Study Medicine: The Ultimate Student Guide (2026)
Have you considered studying medicine abroad? If you are passionate about caring for people, medicine might be for you!
Have you considered studying medicine? Medicine is a vital and dynamic field that covers everything from emergency medicine to medical research. If you want to work in a field that makes a real impact on the lives of people, you might enjoy a career in medicine.
Medicine is often considered one of the most altruistic career choices. At its heart, medicine is about caring for people when they are most vulnerable. Medical practitioners are literally involved in life and death. They are there when babies are born and are, for better or worse, by the side of people whose lives are ending. And they assist people at every mundane and crucial health-related point along the way.
Studying medicine is also one of the more challenging academic paths. Medicine is a high-stakes career that requires extensive, specialized knowledge, personal discipline, and high levels of empathy and integrity. Medical students usually spend years studying and training to become practitioners and their careers often require continued learning, demanding schedules, and emotional intelligence.
Maybe you’re wondering how to get a medical degree, or asking yourself: what can I do with a degree in medicine? In this medical degree guide we’ll cover what a medical degree entails, what kind of career paths it could open for you, and how to know if a medical degree is the right choice for you.
In this guide:
- What is a medical degree?
- What is the difference between medicine and healthcare?
- What is the difference between a physician and a surgeon?
- Which areas of medicine can you study?
- How long does it take to get a medical degree?
- Why study medicine abroad?
- Careers in medicine
- What are the salaries for medical graduates?
- Tips for choosing a medical degree
- Helpful advice from medical graduates
- Questions you should ask
- Types of accreditation and licensing for medical degrees
- Popular universities for medical degrees
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Discover programs →What is a medical degree?
What do you imagine when you think about medicine? The primary care physician at your clinic? The emergency doctor who treated you when you injured yourself? Or the medical professionals who worked on the front lines during the Coronavirus Pandemic? Maybe your mind turns to medical dramas about brilliant surgeons or astute specialists who save patients with radical treatments or savant diagnoses. Perhaps you think of specific medical specialties like oncology, gastroenterology, or obstetrics. In short, medicine encompasses all these things and much more.
Medical degrees train students to become practicing physicians or surgeons. They teach skills needed to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses in patients. Medical doctors are involved in all aspects of human physical and mental care. Studying medicine allows you to care for and prevent illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions.
Medical doctors work in many capacities, including general practice, medical specialties, emergency medicine, and medical research. They utilize skills in biological and medical sciences, diagnostics, communication, problem-solving, and patient care. Medicine is a versatile and challenging field that is essential to human life and society.
What’s the difference between medicine and healthcare?
A common question that students might have when considering a degree in medicine is the difference between a medical degree and a healthcare degree. While the two fields are related and closely connected, there are some key differences both in education and operation within the professional field of medicine.
In short, healthcare is a kind of umbrella term for all the fields and roles involved in treating, managing, and preventing disease and injury in people, including the business and administration aspects. In contrast, medicine focuses on the direct diagnosis, care, and treatment of illnesses and injuries.
Another big difference between medical degrees and healthcare degrees is where and how students are educated. In almost all cases, medical degrees can only be awarded by medical schools – specialized institutions that are either independent or housed in a research university.
And, while students with a medical degree might work in healthcare as a primary care physician or specialist, many healthcare degrees do not require a medical degree and can be earned at colleges, universities, and specialized schools, like a business school or a nursing school.
Healthcare degrees might include allied health, nursing, therapy, business management, or administration, as well as medicine and surgery. In this guide, we will focus solely on medical degrees that allow students to practice medicine as medical doctors.
What's the difference between a physician and a surgeon?
Although both physicians and surgeons are medical doctors and hold medical degrees, the professions have some differences. Simply put, physicians are medical doctors who use medicine to treat and manage illnesses and injuries, while surgeons use surgical techniques. Surgery is a specialty within medicine and is chosen after a student completes their preliminary medical education.
Both physicians and surgeons are qualified to diagnose and treat patients, and they often work in tandem. For example, a patient with ulcerative colitis may be treated by both a medical doctor, who will manage their illness with dietary and pharmaceutical treatments, and a surgeon, who will surgically remove the diseased parts of their digestive system to alleviate symptoms.
