Studying abroad
Medicine abroad: who it is for, how long it takes and where you can work afterwards
Studying medicine abroad means several years of study in another country and decisions that shape your whole career. We help you choose a university whose diploma will count where you want to work.
- 6 yearstypical length of a medical degree
- 360 ECTStypical programme size; the EU directive’s 5,500 hours of training also counts
- 2005/36/ECthe directive on recognising doctors’ diplomas in the EU
What the studies look like
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1
Admission
An entrance exam, interview or grade-based selection, usually in biology and chemistry. Some universities also require a language certificate.
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2
Basic sciences
Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and other preclinical subjects, usually in the first 2–3 years.
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3
Clinical training
Learning at the patient’s bedside in teaching hospitals: rotations, placements and night duties.
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4
Diploma and what next
Final exams, your diploma and having it recognised where you want to work.
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
Can I study medicine abroad in English?
Yes, many universities in Europe offer programmes in English, but during patient classes you often need the local language too.
Do I need biology and chemistry?
Usually yes: many universities require an entrance exam or school-leaving results in biology and chemistry. We check the requirements for the specific university.
Are shorter degrees after a transfer or graduate entry also recognised?
Yes, as long as the whole programme has the required size (e.g. 360 ECTS and the minimum hours of training) and meets the directive. What counts is the programme you complete, not just the years at one university. Before a transfer we check how many of your credits will be recognised.
Will a foreign diploma let me work as a doctor in another country?
An EU diploma that meets the directive is recognised automatically across the EU. A non-EU diploma needs the recognition procedure of the given country (in Poland: nostrification or the LEW exam). You also need the licence to practise.
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.