While the majority of medical students earn their degrees in their home countries, there are an increasing number of students who look outside their national boundaries for medical schools. In 2024, University World News estimated that at least 200,000 international students were studying medicine or related fields abroad, and for some countries and regions, educating international students in medicine is a top academic export. For example, Eastern Europe is a popular destination for medical students from other parts of the EU. US and Canadian medical students look to the Caribbean for options. And before the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine was a top destination for medical students from Asia.

So, why might you consider studying medicine abroad? We break down the hows, whys, and wheres below.

How to earn a medical degree abroad

Before deciding to head to another country for your medical degree, there are a few things you should consider.

Where do you want to practice medicine?

If you plan to return to your home country after graduation and practice medicine there, the most important thing you need to consider is whether the degree you earn will be recognized by the medical licensing authorities. If your degree will not transfer, or if you will have to undergo more education or training before you can begin practicing, studying abroad may not be the right option.

Some countries' medical degrees are more easily transferable than others. English-speaking countries, like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, have degrees that are widely recognized and usually well-regarded internationally.

There are also international transfer systems, like the European Credit Transfer system, that allow students from countries within a region to study in other countries in the same region and earn equivalent or transferable degrees. Finally, your home country (or the country you plan to practice in) might determine your options for international study.

Before choosing your study destination, find out what your country requires for licensing foreign medical graduates. Are there certain countries that are accepted? Will you need to pass an exam? Complete additional internships? Earn supplementary credits or diplomas? All of these questions will determine where you should choose to study, or whether you should study abroad at all.

Will you need to learn a new language?

One of the reasons that English-speaking countries have widely recognized medical degrees is that the programs are taught in English. This means that your medical knowledge is easily transferable to other English-speaking countries and countries where English fluency is relatively high.

But that doesn't mean you have to study in an English-speaking country to study medicine in English. Many countries offer medical education in English specifically because their programs are popular with international students. Germany, the Czech Republic, and Italy all have prominent medical programs taught in English. Many Eastern European countries, like Georgia, Hungary, and Poland, also offer English-taught medical degrees aimed at international students.

And English isn't the only language used for international medical education. Romania is a popular destination for French medical students because the country offers medical degrees in Romanian, French, and English. Similarly, you can find French-taught medical programs in Switzerland and Canada. Much of Francophone Africa uses French as the teaching language as well. Likewise, for Spanish speakers, studying throughout Latin America and Spain makes for an easy language transition.

Remember, even if you find a program taught in your first language, you may still need additional language skills to function daily. You need to consider whether you have the time and energy to devote to learning enough of another language to navigate the country where you're studying.

What are the entrance requirements?

Entrance requirements to medical school vary by country, and in many cases by schools. In the USA, UK, Canada, and Germany, entrance requirements for medical students are generally quite rigorous. High scores on medical aptitude tests, like the MCAT for the USA and Canada, the NEET for India, or the UCAT for Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, are usually required, and depending on the country, you may need to have taken certain undergraduate programs before enrolling in medical education.

You'll need to thoroughly research the country (or countries) you're considering and make sure that you have or can obtain all of the necessary prerequisites before applying. If you're still in secondary school and considering studying medicine abroad, earning IB or AP credits can give you a head start in applying to medical school abroad.

Why you should study medicine abroad

While the logistics of studying medicine abroad might be complicated, the return on investment can be high. Here are some of the reasons to consider studying medicine abroad.

It might cost less

Depending on where you live, medical education can be extremely expensive. In the USA, for example, the average yearly cost of medical school is more than $50,000. The UK, Australia, and Canada also have high medical school tuition fees. Add in the years of interning and residency after you complete your initial studies, and it could be a long time before you're earning a salary high enough to pay off the hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt you'll probably accrue during your studies.

Conversely, countries like the Philippines, Poland, Romania, and China offer relatively affordable tuition fees for medical school. In Germany, public medical schools only charge a few hundred euros a semester for administrative fees.

Depending on where you're coming from, studying abroad for medical school might be a very affordable option. Just be sure to compare the cost of living across different options.

You might have more opportunities

Entrance to medical school, regardless of where you study, tends to be competitive. If your country has few medical schools or highly competitive programs, studying abroad - or at least, considering schools abroad - might give you more options.

For example, Norway has only four universities that offer medical education, and those programs are very competitive. Many Norwegian students look to other European countries, like Germany and Poland, for their medical education.

Entrance requirements might be lower

Even if your country has a lot of medical schools, if the competition is steep and the requirements rigorous, even a good student might have difficulty meeting the requirements. For example, most medical schools in the USA have only a 3-10 percent acceptance rate. Prospective US medical students with lower MCAT scores might consider medical schools in the Caribbean because the degrees are usually transferable and the requirements are lower than in the USA.

You might be able to specialize sooner

In the USA and Canada, medical education typically begins after you finish your undergraduate degree. While many students come from pre-med programs, this is not always a requirement. Still, with four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school, and then three to seven years of residency, the path to a medical license is long.

