7 Affordable Medical Universities in Europe

Pursuing a degree in medicine can be expensive, but some affordable medical universities in Europe offer high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of medical schools in other parts of the world. Countries such as Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy, Romania, and Georgia offer low tuition for international students.

This article will explore some of the most affordable medical universities in Europe and their programmes. Whether you are a prospective medical student looking to save money on your education or want to learn more about affordable higher education options in Europe, this article has something for you.

The Most Affordable Medical Schools In Summary:

University	Tuition fee
Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA)	€6500
European University In Tbilisi	€5100
University Of East Sarajevo Faculty Of Medicine	€3100
Trakia University	€7500
University Of Medicine & Pharmacy Craiova	€6000
University Of Novi Sad	€7000
Vasile Goldis Western University	€6250

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA), Georgia

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) has been teaching and producing top-level doctors since 1992, which makes it one of the oldest medical schools in Georgia to have alumni of internationally registered doctors. The 6-year degree programme enables students to gain high-quality medical education and is taught in English.

Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA) is a student-centred institution that aims to train national and international healthcare specialists. The academy's primary goal is to enhance students' autonomous and critical thinking abilities, scientific reasoning abilities, and reasonable judgments to promote their development into highly competent specialists.

Read below what Abdul has said about his experience in TMA:

Here, you can also watch the full interview with Abdul, where he speaks about his experience with the students at TMA and how easy and cheap it was for him to navigate around the city of Tbilisi:

Tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for the 6-year MD programme is €6,500. 

Compared to Western European countries, the cost of living in Tbilisi, Georgia, is quite affordable. The monthly living expenses are typically around €700, including rent.

Recognition

Graduating from the Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy (TMA)  means a globally recognised diploma and the right to continue your studies or practise in the student’s preferred country.

European University In Tbilisi, Georgia

The Faculty of Medicine at European University in Tbilisi has taught students of medicine and dentistry in English since 2014. Because of this, its programmes constantly evolve and stay updated with current scientific advances. Besides medicine and dentistry, the university also offers courses in law, business, medicine, humanities, and social sciences with bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The European University in Georgia is committed to sustainable growth, founded on European values. Its mission is to:

• Promote the personal satisfaction and innovation of local students, international students, and academic staff through the development of critical thinking, creative and academic skills;
• Provide education of high quality;
• Provide active involvement and contribution to the formation of Georgia’s knowledge society and knowledge-based economy;
• Encourage scientific/research;
• Prepare doctors for local and foreign jobs markets;
• Ensure academic freedom for students and academic staff.

Currently, the university has Medicine and Dentistry programmes entirely taught in English.

Wondering what it's like to study at the European University in Tbilisi? Let Navneet, a tireless fifth-semester student, give you an insider's perspective on her academic journey and the exciting new facilities on campus.

Here, you can also watch the rest of the interview with Navneet as she discusses the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application in her dentistry studies. Learn how she manages her timetable with the support of attentive professors:

Tuition fees

The annual fee for the 6-year MD programme is €5,100, and the dentistry course is held for 5 years at €4,400 per year. As you can see, these tuition fees are incredibly affordable and welcoming for any international student.

These programmes are designed to prepare medical and dental students to meet modern standards, rely on the principles of evidence-based medicine, and use qualitative research. 

It will also help them develop ethical and communication skills to establish themselves as professionals in an ever-changing environment.

Recognition

Graduating from the European University in Tbilisi will open many doors. Its programmes are recognised worldwide. 

This medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and is recognised by the following organisations:

• General Medical Council in the UK
• the World Health Organisation (WHO)
• the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMAR). 
• Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) 
• Association for Medical Schools in Europe (AMSE)

University Of East Sarajevo Faculty Of Medicine, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine, established in 1993, is a public medical university located in Foca, Bosnia & Herzegovina. It has opened its doors to aspiring medical professionals from around the globe, offering state-of-the-art facilities for its students.

At UES, you can enroll in Medicine and Dentistry programmes entirely taught in English, designed to provide a well-balanced educational experience. The curriculum skillfully combines theoretical lectures with extensive practical training.

Throughout their education, students delve deeply into the study of:

• The human body and its function
• Mandatory clinical rotations
• Summer clerkships
• Internships

This rigorous approach makes the University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine a premier choice to study medicine in Europe in English.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the Medicine and Dentistry programs at the University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine in Foca are €3,100 per year. These comprehensive programs, entirely taught in English, span six years and offer 360 ECTS credits each.

