Study medicine abroad

Studying medicine at university prepares you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a healthcare professional such as a doctor. As a vocational degree, there will be a strong focus on preparing students for a career in medicine. A medicine degree is renowned as a difficult but rewarding qualification.

Medicine degrees can be found worldwide, many being awarded by specialist universities called medical schools. The programs offered at these schools are in line with the country’s unique process for training doctors and other medical staff. This can make it difficult for international students to settle on a country to study in.

Many medical qualifications allow you to specialize in an area of medicine that interest you. This means you may spend more of your practical training time in a certain department or with a specific demographic of patients.

Studying medicine in a country that is renowned for their healthcare standards means you are likely to experience a high quality of teaching, along with the latest medical research techniques and equipment.

Studying abroad can give you a better understanding of healthcare in different cultures and systems. If you study medicine in the UK for example, you will experience the NHS, a publicly funded healthcare system. This may be different from your home country and gives you a new insight into the other healthcare systems.

Medical programs’ structures vary depending on the country you are studying in. To qualify as a doctor can take between six and twelve years of training, which is a mixture of theoretical learning in a classroom setting and practical experience in hospitals and clinics.

A medical program is usually a combination of undergraduate and postgraduate study to get you to the level of a qualified professional. The level of responsibility held by medical professionals means medical training is more intensive and thorough than other vocational programs.

The main consideration for where to go to medical school is the country you want to work in, as you could be studying and training for as long as 12 years before being able to move country.

If you want to work as a doctor or physician in a specific country after completing your qualifications and training, then you need to know any additional requirements to work in that country. It may require working in a different health care system to the one you trained in, as well as registering with the appropriate body or organization.

For more information on choosing the best place for you to study, read our guide on choosing where to study abroad.

To be accepted onto an international medicine program, you’ll need to meet the university’s specific program requirements, along with any government requirements for doctors. You’ll need excellent high school grades as medicine programs are competitive.

You will also have to pass a medical entry exam which can change depending on the country you are applying to study in. The MCAT, GMSAT and UCAT are some of the most commonly requested entrance exams; these test the mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviors of applicants for the position of a doctor. Check the cut off dates for these tests with the university you are applying to.

To study medicine you may also need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of finances to support yourself through studying
• An interview
• A criminal record check
• Health checks
• English language test scores (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS)
• Some understanding or interest in medicine, for example relevant work experience or shadowing
• You may also be asked to demonstrate country-specific suitability for example how your values align with the NHS in the UK

As some universities charge for submitting an application, always check the entry requirements carefully. Find out more on how to study abroad.

Those who graduate from medical programs go on to hold a variety of positions in the healthcare industry including:

• Medical teacher
• Medical researcher
• Surgeon
• General practitioner / family doctor
• A specialist e.g. oncologist, ENT doctor, anesthesiologist, plastic surgeon