The Top Medical Schools in Europe for Americans
As medical school acceptance rates in the US remain incredibly low, tuition fees continue to rise, and many American students have started searching for alternative pathways to achieve their dream of becoming a doctor. An increasingly popular option is pursuing medical education in Europe, where admission is far more accessible, and tuition fees are usually significantly lower.
That’s why, in this blog, we’ve created a list of some of the best universities in Europe, suitable for Americans who want to get a high-quality medical education and return home to become successful doctors in the United States of America.
We have also created a printable PDF with a table with all the universities in one place, which you can download, highlight your favourites, and go back to when deciding which option to choose from.
The key takeaways from this blog include:
- An increasing number of American students choose Europe for their medical education.
- Many European universities offer high-quality education with ECFMG certification, which gives students eligibility for US medical practice.
- Several universities provide clinical rotations in the US and/or additional resources for USMLE preparation.
- Popular choices include medical universities across Georgia, Poland, Slovakia, and more.
Table of Contents
- 1 The Top European Medical Schools for American Students
- 2 Why This Matters to You
- 3 FAQ
- 3.1 1. What is ECFMG certification, and why is it essential?
- 3.2 2. Why should I consider studying medicine in Europe instead of the United States?
- 3.3 3. Will my degree from a European medical school be recognised in the United States?
- 3.4 4. What is the USMLE, and why is it essential for American medical students?
- 3.5 5. Are there medical schools in Europe that provide resources for USMLE preparation?
- 3.6 6. Can I complete clinical rotations in the United States while studying in Europe?
- 3.7 7. How do tuition fees in Europe compare to those in the United States?
- 3.8 8. Can I transfer to a European medical school from the US?
- 3.9 9. Can I transfer from a European medical school to one in the United States?
The Top European Medical Schools for American Students
We've added several categories of universities to help you make an informed decision about your future.
While all medical schools on this list give students eligibility to become ECFMG-certified, we’ve also added stand-out destinations which provide clinical training opportunities in the USA and/or offer additional preparation for the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE).
European Medical Schools Offering Clinical Rotations in the US
Gaining practical experience in a US hospital during your education can be absolutely invaluable for your residency applications. The following universities are partnered with US-based hospitals and clinics, which will let you enrol in clinical rotations across the States to help you familiarise yourself with the American healthcare system.
- Medical University of Bialystok
Location: Bialystok, Poland
Highlights: The university offers a comprehensive curriculum that meets and exceeds international educational standards while also providing additional resources to support students preparing for the USMLE.
The university is partnered with AMBOSS, a medical study and reference platform, which gives students access to extensive medical libraries and case-based questions to help them in their USMLE preparation.
Additionally, the medical school is affiliated with the Hope Medical Institute to facilitate clinical rotations in the United States. After completing basic medical sciences in Poland and passing the USMLE Step 1 examination, students become eligible for clinical rotations in the US, providing practical experience within the American healthcare system.
- Medical University of Lodz
Location: Lodz, Poland
Highlights: This medical school provides additional resources to support students preparing for the USMLE. Additionally, the university administers the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examinations, which can assess readiness for the USMLE.
The Medical University of Lodz has established partnerships with several hospitals in the United States, allowing students to undertake clinical rotations there for their 6th year.
- Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Location: Kaunas, Lithuania
Highlights: LSMU's medical curriculum is designed to meet international standards, preparing students for various medical licensing examinations, including the USMLE. The university also provides additional resources and guidance to support students aiming to practice medicine in the United States.
LSMU is partnered with several hospitals in the United States, allowing students to carry out their clinical rotations and gain practical experience within the U.S. healthcare system.
- Medical University of Silesia
Location: Katowice, Poland
Highlights: It is the largest and one of the best medical schools in Poland. It strongly emphasises clinical training in top-tier hospitals and clinics, including in the US.
The university also provides resources to support students preparing for the USMLE. This medical school, like the Medical University of Lodz, also administers the NBME examinations, which are designed to assess readiness for the USMLE.
European Medical Universities with USMLE Courses or Additional Resources
If you want to become a doctor in the US, you have to take the USMLE - there’s no way around it. The following universities have dedicated preparatory courses, tutoring, or access to additional resources specifically designed to help you pass your licensing exams.
- Tbilisi Medical Academy
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Highlights: TMA's curriculum is designed to thoroughly prepare students for various medical licensing examinations, including the USMLE. The academy also provides additional resources for students aiming to take the exam at no additional cost.
Additionally, the university is partnered with US-based AMOpportunities, which offers medical training through online telehealth clinical experiences. Students who complete this course gain early insight into the US healthcare system and are awarded a certificate.
- European University Georgia
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Highlights: One of Georgia’s top medical schools, the European University provides comprehensive medical training, including hands-on experience at over 60 affiliated hospitals and clinics
The university has a strong international focus and offers a dedicated USMLE Step 1 preparation course that covers all relevant subjects.
- University of Novi Sad
Location: Novi Sad, Serbia
Highlights: It is one of the largest universities and research centres in Europe. It provides courses designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in medical licensing exams, including the USMLE. One of the best parts is that the medical school has several professors from the US who can provide first-hand insight about the exam.
- Yerevan Haybusak University
Location: Yerevan, Armenia
Highlights: The university offers online coaching for several medical licensing exams, including the USMLE.
Additionally, the university has established partnerships with educational institutions in the United States, aiming to enhance its academic programmes and provide international opportunities for its students. These collaborations include student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and participation in international conferences.
