Studying medicine or dentistry abroad is a fantastic way to get a quality education, explore different career options, live independently in a European country, etc. However, the decision to study medicine in Europe requires a great deal of thought. So, if you have decided to study abroad, here are some of the most important factors to consider before deciding on a country and university.

Factor #1 - Field of study 

• The first step toward pursuing medical studies abroad is to figure out the speciality you wish to specialise in. The most popular decision is medicine or dentistry. However, pharmacy and veterinary are also available options in most European medical schools. 

• Once you've decided on a speciality, the next step is to research the available programmes best suited to your academic and career goals. Most European universities offer medical programmes taught in English, so you don’t have to learn the local language to get a medical degree.

Factor #2 - University and country for your studies

• Explore your options to find the best medical universities across Europe that offer the programme you wish to pursue.
• Georgia, for example, is well-known for its medical programme, which is fully taught in English, and international students often choose it. 
• In Europe, you will find higher medical education institutions recognised by Medical Councils worldwide, including the World Health Organisation and their World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
• You can find a list of the best European medical schools on our website. 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, entry requirements, admission requirements and deadlines, curricula, and more.

Factor #3 - Tuition fees and cost of living

• When selecting a country for overseas higher education, the cost of education, including tuition fees and student living expenses, is essential. These can eat up a huge chunk of your budget.
• Tuition fees in most European countries, especially Eastern Europe, are significantly lower than in Western Europe or North America. For example, you can find a university in Georgia that charges € 4800 per year or one in Romania or Bulgaria that charges € 6000-€ 8000 per year. 
• Compared to the UK, for example, the cost of living in Europe is also lower, and your living expenses will hardly ever exceed €300 – €600 per month.

Factor #4 - New Lifestyle

This one is tricky, and you should approach it with caution. Your life will inevitably change. You’ll live in a different place and meet many new people.

• You must carefully decide which country best suits you to live, study, and work in. Learn about its lifestyle, culture, climate, spoken language, etc.
•  Also, you need to be prepared with the answers to questions like Does the country offer medicine programmes in English? What entrance exams do you need to take, and what are the minimum scores required? Is a language proficiency proof required? Would you need a visa? Which you can find on Medlink Students’ website.

BONUS Factor - Get ready to move to Europe

• Pack your things, and make sure you have all your necessities. Clothes, electronics, stationary, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and keep it simple. 
• You are going to study abroad. You will need a lot of paperwork and documentation. If you’re a non-EU student, you should also have a visa. Typically, most of this would be handled by your educational consultant agency, but double-check everything you need before leaving.
• If you have chosen a European university for your medical studies, get to know the place where you are going! Where is it located, are there any fun activities, what other nationalities are there, etc.? Take it as if you’re going on holiday. Mark out any places you wish to visit and enjoy the whole experience. 

Those are the 4 most factors to consider when moving to Europe to study medicine at a European university. Make sure you are prepared for everything that’s coming your way!