The valuable information given in the article below on u.s. accredited medical schools abroad, u.s. accredited medical schools in europe & accredited international medical schools is highly important and quite useful. All you have to do is read on to know more.
You will also find related posts on international medical schools recognized in canada, list of international medical schools & european medical schools for canadian students on collegelearners.
There are very good medical schools in other countries and, in some instances, it may be easier to gain admission to foreign medical schools than to U.S. medical schools. You should be extremely cautious with schools that have less than a proven record of success. Some students who are driven to enter any medical school right out of college should recall that it is advisable to consider working to address weaknesses in the application for as long as two years before applying to a U.S. school. For those students with a strong interest in primary care, the preferred option is osteopathic medicine, particularly if you plan to practice in the U.S. Find out as much information as possible if you are considering a foreign medical school.
If you decide to go to a medical school abroad, you will still have to take the USMLE Step exams in order to return to the U.S. and practice here. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical School Graduates explains this in more depth. In graduating from a medical school abroad, you will be considered an IMG (international medical graduate).
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 for 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.
Find Medicine Masters in Europe
If you narrow your research for medical schools to Europe, you have plenty of options which include different teaching styles, cultures and, sometimes, entry requirements. Now you just have to look closer to your option and find the right destination 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 2020 from Times Higher Education and QS Rankings by Subject 2020: Medicine from TopUniversities.
Best medical schools in the UK in 2020
Medical schools in the UK are at the top of university rankings in Europe, so we thought it 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 is likely higher than other top universities in Europe.
Here are the best medical schools in the UK, according to QS Rankings 2020 by Subject Medicine:
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
University College London
Imperial College London
The University of Edinburgh
King’s College London
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
The University of Manchester
Newcastle University
Queen Mary University of London
In addition to the UK medical schools mentioned above, Times Higher Education 2020 also features the following 3 universities in the top 10:
University of Glasgow
University of Liverpool
University of Bristol
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Best 10 medical schools in the rest of Europe – Times Higher Education Rankings 2021
- Karolinska Institute, Sweden
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. - Heidelberg University, Germany
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. - ETH Zurich, Switzerland
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. - Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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! - LMU Munich, Germany
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. - 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. - Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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. - Sorbonne University, France
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. - 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. - 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 scientificlly-focused mindsets. The university condusct meaningful research on modern-day hot topics, including new methods to create plastic from organic materials, global warming, migration, and more. - 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.
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Best medical schools in the rest of Europe – QS Subject Rankings 2020
Karolinska Institute, Sweden
University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Heidelberg University, Germany
Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
LMU Munich, Germany
KU Leuven, Belgium
Aarhus University, Denmark
Leiden University, the Netherlands
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 much 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.
List of Reputable International Medical Schools
If you are planning to attend an international medical school, you want to make sure you make the right choice. There are few international medical schools that have connections to the U.S. and have strong reputations of producing good U.S. doctors. Some schools require you to take additional tests (similar to the MCAT) as a requirement. Nevertheless here is the list you should consider. This list is not in any particular order.
The Caribbean
- St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Ross University School of Medicine
- Saba University School of Medicine
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
MCAT is required.
Israel
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev
- Tel – Aviv Univeristy – Sackler Faculty of Medicine
These programs have special connections with the U.S. hospitals.
MCAT is required.
Ireland
There are six Irish medical schools that admit North American students as part of the Atlantic Bridge Program.
MCAT is required for these four schools:
University College Cork
University College Dublin
University of Limerick
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Australia
- The University of Queensland Ochsner Medical Program
MCAT is required.
More Competitive International Schools:
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK has 32 medical schools but their system is designed so that students start medical school right after high school. Nevertheless there are schools that offer graduate entry for students who already went to an undergraduate college. These schools are generally the best options for U.S. applicants.
UKCAT is required.
Canada
- McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine
Since LCME accredits U.S. and Canadian schools together, if you are a U.S. citizen and you graduate from one of these three Canadian schools, you do not enter residency match as a foreign student.
Top Schools to Study Medicine
Medical school is hard, but choosing the right school doesn’t have to be. If you are a top student looking for a top school, this list should give you a good idea of where to apply. Although many US medical schools do not accept international students for medicine, most of the best ones do.