While certain surgical fields focus entirely on treatments that require operations, like neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery, other medical specialties utilize surgery as part of the overall treatment options. For example, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is a popular field that specializes in female reproduction. OB/GYNs primarily manage and care for patients during pregnancy and delivery, and are also trained in surgical procedures related to pregnancy and reproduction, including Cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and dilation and curettage (D&C).
Both physicians and surgeons need to earn a medical degree, like an MD, DO, or MBBS. However, surgeons must also obtain a surgical specialty, which is usually completed through a surgical residency. Surgical residencies are typically started after a medical student receives their medical license and may be followed by a fellowship to pursue a specialized surgical field, like cardiothoracic surgery.
Which areas of medicine can you study?
Most medical programs start with a general background aimed at understanding the scientific principles of human biology and the medical field in general, as well as how to identify, treat, and prevent illness and injury. As you progress, you can explore different areas that apply directly to your career goals or individual skills and passions.
The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) has identified more than 135 specialties that students can pursue. However, in general, medical studies are broken into broad categories that include a variety of specialties.
- Internal medicine deals with the systems within the human body, like the respiratory system, the digestive system, or the immune system.
- Surgery teaches medical students to identify and treat diseases and injuries using surgical techniques.
- Pediatrics focuses on the medical care of infants and children, with internal and surgical specialties.
- Other areas include: various diagnostic techniques and technologies, like radiology; emergency medicine, which utilizes broad medical knowledge to treat and stabilize urgent medical needs; psychiatry, which concentrates on mental health and mental disorders; and public health, which addresses healthcare at a population level.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular specialties and why they might appeal to you.
If you are fascinated by the human body and how it works (or doesn’t):
This specialty focuses on the heart and vascular system, working to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and disorders that impact the cardiovascular system.
Gastroenterology 🚽
This medical branch deals with the digestive system. Gastroenterologists treat patients with diseases and conditions that range from things like acid reflux and ulcers to inflammatory bowel diseases, digestive system cancers, and liver diseases.
Reproductive medicine 🤰🏽Reproductive medicine focuses on issues related to human reproduction and aims to help people have healthy reproductive systems throughout their lives.
If you are interested in the human brain:
This field studies the nervous system and works to treat disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This includes things like traumatic head injuries, migraines, epilepsy, strokes, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Neurosurgery is the surgical branch of neurology. Neurosurgeons utilize surgical techniques to address issues within the nervous system. They operate on the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous and cerebrovascular systems.
Psychology 😶🌫️
This specialty studies the human mind and human behavior. Psychologists can work in research, educational, and clinical settings, and they often incorporate related fields like neuroscience and sociology.
If you want to save lives:
This medical specialty uses surgical techniques to treat injuries and diseases of the heart, lungs, and other organs and structures in the chest. Cardiothoracic surgery includes both cardiovascular surgery and thoracic surgery.
Emergency medicine doctors address injuries and illnesses that require immediate care. They usually work in the emergency or immediate care departments in hospitals and clinics, and they mainly focus on evaluating, diagnosing, and stabilizing patients so that their illness or injury can be resolved by an appropriate specialist.
This branch of medicine is a specialty within the field of pediatrics and deals with the care and treatment of newborn infants. Neonatologists may be involved in the care of healthy infants, but are primarily responsible for babies who are born prematurely or who need additional or intensive care.
Oncology 🎗️
Oncologists study, diagnose, treat, and prevent cancer in patients. This specialty is broken into three main treatment approaches: medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. Ocology is also involved in palliative care for patients with cancer.
If you like solving mysteries:
Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the systems that produce them, like the metabolic system, the pituitary system, sexual organs, and the brain. Endocrinologists might specialize in diseases and conditions like diabetes, hyper- or hypothyroidism, obesity, insomnia, and infertility.
Genetics 🧬
Geneticists study human genes and how a person's genes influence health and characteristics. In a clinical setting, geneticists might diagnose, treat, and manage genetic illnesses or disorders, like Down syndrome, sickle cell anaemia, hemophilia, or cystic fibrosis.
