Study Medicine in Europe After Brexit

Now that the UK is officially not part of the EU, many students and parents are concerned about studying medicine after Brexit. 

At the beginning of 2021, GMC released new requirements and details about the registration process for doctors with non-UK qualifications. So, let's make it clear right now. If you graduate from a European medical university, your degree will be recognised worldwide. You will be able to practise everywhere!

This article will answer all your questions regarding EU doctors in the UK following Brexit. Our goal is to provide you with the information needed and eliminate your concerns about studying medicine abroad.

Studying in EU Post-Brexit

Travelling and studying in Europe may seem challenging after Brexit, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is absolutely possible. We have assisted more than 1200 applicants in starting their medical journey in Europe in 2021.

Each country has slightly different requirements for visa and COVID-19 tests, but nothing generally changes. Like every other international student, you will need:

• Passport
• English language proficiency (for non-native speakers)
• High school diploma
• Depending on the university, you may have to sit an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry.

Do I need a visa to study in Europe after Brexit?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Do I need a student visa after Brexit?". Yes, you should apply for a long-stay visa ( usually type D) that allows you to stay in a specific country for longer than 90 days. You can always check travel advice and entry requirements for each country on the GOV.UK website.

For Example:

As the situation with Covid-19 constantly changes, so do the entry requirements. International students with a type 'D' visa for long-term residency for study reasons can enter Bulgaria from September 1st 2021, provided they have the necessary COVID-19 documents.

However, if you choose to apply with us, we will guarantee your acceptance to medical school and assist you with the visa application process. We know that moving to another country and preparing documents can be intimidating. That is why we provide our students with full support every step of the way.

Brexit medical university fees 2021-2022

EU tuition fees for medicine after Brexit have not changed. Leaving the EU does not entail that medicine tuition fees will be more costly for British students than EU students.

Guide for GMC registration for EU doctors

Studying abroad is a serious decision. You will live and study in Europe for 6 years. We understand your concerns regarding GMC registration for EU doctors after Brexit. But you have nothing to worry about.

Medical Councils worldwide recognise all degrees issued by the universities we work with. You will graduate as a Doctor of Medicine and will be eligible to begin working as a junior doctor in hospitals immediately. All you have to do is apply for full GMC registration.

As we mentioned, on January 1st 2021, GMC published detailed information about the new registration process for British and non-UK graduates. The registration is based not on nationality but on the applicant's medical qualifications. Automatic recognition of professional qualifications is no longer available to European Economic Area (EEA) nationals.

How to make it a reality: EU doctors in the UK after Brexit

There are a few simple steps every international medical graduate needs to do to practice medicine in the United Kingdom.

Recognition of medical degree after Brexit:

• Verify your medical qualifications with ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)

The process is pretty straightforward. 

1. You have to make an account on EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials). EPIC is ECFMG’s online verification portal. By doing this, you will confirm your identity with ECFMG.

2. Log in to your EPIC Account and upload your documents. You must select the option “GMC to receive an EPIC report”.

3. ECFMG will contact your university to confirm the authenticity of your documents, and the verifying process will be completed. 

• Take the PLAB/UKMLA

Currently, international graduates are required to sit the PLAB test (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board). 

However, from 2024, UK and non-UK medical students will need to pass the UKMLA (the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment). 

In other words, there will be no difference in the application process for full GMC registration for UK and EU junior doctors.

Conclusion

There are no significant changes for UK applicants to medical schools in Europe. In the end, neither Brexit nor the Coronavirus pandemic stands in the way of EU doctors in the UK.