While there are no preparatory courses for entrance exams offered by UES, the university emphasizes the importance of a strong background in Biology and Chemistry as part of the admission criteria.

The entrance exams are critical to the application process, influencing the ranking of candidates. Although the grades from your diploma are not directly factored into the entrance ranking, high academic performance in science subjects is essential for eligibility.

After clearing the written exams, applicants must also succeed in an oral interview, which assesses their English proficiency. This step, while seemingly straightforward, is crucial, as the competitive program admits a limited number of students annually.

Recognition

At the University of East Sarajevo Faculty of Medicine, the degree you earn is recognized globally, allowing you to continue your studies or commence your medical practice anywhere in the world. The university is accredited by the Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance and is the first public university in Bosnia and Herzegovina to receive such recognition.

Furthermore, it is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS UES) by the World Health Organization, affirming its adherence to international and European educational standards. This broad recognition ensures that graduates are well-prepared and qualified for the global healthcare environment.

Trakia University, Bulgaria

Trakia University, also known as Thrace University, is a small university in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Founded in 1982, it has functioned as an independent higher education facility since 1995. The faculty of medicine hosts about 600 local and international medical students and over 200 academic staff members in their respective departments.

At Trakia University Faculty of Medicine, you can enrol in a medical course in English. The curriculum is well-balanced between theoretical lectures and practical training. 

This medical school is an excellent choice to study medicine in Europe in English at a low cost.

Curious about the student experience at Trakia University? Rheya, a dedicated student, shares her journey through the academic challenges and unique learning environments that define her education:

In this interview, Rheya also highlights the benefits of learning in smaller class sizes, with just 10 students in her class and about 40 in the entire year. "This intimate setting minimizes distractions and maximizes our interaction with professors, making it easier to ask questions and engage deeply with the subject matter." Watch Rheya’s full interview here:

Tuition fees

At this time, the only courses taught in English are medicine and veterinary medicine. Trakia University’s duration of study in medicine is 6 years, and the tuition fee is € 7,500 per year.

Recognition

At Trakia University, Bulgaria, you earn a degree recognised in all European Union states, the European Economic Area, and of course, by the General Medical Council (GMC).

You will need to graduate successfully with at least 5,500 hours and last at least three years to be accepted to the GMC’s requirements.

University Of Medicine & Pharmacy Craiova

The faculty of medicine at the Medical University of Craiova was established in 1970.

It has a robust international presence and is one of the pillars of Romanian medical higher education. 

Their medical programmes prepare over 1,500 students yearly over a 6-year education cycle. The university has 300 teachers, so students: staff ratio is only 5:1! This means that every student will get the appropriate attention they deserve. This helps all medical students reach their full potential. 

In total, there are 15 medical departments divided into 77 courses.

The Craiova University of Medicine also provides fantastic opportunities for studying dentistry in a 6-year programme. There’s no graduate entry medicine pathway, but university transfers are possible.

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for dentistry and medicine in English are €6000 per academic year. The duration of both courses is 6 years each.

Craiova Medical University is among the cheapest universities in Europe for international students.

Recognition

Just like other degrees on the list, the university offers worldwide renowned education. It is listed in the World Directory Of Medical Schools and recognised by the GMC.

University Of Novi Sad, Serbia

The University of Novi Sad was established in 1960 and is one of the largest educational and research centres in Central Europe. With 14 different faculties across 4 cities, the university has close to 5,000 faculty members and about 50,000 students, many of whom are international.

The medical school offers accredited and internationally recognised courses for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy in English. It employs professors from the USA, Canada, and many other countries to educate international students, in addition to an elite selection of Serbian professors who have undergone training at prestigious medical universities, including Harvard Medical School.

Additionally, the Faculty of Medicine is equipped with a modern campus that includes the latest technologies, allowing students to get a high-quality and comprehensive education.

Curious about what it's like to study at the University of Novi Sad? Hear it directly from Marlon, a current student who's thriving in this vibrant academic environment.

For a deeper dive into Marlon's day-to-day life and his hands-on learning experiences, including visits to local hospitals, check out this video:

Tuition fees

Here are the tuition fees for the English-language courses at The University of Novi Sad:

Medicine, 6-year course: €7,000 per year
Dentistry, 6-year course: €7,000 per year
Pharmacy, 5-year course: €7,000 per year

Recognition

The medical school is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Serbia and internationally recognised. The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and its medicine course fulfills all of the GMC criteria. When you complete your education at the University of Novi Sad, you will get an internationally recognised diploma that will help you become a successful doctor, dentist, or pharmacist in many countries around the world.

