How To Transfer Between Medical Schools

Updated on 06/02/2024 in
Medical Schools that Accept International Transfer Students

Many medical students seek to transfer between medical schools in order to complete their education elsewhere. While their reasons for moving may differ significantly, they ask mostly the same questions: how does that work, is it possible to transfer medical schools, what documents do I need, etc. This article provides answers to the most common questions about transferring between medical schools and how to do it. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive list of the best medical universities that offer transfers. It’ll be a resource that can immensely help you with transferring medical schools.

Is It Possible to Transfer Between Medical Schools?

Can I transfer medical schools is a question that is likely to pop up during your studies, and luckily it has a very short answer: yes. Medical students have the legal right to transfer from one university to another. Moreover, their current university has an obligation to provide a transcript and letter of evaluation to another institution upon the student’s request.

However, not all universities accept transfer students. In addition, schools in the UK do not accept transfer students from foreign countries. At the same time, US universities are less likely to recognise credits (classes) from non-US schools. European universities remain most advantageous in this regard since their requirements are relatively liberal.
Last but not least, students can transfer only to the same programme; they cannot transfer from dentistry to medicine, for example. Thus, aspiring doctors have a limited range of viable options when moving from one school to another.

Can You Transfer Between Medical Schools?

These are the rules of thumb that will help you figure out whether you can transfer to a medical school or not:

● At least 1 year of studies is required to apply as a transfer student.
● Universities usually accept transfers at the beginning of an academic year, though some schools are exceptions to the rule.
● Transfer requests are considered only if there are available seats at the university.
● Some universities have minimum grade requirements for transcripts.
● Universities that accept transfers in Europe are more likely to accept a transfer than those in the UK and USA.
● Students should demonstrate a legitimate reason for their decision to change schools.

If you pass all of the above requirements, your application covers the basic requirements for a transfer to most schools.

Do I Have to Repeat Any Semesters?

Medical schools that accept transfers need to match the applicant's transcript to their own curriculums. Universities have differing curriculums, which is usually the case when they are in different countries. Thus, medical schools that allow transfers should ensure that students meet the requirements for successful graduation according to their curriculum and local legislation.

Therefore, aspiring doctors may have to take some extra courses not covered in their transfer transcripts. Usually, the more years they have studied, the more courses they will take. A student transferring after 1 year will have to cover fewer additional classes (if any) than a student moving after 4 years of studying.

Aspiring doctors usually take no more than a semester or two of additional courses. There is no going around this rule, and minor differences might exist between universities due to their unique curriculums.

Our Webinar Awaits You

August 2023 webinar banner

Are you a medical student considering the possibility of transferring between universities in Europe or the Caribbean to continue your education elsewhere? You're not alone! Many students like you have various reasons for seeking a change, but they all share similar questions and concerns about the transfer process.

We are excited to invite you to our informative, free webinar that aims to address the most common queries, including "Do medical schools accept transfer students?", and which medical schools accept transfer students. Additionally, we will guide you through the necessary steps to make this transition seamless.

How to Transfer Medical Schools

The process of medical university transfers is not that complicated, but simple doesn’t mean easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to transferring between medical schools:

  1. Identify your motivation for transferring.

    This is an essential step of the process because you don’t want to end up in the same situation that requires your transfer.

  2. Select the right universities.

    Not all medical schools that accept foreign transfers will be the right choices. It would help if you considered educational, financial, cultural, and other factors. Choose a few safe options to maximise your chances.

  3. Consider the application deadlines.

    Depending on the university, the application process may take 3 to 6 months. In addition, medical schools won’t accept transfers after they have filled their quota, so early birds get the transfers.

  4. Request transcripts and other documents from your university.

    Once you have selected medical schools, you need to prepare transcripts, evaluations, and recommendations as your target institutions require.

  5. Submit your application.

    Applying abroad as an international student is a laborious process that involves a lot of documentation and paperwork. Feel free to consult with experienced professionals if you need a hand.

  6. Apply for a visa and make travel arrangements.

    This is another part of the process that requires documentation and watching ink dry. The best student support agencies offer assistance in handling it.

  7. Scout the new location and prepare accordingly.

    Going to a new country is never easy, but you might have some experience in it by now. Research the place and use admission officials or agency contacts to prepare accordingly.

  8. Register for classes and pay your tuition fees.

    You’ve done it! One journey has ended, and another one begins. Enjoy the ride!

GMC Transfer Rules for UK Practice

If you’re considering a university switch or if you've already made a transfer, it's crucial to know how this affects your ability to practise medicine in the UK. To be able to go to the UK after graduation, you will need to register with the GMC, which is the authoritative body responsible for the medical register in the United Kingdom.