Choosing the right school is almost as important as choosing the right major. Unfortunately, international students interested in studying at the best schools for medicine are at a distinct disadvantage. Many schools only accept local students, and the schools that are open to international students only accept a small percentage of those who apply. However, most of the top medical schools in the US do accept international students.
Choosing Your Focus
Before you begin narrowing down your school choices, you’ll need to decide whether you’re interested in research or primary care. While you can study to become a primary care doctor at pretty much any medical school, programs that emphasize primary care tend to include more patient contact, coursework in patient handling, and longer clinical rotations in general fields.
If you are more interested in a career in academic medicine or biomedical research, you should look for schools with strong research programs. Schools focused on primary care training will not offer you the same opportunities, facilities, mentors or funding.
Top US Medical Schools for Research
If you’re interested in a career in medical research, the top three medical schools in the US are:
Harvard is one of the top schools in the US no matter what the major is, so it should be of little surprise that Harvard Medical School comes in at number one on this list. More than being one of the best schools for medicine, Harvard accepts international students. Make sure you have the money though, as the school requires students to provide proof of their ability to pay. If you have the money and can get accepted, all that will be left is making it through the notoriously difficult, grueling workload. After that, your degree will be recognized anywhere in the world.
Stanford University School of Medicine accepts between 1 to 5 non-US students a year, and this number includes Canadian citizens. Much like the previously mentioned schools, you will have to set aside money to prove you can pay for your tuition and living expenses. However, unlike the other schools, Stanford does provide loans to international students if needed. Also unique about the school is its curriculum. Students choose an area they would like to focus on and are educated in that area specifically, along with the standard core classes.
One of the advantages of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, besides being one of the top schools to study medicine in the US, is that it considers all of its applicants on the same scale, regardless of whether they are international or local. In other words, rather than having a set number or percentage of international students that the school is allowed to accept, Johns Hopkins University only looks at whether or not a student is qualified and accepts or rejects the application on that basis alone. The catch is that there is no available financial assistance. Additionally, you will have to place to cover your entire tuition and living costs in an escrow before being allowed to attend. Besides studying in one of the best schools for medicine, you will also be able to gain firsthand experience in the famous Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the country.
Top US Medical Schools for Primary Care
For international students who want to pursue a career as a primary care physician, the top three medical schools in the US that accept international students are:
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Have you considered a Caribbean medical school? Explore one of the best.
The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is the second highest ranking primary care med school in the United States. UNC – Chapel Hill operates on the traditional four-year medical curriculum. Students at UNC have the opportunity to engage in summer electives, as well as the opportunity to study abroad. Students’ third year clerkship must be completed in the UNC Hospitals system or an affiliated hospital. UNC – Chapel Hill also offers more than 50 student organizations and a variety of community service groups. The School of Medicine operates more than 30 specialized centers and institutes, including the Center for AIDS Research and the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies.
Next on the list is the University of California – San Francisco. University of California—San Francisco School of Medicine students take two years of block courses before completing a year of clerkships and a year of clinicals. UCSF MD students have the option to add on a second degree through dual and joint programs. For example, in the M.D./M.S. program, students combine their medical studies with a focus on research in the sciences or humanities with a master’s degree in health and medical sciences from the University of California—Berkeley. Then, they move to UCSF to complete their M.D. UCSF also offers the Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved, a five-year program that prepares students who want to work in impoverished communities across the country.
The University of California – Los Angeles is ranked 6th in the US for primary care programs. The curriculum at UCLA is divided into three phases: Human Biology and Disease, Core Clinical Clerkship, and 4th Year Colleges. Students at UCLA can also earn a combined degree, such as a M.D./Ph.D. through the Medical Scientist Training Program, an M.D./M.B.A. with the UCLA Anderson School of Management, or an M.D.-Oral Surgery Residency. UCLA also offers a few joint degree programs, offered in conjunction with other institutions, including the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science/UCLA Medical Education Program, designed for students who want to work in disadvantaged rural and urban communities.
Remember that as an international student, you are not limited to just these schools. You will just have to do a little more research to determine which medical schools accept international students. The school of medicine at the University of Kansas, for example, only requires that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university accredited by a CHEA-approved accreditation body. If you would like to pursue a more specialized route like nutrition sciences or chiropractic, there are a variety of institutions like Logan University that allow you to specialize in the program of your interest.
If you are an international student interested in studying medicine in the US, don’t give up hope! There are plenty of options available to you.
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