Pathology is a medical specialty that focuses on disease. Pathologists examine samples of tissue, organs, fluids, and other materials to diagnose illnesses or understand a disease. Pathologists may be involved in autopsies to determine the cause of death, or can work on large population studies to discover or monitor disease outbreaks.
If you want to work with children and families:
Family medicine 👨🏽👩🏽👧🏽
This medical specialty aims to provide healthcare across a person's lifespan. Family medicine practitioners usually work in private practice and serve as primary care physicians.
Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the care and treatment of children. They may be involved in private practice, where they serve as the primary care physician for children, or in hospital or clinical settings where they diagnose and treat childhood illnesses and diseases.
Obstetrics and gynecology, commonly referred to as OB/GYN, is the branch of medicine that deals with female reproduction. OB/GYNs are primarily involved in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care but may also treat reproductive disorders, conditions, and illnesses like polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, infertility, and menopause.
If you’re looking for a niche:
Dermatologists study and care for the largest human organ - the skin. They also diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and disorders of the hair, nails, and mucous membranes. Dermatologists deal with everything from nail fungus to skin cancer, and usually work in private practice.
This branch of medicine studies and treats disorders of the kidneys. The practice involves both medical and surgical specialties, as well as adult and pediatric variations.
Ophthalmologists focus on the human eyes. They monitor eye health and vision, and diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses and conditions that impact the eyes and visual system. Ophthalmology can be interdisciplinary because eye health can often be related to illnesses that affect other parts of the body, like diabetes or hypertension.
Otolaryngology 👂👃😮
Otolaryngologists are more commonly known as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors. Otolaryngologists focus on diseases that manifest in these organs. They may also deal with physical disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea, deviated septums, or perforated eardrums. Because allergy symptoms often involve the ears, nose, and/or throat, this specialty is often involved in diagnosing and treating allergies.
If you don’t want to interact with human patients:
This medical specialty deals with the administration of anesthesia. Anesthesia manages pain and renders patients unconscious during surgical procedures. Anestheticians are also involved in pre- and post-operative care of patients, specifically in intensive or emergency care situations.
Radiology involves using medical imaging techniques, such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRIs, and CT scans, to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. This specialty utilizes various imaging technologies to see inside the human body. Radiologists help identify diseases and injuries, may guide surgical procedures, and interpret results of scans and imaging procedures.
Veterinarians are doctors who treat and care for animals. They are not medical doctors but hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree. Veterinary medicine is usually divided into small- and large-animal healthcare, and veterinarians can work in animal clinics and hospitals, on farms and in zoos, and may be involved in public health.
How long does it take to get a medical degree?
Medical degrees are usually the longest degrees that a student can pursue. Depending on where you study medicine, what type of specialty you pursue, and whether you complete a fellowship, your medical degree will likely take anywhere from eleven to sixteen years.
In order to earn a medical degree and become a physician or surgeon, students will need to complete a bachelor's degree, usually in a science or pre-medical field, a medical degree, licensing, and one or more residencies or fellowships.
Bachelor’s degrees in medicine
All medical doctors need to complete an undergraduate degree. In the USA and Canada, this is usually a traditional bachelor's degree, like a Bachelor of Science. Undergraduate students who wish to pursue medicine as a career usually earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, psychology, or pre-medical studies. In the USA and Canada, undergraduate degrees in these subjects usually take four years to complete. Undergraduate degrees that lead to medical school are usually completed at universities and liberal arts colleges.
After completing a relevant undergraduate degree, students who wish to pursue medical studies in the USA or Canada will need to apply for and be accepted to a medical school, where they can start a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. Applicants usually need to pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before they can apply to medical school.
Direct medical programs
Direct medical programs are degrees that allow students to transition directly from secondary school to medical studies. They usually allow for a more accelerated graduation timeline, and students complete the programs with the qualifications necessary for practicing medicine.
BS/MD and BS/DO programs
In the USA and Canada, you must have an MD or DO to practice medicine. Therefore, direct medical programs in these countries are usually BS/MD or BS/DO degrees. Direct medical programs in the USA and Canada are very competitive, and students must have excellent secondary school results to qualify for these programs. Students are given conditional acceptance to medical school, contingent on academic performance and, in some cases, MCAT scores during the undergraduate portion of the program. In most cases, the undergraduate part of the direct program will be taught at a college or university that is affiliated with a specific medical school.