The GMC will recognise your new qualification under specific conditions:

  • Your degree will be recognised if the transfer is to a medical school participating in a twin or dual-degree programme or if it's a branch campus of your initial university.
  • Transfers must be for legitimate reasons, such as being unable to complete your studies at the original university, rather than due to academic failure or dismissal.
  • The credits contributing to your degree must not come from a non-medicine programme, like nursing or biomedicine. This means that you have to go through a complete course of medical education to qualify for GMC approval.
  • Your credits must not be from a medical school that the GMC does not accept.

If your degree consists of credits from GMC-approved medical schools, then they will review your qualifications to ensure they meet the necessary standards for practice in the UK.

If you would like to read more on the criteria for GMC approval, you can read our informative blog: Overseas Medical Qualifications Recognised in the UK: GMC Approval Guide

List of Medical Schools that Accept International Transfer Students

The following universities rank according to a comprehensive rating system that considers educational, financial, cultural, and transfer factors. Here are the best medical schools that accept international transfer students:

  1. Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy - Georgia
  2. European University In Tbilisi - Georgia
  3. Trakia University - Bulgaria
  4. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University - Slovakia
  5. University of Silesia - Poland
  6. Near East University - Cyprus
  7. Humanitas Medical University of Milan - Italy
  8. University Of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski - Bulgaria
  9. Sofia Medical University - Bulgaria
  10. Titu Maiorescu University - Romania
  11. University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg - Germany
  12. University of Debrecen - Hungary
  13. Riga Stradins University - Latvia
  14. Acibadem University - Turkey
  15. University of Nis - Serbia
  16. Medical University of Bialystok - Poland
  17. Semmelweis Medical University of Budapest - Hungary
  18. Poznan University of Medical Studies - Poland
  19. Medical University of Lublin - Poland
  20. European University Cyprus - Cyprus
  21. University Of Warmia And Mazury In Olsztyn - Poland
  22. Wroclaw Medical University - Poland
  23. Charles University Third Faculty Of Medicine - Czech Republic
  24. Vilnius University - Lithuania
  25. University Of Medicine & Pharmacy Craiova - Romania
  26. Szeged University - Hungary
  27. Richmond Gabriel University - The Caribbean

Apply for a Transfer with Medlink Students

Transferring med schools can be challenging for anyone who is not an expert. If you are tired and annoyed by all the paperwork, documentation, and application procedures, call us for a free WhatsАpp consultation.

You will get expert advice tailored to your needs and gain knowledge and insight from experienced student advisors. Feel free to schedule a consultation at a convenient time for you.

Article written by Dr Sam El Mais
Dr Sam El Mais, MD, MSc, BSc, graduated from a renowned medical school in Romania in 2019. He uses his professional knowledge and personal experience to guide students on crucial aspects such as university selection, admissions processes, and cultural adjustments.
Get FREE Advice from Expert Student Advisors Now:
Learn about your options abroad INSTANTLY
Fast-Track Your Admission with Personalised, Strategic Advice
10+ years of experience in student consulting
Medlink Students specialises in guaranteeing students' admission into top medical universities in Europe. Trusted by 1000s of students every year, we provide support from your initial enquiry until graduation, and beyond. Contact us now to learn how we can help YOU.
Share this article with 1 click:  

55 comments on “How To Transfer Between Medical Schools”

    1. Hey Adeel! Thanks for contacting us. There are a couple of options. To find the best one for your case, please submit an application here: https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/, and one of our advisors will call you. It's FREE and only takes 10 seconds to complete.

  1. Is it possible to transfer to Spain?Iam a student in china and completed 6th semester

    1. Hey Midhun! Thank you for contacting us. While it may be possible it is competitive and so presents a lot of risks. They also do not fully teach in English. If you want help with transferring, we can help you find an entirely English-taught transfer program, with affordable tuition fees, while also offering outstanding teaching.

      If you want help knowing what transfer options are available to you, submit an enquiry for a FREE consultation here: https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/

  2. Please is it possible to find med schools that accept transfer students in france?

    1. Hey Ngome! Thank you for contacting us. Generally, students choose transfer options in countries that are not as competitive and teach in English. Did you know that less than 10% of medical students will be able to progress into the 2nd-year in French medical schools due to how few seats are available!

  3. I need transfer for 2nd year. I was the student of Knmu in Ukraine . Now i completed my 1st year. Good kind of college fee around 4 lakh.

    1. Hey Ashna! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  4. Hello
    I am study mbbs in 3rd year in kyrgyzstan now i want to transfer credit hours in germany or poland is it possible?