Vasile Goldis Western University, Romania

This university was named after the prominent Romanian politician Vasile Goldis. Established in 1990, it had only two faculties. But the university faced exponential growth. The university is home to six faculties, including Medicine and Dentistry, with around 6000 students.

Tuition fees

The university teaches 6-year medicine in English, and the tuition fees are €6,250 per year. There are 45 seats available for EU citizens and 45 for non-EU citizens.

Recognition

Your medical degree will be recognized worldwide. Vasile Goldis Western University is recognized by the GMC and is listed in the World Directory Of Medical Schools. 

Comparing the Cost of Studying Medicine: Europe vs. Western Countries

To put in comparison, studying at one of these affordable universities can be between 7 and 18 TIMES cheaper than pursuing medical education in the US or the UK (and that’s only when you look at tuition fees).

Let’s take a closer look at the cost of education in some of the most popular places to study medicine:

Tuition Fees

On average, here’s how much tuition fees for medicine cost in these regions:

• United States:  €55,000 per year
• United Kingdom: €55,000 annually for international students
• Canada:  €47,000 yearly
• The top 7 affordable European universities: between €3,100 - €7,500 per year

Living Expenses

Regarding living expenses, here’s how much you can expect to spend on average per month:

• United States
  
  Approximately €1,100 without rent. The average rent in the US varies widely by state and can be anywhere between €950 - €2,700. For the sake of clarity, the median for rent across the United States is about €1,400.
  
  This means that, on average, you’re looking at paying about €2,500 per month on living expenses in the US or about €30,000 per year.
  
• Canada
  
  Similarly to the US, you can expect to pay around €1,100 per month in Canada without rent. However, the average rent is a bit cheaper and is about €1,250.
  
  So, on average, you will have to spend about €2,350 per month as a medical student in Canada, or about €28,000 per year.

• United Kingdom
  
  UK living costs are comparable to the US and Canada and the average person spends about €1,150 per month, excluding rent. Rent in the UK can vary widely, but generally you will be spending about €1,400 per month, but renting in London can be especially expensive and can cost you about €2,400 monthly.
  
  Overall, living in the UK is the most expensive option and costs €2,550 on average per month or about €30,600 annually.

• Eastern Europe
  
  Naturally, the average living expenses in Eastern Europe depend on the country, but generally, you can expect to spend between €500 - €700 without rent. Rent is significantly cheaper than living in the West, and the average is between €300 and €600 per month.
  
  Studying medicine in Europe is by far the most affordable option, with the average person spending between €800 and €1,300 monthly on living costs. Yearly, you will be spending between €10,000 and €16,000.

	Living expenses per month	Rent per month
United States	€1,100	€1,400
United Kingdom	€1,100	€1,250
Canada	€1,150	€1,400
Eastern Europe	€500 - €700	€300 - €600

Final Comparison

Not only are you looking at saving a bundle of money from tuition fees, but you will also be spending significantly less on living expenses as a medical student at one of these 7 affordable European universities.

The best part is that these medical schools provide accredited and internationally recognised education, meaning that you will get an internationally recognised diploma upon graduation. This means that you can get a top-tier medical education without breaking the bank and then return home to become a successful doctor. 

To show just how much you can save, here’s a final comparison of the total cost of studying medicine:

• United States: €55,000 average tuition fees + €30,000 living expenses = €85,000 per year. 
• United Kingdom:  €55,000 average tuition fees + €30,600 living costs = €85,600 annually.
• Canada: €47,000 average tuition fees + €28,000 living expenses = €75,000 per year.
• Eastern Europe: Between €3,100 - €7,500 on tuition fees + between €10,000 and €16,000 living expenses = Between €13,100 and €23,500 annually.

This means that you can save up to an impressive €70,000 per year as a medical student at one of the top 7 affordable universities in Europe.

If you would like to get a more in-depth comparison of the cost of studying medicine in European and Western countries, you can read our informative blog: Comparing The Costs of Studying Medicine: UK, USA, Europe, and the Caribbean.

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In conclusion

Europe offers a wide range of affordable options for medical education. With tuition fees often lower than those in the UK and the US, aspiring doctors can pursue their dreams at a fraction of the cost. With a strong focus on research and practical experience, European medical schools provide a high-quality education that can lead to successful careers in the medical field.