Admission to medical schools in Greece is difficult and highly competitive. The Panhellenic exams are extremely demanding and university spots are limited. Consequently, many Medicine candidates seek English-taught programs in Europe!
Many European medical schools offer high-level programs with international recognition, modern facilities and cutting-edge research centers. Thousands of students each year look for medical schools abroad to have an additional option. Let’s look at some popular countries with English-taught medical universities in Europe:
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK has always been a top destination for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Even after Brexit, many candidates consider the UK their number one choice due to its numerous English-taught programs and globally renowned universities. Medical studies there last 5 years and upon completion graduates earn a Bachelor of Medicine (MBChB) or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
UCAT test
Studying Medicine in the UK (and Dentistry) requires students to take the UCAT exam, an aptitude test required by most medical schools there. The UCAT is very different from the Panhellenic exams, as it assesses basic skills such as numerical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, integrity and empathy. It does not include Biology or Chemistry questions but evaluates candidates’ ability to assess written and numerical information in various formats.
Learn more about the UCAT test here.
Exams & Application Process
Exams are taken from July to September, one year before the program starts. There is also the option of deferred entry for another year. Students take the exam once a year at Pearson VUE test centers and receive their scores within 24 hours of the exam.
Applications for undergraduate studies in the UK are submitted through the UCAS platform. Students create an account, view their UCAT scores and select study programs. The UCAT sends scores directly to the universities chosen by the candidates after October 15 (UCAS deadline). Additionally, an interview is mandatory for candidate acceptance.
Some medical universities that require the UCAT include:
- Birmingham University
- Bristol University
- Cambridge University
- Cardiff University
- Edinburgh University
- Exeter University
- Glasgow University
- Hull York Medical School
- Imperial
- Keele University
- King’s College London
- Lancaster University
- Leeds University
- Manchester University
- Newcastle University
- Oxford University
- Plymouth University
- Queen Mary University of London (Barts)
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Sheffield University
- Southampton University
- St Andrews University
- St George’s
- University of London
- Sunderland University
- UCL
- Warwick University
At Koutsodontis Prep Center we prepare students for the UCAT test, while our experienced Admissions Consultant is a certified UK Agent who can guide you through the UCAS applications.
- We specialize in aptitude tests since 1981, with over 36,000 graduates.
- We constantly adapt to UCAT changes to ensure our students are well-prepared.
- Our material is up-to-date, including full UCAT practice tests and computer simulation tests that provide reliable scores.
- Our teachers provide the appropriate methodology and strategic thinking to students and support them until the final exam.
- The preparation is focused and targeted, and students achieve high scores on their first attempt!
Learn about the UCAT preparation at our Center here and our Admissions Office here.
Italy
Italy is an excellent choice for studying Medicine abroad. It offers many English-taught programs and top universities, combining quality education with affordable tuition fees. For Dentistry, there are only two universities with English programs: the University of Siena and Sapienza University of Rome.
The Medicine and Dentistry programs in Italy last for 6 years. They provide both theoretical knowledge and sufficient practical training so that students can acquire the necessary skills. Finally, tuition fees for European students depend on the candidate’s family income. Specifically for Greek students, fees are estimated at around €800 – €4,000 per year at public universities.
IMAT test
In Italy, admission to Medical (and Dental) schools requires the IMAT test. It is an aptitude test that examines Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Logical Reasoning. It’s very different from the Panhellenic exams, as it tests all of the above within 100 minutes (1 hour and 40 minutes), it’s very time-pressured and has a negative scoring system.
Learn more about the IMAT test here. New IMAT courses start on June 10.
Exams & Application Process
Exams are held once a year, usually in September, and students are admitted in the same academic year. The results are valid only for the year of the exam, so most third-year high school students prepare simultaneously with the Panhellenic exams or intensively during the summer. The examination authority in Greece is the British Council.
Applications for the IMAT usually open in July, following an announcement from the Italian Ministry of Education. Students create an account on the Universitaly.it platform, declare the universities they prefer in order of priority and submit all the necessary documents. After the exam, provisional and later final results are announced. Finally, participation in the Panhellenic exams is mandatory for applying to Italian universities.
