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 to 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 to medical school? This 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 students who have transferred to 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
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.
Reserve Your Spot for Our Webinar
How to Transfer Medical Schools
The process of medical university transfers is not that complicated, but simply doesn’t mean easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to transferring between medical schools:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
- Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy - Georgia
- European University In Tbilisi - Georgia
- Trakia University - Bulgaria
- Pavol Jozef Šafárik University - Slovakia
- University of Silesia - Poland
- Near East University - Cyprus
- Humanitas Medical University of Milan - Italy
- University Of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski - Bulgaria
- Sofia Medical University - Bulgaria
- Titu Maiorescu University - Romania
- University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg - Germany
- University of Debrecen - Hungary
- Riga Stradins University - Latvia
- Acibadem University - Turkey
- University Of Novi Sad - Serbia
- Medical University of Bialystok - Poland
- Semmelweis Medical University of Budapest - Hungary
- Poznan University of Medical Studies - Poland
- Medical University of Lublin - Poland
- European University Cyprus - Cyprus
- University Of Warmia And Mazury In Olsztyn - Poland
- Wroclaw Medical University - Poland
- Charles University Third Faculty Of Medicine - Czech Republic
- Vilnius University - Lithuania
- University Of Medicine & Pharmacy Craiova - Romania
- Szeged University - Hungary
- University of Health Sciences School of Medicine in Antigua & Barbuda - 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.
Why We Care
Understanding that you have the option and right to transfer between medical schools can help you get into a better educational environment. Through transferring, you can find the perfect educational path that better suits your goals and can help you become a successful doctor or dentist. Here are the main factors that go into deciding whether transferring is the right decision for you:
Legal rights: You have the legal right to transfer, and your current university must provide the necessary documents.
Eligibility and requirements: Knowing the requirements for transferring is essential if you want to get accepted. The main prerequisites include completing at least 1 year of studies and meeting grade and course requirements.
Potential additional courses: Being aware that you might need to repeat some semesters or take additional courses due to curriculum differences can help you plan your academic journey accordingly.
GMC transfer rules: Understanding the specific conditions under which the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK will recognise your transferred qualifications is vital if you want to become a doctor in the UK. Support and guidance: Remember that Medlink Students is always available to give you expert advice and assistance in the transfer process. We can answer any questions you may have, simplify the whole process, and make your transfer as smooth as possible.
