With the labour market being competitive as it has always been, students who wants to pursue careers in medicine have to consider all their options before deciding on which schools to apply for. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine, then this article will help you make an informed decision about where you want to study! Let’s take a look at some of the most affordable and best medical schools in Europe
What Is A Medical School?
A medical school is an educational institution that teaches the study and practice of medicine. They are generally involved in undergraduate medical education, research and postgraduate medical education.
Medical schools typically require applicants to have completed a bachelor’s degree and to have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Upon completion of medical school, graduates receive a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
After receiving their medical degree, individuals must complete a residency program, which is a period of on-the-job training in a hospital or medical facility under the supervision of licensed physicians. Residency programs can last anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
Upon completion of their residency, medical school graduates are eligible to take licensing exams, which are required in order to practice medicine.
All medical schools require students to undertake examinations, typically after every stage until graduation. Graduation from a medical school grants a doctorate in medicine (MD).
Why Study Medicine In Europe
Studying in Europe is a fantastic option for those who want broaden there knowledge. Also a degree in medicine from any European university provides a wealth of opportunities and benefits for aspiring medical professionals.
Below are more reasons why you should pursue a career in medicine in Europe.
- Quality Education: Studying medicine in any European university will help you gain both theoretical and practical, with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and clinical exposure.
- Affordable Costs: Studying medicine in Europe is relatively affordable, compared to many other continent, with lower tuition fees and cost of living.
- Cultural Diversity: Europe is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, providing students with the opportunity to experience a diverse and dynamic environment. This cultural exposure helps students develop a global perspective and expands their understanding of different medical practices and traditions.
- Career Opportunities: Graduates from European medical schools are highly sought after in the labour market all over the world, due to the rigorous training and education they receive.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Europe is a hub for medical research, this provides students with the opportunity to be at the forefront of the latest developments in the field and contribute to important medical advancements.
What To Look For When Choosing A Medical School
When choosing a medical school, there are several key factors to consider to ensure that you get a high-quality education and have the best chance of reaching your professional goals.
- Accreditation: make sure you choose a school that is accredited by a recognized national or international accrediting body.
- Curriculum: Look for a medical school with a comprehensive curriculum that covers all the essential subjects required for medical licensure.
- Location: Consider the location of the medical school if is located in a place with access to diverse patient populations and a range of healthcare facilities and whether it offers opportunities for hands-on learning, research, and community engagement.
- Career Outcomes: Research the career outcomes of graduates from the medical school you are considering. Look at their success rates in securing medical licensure, residency placements, and their overall professional success.
- Cost: Medical education can be expensive, so consider the cost of tuition, fees, and living expenses when choosing a medical school. Look for schools that offer financial aid, scholarships, and other opportunities for funding.
- Goals: make sure the faculty at the medical school matches your interests and goals. Find out how many professors there are, how many fellowships they offer, etc. Asking these questions can help ensure that you graduate from a college where you’ll feel at home.
Admission Criteria To Study Medicine In Europe
The admission process to study medicine in Europe differs, depending on the course you apply for and the institution. However, some of the common admission criteria include:
- Academic Qualifications: Most schools require applicants to have a strong academic background, with a high school diploma or equivalent, and a good grade point average (GPA).
- Entrance Exams: Some require applicants to take entrance exams, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in the US or the European Medical School Test (EMST) in Europe.
- English Proficiency: students of non-native English speaking countries may be required to provide proof of English proficiency examples like Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Letters of Recommendation: Most schools may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references giving insight of an applicant’s character, motivation, and ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program.
- Personal Statement/Essay: A personal statement is often required as part of the medical school application process. This essay provides applicants with an opportunity to share their goals, experiences, and motivations for pursuing a career in medicine.
- Clinical Experience: Some schools require applicants to have some clinical experience, such as volunteering at a hospital or clinic, shadowing a healthcare professional, or participating in a pre-medical program.
Which European Countries Have Best Medical Schools?
Some international students outside Europe that wants to study in Europe would want to know some of the countries in they can option for. There are several countries in Europe with highly regarded medical schools.
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- France
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Italy
Choosing any of this countries as your study destination is quite worth it, but endeavor to make researches on the standard of living and means of livelihood in any country you decide to study in and also have highly regarded medical schools with unique strengths and offerings.
The Cheapest Country To Study Medicine In Europe
A lot of people have asked us about the cheapest country to study medicine in Europe, well this depends on various factors, such as tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad.
However, there are other countries where it is much cheaper to study medicine and these five cheapest options for getting your medical degree overseas are:
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Romania
- Bulgaria
Top 10 Affordable Medical Schools In Europe
Below, we have listed 10 of the best affordable medical schools in Europe.
- University Of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- University College Dublin, Ireland
- Lund University, Sweden
- Uppsala University, Sweden
- Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Karolinska Institute, Sweden
- Linköping University, Sweden
- University of Helsinki, Finland
- Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands
1) School of Clinical Medicine – University of Cambridge

