With over 5.6 million students studying abroad globally in 2020, projected to hit 8 million by 2025 (OECD, 2023), medicine remains a top field, driven by a global physician shortage of 4.3 million (WHO, 2024).
The U.S. hosts 172 medical schools, producing 20,000 graduates yearly (AAMC, 2023), while the UK’s 44 schools yield a 7.2% acceptance rate (UCAS, 2024). In 2023, Germany’s 38 public medical universities enrolled 9,600 students with no tuition fees (DAAD, 2024). Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, ranked 6th worldwide (QS World Rankings, 2025), attracts 35% international students.
This article ranks the 15 best countries for studying medicine abroad. Let’s explore your global medical education options
Why Study Medicine
- Help people: One of the most important skills students learn while studying medicine and becoming doctors is how to assist people in ending their pain. Doctors are also a vital point of contact for everyone and are well-recognized all around the world.
- Good career prospects: Most medicine students get work right after graduation because doctors are in high demand everywhere. Students can usually begin practicing immediately after completing their courses.
- Contribution to medical research: Just because you’ve finished your medical education doesn’t imply you’re done learning. Doctors conduct research in their fields even after they have completed their education and make their findings available to the public.
15 BEST COUNTRIES TO STUDY MEDICINE IN 2023
Here are the best study abroad countries for international students who wishes to study medicine in 2023;
- United States of America
- United kingdom
- Australia
- India
- Russia
- Canada
- The Netherlands
- Sweden
- China
- Germany
- Argentina
- Malaysia
- Ukraine
- The Caribbean
- Phillipines
#1. United States of America
The United Kingdom is one of the greatest places in the world to study medicine. It has a reputation for being an excellent study abroad destination, particularly for students interested in pursuing a degree in medicine.
The country is home to some of the world’s leading universities, which provide world-class education. In addition, the country’s National Health Service is one of the world’s largest public health systems, with links to all of the country’s medical schools.
#2. United kingdom
This is also one of the top countries in the world to study medicine. Without a doubt, Ukraine is home to a number of world-class medical universities.
It also has universities that provide high-quality education at affordable prices.
Australia:
Australia is a fantastic place to study medicine. After all, why not? It is home to a number of prestigious universities and programs, among other things.
#3. India
India is a popular destination for international students interested in studying medicine. More than 1,700 foreign nationals are currently studying in Indian medical schools.
For one thing, the demand is understandable. Locals and tourists alike can choose from a variety of medical schools. There are currently 542 medical colleges, so you’re likely to discover one that meets your needs.
In India, too, completing a medical degree is quicker. Your MBBS will take you only 5.5 years to complete.
The best part is that medical schools in India are relatively inexpensive. For example, you can attend government medical schools for as little as $10,000 per year.
#4. Russia
If you’re looking for a well-known brand, despite being a cost-effective country to study medicine in, Russia is a popular choice for both domestic and international students.
Students from all over the world flock to the country because of its economical yet high-quality education. This is due to the country’s government’s policy of subsidizing tuition fees for overseas students who come to study in the country.
See A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to study in Germany
#5. Canada
Canada is another one of the greatest nations in the world to study medicine. However, prospective students interested in studying medicine in this country must already have a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or neuroscience.
If you’re interested in studying medicine in Canada, you have to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Doctor of Medicine is the name given to the medical degree in Canada (MD). It is classified as a bachelor’s degree.
#6. The Netherlands
The majority of medical schools in Europe have a language barrier. This isn’t an issue in the Netherlands, where you can complete your three-year pre-medical education entirely in English. The University of Groningen and Maastricht University are two institutions that provide this service.
Competition for the three-year MSc in Medicine is fierce. International students, on the other hand, may still be accepted into the program. Non-Dutch speakers are given 100 out of 410 spots in Groningen, for example.
However, once you gain admission, you’ll need to brush up on your Dutch. Knowing the native language is critical, especially while doing hospital rotations. See mind blowing benefits of learning a second language here.
#7. Sweden
Sweden has some of the world’s greatest medical schools, making it one of the best countries in which to study medicine. The Karolinska Institute is at the top of the ranking, followed by Lund University and Uppsala University.
