Studying medicine in Estonia

What are the advantages of studying medicine in Estonia?

If you decide to study medicine in Estonia, you can expect the following advantages:

NC-free study

In order to be admitted to the English-language medical degree programme in Estonia, you need the Abitur. However, your grade point average does not matter, as the application consists of an entrance test, a letter of motivation and an admissions interview.

Studying medicine in English

The University of Tartu offers 24 places to study medicine in English every winter semester. So it shouldn't be too difficult to get started. And you'll improve your world language skills along the way.

Idyllic student town

The university city of Tartu is not only the second largest city in Estonia, but also the oldest city in the Baltic States. It is a very popular student city and when you walk through the streets of the historic old town, you will see numerous students from all over the world riding their ferry bikes over the beautiful cobblestones. In your free time, you have the opportunity to admire one of the many sights such as the Angel and Devil's Bridge, Pigorov Park or the statue of the "kissing students" in front of the town hall.

Medical studies in Estonia at the University of Tartu

Studying medicine in Estonia is possible for international students at the University of Tartu. The Faculty of Medicine enjoys great popularity both nationally and internationally. According to numerous rankings, it is one of the best 1% universities in the world. The degree programme is offered in English or Estonian and starts in September. In addition to your English lectures, you will also receive language tuition in Estonian so that you can communicate better with patients during your practical assignments in local hospitals.

What are the requirements for studying medicine in Estonia?

To be admitted to study medicine at the University of Tartu, you need a high school diploma. However, your grade point average is irrelevant for the application. This consists of an entrance test (70%), a letter of motivation (15%) and an admission interview (15%).

The admissions test is also known as the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) and usually takes place in March. The BMAT tests your scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as problem-solving skills, critical thinking and written communication. It is used by many universities worldwide to select applicants for medical degree programmes.

The successfully completed BMAT also serves as proof of your English language skills, so it is not necessary to submit an additional English language test result.

In a letter of motivation, you explain your motivation for studying medicine at the University of Tartu. You describe what previous education you have and what strategies you would like to use to deal with the challenges of studying in a different cultural environment. You should also state how long you took chemistry and biology at secondary school and what grades you achieved.

How is the medical degree programme in Estonia structured?

How long does it take to study medicine in Estonia? The medical degree programme in Estonia is an integrated Bachelor's and Master's degree programme and takes 6 years to complete. After successfully completing your studies, you will be awarded a degree in medicine (MD).

In the first two years, you will acquire basic medical knowledge. You will learn about the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the organ systems of the human body. Biochemistry deals with the chemical processes in the human body. The teaching of medical terminology prepares you for the technical jargon used in medical practice.

In the subsequent clinical years of study, you will learn about the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients in various medical disciplines such as internal medicine, surgery, cardiology and anaesthesia. Through numerous internships and hospital rotations, you will acquire practical skills such as taking medical histories, physical examinations and appropriate patient communication. Alongside the lectures and work placements, you will be introduced to evidence-based medicine and can take part in small research projects.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Estonia?

To give you your Financing medical studies abroad To be able to make the right decision, you need to think carefully about the costs involved. The cost of studying medicine in Estonia is made up of tuition fees and living expenses. The University of Tartu charges tuition fees of 13,200 euros per year for studying medicine in English. Studying in Estonian is free of charge. The cost of living in Estonia is relatively favourable, especially compared to other Western European countries. Depending on your housing situation, you can expect rents of between 200 and 500 euros.

Find out about a possible Scholarshipwhich can make it easier for you to finance your medical studies in Estonia.

Country and people: 5 facts about Estonia

1. Time travel to the Middle AgesThe capital Tallinn is a World Heritage Site and is considered the best-preserved medieval city in Northern Europe. Tallinn's picturesque Old Town consists of many houses and avenues from the Middle Ages and is protected by the remains of the city wall.
2. According to the latest studies, Estonians are among the Europeans with the best English skills. In addition to Estonian and English, many Estonians also speak Russian, Finnish and German.
3. More than 2000 islands belong to Estonia. Most of the islands are uninhabited and some show traces of the former life of the Vikings.
4. Estonia is one of the most densely forested countries in Europe. More than the Half of the country is covered with forest. Numerous animal species can also be found there, such as lynxes, brown bears, wolves and foxes.
5. Estonia is a digital society. Almost all of the 1.3 million inhabitants have a chip-enabled ID card. In Estonia, every effort is being made to minimise the administrative burden and make bureaucracy in areas such as healthcare and education more transparent and efficient.

What should I bear in mind when applying to study medicine in Estonia?

If you would like to apply to study medicine in Estonia, you must take the BMAT and submit your results and a letter of motivation within the Application deadline to the University of Tartu. Once you have convinced the university, you will be invited to an admissions interview.

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Estonia? Contact us today and start your journey with futuredoctor. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

Would you like to complete your studies in another northern country? Then take a look at the following countries: Medical studies Denmark, Medical studies Finland, Medical studies Latvia, Medical studies Sweden, Medical studies Lithuania, Medical studies Norway.