Studying abroad
Doctorate abroad: how to choose a university and supervisor
A doctorate abroad means research, publications and often a university job. We help you assess programmes, requirements and how your degree will be recognised when you return.
- 3–4 yearstypical length of doctoral studies
- MSc / MDa master’s or medical diploma is usually required
- supervisorthe key choice: topic and research team
What the studies look like
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1
Topic and supervisor
Start with the research that interests you and the team that carries it out.
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2
Contacting the team
Write to a potential supervisor: CV, a short research plan and a list of publications.
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3
Admission
Documents, an interview or competition, and often a language certificate.
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4
Research and defence
Several years of research, publications and the defence of your thesis.
Where do you want to work after your studies?
- 1A diploma that meets Directive 2005/36/EC is recognised automatically in every EU and EEA country.
- 2You apply for the licence to practise to the authority or chamber of the country where you want to work.
- 3You usually also need to show the level of the local language required for the job.
- 1A non-EU diploma is not recognised automatically: each country runs its own procedure, such as nostrification or a verification exam.
- 2In Poland, for example, it is nostrification or the LEW or LDEW exam, followed by the internship, the LEK or LDEK and the licence to practise.
- 3It is a longer road, so it is worth knowing it before choosing a university.
- 1Every country has its own rules and exams, such as the USMLE in the USA, DHA in Dubai or KROK in Ukraine.
- 2Before you choose a university, we check that its diploma is recognised where you want to work.
- 3On MedMigrant you can prepare for licensing exams, and in our Guides we describe the route to working in different countries.
Check whether you are ready
Frequently asked questions
Will a doctorate from abroad be recognised in my country?
Academic degrees are recognised under a procedure that depends on the country and international agreements. Before you choose a programme, we check how it will work.
Is a doctorate paid?
In many countries doctoral students receive a scholarship or salary, but the rules depend on the university and programme.
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
At many universities yes, or at least the agreement of a research team. We help you write the first message.
Other fields
Let’s talk about your studies
Tell us which degree interests you, where you would like to study and when you finish school. We will reply with where to start.
MedMigrant is not a university or a university representative. Admission is decided solely by the university, and diploma recognition and the licence to practise by the relevant authorities and professional bodies. Admission rules change, so we always check them on the university’s website before you apply.