Study Medicine In Top Universities - Factors To Be Considered

What is the Cost of Studying Medicine Abroad?

Studying medicine could be an expensive matter. It's very important to know the total cost of tuition fee and living expenses and other related expenses. Approximate cost of studying medicine in different countries are listed below

Accreditation of Medical Colleges / University?

Before joining a university for a medical degree, it's important to ensure that the University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (https://www.wdoms.org/). The World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) & the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), a member of Intealth, have compiled the list of medical schools around the world. The directory contains comprehensive information of accredited medical schools around the world. 

What are the Entry Requirements & Acceptance Rate?

Is important to know the entry requirements for the medical school or the country you want to study in. At times the process of application and entrance exam preparation may start 2 years before the start of studies. The UK requires students to complete the UCAT / BMAT exam which needs to be done approximately a year before the actual studies start. Planning becomes a lot more crucial for the parents and students. Universities in Europe have separate entrance tests and if you are applying to multiple universities then you may have to take multiple entrance tests and interviews. India has a common entrance tests requirement NEET where passing percentage is around 30% however the number of seats in medical colleges are very less and only 15 to 20% of students who pass the exam manage to get a seat. 

 It's important to know the application deadline, acceptance rate, and number of international seats by universities. 

What are the Medical Licensing Requirements? 

Generally domestic medical graduates do not have to take any exam to get the license in the country they completed their medical degree. There is normally a simple application process to register with the national medical regulatory authority. However in some countries  in Europe, students have to take a certain exam to prove the local language proficiency or the medical licensing exam is in the local language which becomes very challenging for foreign graduates. 

International Medical Graduates (IMG) are those students who have completed medicine studies in a country but want to take a license in another country. IMGs will have to sit in the licensing exams for the country they want to practice medicine.  UK requires IMGs to pass UKMLA 1 and 2 (effective 2024) US requires IMGs to pass USMLE 1 and 2, India requires IMG to pass screening tests conducted by relevant authorities. It's important to note that the whole process of getting a license by IMG in another country may take a minimum of 1 to 2 years. 

How to Progress to Medicine PG/ Specialisation?

Each country has its own rules and regulations for progression for specialization. 

UK requires graduates to complete two years of foundation program and take MSRA (Multi Specialty Recruitment Assessment) or other exams as may be applicable for different specializations, before they get accepted for specialization. 

India has NEET PG or AIIMS or JPMER or PGIMER exam to be completed before being accepted for specialization. 

The US has a residency matching process where students have to register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) which matches residents and hospital matching programs. In some cases students have to apply through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Services) which is administered for IMGs by ECFMG in the USA.  

What's the Duration of  Medicine PG/ Specialisation & Costs?

Duration of completing the specialization can range from 3 years to 9 years depending on the branch of medicine the student wants to specialize in and the country.  

In certain countries like India students may have to pay to complete post graduation degree  (specialization) whereas in the US and UK students get paid salaries while working as a doctor and completing specialization side by side. 

Conclusion?

Choosing a medicine career is certainly a very long term commitment. There is no returning back once you are in. Its very important to understand the entire process not just for the admission to initial medical school but also the cost, duration, licensing, various exams needed to pass for specialization, earning potential in different countries and last but not the least how to practice in the country other than where degree is obtained.