Acceptance Rate: 21%
School Website: medschl.cam.ac.uk
The School of Clinical Medicine at the University of Cambridge is a leading medical school located in Cambridge, England. The school offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in medicine and healthcare-related fields, including the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBChir) program and various PhD programs.
Programs Offered In School of Clinical Medicine – University of Cambridge
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBChir)
- Medical Sciences Tripos (Undergraduate Degree in Medical Sciences)
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Clinical Medicine
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Clinical Science
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Trials
2) School Of Medicine At Imperial College London

Acceptance Rate:11.5%
School Website: imperial.ac.uk
Established in 1907, Imperial College London is a public research university and the third-oldest college at the University of London. The school has programs in the humanities, sciences, social sciences, law, engineering and medical teaching.
Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London is a world-class medical school offering a rigorous and comprehensive medical education. The faculty is renowned for its academic excellence, extensive clinical exposure, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Programs Offered In School Of Medicine At Imperial College London
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Science and Innovation
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Medicine
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Research
- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Health and Development
3) UCD School of Medicine

Acceptance Rate: 20%
School Website: ucd.ie
The UCD School of Medicine is a medical school located in Dublin, Ireland and is part of University College Dublin (UCD). The school offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in medicine and healthcare-related fields, with a focus on providing students with a comprehensive education in the scientific and clinical aspects of medicine, as well as the practical skills and experience needed to be successful healthcare professionals.
Programs Offered In UCD School of Medicine:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh BAO)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Human Health and Disease
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Health
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Education
- Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Science
4) School Of Medicine At Lund University

Acceptance Rate: 34%
School Website: ucd.ie
Lund University is located in Lund, Sweden. The school has been in operation since 1666 and offers master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates for professionals in health care management and related fields.
Students can choose to study at the Faculty of Medicine or Faculty of Health Sciences, with different emphases on medical or scientific research. Medicine courses take six years and include studies in subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, pathology, pharmacology, public health, and epidemiology.
The curriculum also includes clinical education throughout their degree program that includes rotations through various specialties including family medicine.
Programs Offered In School Of Medicine At Lund University:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BChir)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Health
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Education
- Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Science
5) Faculty of Medicine – Uppsala University, Sweden

Acceptance Rate: 75%
School Website: katalog.uu.se
Founded in 1477, Uppsala University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Scandinavia. The university has 39 schools, 17 research institutes and Cerca 200 units employing 4,500 people. It is ranked 100th in the world by QS World Rankings 2019 and 35th in Europe.
It offers a broad range of disciplines including medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, public health sciences, law and humanities.
Programs Offered In Faculty of Medicine – Uppsala University, Sweden:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BChir)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Science
- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Health
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Education
Specialized Courses:
- Medicine
- Biomedicine
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Medical technology
- Dentistry
- Public health sciences
6) Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Netherlands

Acceptance Rate: 48%
School Website: eur.nl
Erasmus MC is a leading academic medical center located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The center is affiliated with Erasmus University Rotterdam and is one of the largest and most renowned medical institutions in Europe.
With two study programs, a three-year M.D. course and a four-year Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery program, Erasmus MC Rotterdam may be just what you’re looking for!
The courses are taught by world-renowned professors from all over the world, making it an excellent choice for you. If you are interested in studying at this university, be sure to submit your application before January 15th to receive special rates on the price of tuition.
Programs Offered In Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Netherlands:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BChir)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science (MSc) in Medical Science
- Master of Science (MSc) in Global Health
- Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Education
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Science
Continuing Education Programs:
- Short courses in medical and healthcare-related topics
- Workshops and training programs for healthcare professionals
- Continuing medical education (CME) programs for physicians and other healthcare providers
7) Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
School Website: ki.se
Karolinska Institute is a university located in Stockholm, Sweden and has produced some of the top medical doctors in the world. It is recognized as one of the best medical schools in Europe.
Admission to any programs at the Karolinska Institute is competitive and selective as you can say from the data above it has an acceptance rate of between 3.0% to 3.9%.
Prospective students must have strong academic records, including high scores in relevant subjects like biology and chemistry, and must demonstrate a passion for medicine and healthcare.
There are two entry points to choose from
- Starting with an undergraduate degree and
- Starting with a Masters’s Degree.
Applicants should have a research interest or pursue clinical studies because there are no other majors offered at this school (medicine).
Majors Offered In Karolinska Institute, Sweden:
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Medical Ethics
- Clinical Skills and Communication
- Evidence-Based Medicine
- Health Systems and Policy
8) Linköping University, Sweden