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Outside of the USA and Canada, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is more common. Although this degree is designated as an undergraduate degree, it is usually considered to be the equivalent of the MD degree offered in the USA and Canada. MBBS degrees are usually offered at universities and medical schools.
Students who successfully complete an MBBS program are qualified to receive their medical license and practice general medicine. If an MBBS graduate wants to specialize in a medical field, they will usually need to complete a postgraduate residency or training program in that specialty. Residency programs after an MBBS usually take three to seven years.
Medical school entry examinations
In most cases, students who wish to earn a medical degree will need to complete an entry examination as part of their medical school application. Here’s a breakdown of the medical school entry exams for select countries.
United Kingdom
Medical school entry examinations are not required by all medical schools in the UK, but students who want to study medicine usually take one of the following entry examinations:
- University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): The UCAT is the most widely used medical school entry exam in the UK. It tests skills like verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision-making, and situational awareness and judgment.
- Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT): This exam is more focused on medical and scientific knowledge and also includes an essay portion. The BMAT is used for entry to some medical and science programs in the UK.
- Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT): Students who wish to enter medical school in the UK after they have already completed a non-medical undergraduate degree will usually take the GAMSAT.
USA and Canada
Medical schools in both the USA and Canada (as well as some Caribbean medical schools) usually require applicants to submit scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT assesses whether applicants are suited to medical school by evaluating their scientific knowledge, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Germany
Germany doesn’t require a specific medical school entry examination. Instead, applicants to medical studies will usually submit their secondary school certificate (Abitur). They may also be required to present the results of the Test für Medizinische Studiengänge (TMS). After completing their medical studies, students in Germany must pass the Staatsexamen before they can be awarded a medical license.
Australia
Most medical schools in Australia require undergraduate students to complete the UCAT ANZ, which is similar to the UCAT administered in the UK. For graduate-entry programs, Australia typically uses the GAMSAT, though some programs may accept the MCAT, especially from international students. International students may also be required to submit scores from the International Student Admissions Test (ISAT), which tests critical and quantitative reasoning skills.
Graduate degrees in medicine
Medical degrees that allow graduates to practice medicine are almost exclusively graduate-level, regardless of the title of the degree.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
In the USA and Canada, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree is the most common degree pursued by students wishing to practice medicine. Students who successfully complete an MD program and associated licensure are qualified to practice medicine. MD programs usually include four years of medical school, as well as three to seven years of residency to establish a specialty. Students pursuing certain specialties may need an additional fellowship. MD degrees are offered at medical schools, and residencies are usually completed in teaching hospitals and other clinical settings.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree is another graduate medical degree. A DO degree is the same qualification as an MD or MBBS, but the curriculum and practice put more focus on a ‘whole-person’ approach to medicine.
DOs usually treat patients by assessing their lifestyle, environment, and mental state as well as physical symptoms and conditions. DO degree programs also include specialized musculoskeletal system education, and DO practitioners utilize Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) alongside other medical treatments to address illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions. DO programs are offered at colleges of osteopathic medicine in the USA and Canada. They are not typically available in other countries.
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programs
Outside of the USA, most medical studies begin after secondary school. Students enter tertiary education intending to earn a medical degree and progress through studies to degree completion, residency, and licensing.
There are, however, ways to pivot from a non-medical undergraduate degree to a medical degree. These are usually called Graduate Entry Medical (GEM) programs.
GEM programs are usually accelerated medical degrees, so they are highly competitive and require applicants to have excellent undergraduate results. GEM programs typically combine the first and second years of medical school into one intensive year, and may also utilize integrative teaching methods as well as early and frequent clinical experiences. Most GEM programs lead to a medical degree within four years, instead of the usual six or seven years required for an MBBS.
Other degrees in medicine
While the degrees listed above are usually the only degrees that allow graduates to practice medicine with a medical license, there are several other options for students who want to provide medical care to patients but do not wish to be a physician or surgeon.
Bachelor of science in nursing
There are numerous nursing certifications and degrees, and nursing is a career that is separate from that of a physician or surgeon. However, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree allows graduates to become registered nurses (RN). This degree is offered at universities, colleges, and technical schools and usually takes about four years to complete.
