It is known that medicine is one of the noblest professions in the world, so for those students who wish to pursue a medical career abroad, let us 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 sought after 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 of your home country.
If you aspire to be a doctor, any of these countries could be your ideal destination.
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Which is the best country to study medicine?
The United States stands out as the best country to study medicine in. Not only is it home to the world’s best medical institutions, but it also 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 practical 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, meaning that things in India would cost less than things in the United States. Not only that, your currency will be worth more in India, meaning 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-class medical schools, world-class hospitals, diverse learning opportunities, progressive research, expert faculty.
The United States is undoubtedly the best country to study medicine. According to the QS Top Universities ranking, the top ten are Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, UCLA, Yale University and UC-San Francisco.
At Harvard, for example, qualified students can choose to pursue Pathways or Health Science & Technology. They can take any of the 200 courses available, which can help them find a niche that appeals to them.
These American medical schools also emphasize the importance of research. They not only train qualified physicians, but also expert researchers.
The best training hospitals are also located 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: Top medical schools, advanced hospitals, shorter program, research.
Close behind their American compatriots are the UK’s medical schools, many of which 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, completing medicine in the UK is also a little quicker. Here, all you have to do is complete a three-year bachelor’s degree, followed by three years of medical school.
As a British 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: Reputable medical schools, shorter medical programs, innovative medical treatments.
Australia is an excellent country to study medicine. And why not? Australia has many renowned medical schools and outstanding programs, among many other things.
This popularity is reflected in the statistics. Of the nearly 4,000 medical students currently enrolled, more than 650 are international students.
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 complete your degree in just five or six years. To do so, you will need to qualify for the competitive MBBS program.
Australian universities also offer four-year postgraduate MDs, if 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 wish to study medicine. To date, there are more than 1,700 foreigners enrolled in Indian medical schools.
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. It only takes 5.5 years to complete your MBBS.
The best thing about it is that medical colleges in India are quite cheap. For example, in government medical colleges, 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 into, 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 degrees, 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 top hospitals, such as the Hospital for Sick Children and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, among many others.
6. Netherlands
Reasons: World-class medical schools, cheap tuition fees for EU students.
Studying at European medical schools often comes with 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, competition is tough. That said, international students can still apply for the programme. In Groningen, for example, 100 of the 410 places are reserved for non-Dutch-speaking students.
However, once you have obtained the position, you will have to improve your knowledge of Dutch. Knowing the mother tongue is essential, especially when you do 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 ($37,125) that foreigners pay, you only have to shell out €2,200 ($2,255) per year. There are also many scholarships for international students.
7. Sweden
Reasons: Top medical schools, 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. The Karolinska Institutet tops the list, followed by Lund University and Uppsala University.
The largest academic and medical research centre, 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 really master Swedish, you’ll enjoy the shortest programme offered by Swedish medical schools. As in the UK, the full medical programme only lasts about six years.
Similarly, Sweden has world-class hospitals where you can train and specialize.
In conclusion, international students wishing to pursue higher education in medicine abroad are spoilt for choice. 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 feel 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.
