Studying medicine abroad: costs, advantages, universities, countries

A Studying medicine abroad is a real alternative to the overcrowded and strictly regulated university system in Germany for many high school graduates. While a very good Abitur average or an excellent TMS result is a prerequisite in Germany, in many other countries doors are also open to applicants with an average above 1.0 - but under certain conditions. Here you can find out what requirements await you abroad and where your degree will be recognised.

Admission requirements abroad: No NC, but not a sure-fire success

The biggest advantage of studying medicine abroad is that in many countries there is no Numerus Clausus (NC) is required. Instead, the universities rely on alternative selection procedures.

Frequent admission conditions:

• Science entrance test (biology, chemistry, partly physics)
• English language skills (TOEFL, IELTS or proof of school English)
• Letter of motivation and letter of recommendation
• Interview (on site or online)
• Partial proof of internships or social commitment

You can prepare very well for the science tests with us - at futuredoctor we help you to train specifically for entrance exams in the application process.

Studying medicine abroad: what are the advantages?

Studying medicine abroad gives you the opportunity to get to know new cultures and student cities, live internationally and advance your career. The degree programmes are just as demanding as in Germany, but the entry requirements are often better.If you have a talent for English, there is little to stop you from studying abroad, as most lectures are held not only in the local language but also in English.

Studying medicine abroad: why not?

Studying medicine abroad has many advantages, but there are also some general points that may speak against it for you. A common problem is the recognition of the degree in Germany. With Future Doctor, however, it is guaranteed that the degree obtained abroad will be recognised in Germany. This means that you don't have to worry about additional examinations or waiting times. Language barriers can be a challenge both during studies and in everyday life. Although the cost of living is generally lower than in Germany, it can vary depending on the country. The distance from home and the associated separation from family and friends can also be stressful. With us, you receive the following directly abroad Contact us to a German-speaking community so that you can feel completely safe and at home.

Studying medicine abroad: What are the admission requirements?

In Germany, the NC (Numerus Clausus) is a prerequisite for studying medicine. High school graduates who want to study medicine abroad can be happy: In many foreign countries, you can study without an NC, but also pay slightly higher fees. However, even these study places are not completely free of admission requirements - a medical entrance test and special admission procedures such as interviews must be completed in advance of your application. Medical study place compulsory at most universities.Your advantage when applying to study abroad: As an applicant, you can prepare for the scientific tests and increase your chances of studying medicine abroad. Futuredoctor will help you to ensure that you don't encounter any difficulties when preparing to study medicine abroad. Has medicine always been your dream? You can successfully study abroad at a renowned university even if your A-level average does not meet the NC requirements.

Where is the best place to study medicine abroad?

Who Study medicine you should choose a country in which your degree is recognised in Germany - ideally automatically in accordance with EU regulations. This will allow you to apply directly for a licence to practise medicine and officially practise as a doctor in Germany. However, it should be noted that recognition is not always automatic.

Differences in the medical curriculum between countries usually require an individual examination. Nevertheless, many EU countries such as the Czech Republic, Poland or Hungary are structured in such a way that smooth admission is possible. Non-EU countries can also be recognised as long as the course content and duration are comparable. To ensure this, an examination is carried out in the respective federal state before the licence to practise is granted. At futuredoctor, we work with our partner universities to ensure that your degree is recognised in Germany.

Studying medicine abroad: Which countries offer study programmes?

If you are interested in studying abroad in German, Hungary is a good choice with German-language degree programmes. It doesn't matter whether you prefer a Study human medicine or would like to study dentistry. Other countries of interest for studying medicine abroad include Czech Republic, Slovakia, Latvia or Croatia as moderate admission requirements and equivalent course content make your chances of gaining a place easier. The language of study in human medicine and dentistry programmes in these countries is English.Also popular is CyprusHowever, at 9,000 euros, the tuition fees for the medical Master's degree programmes are particularly high here.We have compiled a list of popular countries that give you the opportunity to study medicine abroad:

Slovakia

The Studying medicine in Slovakia is particularly suitable due to its proximity to the Austrian border and the relatively low tuition fees. Then you can expect a culturally sophisticated country with renowned universities and automatic recognition in Germany.

Czech Republic

Once you have passed your A-levels, you can Studying medicine in the Czech Republic nothing against it. Low tuition fees, no numerus clausus and favourable living costs speak in favour of the country.

Hungary

The degree programme itself is clearly based on the options available in Germany, but the fees for your Medical studies in Hungary higher than in many other EU countries. If you can afford an expensive degree programme, you will find good opportunities for high-quality and recognised medical studies abroad in Hungary.