RNs are qualified to provide basic medical care to patients and often work in similar capacities to general practitioners (GP). The biggest difference between the roles of a GP and an RN is that GPs can diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication, whereas RNs treat illnesses and administer medicine and treatments that have been prescribed by a doctor.
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician assistants (PA) have similar roles to RNs, but their education and training allow them to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medication and treatment. In some parts of the USA, PAs can only prescribe non-controlled medications. PAs usually work under the supervision of an MD or DO, who may supervise the PA directly or remotely. PAs provide patient care, administer medicine, and design treatment plans.
PA degrees are advanced medical degrees that require applicants to have both an undergraduate degree in a health- or science-related field, as well as several years of healthcare or clinical experience. Most students who pursue a Master of Science in PA studies come from a healthcare-related profession, like nursing, physiotherapy, or medical technology. Master of Science in PA studies programs usually take two to three years to complete, including training and certification exams.
Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery
Students who want to work in the field of dentistry usually pursue a Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. These degrees allow graduates to become dentists, orthodontists, or other dental health specialists.
Dentists and other professionals who hold Doctor of Dental Medicine or Surgery degrees are doctors. They practice dental medicine and are licensed to provide dental healthcare to patients. This includes prescribing medication and developing treatment plans, though in most cases, dentists are limited to medications and treatments relevant to dental and oral healthcare.
Like an MD or DO degree, you can begin a Dental Medicine degree after completing a relevant undergraduate degree. Dental medicine degrees usually require four years of dental medical school as well as multiple years of clinical experience. Residencies are not always required for dental medicine degrees, but many dental students complete residencies to establish a specialty like endodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry.
Doctoral-level medical degrees
Because medical degrees like MDs and MBBSs are terminal, there is usually no need for practicing medical doctors to pursue higher degrees. However, there are some cases where a PhD or an additional doctoral degree might be considered.
Medical doctors who wish to pursue advanced academic or scientific research in a medical field might earn a PhD in medical sciences or health sciences.
Students who wish to advance their clinical practice can opt for degrees like a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Medical doctors might also wish to transition into a more administrative or directorial career and can do so with an advanced degree like a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) or a Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc or DMedSc).
Why study medicine abroad?
There are many great reasons to study abroad. So why study medicine abroad? Here are some reasons why a medical degree abroad might enhance both your education and your future career.
More affordable tuition
Medical degrees can be expensive. In the USA, medical degrees usually cost more than $50,000 per year, and medical students typically graduate with more than $200,000 in student debt. Medical schools in other countries can be more affordable, or in some cases, free. For example, medical degrees at universities in Germany are typically free except for minimal administrative fees.
More options
Getting into medical school is very competitive. In some countries, there are only a few medical schools, and students struggle to earn a place in the degree courses. Or perhaps you’re hoping to specialize in a more niche field. Looking at universities and medical schools abroad could give you more options.
Lower entrance requirements
If you don’t meet the criteria for entrance to medical schools in your country, it might be possible to qualify in another country. For example, prospective medical students from the USA who do not have competitive MCAT scores might look for medical degree programs in various Caribbean countries, where MCAT scores are not required, or the requirements are lower.
Shorter study time
In the USA and Canada, medical school can take at least eleven years of study from undergraduate to residency. MBBS degrees, on the other hand, allow graduates to start practicing medicine after just five or six years.
Learn soft skills
Medical doctors are often judged by their ‘bedside manner’ or the way they interact with patients on a personal level. Studying abroad is a great way to hone people skills that will lead to a great bedside manner. Empathy, communication, and cultural understanding will all serve you well, regardless of whether you practice medicine at home or abroad.
International experience
Studying abroad is a great way to experience a new culture, meet people from other places, and gain experience outside your cn experience outside of your comfort zone. For medical students, it's also an excellent way to learn how other countries and cultures approach medical care. Whether that's integrating traditional medical practices into modern medical science, utilizing different technologies, or approaching patient care from a different angle, studying medicine abroad can offer you a unique vantage point or useful tools to apply to your own practice.
