Study Medicine in Europe for Free in 2023

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Study Medicine in Europe for Free
Study Medicine in Europe for Free

Choosing to study medicine in Europe for free is a good choice for students who wish to earn a medical degree without having to spend much.

Even though Europe is known for having an expensive cost of studying, some countries in Europe offer tuition-free education.

Medical schools are very expensive, most students finance their education with student loans. According to AAMC, 73% of medical students graduate with an average debt of $200,000.

This is not the case if you choose to study in European countries that offer tuition-free education.

Can I Study Medicine in Europe for Free?

Some European countries offer tuition-free education to students but this depends on your nationality.

You can study medicine in Europe for Free in the following countries:

  • Germany
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Austria
  • Greece.

Other affordable places to study medicine in Europe are Poland, Italy, Belgium, and Hungary. Education in these countries is not free but affordable.

List of Countries to Study Medicine in Europe for Free

Below is a list of the top countries to study medicine in Europe for free:

Top 5 Countries to Study Medicine in Europe for Free

1. Germany

Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all students, including students from Non-EU/EEA countries, except for public universities in Baden-Wurttemberg.

International students enrolled in public universities in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg must pay tuition fees (€1,500 per semester).

Medical studies in Germany are taught in German only, even at private universities. So, you will need to prove German language proficiency.

However, other programs in the medical field may be taught in English. For instance, the University of Ulm offers an English-taught master’s degree in molecular medicine.

Structure of Medicine Programs in Germany

Medical studies in Germany take six years and three months, and it is not divided into bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Instead, medical studies in Germany are divided into 3 stages:

  • Pre-clinical studies
  • Clinical studies
  • Practical year.

Each stage ends with a state exam. After successfully completing the final exam, you will obtain a license to practice medicine (approbation).

After this medicine program, you can choose to specialize in any area of your choice. A specialization program is a part-time training that lasts at least 5 years and is completed at an authorized clinic.

2. Norway

Public universities in Norway offer tuition-free programs, including programs in medicine, to all students regardless of the student’s country of origin. However, students are still responsible for paying semester fees.

Medicine programs are taught in Norwegian, so proficiency in the language is required.

Structure of Medicine Programs in Norway

A medicine degree program in Norway takes about 6 years to complete and leads to a candidate of medicine (Cand.Med.) degree. The Cand.Med degree is equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine degree.

According to the University of Oslo, once the Cand.Med degree is obtained, you can be granted authorization to work as a Doctor. The 11/2 years of internship which used to be mandatory in order to become fully licensed doctors has now turned into a practical service, being the first part of a specialization track.

3. Sweden 

Public universities in Sweden are tuition-free for Swedish, Nordic, and EU citizens. Students from outside EU, EEA, and Switzerland will pay tuition fees.

All undergraduate programs in Medicine in Sweden are taught in Swedish. You must prove proficiency in Swedish to study medicine.

Structure of Medicine Programs in Sweden

Medical studies in Sweden are divided into bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and each degree lasts for 3 years (a total of 6 years).

After the completion of a master’s degree, students are not eligible to practice medicine. All students will only be granted a license after the mandatory 18 months of internship, which takes place in hospitals.

4. Denmark

Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can study for free in Denmark. International students from outside these areas will have to pay tuition fees.

Medical studies in Denmark are taught in Danish. You need to prove proficiency in Danish to study medicine.

Structure of Medicine Programs in Denmark

It takes a total of 6 years (12 semesters) to study medicine in Denmark and a medicine program is divided into bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Both degrees are required to become a Doctor.

After a three-year master’s degree program, you can choose to specialize in any medical field. The specialization program takes five years.

5. Finland

Public universities in Finland are tuition-free for students from EU/EEA countries. Students from outside the EU/EEA countries are required to pay tuition fees. The amount of tuition depends on the university.

Medical schools in Finland teach in either Finland, Swedish, or both. To study medicine in Finland, you must demonstrate proficiency in either Finnish or Swedish.

Structure of Medicine Programs in Finland

Medical studies in Finland last for a minimum of six years and lead to a licentiate of medicine degree.

The training is not organized into bachelor’s or master’s degrees. However, a student has the right to use the value of a bachelor of medicine when he or she has completed at least two years of studies leading to a medicine licentiate degree.

Entry Requirements to Study Medicine in Europe

There are several medical schools in Europe and each has its requirements. We advise you to check the requirements needed to study medicine on your choice university’s website.

However, there are common entry requirements needed to study medicine in Europe

Below are the most common entry requirements needed to study medicine in Europe:

  • High School Diploma
  • Good grades in Chemistry, Biology, Math, and Physics
  • Proof of language proficiency
  • Entrance exams in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (depends on the university)
  • Interview (depends on the university)
  • Letter of recommendation or personal statement (optional)
  • A Valid Passport
  • Student Visa.

Top Universities to Study Medicine in Europe for Free

Below is a list of the top 10 universities to study medicine in Europe for free.

1. Karolinska Institutet (KI)

Karolinska Institutet is a medical university located in Solna, Sweden. It is one of the top best medical schools in the World.