But not all countries structure their medical education this way. Some countries offer more accelerated programs, while in others, students start formal medical training as undergraduates. India has the shortest medical education, with students earning an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) in just 4.5 years with a one-year internship. In Germany, students can start their residency after just six years of medical education, allowing for earlier specialization.

You'll learn valuable soft skills

Studying abroad is a great way to learn things that aren't included in a typical medical curriculum. Whether it's learning a second language, challenging yourself to go outside your comfort zone, or gaining the ability to empathize and understand people who come from a different background than you, the soft skills and life experiences you earn while studying abroad will help you be a better doctor once you start practicing medicine.

You will also get a chance to understand how different countries and cultures approach medical care. In China, medical education includes traditional Chinese medicine in the required biomedical curriculum as a way to integrate both modern Western medicine and traditional approaches into the country's medical system.

In France, complementary and alternative medicine is often recognized by the national healthcare system. In some countries, especially English-speaking ones, some pharmacists can prescribe medicines or consult with patients on specific conditions in a similar capacity to a medical doctor.

Learning how other countries approach medical care and patient communication will be useful for your own practice, regardless of where you end up living and working.

Where should you study medicine abroad?

Technically, you can choose to study anywhere you want (if you have the right qualifications). But if you need some inspiration, here are a few countries that have some great opportunities for international medical students.

Australia

Like most English-speaking countries, Australia's medical education is globally respected and generally transferable, making it an attractive destination for international students. It comes at a high cost, as tuition fees can be steep and the cost of living is higher than in some other countries, but Australia's diverse population and setting offer lots of exciting experiences for medical students. The country also has a reputation for cutting-edge medical research and, like the USA, it offers medical students incentives to stay and practice in rural and underserved areas.

Canada

Canada is an excellent option for international students from around the world. It offers programs in both English and French, awards well-recognized degrees, and is one of the most welcoming countries for international students. Like the USA, Canada's medical school admissions process is competitive and difficult. Students usually need to have passed the MCAT to apply to Canadian medical schools, though schools in the French-speaking province, Quebec do not require this exam.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean is a popular choice for medical students from the USA and Latin America. There are several highly ranked medical schools in the region, including in Grenada, Barbados, St. Maarten, Jamaica, and Saba Island. Most offer affordable tuition, small and diverse classes, and plenty of hands-on training in local clinical settings. The climate and culture also contribute to a fantastic medical school experience. International students should check to make sure that their Caribbean option will be recognized where they want to practice, and might consider schools that offer specific preparation and guidance for transferring their medical degree abroad.

Germany

Not only does Germany support its international student population well, but it's hard to discern the best place to study medicine in Germany because all the options are so good.

German medical schools offer exchange programs, partner universities, support and guidance for study abroad students, financial support, and a coterie of excellent choices. Tuition at public universities is free apart from small semester fees for administration costs, and the cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable for international students.

German medical schools also offer professional development opportunities for aspiring physicians and help place students at highly regarded residencies. With Germany's high-level research universities, students also have medical opportunities across Europe and the broader world.

Ireland

Irish medical schools attract students from all over the EU, the UK, and beyond. Medical students receive a high-quality, globally recognized education in English, including MBBS degrees. The cost of tuition can be higher than in other European countries, so it's important to look for funding opportunities and scholarships, but because most Irish degrees start at the undergraduate level, students can progress to practicing medicine quickly.

Japan

Like South Korea, Japan is known for its technological advancements and scientific research. Medical schools in Japan give students access to these, as well as world-class education. It's important to note that Japan offers a limited number of English-taught programs, and living in Japan generally requires some knowledge of the language. However, the country offers generous scholarships to international students, and outside major cities, the cost of living can be relatively affordable.

Poland

Poland is a popular choice for medical students from the EU and from further afield. The country offers English-taught programs, exciting research opportunities, affordable tuition and living costs, and internationally recognized degrees. International students will find vibrant universities and a high-quality education.

South Korea

South Korea boasts one of the world's most advanced healthcare systems, and students get access to and training in cutting-edge medical technology and techniques. Acceptance rates are competitive, and international students will need stellar credentials, but the academic environment in South Korea is highly regarded, and tuition costs are relatively affordable. Korean medical degrees are generally accepted throughout the world, though most countries will have specific licensing requirements, like exams and additional training.

Sweden

Sweden focuses its medical education on hands-on, practical experience, and its highly-regarded medical research institutes award globally-recognized degrees. For international students, Sweden is a great choice with some programs taught in English and a welcoming atmosphere for international students. The country holds its universal healthcare system to a high standard, and students will have plenty of opportunities for in-depth clinical training.