Careers in medicine
You might be wondering: What can I do with a medical degree? Here are some potential job titles for medical degree graduates:
- Academic researcher
- Anesthesiologist
- Cardiologist
- Clinical radiologist
- Dermatologist
- Emergency medical doctor
- Endocrinologist
- Epidemiologist
- Family medical doctor
- Forensic pathologist
- Gastroenterologist
- General practitioner
- Geneticist
- Geriatric physician
- Health policy advisor
- Homeopathic doctor
- Integrative medicine physician
- Medical director
- Medical educator
- Neonatologist
- Nephrologist
- Neurologist
- Obstetrician/Gynecologist
- Oncologist
- Orthopedist
- Osteopathic physician
- Otolaryngologist/ENT
- Pathologist
- Pediatrician
- Physician executive
- Physician scientist
- Plastic surgeon
- Podiatrist
- Psychiatrist
- Public health officer
- Public health practitioner
- Resident physician
- Rheumatologist
- Surgeon
- Toxicologist
- Urologist
Because medicine includes so many specialties and sub-specialties, studying to become a doctor opens a wide range of career possibilities. Not only are there multiple roles within the field of medicine, but medical professionals will find career opportunities in a variety of non-healthcare settings. You could find yourself working in education, journalism, law, research, and everything in between.
What are the salaries for graduates with a medical degree?
Salaries for medical doctors vary wildly depending on where you practice medicine, the type of medicine you practice, and the medical system in which you practice. In general, medical doctors are well-paid and hold respected positions in most societies. Residents and trainee doctors usually earn significantly less than senior physicians and surgeons, and doctors who pratice medicine in private facilities may earn more than those in public positions.
Here are some salary ranges for medical graduates in select countries and specialties:
General practitioner 👨⚕️
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £70K-115K | ||
| USA (USD) | $130K-250K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €110K-210K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $230K-420K |
Surgeon 👩🏾⚕️
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £94K-140K | ||
| USA (USD) | $250K-450K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €160K-335K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $173K-400K |
Emergency medical doctor 🚑
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £44K-140K | ||
| USA (USD) | $300K-380K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €130K-260K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $76K-500K+ |
Neurosurgeon 🧠
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £44K-130K | ||
| USA (USD) | $400K-1,000,000+ | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €180K-250K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $350K-800K |
OB/GYN 🫄🏽
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £78K-124K | ||
| USA (USD) | $280K-380K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €135K-270K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $200K-500K |
Pediatrician 👶🏻
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £37K-140K | ||
| USA (USD) | $200K-244K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €181K-216K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $200K-400K |
Plastic surgeon 👃🏻
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £37K-140K | ||
| USA (USD) | $400K-600K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €175K-353K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $110K-540K |
Psychiatrist 😶🌫️
| Country | Annual salary range | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (GBP) | £32K-140K | ||
| USA (USD) | $247K-310K | ||
| Germany (EUR) | €168K-180K | ||
| Australia (AUD) | $250K-500K |
Tips for choosing a medical degree
Medical degrees are some of the most challenging degrees and students prepare for years to apply to medical school. Choosing the right degree program and the right medical school can be a deciding factor when it comes to succeeding in medical school and progressing to a career as a physician or surgeon.
If you’re planning to become a medical doctor, here are some questions to ask yourself that might help you pick the right degree program.
- Why am I interested in studying medicine?
- What kind of impact do I want to make?
- Do I have any experience in a medical setting, like shadowing a medical professional or volunteering in a clinic?
- How do I feel about blood, bodily fluids, pain, and death?
- Do I enjoy or excel at studying sciences like biology, chemistry, and psychology?
- Do I have strong study skills and discipline?
- Am I self-motivated?
- Am I prepared to study for 6 to 16 years?
- Will I need to take out student loans to study medicine?
- Do I need to travel or relocate to study medicine?
- Can I study part-time, or do I need to study full-time?
- Do I have a strong sense of empathy?
- How do I respond to ethical dilemmas?
- What are the key components of the first year of medical studies?
- What can I do with a medical degree after graduation?
- Do I understand the role and responsibilities of a medical doctor?
- Can I handle the mental, emotional, and physical challenges of medical practice?
- Am I prepared to continue learning and training throughout my career?
