Medicine courses for international students
Medicine abroad is the hardest application we handle and the one where honest advice matters most. Places are scarce, fees are high, and the route to practising depends on licensing exams in the country where you want to work. We only recommend schools listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
What a medicine degree involves
Undergraduate medicine (MBBS, MBChB or MD) takes five to six years and combines pre-clinical science with clinical placements. Graduate-entry programmes take four years after a science bachelor's. Postgraduate options include public health, biomedical science and clinical specialisms that do not lead to a licence to practise.
Why study medicine abroad
- A respected, globally mobile profession
- English-taught programmes in Europe and the Caribbean at lower cost than home
- Clear licensing routes into the UK, US, Canada and India
- Strong clinical training in university hospitals
- Related degrees (biomedical, public health, nursing) offer alternatives
Best countries for medicine
| Country | Why | Typical annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Very competitive; UCAT required; international places capped | £38,000 to £55,000 |
| Ireland | Direct and graduate entry; HPAT for some; strong reputation | €45,000 to €60,000 |
| Hungary | English-track medicine at Semmelweis, Debrecen, Pécs, Szeged | €14,000 to €18,000 |
| Poland | English-track medicine at Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk | €11,000 to €15,000 |
| Grenada | St. George's University with US, UK and Canadian pathways | US$30,000 to US$40,000 a term (clinical) |
| Italy | English-taught medicine via the IMAT exam at public fees | €1,000 to €4,000 |
Universities to consider
Entry requirements
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Top grades in biology and chemistry (typically 85 percent or higher), UCAT or IMAT/HPAT depending on country, IELTS 7.0 to 7.5, interview. |
| Graduate entry | A science bachelor's at 2:1 or higher plus the relevant admissions test. |
| Postgraduate (non-clinical) | A related bachelor's degree at 2:2 or above; no admissions test. |
Careers
UK foundation doctors start at about £36,000 to £42,000, rising steeply through training.
Scholarships and funding
Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.
Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Shortlist in one working day
Tell us your grades and budget. We send three medicine courses you can get into.
Get my shortlistMedicine courses by country
United Kingdom
Study medicine in the UK
Ireland
Study medicine in Ireland
Hungary
Study medicine in Hungary
Poland
Study medicine in Poland
Grenada
Study medicine in Grenada
Italy
Study medicine in Italy
Medicine: what students ask
Can I practise in India after an MBBS abroad?
Yes, after passing the FMGE (or the NExT when introduced) and completing an internship, and provided the school meets NMC requirements including course length and clinical training.
Which is the cheapest country to study medicine in English?
Italy through the IMAT exam at public universities, then Poland and Hungary. All are recognised across the EU.
Is medicine in the UK open to international students?
Yes, but places are capped at around 7.5 percent per school and competition is intense. Strong UCAT and interview performance are essential.
What if I do not get into medicine?
Biomedical science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, nursing and public health are strong alternatives, some with graduate-entry medicine routes later.
How do I check a medical school is recognised?
It must be in the World Directory of Medical Schools and, for India, meet NMC criteria. We check before you apply.
Ready to study medicine?
A counsellor matches your grades and budget to the right courses and countries. Free.