Croatia

Seven universities in the country offer Master's degree programmes for medical students from Germany. Recognition in Germany is a formality, all you have to do is apply for your licence to practise medicine. As a sun lover, you will benefit from Studying medicine in Croatia from the location by the sea. Not every student can enjoy preparing for exams on the beach.

Latvia or Lithuania

The similarity to the German northern federal states provides a Studying medicine in Latvia to ensure that you quickly feel at home. The universities in Riga in particular have established themselves among German students, where you will quickly make contact with an international audience. In Lithuania, the short waiting time is a factor. In cities like Vilnius, life is buzzing and as a doctor-to-be, you have a lot to look forward to during your studies. Studying medicine in Lithuania the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the culture, customs and special features of the country.

Romania or Bulgaria

With a Medical studies in Romania you will obtain a fully-fledged degree and can work as a doctor after your licence to practise medicine. Above all, the favourable cost of living and reasonable tuition fees are positively emphasised in the experiences of other students. The Studying medicine in Bulgaria offers a similar programme, and the study places are very popular with students abroad. Many attractive cities make the country a welcome location for training.

Poland

The country has numerous renowned universities and also awards medical study places to applicants from abroad. Students are generally well looked after and feel at home due to the proximity to Germany. If you choose a city close to the German border, you will have the opportunity to visit your family and won't feel quite so foreign. This makes a Studying medicine in Poland particularly interesting for students who want to spend the weekend at home.

Italy

With a Studying medicine in Italy you will gain a lot of cultural experience in the country and have the opportunity to study at renowned universities. However, language skills are mandatory and lectures are usually held in Italian. During your studies abroad in Italy, you will enjoy sunshine, good humour and a good medical infrastructure.

The Netherlands

Studies here are primarily in Dutch, but there are also universities with English lectures. In the border regions, the programme is also aimed at medical students from Germany. Studying medicine in the Netherlands of lower language barriers.

Switzerland

A popular alternative to university in Germany is the Studying medicine in Switzerland. The high quality of the degree programme ensures that places are in high demand. If you manage to get into a Swiss university, you can look forward to helpful fellow students and a high standard of study.

Spain

Many German students favour study places in Spain. The country offers cultural diversity and variety. However, knowledge of Spanish is a basic requirement for the Studying medicine in Spain.

Study medicine abroad: These are the costs

Studying medicine abroad is not only an attractive alternative to the German numerus clausus, but can also be more financially predictable - especially in comparison to countries such as the USA. While renowned American universities such as Harvard, Yale or Cornell sometimes charge tuition fees of up to 500,000 US dollars, you can find high-quality degree programmes in Europe at significantly lower costs - and with recognition in Germany.

Study medicine in Europe: Significantly cheaper than in the USA

In the European Union, tuition fees for studying human medicine are much more affordable than in the USA - often between €5,000 and €15,000 per year, depending on the country and university. At the same time, you will receive a high-quality education at modern faculties, usually much more modern than in Germany, often in English, and your degree will be recognised in Germany.Advantages in the EU:

• Lower costs for studying and living expenses
• English-language programmes
• Automatic or simplified recognition in Germany
• Possibility of funding through BAföG abroad

BAföG abroad: Financial support for your studies

Another advantage: students who fulfil the requirements can also apply for BAföG abroad. The important thing is that:

• The university is recognised
• You are resident in Germany
• You provide certain proof of performance

BAföG funding also covers study costs of up to €4,600 per year, travel expenses and, if applicable, supplements for health insurance.

Popular and affordable study countries at a glance

Eastern European countries are particularly popular - they offer a favourable cost of living, modern study conditions and a good recognition rate in Germany.

Country	Language	Tuition fees (per semester)	Special features
Czech Republic	English	approx. 7,000-9,000 €	No NC, low cost of living
Hungary	German & English	approx. 7,200-7,300 €	Popular with German students (e.g. Semmelweis, Debrecen)
Poland	English	approx. 5,600-6,300 €	Proximity to Germany, strong support
Croatia	English	approx. 4,500-5,000 €	EU recognition, pleasant climate
Slovakia	English	approx. 4,500-5,000 €	Proximity to Austria, moderate tuition fees
Latvia / Lithuania	English	approx. 5,500-6,000 €	Good price-performance ratio
Cyprus	English	approx. 10,000 €	Ultra-modern universities, high price level
Romania / Bulgaria	English	approx. 2,500-5,000 €	Very favourable cost of living, EU-recognised

The combination of favourable rents, low ancillary costs and EU-wide degrees makes these countries particularly attractive for medical students from Germany. A detailed Cost overview You can find information on the tuition fees of the various universities at futuredoctor here.

Studying medicine abroad: which countries are the easiest?

Studying medicine abroad not only offers new perspectives, but can also be much more accessible than in Germany - especially in countries without NC, with English-language degree programmes and fair admission procedures. In many European countries, the path to a study place is less bureaucratic, the selection criteria are clearly defined and the degree programmes are geared towards international students.

