Becoming a medical practitioner is maybe the most popular career goal that many have, way before even reaching high school. Future doctors nurture their passion for helping others and start studying Medicine before applying to a medical school.

Medicine is also a versatile field that can be studied anywhere in the world, so you have a variety of choices at your disposal. This is why it may sound easy to choose a medical school abroad. However, since it’s a decision that might change your life, it needs to be well planned in advance.

If you narrow your research for medical schools to Europe, you have plenty of options which include different teaching styles, cultures, and, sometimes, even entry requirements. Now you just have to look closer at your options and find the right country.

In order to make this process easier for you, we’ve compiled rankings of medical schools in Europe, developed by the leading websites in the field of excellence in higher education:

• World University Rankings from Times Higher Education
• QS Rankings by Subject: Medicine from TopUniversities

We’ve also included the average acceptance rates (where available) to give you an idea about the level of competition during the university application process. we have also added information concerning Best 10 medical schools in the rest of Europe – Times Higher Education Rankings 2021, Best medical schools in the UK in 2021, Best medical schools in the rest of Europe – QS Subject Rankings 2021, Why study Medicine in Europe vs. the USA?

Best medical schools in the UK in 2021

Medical schools in the UK are at the top of university rankings in Europe, so we’ve decided it’s best to create a list of their own. Keep in mind that while they are considered the best, the study and living costs at these universities are likely higher than at other top universities in Europe. But in case you prefer not to live in the UK, we have also compiled a list for other places in Europe.

Here are the best medical schools in the UK, according to QS Rankings 2021 by Subject Medicine:

• University of Oxford – 17.5% acceptance rate
• University of Cambridge – 21% acceptance rate
• University College London – 63% acceptance rate
• Imperial College London – 14.3% acceptance rate
• King’s College London – 13-15% acceptance rate
• The University of Edinburgh – 10% acceptance rate
• London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• The University of Manchester – 56.1% acceptance rate
• University of Glasgow – 70% acceptance rate
• Queen Mary University of London – 43.6% acceptance rate

In addition to the UK medical schools mentioned above, Times Higher Education 2021 also features the following 3 universities in the top 10:

• University of Sheffield – 85% acceptance rate
• University of Liverpool – 72% acceptance rate
• University of Bristol – 67.3% acceptance rate

Best 10 medical schools in the rest of Europe – Times Higher Education Rankings 2021

Here is a list of the best 10 medical schools in the rest of Europe.

1. Karolinska Institute, Sweden 

• 3.9% acceptance rate

Located in Solna, right next to Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, Karolinska Institute is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. With an affiliated teaching and research hospital, Karolinska is a place where a lot of focus isn’t just on the theoretical side, but on innovation and on practice, as well.

2. Heidelberg University, Germany

• 73% acceptance rate

Heidelberg University has a rich history in Germany and Europe. As the oldest university in the country, and the third ever university established by the Roman Empire, the university is home to a lot of international students, coming from over 130 countries.

3. ETH Zurich, Switzerland 

• 27% acceptance rate

ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology was founded over 150 years ago and has established itself as one of the most important institutions in STEM research. As one of the most important and highly-ranked universities in the world, not just in Europe, a degree at ETH is definitively something that will make your CV stand out.

4. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany

• 4% acceptance rate

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin stands out among other German universities thanks to its research efforts. Over 3,700 researchers are working on new medical innovations and devices. You can be one of them!

5. LMU Munich, Germany 

• 10% acceptance rate

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich has a centuries-old tradition and is one of the most internationally renowned universities in Germany. Research Services support researchers during all phases of research from consultation on third-party funding to the administrative, and legal aspects of projects.

6. KU Leuven – University of Leuven, Belgium

The Faculty of Medicine is involved in international projects and networks and is part of the Biomedical Sciences Group. Also collaborating with a hospital, the school usually has a consistent group of international students. Research is also a main focus of the specialists from KU Leuven and there are plenty of studies on science, technology and health.

6. Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands

• 39.1% acceptance rate

The Erasmus University Rotterdam is often present in the global university rankings created by Times Higher Education, TopUniversities, US News, and other organisations. This is excellent proof of the university’s quality, assets, and its research efforts & facilities.

7. Sorbonne University, France

• 100% acceptance rate (accepts everyone who meets the minimum requirements)

Sorbonne University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in France and in Europe. It is known for its multidisciplinary focus and promoting diversity, creativity and innovation. A lot of the world’s high-level research in science and technology, medicine and human sciences takes place at this university.

8. University of Paris, France

University of Paris spans about twenty campuses and research sites and offers students innovative courses, with ambitious goals and a diverse study offer. The aim of the university is to challenge student development and enact societal change.

9. Maastricht University, Netherlands

Maastricht University teaches using the method of problem-based learning, gathering students from all over the world in interactive classes and building a scientifically-focused mindsets. The university conducts meaningful research on modern-day hot topics, including new methods to create plastic from organic materials, global warming, migration, and more. 

