Studying Medicine in Europe: English-Taught Options for 2027
Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees in the world, and many African students look to Europe for English-taught programmes at a lower cost than the UK or USA. Central and Eastern Europe has a long tradition of teaching international medical students. Here is what to know before you apply.
Popular countries for English-taught medicine
- Hungary: Semmelweis University (Budapest) and the universities of Debrecen, Szeged and Pécs have taught medicine in English for decades and run large international programmes.
- Poland: medical universities in Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Łódź, Lublin and other cities offer six-year English-taught MD programmes.
- Lithuania and Latvia: the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas) and Rīga Stradiņš University are well-established choices.
- Cyprus and Malta: smaller, English-speaking options with Mediterranean living costs.
How long it takes and what it costs
A European medical degree usually takes six years and leads straight to a doctor of medicine qualification. Tuition for English-taught medicine is much higher than for other subjects in the same countries, commonly in the range of about €10,000–€20,000 per year depending on the university. Add living costs, for example €500–€900 a month in Hungary and Poland. Always confirm the current fee with the university, as medical fees change every year.
Entry requirements
- Strong science grades: biology and chemistry at A-level (or equivalent) are almost always required; physics or maths helps.
- Entrance exam: most universities set their own test in biology and chemistry, sometimes with an interview. Some accept results from other medical entrance tests.
- English proof: IELTS or an equivalent, often 6.0 or higher.
- Preparatory year: if your science background is weaker, many universities offer a one-year pre-medical course.
Check recognition before you apply
To practise at home, your degree must be recognised by your country's medical council, and you will usually sit a licensing exam on your return. Check the World Directory of Medical Schools listing for the university and confirm your country's rules before paying any fees.
Health-related degrees in our catalogue
If medicine is out of reach for now, nursing and allied health degrees are a strong route into healthcare careers. Our courses page lists Nursing at WSEI University and Nursing BSN at UITM University in Poland, plus Dietetics at Vistula University, with much lower tuition than medicine.
Get advice on your chances
Medical admissions differ from university to university. Take the readiness check or talk to an advisor and we will help you compare options that fit your grades and budget.