  5. Hello sir i completed my 1st year in Kazakhstan i get transfer to 2nd year in Schengen counties which country is best and cheap for me please sir guide me 🙏🙏

    1. Hey Zain! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  6. Hello I am studying my mbbs 1st year in ukraine can I get transfer to some eu countries that has fee like 4 lakhs

    1. Hey Nafila! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  7. Hello I'm studying 5th year in Ukraine can I get trnsfer to Germany or London and fee around like 4 lks

    1. The UK do not accept any transfers from outside of the country, however you have many other options you can consider! We would need to look into you situation a bit more to determine where is best, feel free to give us a call!

  8. Hi, I'm studying 1st year in Jan kochanowski university "medicine", in Poland. Can I get transfer from Polish university to Latvian university? For example transfer from Jan kochanowski university into University of Latvia or Riga standrig university?

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  9. dear madam/sir
    medilink students

    how long it takes for acceptance letter OF MEDICIAN STUDENTs TRANSFER OF UKRAIN DNIPRO MEDICAL ISTITUTE STUDENTS TRANSFER FOR 5TH YEAR IN SERBIA from education ministry SERBIA

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  10. Hello,
    Would it be possible to transfer after completing 1 year of medicine in Poland (public college) to Portugal (public college) in case job of my husband is the reason?

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  11. Hi it's possible to transfer 2snd year complete MBBS in from Kyrgyzstan .To UK USA. Hungary. Germany. Australia

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  12. Hey I am currently a second year medical student in Romania, would I be able to transfer from Romania to a Polish Medical school specifically Nicolaus Copernicus University

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. Learn about your options to transfer into another medical school from our expert advisors. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  13. Hi. Can I transfer from South Africa 3rd year medicine to Germany. I need a school that has an english-speaking programme.

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. We have expert advisors that can assist you in continuing your medical education in Europe. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  14. Good day,

    I have a simple question for you.
    Can you tell me if it is possible to transfer from the Medical Faculty of the University of Belgrade to the Medical Faculty of the University of Oslo or another university in Norway after completing the first year and having completed 60 ESPB, i.e. passing all exams. What are the odds? Also, if it's not possible or it's a bit more likely for Norway, can you tell me if it's possible to transfer to Denmark or Sweden?

    Best Regards!
    Aleksa Zivkovic

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. We have the best answers for your query from our expert advisors. This excellent question is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  15. will you kindly help me if I can transfare my failed 5th medical school to any international medical university.
    many thanks

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. Our expert advisors can surely help with this question. It is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

    2. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. We are here to help. Our expert advisors can provide you with answers for your query. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person after considering your situation. You can do that for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  16. I finished the first year of medicine I will finish the second year of medicine in Russia and I want to know is there a possibility to transfer from the second year to the third year in your faculty

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  17. Is it possible to get transfered in the 2nd tear from the medical school of nicosia (unic) in Cyprus to a public medical school in Italy (English taught) after having completed successfully the 1st year in Cyprus?

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  18. I am a second year medical student in china and I want to transfer to German medical university. I have also learned German language.

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  19. Hi there
    I am going to do the 4 th semester in my country, Brasil. I am looking to get into any Irish collage. Trinity has better value so far as a residence visa holder.
    I just moved back home to study and other personal thing.
    Obviously my first option is Ireland but I can do collages in Portugal, Spain or any European collage that can speak English.
    Ps; I have health degree recognised in Ireland too, If it helps.
    Thanks a million

  20. Hi there

    I am at 4th semester in a collage I’m Brazil. Looking to transfer my collage to Ireland.
    If not, I am open to transfer to any collage that can speak English, Spanish or English.

    Is it possible to transfer to Ireland?

    Thanks a million

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  21. hey
    i was wondering if I can transfer to any of the universities above in Poland if I had done all my schooling in French (I am a third year medical student who completed all my years) do they accept students who have studied in French or not and that are not from the EU
    thank you

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  22. Hello , good day
    Actually I’m medical student of 4th course in Russia
    And I’m very interested about European universities so I want to know which universities can I apply to transfer?

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It takes only 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  23. Dear Medlink Students.
    Is it possible to transfer after 7th or 8th semester from Pécs Medical University to Italy or Denmark?

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  24. Hi, My name is Muhammad Abdullah, Recently I have completed my 3rd year (MBBS) from Astana Medical University, Kazakhstan, and now I want to transfer to Europeans countries which will accept transfers. Any suggestions

    1. Hey! Thank you for contacting us. This is an excellent question that is best answered in person by one of our expert advisors. You can submit an application for free here https://www.medlinkstudents.com/apply/. It only takes 10 seconds, and one of our advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

  25. Hlo I am first year medical student in Kyrgyzstan I want to transfer in Italy can you provide more information

Leave a Reply to Medlink Students Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *