
Country | Average Annual Tuition Fee |
UK | £18,000 – £50,000 |
USA | $20,000-$80,000 |
Canada | CAD 20,000 – CAD 50,000 |
Australia | AUD 30,000 – AUD 80,000 |
Germany | €0 – €20,000 |
France | €500 – €10,000 |
Ireland | €15,000 – €55,000 |
UAE | AED 40,000 – AED 100,000 |
New Zealand | NZD 35,000 – NZD 75,000 |
Europe | Varies by destination and institution |
Course Duration Estimation of Medicine Studies Abroad
The study of medicine is a lengthy process and the timeline is justified considering that the profession is concerned with life and health. Course duration, however, varies with country, and on average, you need 6-7 years to graduate with a degree in medicine abroad. Thereafter there is a mandatory internship or residency period that may range between 3 to 8 years, depending upon your chosen specialization. Let us take a look at the time taken to study medicine abroad at the most popular international destinations around the world.
At the Undergraduate level
- Germany, UAE and New Zealand - 6-year-long programs in medicine.
- In the UK, Australia and Ireland - 5 - 6 years to earn your degree
- In Canada & USA - 3 - 4 years.
- In France – 9 years
At Postgraduate level
- Australia & New Zealand - 2 - 4 years
- France – 3 years
- In the USA and Canada - 3 - 7 years
- UAE - 3 - 5 years
- In the UK and Ireland – 4-6 years
Doctorate Level
Pursuing the highest level of medical education to acquire a Doctorate, the average study period is 3 years. While in Germany and France, you are conferred the degree in 3 years, medical schools in the UK, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and UAE take between 3 – 4 years to complete the program. The longest timeline for a medical doctorate is required in the USA and Canada, at 3 – 7 years.
Top Universities to Study Medicine Course Abroad
UK
- Imperial College London
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
USA
- Harvard University
- John Hopkins University
- Stanford University
Canada
- Univerity of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
Australia
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
France
- University of Paris-Sud
- University of Strasbourg
- University of Bordeaux
Germany
- University of Heidelberg
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- RWTH Aachen University
Ireland
- University College Dublin
- University College Cork
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
New Zealand
- University of Auckland
- University of Otago
- University of Canterbury
UAE
- Khalifa University
- United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Europe
- Karolinska Institute (Sweden)
- University of Zurich (Switzerland)
- Leiden University (Netherlands)
Scholarships to Study Medicine Abroad
To make quality education in medicine abroad accessible to a maximum of students, there are numerous scholarships and grants funded by governments, institutions and private organizations worldwide. If you fit the eligibility conditions of any of these scholarship options, at least a part of the cost of study in medicine can be taken care of. Let us check out a few of the most prominent scholarships available for medical school students.
United Kingdom
- The Imperial College London FoM Master's Scholarships are awarded to deserving domestic and international students to pursue a wide range of postgraduate programs including Master's degree, PG Certificates, and Diplomas. The FoM funding is a combination of up to 10 Dean's Master's Scholarships valued at £10,000 for students pursuing a FoM Master's and up to three Dr. Jean Alero Thomas Scholarship for full tuition fee coverage to study lab-based MSc or MRes program. Consideration for the awards is based on academic excellence, professional experience, and growth achieved in the applicant’s career.
USA
- The Harvard Medical School Scholarships are need-based awards for international students signing up for the MD program or combined degree programs at the university. The awards are funded by institutional and private sources including donor gifts and HMS Alumni Fund. The scholarship amount depends on the financial need demonstrated, although limited to eight semesters of full tuition charges.
New Zealand
- The University of Auckland John Hamel MacGregor Award in Medical Science is for domestic and international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Science or a postgraduate research degree. The award is granted to up to 5 students and is valued at $10,000 for one year.
Australia
- University of Melbourne Bachelor of Medical Science Scholarships for High Achievement is for high achievers signing up for the said program at the university. The award, disbursed to one or more recipients annually, is valued at approximately $5000.
Europe
- The Amsterdam Merit Scholarship at the University of Amsterdam is for students of non-EU/EEA origin enrolling for the Masters of Medical Informatics. The selection decision is based on academic excellence and documented potential in the study field through academic records, LoRs, the letter of motivation and written work/ publications. The award is valued at €4,000. The award can be renewed yearly, provided the recipient completed 80% or more of the maximum number of credits successfully in the first year of study.
Career Progression After Studying Medicine Couse Abroad
The medical profession is a vast field with numerous career paths, depending upon the specialties you choose or the country where you study medicine abroad. In general, you start your study in medicine at the undergraduate level or via a graduate entry route. After the completion of the first level of coursework, there is a mandatory internship or residency component to validate your studies. At this stage, you can expect an average annual pay of $50,000 to $80,000 as medical interns or junior doctors.
Post completion of your training, you proceed to graduate studies, which entails specialization in your chosen field. As a postgraduate doctor, you can start clinical practice, undertake research for continuing education or take up teaching. Your salary at this stage ranges between $80,000 to $120,000 annually.
Individuals with Doctorates in various medical specialties often take up leadership roles in medical organizations or assume research roles. With a doctorate against your name, your pay package can be anything between $100,000 to $200,000 or even more, considering your specialization area and experience.
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FAQs
Why Study Abroad With UniApplica?
UniApplica provides a comprehensive solution for all aspects of student needs, covering everything required for a successful academic journey.
Gaining entry into foreign universities to study medicine abroad can be very competitive owing to the high demand for the programs and stringent admission policies of the host institutions. Highly ranked universities tend to accept only the best of the applications received for admission, considering academic potential, standardized test scores, recommendations, personal statements, interview performance, etc.
Personal research into the student reviews and international rankings of the institution you are enrolling into will give you an idea about the quality of the education you can expect. Further, consultation with established study abroad consultants can give you important insights into the global recognition of the qualification you would receive. Finally, you can check with the governing body of the medical profession in your home country about the acceptability of your degree after the study in medicine abroad.
The Latin coinage Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae when translated into English becomes Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery or commonly MBBS. the MBBS degree is conferred after 5 – 6 years of post-secondary studies in the UK. The degree is essentially an undergraduate qualification paving the pathway to a postgraduate specialty in the UK-style educational systems. MD or the Doctor of Medicine, on the other hand, is a graduate degree that students in the American system of medical education are awarded with. You can enroll for an MD program only after the completion of 3-4 years of pre-medical or a bachelor’s degree program. Despite MD is a postgraduate degree, you can proceed to specialize in your chosen medical field only after its completion in the USA.
Application document requirements to study in medicine vary with countries. However, in general, you will have to submit the following documents along with your application for medicine abroad.
- Identification document (passport)
- All academic records and official transcripts
- Proof of language proficiency
- Entrance test scores
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume
- A valid passport which has its validity intact
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of funds sufficient to support your education and living costs abroad
It is advisable to check with the university you are applying to study medicine abroad about the specific documents required before submitting of application.
The nomenclature of the qualifications you acquire in medicine abroad will differ with country. For example, in the UK or the educational systems that follow the British model, you can study for MBBS at the undergraduate level and MD at the postgraduate level. In several other countries, you may come across degrees titled MB ChB, MB BCh, and BMBS – all at the bachelor’s level of Medicine. In Finland and France, you will be awarded a Licentiate degree and a Diplôme d’Études Spécialisées or DES, respectively after successful completion of undergraduate study in medicine.
In the USA, however, the first medical degree that you earn is at the postgraduate level and termed as either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO).