The USA

Perhaps one of the most demanding countries in terms of time, fees, and intellectual rigor, studying medicine in the USA is no small feat. It is, however, a country with incredibly prestigious medical schools, highly-regarded medical degrees, and a wealth of options when it comes to both programs, specialties, and resources. International students will find the application process rigorous and challenging, but the education is top-notch. Additionally, the USA offers specific visas for medical students, including some provisions for longer stays if international medical graduates are interested in working in underserved areas of the country.

What happens after graduation?

In most countries, medical education encompasses both classroom instruction and clinical training, typically through internships and residencies. The length of both parts will vary depending on the program and country.

Still, you can expect that, no matter where you study, you will spend several years learning about medicine, biochemistry, and other relevant subjects, and several years practicing hands-on medical care in a clinical setting before completing your studies.

After your studies and training are complete, the next steps will largely depend on where you intend to practice medicine. Here's a general outline of how to proceed once you've finished your medical education abroad.

If you plan to stay in the country where you studied:

If you've fallen in love with your new country or have found that the career prospects are positive there, you may decide you want to stay. You will then need to complete all of the local requirements for practicing medicine. This may include completing exams, applying for a medical license, and/or obtaining a medical board certification.

If the language of the country is not your native language, you may also need to complete language training or a language assessment test to prove that you are sufficiently fluent to practice medicine.

You will also need to make sure that you apply and qualify for all visa or immigration requirements. For example, some countries require that students return to their home country for a period of time before reapplying for a work visa. Others stipulate that international medical students can convert their student visas to work visas, but only if they choose to work in a rural or underserved area.

If you plan to return to your home country:

Here, we'll assume you thoroughly researched the compatibility of your international degree with the medical licensing requirements of your home country before you started your studies...

Once you've completed all the degree requirements abroad, it's time to start the process of transferring your foreign medical degree back to your home country. This will likely include some or all of the following:

• collecting transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and other relevant documentation from your medical education
• contacting the medical board and/or licensing agency to start the transfer process
• completing any additional training/exams that will be required

You may also need to provide proof that you completed residency or clinical training abroad, and might be asked to provide letters of reference. Remember that if your medical education was completed in a different language than your home country's, you may need to have all of your documentation translated.

After completing these steps, you will be able to submit your medical education for review and apply for a medical license and/or board certification. Once you receive your medical license and certification, you can begin practicing medicine. Depending on the countries involved and the specific requirements you need to fulfill, this process can take a few months or several years, so plan accordingly and start the application process as soon as possible.

If you plan to emigrate to a third country:

If you've decided not to return home but won't or can't stay in the country where you studied, you may be considering a third country as your career destination. In that case, the process of becoming a licensed medical professional will be some combination of the two options presented above.

You will need to make sure that your destination country will recognize your medical degree and fulfill any outstanding requirements for licensure and certification. You will also need to apply for a visa to live and work in the new country.

Some countries allow people to enter on job-seeker visas, which means that you can live in the country for some time while you apply for jobs. Other countries require that you have a job offer before entering on a work visa.

How to know if studying medicine abroad is right for you

Studying medicine abroad is a big decision. It can have many benefits, but it comes with significant challenges to what is already a challenging degree and field of study. Here are some ways you determine whether studying medicine is the right choice for you.

Talk to local doctors and medical students before you go

Contact physicians at teaching hospitals or clinics in your destination. Try to speak to both local and international doctors and students to get an idea of how the system works. Ask questions about teaching methodologies, classroom organization, student-instructor interactions, and the internship and residency process.

Find out about the countries you're considering

Enquire about the medical system in the country. What is the standard of care? Are medical professionals well-paid? Does the country have a universal healthcare system? Are traditional or alternative medical practices incorporated? What kind of research facilities exist in the country? Does the country focus on any specific medical issues, like tropical diseases, an aging population, or high rates of heart disease or cancer?

These and many other factors will impact both how medicine is taught and the opportunities you will have for hands-on experience, research, and training. They might also impact what you can or want to specialize in.

Volunteer abroad before you study abroad

If you're an aspiring medical student, volunteering is often an important part of your preparation, regardless of whether you are planning to study abroad or not. But if you are thinking that you want to earn your medical degree abroad, doing your volunteer work in another country can be a great way to test out the idea of studying abroad.

You don't have to volunteer in the country you're considering for your studies. Use your volunteering time abroad to find out how you react to culture shock. Do you get homesick? Are you able to adapt outside your comfort zone? Medical school is stressful to begin with, and studying abroad will add more stress to that equation. Knowing how that stress will impact you will give you a sense of whether studying medicine abroad will work for you.

Conclusion

Medical school is a big commitment, and so is studying abroad. Combining both can seem daunting, but with proper research and preparation, it can be an invaluable opportunity for future medical professionals.

Studying medicine abroad can give you access to resources and experiences you won't get at home, may be less competitive, can cost less, and you may be able to complete your studies sooner. Once you've finished your studies, you may be able to stay and work, return home and transfer your medical degree, or even move to another country entirely and continue your international experience.