It is known that a career in medicine is one of the most noble professions in the world, therefore, for those students who wish to pursue a medical career abroad, let’s investigate which are the best countries to study medicine.
Medical practice has a rich history dating back to the ancient civilizations of Babylon, Egypt and India. Over time, it has evolved significantly, but its prestige remains undeniable: medicine is considered one of the most prominent professions worldwide.
This reputation has led to medicine being highly in demand around the world, with many students seeking medical training abroad. In this article, we will explore some of the best countries to study medicine outside your home country.
If you aspire to be a doctor, any of these countries could be your ideal destination.
What is the best country to study medicine?
The United States stands out as the best in the list of the best countries to study medicine. It is not only home to the best medical institutions in the world, but has outstanding professors and researchers in the field of medicine in its universities and colleges.
In addition to top-quality education, students have the opportunity to receive hands-on training at top-tier medical centers, providing them with invaluable experience in various clinical practices and preparing them to excel in the job market of the future.
Which country is the cheapest to study medicine?
One of the cheapest countries to study medicine is India. In addition to the low tuition in India, the cost of living in India is also cheap due to its low inflation, which means that things in India would cost less than things in the United States. Not only that, your currency will be worth more in India, which means your money will last longer, which is always good news for an international student.
The best countries to study medicine
1. United States of America
Reasons: Top-rated medical schools, world-class hospitals, diverse learning opportunities, progressive research, expert faculty.
The United States is, without a doubt, the best country to study medicine. According to the QS Top Universities ranking, the top ten include Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, UCLA, Yale University and UC-San Francisco.
At Harvard, for example, qualified students can choose to take Pathways or Health Science & Technology. They can take any of the 200 courses available, which can help them find the niche they like.
Likewise, these American medical schools emphasize the importance of research. They not only train qualified doctors, but also expert researchers.
The best training hospitals are also found in the United States. Therefore, graduates of American medical schools can hone their skills at world-class centers such as the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic.
2. United Kingdom
Reasons: Outstanding medical schools, advanced hospitals, shorter program, research.
Closely behind their American compatriots are the UK’s medical schools. Many of them are among the best in the world, including those at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
At Oxford, for example, students are taught the fundamentals of medicine, with an emphasis on research.
Compared to most Western countries, finishing medicine in the UK is also a little faster. Here, all you have to do is pursue a three-year bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of medical school.
As a British university student, you have the opportunity to train in some of the best hospitals in the world. These include St. Thomas Hospital and University College Hospital, to name a few.
3. Australia
Reasons: Reputed Medical Colleges, Shorter Medical Programs, Innovative Medical Treatments.
Australia is an excellent country to study medicine. And why not? There are many renowned medical schools and outstanding programs in Australia, among many other things.
This popularity is evident in the statistics. Of the almost 4,000 medical students to date, more than 650 are international enrollees.
All of these students enjoy outstanding medical training, as demonstrated by Australian university rankings. The QS Top Universities list includes the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney and Monash University.
Depending on the program you choose, you can finish your degree in just five or six years. To do this, you will have to access the competitive MBBS program.
Australian universities also offer four-year postgraduate MDs, in case you already have a bachelor’s degree.
4. India
Reasons: Wide range of medical schools, shorter program, cheap tuition.
India is one of the best countries to study medicine, as it is among the most popular among international students who want to study medicine. To date, there are more than 1,700 foreigners enrolled in Indian medical colleges.
The demand, on the one hand, is not surprising. There is a wide range of cheap medical schools for nationals and foreigners. There are currently 542 medical schools, so you are sure to find one that suits your needs.
Completing a medical degree is also faster in India. You only need 5.5 years to complete your MBBS.
Best of all, medical colleges in India are quite cheap. For example, at government medical schools, you only have to pay as much as $10,000 a year.
5. Canada
Reasons: Prominent medical schools, dual programs, excellent hospitals, emphasis on research.
There are 17 medical schools across Canada. Although it is difficult to get in, especially if you are an international student, it is worth a try. After all, it is one of the best countries to study medicine.
Canadian medical schools offer a unique curriculum, which includes two years of preclinical courses and two years of clinical training (rotation).
Qualified students can also pursue dual majors, such as those offered by the University of Toronto. Here, students can complete an MD program along with a Ph.D., M.Eng. or MSc.
Future doctors can also train their knowledge and skills at some of Canada’s best hospitals, such as the Hospital for Sick Children and the Center for Addictions and Mental Health, among many others.
6. Netherlands
Reasons: World-class medical schools, cheap tuition fees for EU students.
Studying in European medical schools often involves a language barrier. But this is not a big problem in the Netherlands, where you can study your three-year pre-medical course in English. Among the medical schools that offer these courses are the University of Groningen and the University of Maastricht.
As for the three-year master’s degree in medicine, the competition is tough. That said, international students can still access the program. In Groningen, for example, 100 of the 410 places are reserved for non-Dutch-speaking students.
However, once you obtain the place, you will have to improve your knowledge of Dutch. Knowing the native language is essential, especially when doing rotations in the hospital.
If you are from the EU, you can take advantage of the cheap tuition fees available. Compared to the 32,000 EUR ($37,125) that foreigners pay, you only have to pay 2,200 EUR ($2,255) per year. There are also many scholarships for international students.
7. Sweden
Reasons: Best medical colleges, shorter courses, top class hospitals.
Sweden has some of the best medical schools in the world, making it one of the best countries to study medicine. Karolinska Institutet tops the list, followed by Lund University and Uppsala University.
The largest academic and medical research center, Karolinska, is considered the holy grail among many local and international students. The only caveat, however, is that everything is taught in Swedish.
If you are truly fluent in Swedish, you will enjoy the shortest program offered by Swedish medical schools. As in the UK, the full medicine program only lasts about six years.
Likewise, Sweden has world-class hospitals where you can train and specialize.
In conclusion, international students who wish to pursue higher medical studies abroad have a lot to choose from. There are many countries that offer medical courses and are very welcoming to international students. The final choice will depend on the student’s financial means or the culture they think they can fit into.
It is worth mentioning, for those who lack the financial means, that there are many medical schools that offer their programs completely free of charge.
Studying medicine in any of these countries is a dream for many and can seem almost impossible given the competitive nature of the program itself.
We hope this article on the best countries to study medicine has been informative and insightful.