Karolinska Institutet is the world’s largest medical academic and research facility, and for many local and international students, it is the holy grail. However, there is one caveat: Teaching is done in the Swedish language.
#9. China
China is also one of the top 15 countries in the world to study medicine. Even in China, studying medicine is not prohibitively expensive.
This is one of the most popular countries for studying medicine at a low cost, second only to Russia.
About 45 institutions and universities in China are authorized by Indian authorities as places where Indians can study medicine. The annual cost of studying in China is about USD 2600. To process your study visa easily, see our article A complete guide to Study in China.
#10. Germany
Germany is one of the top-ranked study destinations in the world. Germany’s medical system is often regarded as the greatest in the world. Its medical study curriculum is six years long and taught entirely in German.
Students interested in studying medicine in this country must take and pass the Test for Medical Studies (TMS) or Test für Medizinische Studiengänge. This test assesses the ability of a potential pupil. See our article on Top Universities in Germany.
#11. Argentina
Argentina has everything you could ever want. It is one of the top countries in the world to study medicine. There’s something for everyone: bustling cities, breathtaking scenery, isolated towns, and a thriving arts and culture scene. So, remember to look up from your books every now and again to take in your beautiful surroundings.
#12. Malaysia
Malaysia is also one of the most popular and best places in the world to study medicine. It’s also one of the greatest places to go for a fantastic study abroad experience.
The country is home to a number of high-quality universities and organizations dedicated only to the study of medicine and healthcare subjects.
#13. Ukraine
Ukraine should be considered as one of the possibilities to examine if one aspires to study medicine at a world-class university at a reasonable cost.
Many world-class medical universities may be found throughout the country.
The country is quickly becoming recognized as one of the greatest places to study medicine.
The cost of medical school here is believed to be between USD 4000 and 6000 per year.
#14. The Caribbean
The Caribbean Islands will also come up in discussions about nations where one can study medicine for a reasonable price.
It is also considered a subregion of North America. This area is also home to a number of prestigious medical schools.
All American Institute of Medical Sciences (Jamaica) and All Saints University are two of the institutions (Dominica).
The tuition rate per semester might range from $4,995 to $7,995. There are a few additional institutions where the cost per semester can range from $11,500 to $13,000.
#15. Phillipines:
Philippines is also among the top 15 countries to study medicine. It is yet another excellent destination for studying medical courses at a reasonable cost.
Approaching this country to study is a good decision because the cost of living is also low.
The medical education system in the United States is among the greatest in the world.
It is estimated that studying here will cost between USD 6,000 and $12,000 a year. As a result, it is also one of the cheapest countries in which to study medicine.
BEST COUNTRIES TO STUDY MEDICINE IN EUROPE
- United kingdom
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
What countries are best to study medicine in Africa?
- Zambia
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Botswana
What countries can I study medicine in English?
- United States of America
- United kingdom
- Germany
- Sweden
Countries you can study medicine for free
- United States of America
- Germany
- Norway
- Sweden
- Poland
Cheapest country to study medicine
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Belgium
- Poland
- China
- Phillipines
- Kyrgyzstan
- Belarus
Top medical schools in the world
- Harvard Medical School
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (DGSOM)
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
- UCSF School of Medicine
How to Become a Medical Doctor
How do you go about becoming a medical doctor? You’re not alone in questioning how to become an MD or how to practice MD medicine. One of the most time-consuming professional options is that of a medical practitioner.
The seven steps mentioned below to complete the doctorate and doctorate degree requirements can take ten years or more to accomplish. To succeed as a doctor, you’ll need a lot of time, money, energy, and dedication.
Earn a Bachelor’s degree
Before applying to medical school, the majority of applicants complete a bachelor’s degree program. Undergraduate students can pick from a number of majors; however, they must ensure that their course load contains a considerable degree of science studies. Undergraduate work in the social sciences, English, and mathematics is also required of students.
