Best Medical schools in Europe

To pursue a career in medicine can seem like a very daunting task; from test scores, applications, experience, research and so much more, medical school is a challenge. Perhaps one of the most challenging decisions, however, is choosing the perfect location to attend medical school. For students looking to gain unique experiences, Europe is a highly sought-after area for medical school options.

Rankings

Based on rankings from 2015, two of the top universities for medical programs in Europe fall within the top five universities in the world. The top ten universities for medical programs are ranked among the top fifty in the world.

• The University of Oxford, located in the United Kingdom
• University of Cambridge
• The Karolinska Institutet, located in Sweden.
• University College London (UCL)
• Imperial College London
• King's College London
• The University of Edinburgh and
• the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• The Erasmus University Rotterdam, located in the Netherlands
• The University of Copenhagen in Denmark

Admission Criteria

Before filing for medical program acceptance, prospective students should look at criteria listed on each school's website. European countries offer a wide range of languages and customs; though most universities offer programs in English as the main language, some may require other language abilities to thrive in the culture of the country. Prospective students should prepare all documents before filling out admissions forms; typically schools require previous transcripts, documentation (or language tests) to certify language capabilities and proof of travel and study abilities (passport and visa, if required).

To gain admission into medical programs in Europe, certain criteria must be met. For top universities like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, test scores must reach certain scores on A-levels and other required examinations. If international students are seeking to gain admission, comparative tests and matching score requirements may be found on each university's website or by contacting admissions offices. All candidates are required to take the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) before acceptance.

Interview

Once the application and scores have been accepted, each prospective medical student must attend an official interview for the program. The interview brings into question the capabilities of the prospective student for the medical program: whether they have the required scores and prior education, dedication to pursuing a future career, study habits and effort, and a strong desire toward the medical field. Each university offers in-field or practicum experience during the program of study in medicine; the practicum prepares students for a future career. Students should look at what is offered for in-field experience to find a program that best suits their desired future.

Tuition and Fees

Fees for medical programs vary based on each university; many offer financial support programs and assistance, as well as numerous scholarships. The University of Oxford does not charge for overall college fees. However, the total fees (which include pre-clinical) come to £9,000 (about $12,700) for residency and European locals; overseas students typically pay around £24,690 (about $35,000). Many universities provide housing options to their students; however, students still have the option to find their accommodations. The cost of living varies depending on location (city and country within European borders)