Acceptance Rate: 45%
School Website: liu.se
Linköping University is one of the most affordable medical schools in Europe. Founded in 1969 as a New Town College, it offers training for future medical professionals with programs and courses from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral degrees, including Medicine and Dental Medicine.
The university is also located in a vibrant and beautiful city, surrounded by nature and offering a rich cultural heritage and many opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
Majors Offered In Linköping University, Sweden:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nursing
- Medical Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Health Informatics
9) University of Helsinki, Finland

Acceptance Rate: 17%
School Website: helsinki.fi
The University of Helsinki was founded in 1640 and is the oldest and largest institution for higher education in Finland. It has 14 faculties, a library system with more than 6 million volumes, and offers more than 180-degree programmes.
One of the most popular and cheapest degrees offered is dentistry which costs €25,000 over four years while Pharmacy is €32,000 over five years.
Majors Offered In University of Helsinki, Finland:
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Health Sciences
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Health
10) Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands

Acceptance Rate: 63%
School Website: universiteitleiden.nl
Leiden University is the largest medical centre in the Netherlands with a current enrollment of more than 5,000 students. The medical centre is divided into two institutes:
Health Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. Both offer a four-year Dutch course that awards an MBBS degree at graduation.
There are also six joint degrees offered in conjunction with universities from abroad including University College Cork in Ireland, Wageningen University & Research Centre in the Netherlands, and the Technical University of Denmark. Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg, Germany.
Majors Offered In Leiden University Medical Center, Netherlands:
- Medicine
- Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health
- Health Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Dental Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
10 Best Medical Schools In Europe
- The University of Oxford
- The University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- UCL (University College London)
- Kings College London
- The University of Edinburgh
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Glasgow
- Karolinska Institute, Sweden
- The University Of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
If you’re looking to study medicine in Europe, here are the 10 best medical schools to choose from. You can read about each school’s specialties, admissions requirements, and most popular study tracks. No matter what part of Europe you want to study in, we have you covered.
1) The University of Oxford Medical College

Acceptance Rate: 25.7%
School Website: ox.ac.uk
The University of Oxford is a world-leading university and research institution, where you can study courses like Philosophy, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), Classics, History, Biochemistry, Dental Medicine and more.
The university is ranked the third best university in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Majors Offered In The University of Oxford Medical College:
- Medicine (BM BCh)
- Medical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine
- Intercalated BSc in Medical Sciences
2) The University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine

Acceptance Rate: 21%
School Website: medschl.cam.ac.uk
The University of Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world which is also one of the affordable and best medical school in Europe, and all its programs are ranked within the top 10.
The roots of the school can be traced back to the establishment of the Cambridge School of Medicine in 1824, which was the first medical school in England to provide a systematic course of study for students who wished to become physicians.
The School of Clinical Medicine has been dedicated to advancing the field of medicine and improving the health and well-being of people around the world
Majors Offered In The University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine:
- MBBChir (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- Clinical Medicine MPhil
- MSc in Clinical Medicine
- PhD in Clinical Medicine
3) Imperial College London

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Acceptance Rate: 21%
School Website: medschl.cam.ac.uk
The College was established in 1997 and has since become one of the top medical schools in the world, consistently ranked among the top 10 in international rankings which has enabled them to attract top scientists.
College of Medicine at Imperial College London provides a unique and highly regarded learning environment for aspiring medical professionals, and is a great choice for those looking to build a successful career in medicine.
Majors Offered In college of Medicine at Imperial College London:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences
- MSc in Medical Sciences
- MSc in Clinical Trials and Methodology
- PhD in Medicine
4) UCL Medical School

Acceptance Rate: 10%
School Website: ucl.ac.uk
UCL was established in 1834 and is one of the largest universities in the United States with a student population exceeding 40,000.
UCL is one of the leading medical schools in the UK. it has a long history of producing excellent medical professionals and advancing medical knowledge through research and innovation.
Majors Offered In UCL Medical School:
- MBBS Medicine
- MBPhD Graduate-entry Medicine
- BSc Medical Sciences
- BSc Biomedical Sciences
- Graduate-entry Medicine for International Students
- Intercalated BSc/BMedSci in Medical Sciences
- Intercalated BSc/BMedSci in Biomedical Sciences
- PhD in Medical Sciences
5) School Of Medical Education, King’s College London