Take and pass the MCAT
Take the Medical College Admissions Test if you want to go to medical school (MCAT). Almost all medical schools in the United States require MCAT scores. Biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics are among the topics included on the MCAT. The MCAT can be taken up to three times each year by anyone interested in applying to medical school.
The MCAT is a long (7.5 hours) and challenging exam that requires plenty of time and study because it is one of the most critical variables in determining your medical school application’s competitiveness. Before taking this exam, you should aim to study for 200-300 hours. Tutors, online courses, and prepared books are just a few of the study alternatives available.
Apply to medical school
You can apply to medical school once you’ve completed (or almost completed) your bachelor’s degree and taken the MCAT. Many students wait until they have completed their bachelor’s degree before applying, however you can apply as early as your fourth year of undergraduate study.
The majority of applicants apply to 12-15 schools that provide an MD degree. The application procedure is divided into multiple stages, with the first requiring you to submit your grades, test results, activities, and essays. Then you may be chosen for an interview, during which you will fly to a medical school and engage with students and teachers. See our article on Medical School Requirements.
Complete Medical School:
Medical school is the answer if you’re asking how to earn an MD or a medical degree. Medical school is a four-year program. Students complete core education in medicine, bodily systems, and diseases during their first two years. Anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and pharmacology are among the topics included in a doctor of the medical program.
Students rotate through various hospital specialty departments and get experience in patient care under teacher supervision throughout their final two years of medical school. In their last year, students must also complete a series of exams, which may include the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
Complete a Residency
The completion of a residency program is the next phase in the medical education process. You choose residency programs based on your job goals. These programs typically last three to eight years and cover both general and specific medical principles.
Residents are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including physical exams, taking patient histories, attending conferences, and interpreting test results. Individual preferences are used by the National Resident Matching Program to match residency candidates to programs.
Obtain a Certificate of Licensure
Licensure is the final requirement for becoming a doctor of medicine. All doctors must get a license before practicing medicine. Candidates must have a degree from an approved medical school in order to be eligible for licensing.
In addition, candidates must complete a residency program and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Each state has its own licensing criteria; for example, some states limit candidates to a specific number of attempts to pass the USMLE, while others allow unlimited attempts.
Consider obtaining a specialty certification
Although a specialty certification isn’t necessary, it can help you get a better job. The American Board of Medical Specialties certification procedure is voluntary and consists of a number of tests and assessments. Doctors who want to keep their certification must keep up with their studies before taking the renewal exam.
Students can also apply for Dental Grants Programs-See details here
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STUDY MEDICINE
A medical student can anticipate paying anywhere between $157,080 (in-state, public school) and $254,768 (out-of-state, private school) over the course of four years. These are intimidating numbers, especially when transitioning from college to medical school.
Medical professions, thankfully, pay among the highest in the country, with a median salary of at least $208,000. Make sure to look into the various financing possibilities for medical schools, such as specialty loans, grants, scholarships, and exchange programs.
Understanding the cost of medical school is simply the first step on a long road to a successful profession. Make sure you use the correct tools and research to make informed decisions and prepare for the future.
Conclusion
Medicine has always been regarded as one of the most professional and financially rewarding fields. If you want to study medicine, you should do it in one of the greatest countries in the world to study medicine.
READ ALSO: Alternatives To Medical School
FAQs on Best Countries to Study Medicine
What are the 10 best countries to study medicine and surgery?
- United States of America
- United kingdom
- India
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- China
- Ukraine
- Russia
- The Netherlands
How much does it cost to study medicine?
A medical student can anticipate paying anywhere between $157,080 (in-state, public school) and $254,768 (out-of-state, private school) over the course of four years. These are intimidating numbers, especially when transitioning from college to medical school.
Medical professions, thankfully, pay among the highest in the country, with a median salary of at least $208,000. Make sure to look into the various financing possibilities for medical schools, such as specialty loans, grants, scholarships, and exchange programs.
Who much do medical doctors make?
According to a Medscape Physician Compensation Report, the average physician income is $242,000 for primary care physicians and $344,000 for specialists.
References
- https://abroadgurus.com
- https://uscollegeinternational.com
- https://www.edmium.com
- https://www.scholarshiptab.com
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