- Do I have a specialty in mind for my career?
- Will the degree offered by this program be recognized by the accreditation and licensing organizations in the country where I want to work?
It is a good idea to talk to a current medical student at the school you’re considering to understand what it is really like to study medicine. You might also talk to practicing medical professionals or people who are working in medical fields to learn more about the necessary qualifications and career paths.
Reflect on your own goals and priorities before you start looking for a program. Medicine can be a prestigious career path that offers high salaries and a great deal of respect. But it is also demanding, stressful, and can be emotionally draining.
Medical doctors interact with people when they are most vulnerable. They need to be able to separate their own emotions from the situation so that they can use logic and reason to make decisions, while remaining empathetic and caring. Medical practitioners may also face ethical dilemmas where they need to weigh the needs of the patient against moral or legal norms.
If you find that the rigorous education and demands of a medical career are not for you, there are still many exciting careers within the medical field.
Helpful advice from medical graduates
We talked to some graduate students who had recently completed their programs in medicine to see what they thought about their program and if they had any advice to share with you.
"Every science has its own paradigm and language, but even between neighbour countries those can be slightly different."
- Felina MSc Midwifery from Berner Fachhochschule in Bern, Switzerland
What questions should you ask a university to find the right medical program?
We asked the students if there were any questions they had asked or wished they had asked during the research and application process to determine which program was right for them. Here are the most common and helpful questions they think you should be asking universities before you apply:
- What resources are available for this degree and field of study? Are there academic and career support services? What about practical resources, like cadaver labs or interactive simulations? What online platforms and clinical information support are available? You should be sure that the degree has the kind of support and resources you will need to achieve your academic and career goals.
- Which department oversees this degree? Is the degree offered in the university's medical school? The faculty of health or health sciences? Does the school separate studies like medicine and public health? Or does the department focus on a specific branch of medicine? Knowing how the university designates medical degrees can help you understand what type of education you will receive.
What should you look for in a university or medical school?
Does this school have partnerships with teaching hospitals or research institutes?
A medical school that partners with a teaching hospital or a research institute will likely offer valuable opportunities for hands-on experience. Even before you begin your residency program, you should seek out ways to learn in a clinical setting or shadow skilled practitioners. Typically, medical schools or programs with direct access to these types of facilities will also involve practicing doctors, surgeons, and specialists from the hospital or institute in teaching and student mentorships.
Types of accreditation and licensing for medical degrees
Accreditation and licensing are essential components of medical education. In most countries, medical students need to have a degree from an accredited program and will require additional training and licensing before they can practice medicine.
Most countries have their own accreditation and licensing organizations for medical doctors. See the list below for the accreditation and licensing organizations in some selected countries:
The United Kingdom:
- General Medical Council (GMC): After completing medical school, graduates begin their two-year Foundation Programme. During the first year of this program, trainees register with GMC and gain full registration after successfully completing the first year. Registering with the GMC is non-negotiable if you want to practice medicine in the UK.
- Medical Act 1983: Only medical schools listed in the Medical Act 1983 are able to issue medical degrees that are recognized by the GMC. The GMC sets the standards and outcomes for all medical education in the UK.
- Medical Schools Council (MSC): This is the representative body for UK medical schools. It does not accredit programs but provides a forum for medical school officials, as well as resources for students. For example, the MSC has worked with UK medical schools to develop the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), which is now required for registration with the GMC.
The United States of America
In the USA, medical licenses are granted by individual state licensing boards or ‘state medical boards.’ Before a graduate can receive their medical license, they need to graduate from an accredited program, take a licensing exam, and complete a medical residency.
- United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE): Before a US medical student can start their residency, they need to pass the USMLE. Once a student has completed their residency, they can take the USMLE Exam Step 3 and apply for a State Medical Board License.
- Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG): If you hold a medical degree from a foreign country, you will need to apply to the ECFMG if you want your degree recognized for medical practice in the USA. This process might include additional training and examinations.
- Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB): Each US state operates its own medical board, which is responsible for licensing, discipline, oversight, and public safety. There are 70 state and territorial medical boards, all of which are represented by the FSMB.
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME): This is the main accreditation body for medical schools in the USA and Canada, and is recognized by the US Department of Education. The LCME is also sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) but operates independently from these organizations.
