Life as a Medical Student in Europe: What to Expect Beyond the Classroom

Studying medicine in Europe is a dream for many international students due to its affordable tuition, world-class education, and globally recognized degrees. However, getting into medical school in Europe isn’t easy—some countries have extremely competitive admission processes, while others offer more accessible entry routes for foreign students.

Whether you’re looking for the easiest country to get into medical school in Europe or trying to navigate the most challenging admissions systems, this guide will break it all down.

We’ll cover:

• Which European countries have the toughest medical school entry requirements.
• Where international students have the best chances of admission.
• What makes some countries easier or harder for medical school acceptance.
• The pros and cons of choosing an easier vs. harder country for medical studies.

If you’re considering applying to a European medical school, this guide will help you choose the best country for your goals.

1. What Determines Whether a Country is Easy or Hard to Get Into?
Medical school difficulty varies depending on several factors:

1.1 Admission Requirements

• Some countries require high entrance exam scores, interviews, and previous coursework in science.
• Others accept students based only on high school grades.

1.2 Number of Available Seats vs. Number of Applicants

• Some European countries have limited spots and a high number of local applicants, making it much harder for international students to get in.
• Other countries have more available seats in English-language programs specifically designed for foreign students.

1.3 Tuition Costs and Government Funding

• Countries with free or very low-cost medical schools (like Germany and Sweden) attract more applicants, making competition intense.
• Private universities in places like Poland or Hungary are easier to get into but have higher tuition fees.

1.4 Language Barriers

• Some countries only offer medical degrees in their native language (e.g., Germany, France, and Spain), requiring students to pass a language proficiency test.
• Others offer English-taught medical programs, making them more accessible for international students.

Now, let’s explore which countries in Europe are the hardest and easiest to get into for medical school.

2. Hardest European Countries to Get Into Medical School
Some European countries have extremely competitive admission processes, making it very challenging for international students to secure a seat.

2.1 Germany
Why it’s difficult:

• Medical schools in Germany are tuition-free, making them highly competitive.
• Admission is based on Abitur scores (the German equivalent of A-levels or IB), and international students must have exceptional high school grades.
• Limited spots are available for non-EU students, making it extremely tough to get accepted.

Who should apply?

• If you have outstanding grades, fluency in German (C1 level), and don’t mind a very selective application process.

2.2 Sweden, Denmark, and Norway
Why they’re difficult:

• These countries offer free or low-cost medical education, leading to high competition.
• Medical programs are taught in the local languages (Swedish, Danish, or Norwegian), meaning international students must prove language proficiency.
• Limited seats are available, with preference given to EU/EEA students over non-EU applicants.

Who should apply?

• Students who speak the local language and have strong academic backgrounds.

2.3 France
Why it’s difficult:

• Medical school in France follows a two-stage process—students must pass the first-year competitive exam (PACES) to continue studying medicine.
• Most programs are in French, requiring language proficiency (B2-C1).
• Acceptance rates are low, with many students failing the PACES exam and being forced to leave the program.

Who should apply?

• Fluent French speakers with a strong science background who can handle the high failure rate of PACES.

2.4 The Netherlands
Why it’s difficult:

• Most medical programs are only available in Dutch, limiting access for international students.
• The few English-language medical programs have very limited seats and accept only a small number of foreign students.
• High competition, even among Dutch students, due to the numerus fixus system (a quota that limits how many students can enroll each year).

Who should apply?

• Dutch-speaking students or those with exceptional academic records.

2.5 The UK (United Kingdom)
Why it’s difficult:

• The UK’s medical schools are extremely selective, especially for international students.
• Applicants must take the UCAT or BMAT entrance exams, which require strong scores.
• High tuition fees for non-UK students make it financially challenging.

Who should apply?

• Students with excellent grades, high UCAT/BMAT scores, and strong personal statements.

3. Easiest European Countries to Get Into Medical School
Some European countries offer more accessible medical school admissions, especially for international students looking for English-taught programs.

3.1 Poland
Why it’s easier:

• Many English-language medical programs available.
• Admission is based on high school grades and a basic entrance exam (biology and chemistry).
• No need for MCAT, UCAT, or complex interviews.

Downside:

• Tuition fees are higher than public universities in Western Europe (around €10,000–€15,000 per year).

3.2 Hungary
Why it’s easier:

• Several English-taught medical schools, such as Semmelweis University.
• Admission is based on a relatively easy entrance exam and high school grades.
• Less competition compared to Western Europe.

Downside:

• Tuition costs are high (€15,000+ per year).

3.3 Romania & Bulgaria
Why they’re easier:

• No entrance exams for many universities—admission is based on high school grades.
• Several English-taught medical programs available.
• Lower tuition fees (around €6,000–€8,000 per year).

Downside:

• Some universities have less international prestige than Western European institutions.

3.4 Italy (Private Universities & English-Taught Programs)
Why it’s easier:

• Public universities require the IMAT exam (which is still easier than UCAT/MCAT).
• Private universities (e.g., Humanitas, Cattolica) have less strict entry requirements.

Downside:

• Public universities are harder to get into due to IMAT competition.
• Private medical schools in Italy are expensive (€10,000+ per year).

4. Final Thoughts: Which Country Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for easier entry into medical school, consider:

• Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, or private universities in Italy.

If you’re willing to face tougher competition, you can aim for:

• Germany, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, or the UK.

Each country has its own pros and cons—the key is choosing one that matches your academic qualifications, language skills, and career goals.