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Before Brexit, UK residents studying within the EU were typically entitled to pay ‘home fees’ for that country (the same as a resident of the country would pay). Post-Brexit, UK residents are considered international students, and therefore will need to pay ‘international fees’, which are often much higher. This is potentially one of the biggest barriers for some students wishing to study medicine in Europe, as many may not be able to afford the increased fees.
For example, at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the annual tuition fee for non-EU/EEA citizens is approximately £20,000 for the 6-year Medicine course, whilst EU/EEA students are exempt from tuition fees. Similarly, at the University of Amsterdam, the tuition fee for UK students is approximately £20,600 per year, whilst EU/EEA students pay £2,200 per year.
These fees are, of course, in addition to any living costs. It is important to look at each university you may be considering, and confirm the tuition fee you will be charged, in addition to understanding the associated costs of living in each location.
UK citizens are entitled to stay within the EU for up to 90 days in a 180-day period; this has not changed post-Brexit. However, for longer stays, you will be required to apply for a long-stay visa or a student residence permit for the specific country you wish to study in.
Requirements for every country within the EU may vary, so it is important that you look at each country’s criteria carefully. You can find more information on visa requirements for EU countries here.
According to the EU Commission website, you will generally require:
While unrelated to Brexit, there has been a change in the requirement to practice medicine in the UK after study abroad. As of 2024, all graduates (regardless of whether the medical degree was obtained in the UK or Europe) wishing to work in the NHS will have to take the UKMLA exam.
However, most European medical degrees are generally recognised by the GMC. Therefore, if you intend to return to the UK to practice, it is important to double check whether the medical degree will be recognised by the GMC, and if you will be eligible to sit the UKMLA.
While there are a significant number of factors to consider, Europe still remains a popular choice for aspiring medical students. It gives students the opportunity to explore different cultures, meet new people and potentially learn a new language. In many European countries, the cost of living is far less than in the UK, which can be appealing to some students.
Additionally, entry requirements are often lower than in the UK. For example, at the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus, A Levels of ABB are required, to include Biology plus one of Chemistry, Physics or Maths. This provides students who perhaps did not meet grade requirements in the UK with an alternative route into Medicine. You can read here about the real life experiences of two students who studied at the University of Nicosia.
Similarly to the UK, gaining a medical degree in Europe can often allow you to work not just in the UK, but in many countries across the globe. Studying in Europe also provides you with opportunities for personal improvement, such as team working, interpersonal skills and communication, experiences of which can be drawn upon in your medical career.
Furthermore, obtaining a long-stay visa for a specific European country often allows you freedom to travel throughout Europe and the Schengen area, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the continent!
While there are many medical schools within Europe that teach Medicine in English, there are many that do not, so this does need to be an important consideration if your only spoken language is English. Universities that teach Medicine in English include the University of Nicosia (Cyprus), Charles University (Czech Republic), University of Crete (Greece) and Plovdiv Medical University (Bulgaria).
The University of Maastricht provides the first half of their Medicine programme in English, but the later years are in Dutch only. However, they do teach Dutch alongside the first 3 years of the degree in preparation for the later years, if this is required. Please note that the University of Maastricht will be discontinuing the English-taught course from 2026 entry onwards.
A big factor for many people will be the cost of studying and living abroad. Make sure you consider the cost of living, tuition fees and the travel costs if you intend to return to the UK to visit. It may be worth contacting each institution to see if they offer any grants, bursaries or scholarships to UK students.
As with any university application, it is important to be aware of the grades required for the programme, as well as any admissions tests and other supporting documents you will need to provide alongside your application. Ensure that you have researched each institution you are considering thoroughly so that you are aware of all the requirements.
Make sure you have given some thought as to where you may want to practice medicine after you graduate. If you intend to return to the UK, check the GMC’s website to ensure that your medical programme meets the requirements to sit the UKMLA and work within the NHS.
As mentioned above, it is important that you have a valid visa for the country in which you intend to study. More detailed information should be available on each institution’s website, as well as the GOV.UK website, which can provide you with visa information for each country.
Studying Medicine in Europe post-Brexit may feel impossible, but there are certainly many who still do. You will have the chance to experience different ways of living, healthcare systems and cultures that you may not see as a medical student in the UK. Make sure you do plenty of research, plan ahead and ensure you have considered all factors before making the decision. Good luck!
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