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): This non-profit organizations promotes health and wellness through medical education. They provide information and resources for medical students, medical schools, teaching hospitals, and graduates. They also design and administer the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) which is required for admission to medical school in the USA and most medical schools in Canada.
- Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA): This is the only recognized accreditation body for osteopathic (DO) medical programs. It is part of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
Germany
The German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) is responsible for accrediting German medical degrees. They work in conjunction with:
- The Accreditation Agency in the Health and Social Service Sciences (AHPGS): This agency focuses on accrediting university programs in the fields of health and social services, including medical degrees.
- The German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer): The Bundesärztekammer is a joint association of the State Chambers of Physicians (Landesärztekammern) in Germany. These associations are responsible for recognizing medical degrees from outside of Germany. Students who wish to study outside of Germany, or who wish to have their foreign medical degree recognized in Germany, are advised to contact the Landesärztekammern in their region.
Australia
In Australia, doctors must register with the Medical Board of Australia. To register, you need to have completed an accredited medical degree.
- The Australian Medical Council (AMC): This organization is responsible for accrediting medical schools and programs in Australia. This includes specialist colleges as well as medical schools and universities.
- Medical Board of Australia: This medical board registers medical graduates and determines standards for registration. Medical students who have completed their medical education and internships in Australia or New Zealand can register with the Medical Board of Australia without additional practice, while those who have completed their medical education abroad may need to complete additional requirements before they can register.
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra): Ahpra works with Australia’s National Boards to assess the training, qualification, and practice of medical professionals in Australia.
Popular universities to study medicine
Below you can find a list of some popular universities and schools around the world where you can study medicine.
Africa
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Asia
Location: Singapore
Location: Shanghai, China
Location: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore)
Location: Singapore
Location: Hong Kong
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Women’s Medical University
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Europe
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Location: Berlin, Germany
Location: Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Location: Solna, Sweden
Location: Leuven, Belgium
Location: Leiden, the Netherlands
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Location: Munich, Germany
Location: Lund, Sweden
Location: Maastricht, the Netherlands
Location: Vienna, Austria
Queen Mary University of London
Location: London, UK
Location: Rome, Italy
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Location: Birmingham, UK
Location: Bristol, UK
Location: Cambridge, UK
Location: Groningen, the Netherlands
Location: Manchester, UK
Location: Milan, Italy
Location: Oxford, UK
Location: Southampton, UK
Location: Utrecht, the Netherlands
Middle East
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Location: Jerusalem, Israel
Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Location: Dubai, UAE
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Location: Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Location: Beersheba, Israel
North America
American University of Antigua (AUA)
Location: Antigua and Barbuda
American University of Barbados
Location: Bridgetown, Barbados
Location: Houston, USA
Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, USA
Location: New York City, USA
Location: Ithaca, USA
Location: Durham, USA
Location: DeKalb County, USA
Location: Baltimore, USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, USA
National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM):
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Location: New York City, USA
Location: Columbus, USA
Location: Willemstad, Curaçao
Location: Stanford, USA
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG)
Location: Zapopan, Mexico
Location: Montréal, Canada
Location: Edmonton, Canada
University of California, Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, USA
University of California, San Diego
Location: San Diego, USA
University of California, San Francisco
Location: San Francisco, USA
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, USA
Location: Pittsburgh, USA
University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Location: Seattle, USA
Location: Nashville, USA
Xavier University School of Medicine
Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
Location: New Haven, USA
Oceania
Location: Sydney, Australia
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Oceania University of Medicine
Location: Apia, Samoa
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Location: Melbourne, Australia
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
Location: Kensington, Australia
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Location: Sydney, Australia
University of Western Australia
Location: Perth, Australia
Location: Wollongong, New Zealand
South America
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Location: Santiago, Chile
Location: Pilar, Argentina
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
University of Buenos Aires (UBA)
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Santiago, Chile
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Elizabeth Koprowski, PhDAuthor
Elizabeth is a content campaign specialist at educations.com with more than 20 years of experience in international higher education and study abroad. Her background in travel writing and travel history helps guide her research and content creation. Elizabeth is committed to helping students worldwide find the right study abroad experience.
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