Acceptance Rate: 13%
School Website: kcl.ac.uk
The School of Medical Education at King’s College London has a long and rich history dating back to the 18th century. It was established in 1785 and has since been at the forefront of medical education and research in the United Kingdom
Ranked as one of the top medical schools in the world, Kings College London has been ranked by QS World University Rankings as 1st globally for social sciences in 2012.
Majors Offered In School Of Medical Education, King’s College London:
Undergraduate:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- BSc in Medical Sciences with intercalated year
Postgraduate:
- MSc in Clinical Education
- MSc in Global Health and Social Justice
- MSc in Health Services Research
- MSc in Medical Education
- MSc in Patient Safety and Quality in Healthcare
- MSc in Translational Medicine
- PGDip in Clinical Education
6) The University Of Edinburgh Medical School

Acceptance Rate: 2.5%
School Website: ed.ac.uk
The University of Edinburgh Medical School is one of the oldest medical schools in the UK, having been founded in 1726. It has been ranked as one of the top universities in the UK and offers three different undergraduate degrees.
The university has six medical schools across its campuses, making it one of the largest medical training institutions in the world. The program consists of pre-clinical studies (a four-year course) followed by clinical rotations (a two-year course).
Majors Offered In The University Of Edinburgh Medical School:
Undergraduate:
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BSc in Medical Science
- BSc in Medical Science with Intercalated Year
- BSc in Global Health and Infectious Diseases
Postgraduate:
- MSc in Medical Education
- MSc in Global Health
- MSc in Infection and Immunity
- MSc in Medical Science
- MSc in Public Health
7) School Of Medical Sciences, University Of Manchester

Acceptance Rate: 59.3%
School Website: manchester.ac.uk
The University of Manchester’s School of Medical Sciences has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was established in 1874 as the Faculty of Medicine, and since then it has played a major role in the development of medical education and research in the United Kingdom.
Throughout its history, the school has produced numerous influential graduates and made significant contributions to the fields of medicine, biology, and health sciences.
Majors Offered In School Of Medical Sciences, University Of Manchester
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography
- Anesthesia
- Biomedical Science
- Medical Physics and Bioengineering
8) The University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing

Acceptance Rate: 74%
School Website: gla.ac.uk
The University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing was established in 1751. It was one of the first medical schools in Scotland and has been at the forefront of medical education and research for over two and a half centuries.
In recent days the school continues to be a major center of medical education and research, offering a wide range of programs and training opportunities for students and researchers in the field of medicine
Majors Offered In The University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Master of Science in Clinical Dentistry
- Master of Science in Orthodontics
- Master of Science in Surgical Sciences
- PhD programs in various medical and dental disciplines
9) Karolinska Institute, Sweden

Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
School Website: ki.se
The Karolinska Institute is a medical university located in Stockholm, Sweden. It is one of the largest and most prestigious medical universities in Europe and is known for its strong research programs in medicine, medical technology, and medical science. The school was established in 1811 and became affiliated with Stockholm’s Caroline Institute in 1969.
Majors Offered In Karolinska Institute, Sweden:
- Biomedicine
- Biomedicine – Global Health
- Biomedicine and Drug Development
- Biomedicine and Neuroscience
- Clinical Science
- Global Health
- Medical Science
- Neuroscience
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
10) The School Of Medicine Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repositoryAcceptance Rate: 33.5%
School Website: tcd.ie
The School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin was established in 1711. It was established as the “College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin” and was Ireland’s first university.
The School has maintained a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and patient care. It has produced numerous notable alumni, including several Nobel laureates, and has made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and medical research.
Majors Offered In The School Of Medicine Trinity College Dublin:
Undergraduate:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BCh BAO)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Radiography and Medical Imaging
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Measurement Science
Postgraduate:
- Master of Science in Clinical Research
- Master of Science in Clinical Trials and Data Management
- Master of Science in Healthcare Management
- Master of Science in Medical Education
- Master of Science in Public Health
Note: Please be duely informed that the quoted acceptance rate and majors offered by each of the institutions is subject to change. You are best advised to visit the school website and source for more informations.
Conclusion
I hope this article which I have listed affordable and best medical schools In Europe is helpful to you. If you have any questions about the school or the medical field, please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this blog post, make sure to share it with your friends.
FAQs
Which European country has the best medical schools?
- Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- University of Copenhagen, Denmark – 40-50% acceptance rate.
- LMU Munich, Germany.
- Sorbonne University, France.
- KU Leuven, Belgium.
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
- University of Zurich, Switzerland
Which is the cheapest country in Europe to study medicine?
- Poland.
- Sweden.
- Germany.
- Italy.
- Belgium.
- Hungary.
How can I study medicine in Europe for free?
Some medicals schools in Europe offer scholarships that allows students to study for free. below are list of free medical schools in Europe.
- Karolinska Institute.
- Heidelberg University.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- University of Copenhagen.
- Lund University.
- University of Helsinki.
- University of Oslo.
- Aarhus University.
References:
Masterportal.com