Some public English-speaking medical universities that require the IMAT include:
- University of Bari Aldo Moro
- University of Bologna
- University of Messina
- University of Milan
- University of Naples Federico II
- University of Padova
- University of Pavia
- Sapienza University of Rome
- University of Rome Tor Vergata
- University of Siena
- University of Turin
- University of Milano-Bicocca
- University of Napoli Luigi Vanvitelli
Some private medical schools that have their own entrance exams instead of the IMAT include:
- Humanitas University
- UniCamillus
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
At Koutsodontis Prep Center we prepare students for the IMAT test, while our experienced Admissions Consultant guides you fully through the registration and application process.
- We specialize in aptitude tests since 1981, with over 36,000 graduates.
- We constantly adapt to IMAT changes, as last year the examination authority changed.
- 4 tutors, each specialized in their subject prepare students and shape all the material, practice tests, and simulation tests.
- Preparation can be either annual or intensive in the summer, but always targeted, and students achieve high scores on their first attempt!
Learn more about the IMAT test here. New IMAT courses start on June 10.
The Netherlands
Medicine in the Netherlands lasts for 6 years. Initially, the first three years of studies are in English, while students learn Dutch at the same time. This is because from the fourth year onwards, they enter clinical rotations and classes are conducted in Dutch.
There are only two public universities offering English-taught Medicine programs, the University of Groningen and the University of Maastricht. To be admitted, students must apply and take the university’s entrance exam, while participation in the Panhellenic exams is not required. English proficiency certification (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is also required. Finally, tuition fees for the academic year 2024-2025 are €2,530.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, Medicine lasts for 6 years and is exclusively taught in English. Each university has its own entrance exam, assessing Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. These subjects must be included in the High School Diploma, and English proficiency certification (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is required, with usually an interview as well. Finally, tuition fees range from €8,000 to €9,000 annually.
Medical Universities in Bulgaria are:
- Medical University Sofia
- Stara Zagora – Trakia University
- Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” (Philippopolis)
Romania
In Romania, Medicine lasts for 6 years and is exclusively taught in English. Each university has its own entrance exam, which assesses Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. English proficiency certification (such as IELTS or TOEFL) is mandatory, and some universities require these subjects to be included in the High School Diploma. Additionally, candidates usually need to pass an interview to be admitted to the program. Finally, tuition fees range from €6,000 to €7,500 annually.
Medical Universities in Romania are:
- Gr. T. Popa University (Iasi)
- Carol Davila University (Bucharest)
- Ovidius University (Constanta)
- Iuliu Hatieganu University (Cluj)
- UMFT (Timisoara)
- Targu Mures
Other countries
Czech Republic and Cyprus are also quite popular for studying Medicine and Dentistry. In the Czech Republic, specifically in Prague, Charles University has 5 Medical Schools:
- First Faculty of Medicine in Prague
- Second Faculty of Medicine in Prague
- Third Faculty of Medicine in Prague
- Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové
Each school has its own entrance exams, while tuition fees range from CZK 350,000 to CZK 500,000.
In Cyprus, there are two universities for prospective students, the University of Nicosia and the European University. A prerequisite is a B2 level in English and the High School Diploma to include Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
At Koutsodontis Prep Center we prepare students for the IELTS and TOEFL tests, while our experienced Admissions Consultant guides you fully through the application process for Medicine and Dentristry in the above countries.
- Our specialized Admissions Consultant assists in all stages of the application process, up to the final acceptance from universities.
- The Admissions Consultant searches programs for you, guides you in all documents (CV, Personal Statement, Essay Questions, Recommendation Letters), supports in accepting the best offer, and helps you apply for student dorms.
- The success rate is 100%, as the Consultant always suggests additional “safe” options to ensure candidates will receive offers.
Learn about the Admission Services at our Center here and about the IELTS and TOEFL preparation.
Contact
Our Prep Center expertises in the UCAT, IMAT, IELTS, TOEFL preparation since 1981. We help students achieve their goals and study at top universities worldwide. Additionally, our experienced Admissions Consultant guides them efficiently through the application process.
You can reach us either by phone at 2106996015 or via email at info@koutsodontis.gr.