- Medical University of Warsaw
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Highlights: Established in 1816, it is one of the oldest and most successful medical schools in Poland. It is affiliated with several first-rate hospitals offering comprehensive clinical training at modern hospitals.
The university’s curriculum thoroughly prepares students to take medical licensing exams like the USMLE, and the medical school provides additional resources and guidance to support students aiming to practice medicine in the United States.
Medical Schools in Europe That Grant ECFMG Eligibility
The final universities on our list meet the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requirements, allowing graduates to sit the USMLE and pursue residencies in the US:
- Comenius University, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine
Location: Martin, Slovakia
Highlights: It is recognised as one of Central Europe's leading medical schools. The Jessenius Faculty of Medicine has its own teaching hospital - the Martin University Hospital, which is considered one of the best hospitals in the country.
- Academy of Silesia
Location: Silesia, Poland
Highlights: Established in 2003, it is a new and modern medical school that uses cutting-edge technology for practical training in its Medical Simulation Centre. After gaining experience, students begin their clinical rotations in one of the 5 hospitals and clinics partnered with the academy.
- Charles University, First, Second or Third Faculty of Medicine
Location: Prague, The Czech Republic
Highlights: Founded in 1348, it is one of the oldest, largest, and most prestigious universities in Europe. It is partnered with renowned hospitals and clinics, where students get world-class practical training.
- Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore Bolzano Campus
Location: Bolzano, Italy
Highlights: One of the top universities in Italy. It offers a curriculum with USMLE compatibility which meets and exceeds international standards.
- University of Nicosia
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Highlights: Recognised as one of the best universities in Cyprus, offering a comprehensive curriculum with an international focus.
- Grigol Robakidze University
Location: Tbilisi, Georgia
Highlights: One of the most modern universities in Georgia, equipped with high-tech facilities, including the largest and most advanced simulation labs in the country and its very own Multi-Speciality Hospital, which treats 1,000+ patients per day.
- Semmelweis University of Medicine
Location: Budapest. Hungary
Highlights: Among the top 250 universities in the world, according to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- University of Mostar
Location: Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Highlights: Affiliated with a top-tier clinical hospital, where students get thorough practical training.
Why This Matters to You
Choosing the right medical school is one of the most critical decisions you'll make on your path to becoming a doctor.
If you enrol in a school that doesn’t meet ECFMG requirements or lacks proper USMLE preparation, you risk being unprepared for residency in the US, wasting years of effort, or even being unable to practice medicine in America altogether. But by picking a high-quality medical education that is catered toward American students, you will lay a strong foundation for your future career that will enable you to pursue your dreams.
However, with so many great options to choose from, you might still be feeling unsure which is the best destination for you. That’s why Medlink Students offers a free consultation with one of our professional academic advisors. You can sign up for a relaxed and easy-going chat with us, where we talk about your ambitions, goals and circumstances so we can leverage our expertise to help you choose the perfect European medical school.
Don’t hesitate to apply for your free consultation so we can help you kickstart your medical journey.
FAQ
1. What is ECFMG certification, and why is it essential?
ECFMG certification is a requirement for graduates of international medical schools to practice medicine in the United States. It ensures that the medical education you receive abroad meets the necessary standards for US residency programmes and medical licensing.
2. Why should I consider studying medicine in Europe instead of the United States?
Studying medicine in Europe offers several advantages:
Higher acceptance rates: European medical schools often have more available spots and more accessible entry requirements compared to US universities.
Lower tuition fees: Many European universities charge significantly lower tuition fees, making medical education more affordable.
High-quality education: European medical schools provide accredited and internationally recognised medical education with curricula that meet and often exceed international standards
3. Will my degree from a European medical school be recognised in the United States?
Yes, many European medical schools are recognised by the ECFMG, allowing graduates to sit the USMLE and apply for US residency programmes. All of the medical schools on this list will award you an internationally recognised diploma upon graduation that will let you go back home to the US and become a successful doctor.
Wise
4. What is the USMLE, and why is it essential for American medical students?
The United States Medical Licensing Examination is a 3-step examination required for medical licensure in the U.S. Passing the USMLE is required for both domestic and international medical graduates.Â
5. Are there medical schools in Europe that provide resources for USMLE preparation?
Yes, several European medical schools offer resources to support USMLE preparation, some of which include:
The Medical University of Bialystok (Poland)
The Medical University of Lodz (Poland)
The Tbilisi Medical Academy (Georgia)
6. Can I complete clinical rotations in the United States while studying in Europe?
Yes, several European medical schools have partnerships with U.S. hospitals and/or clinics, allowing students to complete clinical rotations in the US.
7. How do tuition fees in Europe compare to those in the United States?
Tuition fees at European medical schools are generally lower than those in the U.S. For instance, annual tuition fees can range from $3,250 to $32,500, depending on the country and university. In contrast, US medical schools often charge significantly higher fees, up to $70,000 per year.
For a deeper view, you can read our blog that compares the Costs of Studying Medicine Abroad: UK, USA, Europe and the Caribbean, here.
8. Can I transfer to a European medical school from the US?
Yes, absolutely. However, you should ensure that your transcripts align with the curriculum of the university you want to transfer to. For more information, feel free to read our blog about Transferring From the US to Medical Schools in Europe.
9. Can I transfer from a European medical school to one in the United States?
Most US-based universities do not accept student transfers from international medical programmes because, typically, medical courses in America offer graduate entry degrees, which require already having an undergraduate or college degree.
Leave a Reply
About Medlink Students
Leading international recruitment company for medical students in Europe. British Council Certified Agents. 10+ years of experience and more than 10,000 students advised.