Established in 1810 as an “academy for the training of skilled army surgeons”, KI is the third-oldest medical university in Sweden.

Karolinska Institutet is Sweden’s single largest center of medical academic research and offers the country’s widest range of medical courses and programs.

KI offers a wide range of programs and courses in Medicine and Healthcare.

Most programs are taught in Swedish and some master’s programs are taught in English. However, KI offers ten global master’s and one bachelor’s program taught in English.

Students from Non-EU/EEA countries are required to pay application and tuition fees.

2. Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University is a public research university located in Heidelberg, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. Founded in 1386, it is the oldest university in Germany.

The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg is one of the oldest medical faculty in Germany. It offers programs in Medicine and Dentistry

Heidelberg University is free for German, and EU/EEA students. International students from non-EU/EEA countries must pay tuition fees (€1500 per semester). However, all students must pay semester fees (€171.80 per semester).

3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)

LMU Munich is a public research university located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Founded in 1472, LMU is Bavaria’s first university.

The Faculty of Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University teaches in German and offers programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Medicine.

LMU Munich is tuition-free for all students including students from Non-EU/EEA countries, except for some programs at the graduate level. However, each semester all students must pay fees for the Studentenwerk (Munich Student Union).

4. University of Copenhagen 

The University of Copenhagen is a public research university located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Founded in 1479, the University of Copenhagen is the second-oldest university in Scandinavian after Uppsala University.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences provides education in

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Health
  • Veterinary Medicine.

Students from outside of the EU/EEA or Non-Nordic countries must pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are in the range of €10,000 to €17,000 per academic year.

5. Lund University 

Founded in 1666, Lund University is a public research university located in Lund, Sweden.

The Faculty of Medicine at Lund University offers degree programs in

  • Medicine
  • Audiology
  • Nursing
  • Biomedicine
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiography
  • Speech Therapy.

Students from Non-EU countries will pay tuition fees. The tuition fee for the medical program is SEK 1,470,000.

6. University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is a public university located in Helsinki, Finland.

Founded in 1640 as the Royal Academy of Abo. It is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland.

The Faculty of Medicine offers programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Psychology
  • Logopedics
  • Translational Medicine.

There are no tuition fees for students from EU/EEA countries and students. Tuition is between €13,000 to €18,000 per academic year, depending on the program.

7. University of Oslo 

The University of Oslo is a leading European university and the largest university in Norway. It is a public research university located in Oslo, Norway.

Established in 1814, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo is the oldest faculty of medicine in Norway.

The Faculty of Medicine offers programs in:

  • Health Management and Health Economics
  • International Health
  • Medicine
  • Nutrition.

At the University of Oslo, there are no tuition fees except for a small semester of NOK 600.

8. Aarhus University (AU) 

Aarhus University is a public research university located in Aarhus, Denmark. Established in 1928, it is the second-largest and second-oldest university in Denmark.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is a research-intensive faculty that offers degree programs across:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Sport Science
  • Public Health.

At Aarhus University, students from outside Europe are generally required to pay tuition and application fees. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens are not required to pay fees.

9. University of Bergen 

The University of Bergen is an internationally recognized research university located in Bergen, Norway.

The Faculty of Medicine offers programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Biomedicine e.t.c.

There are no tuition fees for all students at the University of Bergen. However, all students must pay semester fees of NOK 590 (approx. €60) per semester.

10. University of Turku 

The University of Turku is a public university located in Turku in southwestern Finland. It is the third-largest university in Finland (by student enrollment).

The Faculty of Medicine offers programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Nursing Science
  • Biomedical Sciences.

At the University of Turku, tuition fees will be charged for citizens of a country outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Tuition fees are between €10,000 to €12,000 per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I study Medicine in Europe in English for Free?

European countries that offer tuition-free education don't teach programs in medicine in English. So, it may be difficult to study medicine in Europe in English for free. There are medicine programs taught entirely in English but it is not tuition-free. However, you may be eligible for scholarships and other financial assistance.

Where Can I Study Medicine in Europe in English?

Universities in the UK offer programs in medicine in English. However, you need to know that education in the UK can be expensive but you may be eligible for several scholarships.

How long will a degree in Medicine take, If I study in Europe?

A degree in medicine takes a minimum of 6 years to complete.

What is the Cost of Living in Europe while studying?

The cost of living in Europe depends on the country. Generally, the cost of living in Germany is affordable compared to Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden.

What are the Best Countries in Europe to Study Medicine?

Most of the best medical schools in Europe are located in UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Norway, and France.

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Conclusion

If you want to earn a medical degree at an affordable price, then you should study medicine in Europe.

However, the cost of living in most European countries is quite expensive. You can cover the cost of living with Scholarships or part-time student jobs. International students are allowed to work in Europe for limited working hours.

Studying medicine in Europe for free allow you to learn new languages since most medical programs are not taught in English.

We have now to the end of this article on studying medicine in Europe for free, if you have any questions, do well to drop them in the Comment Section below.

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