10. University of Zurich, Switzerland

The University of Zurich is the largest university in Switzerland, preparing students for successful careers through implementing new techniques, models and methods based on real-life examples. The university keeps in touch with international education trends, making sure their classes are at the forefront of academic excellence.  

Best medical schools in the rest of Europe – QS Subject Rankings 2021

• Karolinska Institute, Sweden
• Heidelberg University, Germany
• University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
• 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

We also recommend checking out these medical schools in Europe:

• University of Dundee, the UK
• Utrecht University, the Netherlands
• University of Siena, Italy
• Wroclaw Medical University, Poland
• University of Szeged, Hungary

Why study Medicine in Europe vs. the USA?

We all know that there are differences in teaching between Europe and other areas on the globe. Here are some distinctions between Medicine studies in continental Europe and the USA:

• The study usually lasts a total of six years, while in the USA the academic period lasts four years.
• Including the training, the total period before you may begin your career in Europe lasts for 6.5 – 7 years, while in the USA you are considered trained after 10 years.
• Tuition fees are usually lower in Europe for graduate studies in Medicine. You can even study for free at numerous universities in countries like Germany, Finland, Norway, and others. Just make sure tuition fees apply to you. In some countries, free courses are only available for EU/EEA students. Other international students have to pay fees, although these are still lower that those in the US.
• Entry requirements in Europe usually don’t involve exams such as the MCAT, which usually requires 1 – 2 years of preparation.

By studying Medicine at European universities abroad, you will gain access to elite global research and higher education institutions preparing future doctors. With their cutting-edge research programmes, innovative curricula and teaching styles, medical schools in Europe are ideal destinations for students keen on becoming responsible and capable M.D.s or healthcare professionals.

100+ Best Medical Schools In Europe Taught In English

The largest database of English-taught medical schools in Europe. All institutions have been pre-screened and hand-picked by our team of expert student advisors.

Top Medical Universities In Europe That Teach In English

This list contains only higher medical education institutions that are recognised by Medical Councils worldwide, including the World Health Organisation and their World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). We are regularly updating this list as we inspect and find more high-quality medical schools for studying medicine abroad in Europe. All the medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary courses are taught in English, for English speaking international students. Navigate through each university to learn more about specialities, tuition fees, living costs, admission requirements, deadlines, curricula, and much more.

Bulgaria Medical Universities

In medical universities in Bulgaria, you can study general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary. Tuition fees are from €7000 to €8000 per year. Living costs in Bulgaria range between €400-€500 per month, everything inclusive.Sofia Medical UniversityPlovdiv Medical UniversityMedical University of PlevenTrakia Medical UniversityVarna Medical UniversityUniversity Of Sofia St Kliment OhridskiRomania Medical Universities

Medical universities in Romania offer general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary courses. Tuition fees are from €5000 to €7500 per year. Living costs in Romania range between €400-€600 per month, everything inclusive.Carol Davila University of Medicine of BucharestUniversity of Medicine & Pharmacy of CraiovaTitu Maiorescu University of BucharestVasile Goldiș Western University of AradOvidius University of ConstantaCluj Napoca Medical UniversityVictor Babeș University of Medicine of TimișoaraGrigore T. Popa University of Medicine of IasiOradea Medical UniversityBanat University Of Agricultural Sciences & Veterinary Medicine Of TimisoaraUkraine Medical Universities

Medical universities in Ukraine teach general medicine & dentistry. Tuition fees start from €3000 per year. Living costs in Ukraine are around €300 per month, everything inclusive.Dnipro Medical Institute (Traditional & Non-traditional Medicine)Kiev Medical UniversityBogomolets National Medical UniversityKarazin Kharkiv UniversityUzhhorod National UniversitySumy State UniversityPoland Medical Universities

Medical universities in Poland offer courses in general medicine & dentistry. Tuition fees range between €11000 – €13000 per year. Living costs in Poland are approximately €400 per month, everything inclusive.Medical University of BiałystokMedical University of SilesiaMedical University of WarsawPoznan University of Medical SciencesMedical University of LodzNicolaus Copernicus University – Collegium MedicumJagiellonian University Medical CollegeAndrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow UniversityMedical University of LublinUniversity of Rzeszów, Faculty of MedicineWrocław University of Environmental and Life SciencesWroclaw Medical UniversityUniversity Of Warmia And Mazury In OlsztynPomeranian Medical University in SzczecinThe Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine At The Warsaw University Of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW)Medical University Of GdańskJan Kochanowski University School Of Medicine In KielceHungary Medical Universities

Medical universities in Hungary offer English courses in general medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. Tuition fees are from €14000 – €17000 per year. Living costs in Hungary are approximately €700 per month, everything inclusive.Semmelweis Medical University of BudapestUniversity of Debrecen (Medical Faculty)Szeged UniversityUniversity Of PecsUniversity Of Veterinary Medicine, BudapestCyprus Medical Universities