Hungary - internationally recognised & USA-compatible

Hungary is one of the most popular study destinations for German medical students - and for good reason:

• No NC required
• Selection via entrance test (biology, chemistry) and interview if necessary
• Study programmes in German or English (e.g. Semmelweis University in Budapest, University of Debrecen)
• EU-recognised, plus: US accreditation possible if USMLE exams are passed

Ideal for students with international career plans - the degree can be recognised in Germany, the EU and the USA.

Eastern Europe - easy access, favourable cost of living

countries such as Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Romania, Croatia and Lithuania:

• English-language degree programmes in human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy
• No waiting times, no NC
• Admission via science test + English language skills
• Automatic recognition in Germany (EU Directive)

Favourite study locations:

• Poland: Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw
• Czech Republic: Prague, Pilsen, Brno
• Bulgaria: Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv
• Lithuania: Vilnius
• Croatia: Split, Rijeka

For many German students, these countries offer the best value for money for a place to study medicine - accessible, recognised and affordable.

In which countries is there no NC for medical studies?

Are you dreaming of studying medicine, but don't have an A-level average of 1.0? Then a study place abroad is a realistic and worthwhile alternative for you. In many countries within Europe, the NC does not play a role - instead, other selection criteria such as entrance examinations, language skills and motivation count. The requirements are by no means lower - but they are fairer and more transparent.

No NC - but other requirements

Even if you don't need an NC, you won't simply be admitted. Universities abroad rely on a merit-based but fairer selection process. This includes

• Science entrance tests (biology, chemistry, partly physics/maths)
• English language skills (language certificate or oral interview)
• Letter of motivation & letter of recommendation
• Partly personal interviews

The focus is on your interest, commitment and expertise - not just on your A-level grades.

Countries without NC for medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine

You can study medicine without an NC in the following European countries:

Country	Study programmes	Language	NC?	Admission procedure
Czech Republic	Human medicine, dentistry	English	❌	Admission test + interview
Poland	Human medicine, dentistry	English	❌	Science test
Hungary	Human medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine	English, German	❌	Test + interview if applicable
Bulgaria	Human medicine, dentistry	English	❌	Entrance examination
Romania	Human medicine	English, French	❌	Simple application procedure
Croatia	Human medicine	English	❌	Application + test
Slovakia	Human medicine, dentistry	English	❌	Admission test
Lithuania & Latvia	Human medicine	English	❌	Written test
Cyprus	Human medicine, dentistry	English	❌	Test + Interview

All the countries mentioned offer EU-recognised degrees - so you can apply for a licence to practise in Germany straight after your studies.

Challenging, but feasible

Just because there is no NC does not mean that the degree programme is easier. The content requirements are high, the examinations demanding - and that's a good thing. You will be well prepared for your career as a doctor - whether in human medicine, dentistry or Veterinary medicine.Studying abroad requires self-motivation, self-discipline and a willingness to learn - but it also offers a fair chance to study medicine, even if your A-levels are not 1.0.

Studying medicine abroad: How we help at future-doctor

Once you have decided to study medicine abroad, the first step is to secure a place. This is where we at futuredoctor come into play. We help you to find a place at the most famous universities in Europe and realise your dream of a place.Are you frustrated with the admission requirements in Germany? Your NC is not sufficient to study dentistry or human medicine without a waiting period? If you don't want to waste valuable time, think seriously about studying medicine abroad.Afraid? This is understandable, because applying abroad doesn't work one-to-one like you know it from Germany. But you are not alone, because we will help you to take the right steps. We'll make sure your application runs smoothly and take care of the tedious administrative procedures and bureaucratic challenges for you.This is how futuredoctor prepares you for your medical studies abroad:

• We take care of the bureaucracy, you take care of the learning. And we won't leave you to your own devices. The differences between German and foreign universities are not just the language of study and tuition fees.
• If you apply to study abroad, you will be welcomed at the university even without an NC. Whether you are studying dentistry or human medicine, your only hurdle is the entrance exam. This is exactly where we come into play again, because futuredoctor will help you prepare. Our aim is for you to answer question after question without any problems and soon be one of the students abroad.
• We use test simulations to check your level of performance so that you are optimally prepared for the upcoming exams.

Not only are you afraid of the costs, but you are also a little scared of the conditions in the new country? We answer all your questions before, during and after your studies and provide help if you need it. Take the first step into your new future with futuredoctor. We have a local network of professionals who will find the right accommodation for you and help you with any questions you may have. Appointments with the authorities? No problem, futuredoctors will take care of the bureaucracy for you and prepare you for the medical test for your medical studies abroad.