Cyprus medical universities teach general medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary. Tuition fees start from €10000 per year. Living costs in Cyprus are approximately €500 per month, everything inclusive.Near East Medical UniversityEuropean University CyprusUniversity of NicosiaSlovakia Medical Universities

Medical universities in Slovakia teach general medicine & dentistry. Tuition fees start from €11000 per year. Living costs in Slovakia are around €500 per month, everything inclusive.Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in KosiceComenius University In BratislavaUniversity Of Veterinary Medicine And Pharmacy In KosiceSlovak Medical UniversityCzech Republic Medical Universities

Charles University teaches general medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in English. Tuition fees are between €11000 – €13000 per year. Living costs in Prague are approximately €1000 per month, everything inclusive.Charles University PragueCharles University Faculty Of Medicine In Hradec KrálovéCharles University Faculty Of Pharmacy In Hradec KrálovéCharles University Faculty Of Medicine In PilsenCharles University First Faculty Of MedicineCharles University Second Faculty Of MedicineCharles University Third Faculty Of MedicineUniversity Of OstravaMasaryk UniversityPalacky University In OlomoucItaly Medical Universities

Medical universities in Italy teach general medicine & dentistry Tuition fees range between €4000 – €20000 per year. Living costs in Italy are approximately €800 per month, everything inclusive.Humanitas Medical University of MilanInternational Medical School in MilanUniversity of SienaVita-Salute San Raffaele UniversityCatholic University Of The Sacred HeartUniversity Of MessinaSapienza University Of RomeCampus Bio-Medico University Of RomeUniversity Of Milano-Bicocca School Of Medicine And SurgeryUniversity Of Bari Aldo MoroSaint Camillus International University Of Health SciencesGermany Medical Universities

At UMCH, you can study general medicine in English for 2 years, then either continue your studies in German or move to Targu Mures and study in English until you graduate. The tuition fee is €25000 per year in Germany and €6000 per year in Romania.University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg – UMCHLithuania Medical Universities

Medical universities in Lithuania offer general medicine, dentistry,  pharmacy, and veterinary courses. Tuition fees start from €7000 per year. Living costs in Lithuania are between €300-€500 per month, everything inclusive.Lithuanian University of Health SciencesVilnius UniversityTurkey Medical Universities

Acibadem University in Istanbul, Turkey, teaches medicine and various other health-related sciences. Tuition fees for medicine are €17,500. Living costs in Turkey are between €500-€700 per month, everything inclusive.Acibadem UniversityLatvia Medical Universities

This medical university in Latvia teaches medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in English. Tuition fees are between €12000 – €15000 per year. Living costs in Latvia are approximately €700 per month, everything inclusive.Riga Stradins University (RSU)Georgia Medical Universities

Medical universities in Georgia teach general medicine in English. Tuition fees are between €4000 – €7000 per year. Living costs in Georgia are approximately €500 per month, everything inclusive.European University TbilisiKutaisi UniversityBelarus Medical Universities

Medical universities in Belarus teach General medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy courses in English. The tuition fees vary from €3000 – €4200 per year. They also offer pre-medical courses. Living expenses in Belarusian cities are around €600 per month.Vitebsk State Medical UniversityGrodno State Medical UniversityBelarusian State Medical UniversitySerbia Medical Universities

Medical universities in Serbia teach General medicine and Dentistry courses in English. The tuition fees go from €5500 – €7000 per year. They also offer pre-medical courses. Living expenses in Serbian cities are around €600 per month.University Of BelgradeUniversity Of NisUniversity Of Novi SadEstonia Medical Universities

In Estonian medical schools, you can study general or Veterinary medicine in English. The tuition fees go from €9000 – €12000 per year. The living costs are around €1000 monthly.University Of TartuEstonian University Of Life SciencesMoldova Medical Universities

There is one medical school in Moldova that offers English-taught courses. Here, you can study Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy for the annual tuition fee of €4,850. Living expenses in Moldova are between €500 and €700 per month.State University Of Medicine And Pharmacy Nicolae TestemitanuCroatia Medical Universities

In Croatia, you can study medicine, dentistry, veterinary, or pharmacy in English. The tuition fees vary between €9000 – €12000.  Also, here you will need only between €800-€1000. University Of ZagrebUniversity Of SplitUniversity Of RijekaArmenia Medical Universities

There are 4 medical schools in Armenia that offer English courses in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. The tuition fees vary from €2,600 to €3,900 per year. On average, the living costs here are around €650 per month.Saint Tereza Medical UniversityUniversity Of Traditional Medicine ArmeniaYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevan Haybusak UniversityBosnia & Herzegovina Medical Universities

In Bosnia & Herzegovina there are 2 world renowned Medical Universities to choose from. You can study Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy as a graduate or an undergraduate. Tuition fees range from €10.000 to €12.000 per year according to the course you choose. €650 is enough to cover your monthly living expenses.University Of MostarSarajevo School Of Science And TechnologyMost students struggle to get accepted into medical university. We are doctors who help you secure entry into top accredited European universities, so you can study medicine, then successfully return back home to work as a doctor.