Study Medicine In Top Universities - Factors To Be Considered

Cost of Studying Medicine Abroad

The cost of studying medicine may be high abroad but relatively equivalent to any renowned private college in India. Knowing the complete cost of tuition, living expenses, and other connected costs is crucial. Below is a list of the approximate costs for studying medicine in various countries.

Accreditation of Medical Colleges /University

The list of medical schools throughout the world was put together by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), a member of Intealth. The list offers thorough details on all recognized medical schools worldwide. It's crucial to confirm that a university is included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (https://www.wdoms.org/) before enrolling for a medical degree.

Entry Requirements & Acceptance Rate

It's critical to understand the entry requirements for the medical school or nation in which you choose to pursue your studies. Sometimes the application procedure and preparation for the entrance exam begin two years before the start of the academic year. The UCAT/BMAT exam must be passed in order to study in the UK, and it must be taken around one year prior to classes begin. For both parents and students, preparation becomes increasingly important.

If you are applying to various institutions in Europe, then you need to be aware of the application deadline, acceptance rate, and quantity of seats offered by colleges for international students, etc. You may need to take multiple admission exams and interviews. Universities in Europe offer different entrance exams. Although the number of seats at medical colleges is quite low and only 15 to 20% of students who pass the exam manage to acquire a seat, on the other hand, India's NEET common entrance test has a passing percentage of around 30%.

Medical Licensing Requirements

In general, domestic medical graduates are exempt from taking any exams in order to obtain a licence in the nation where they received their medical degree. To register with the national medical regulating authority, there is typically a smooth application process. However, in certain European nations, students are required to take a specific exam to demonstrate their command of the local language, or the medical licencing exam is given in the primary language, which is particularly difficult for international graduates.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are students who have finished their medical education in one nation but wish to pursue a licence in a different nation. IMGs must take the licencing exams required by the nation in which they plan to practice medicine. IMGs must pass UKMLA 1 and 2 in the United Kingdom (effective 2024) IMGs must pass the USMLE 1 and 2 and screening exams conducted by the appropriate authorities in India. It's crucial to remember that the entire procedure for obtaining an IMG licence in a different nation could take at least one to two years.

How to Progress to Medicine PG/ Specialization?

Every nation has its own norms and guidelines for career development and specializations.Before graduates in the UK can be admitted for specialization, they must finish a two-year foundation program and pass the MSRA (Multi Specialty Recruitment Assessment) or other exams as may be necessary for different specializations. Before being approved for specialization in India, candidates must pass the NEET PG, AIIMS, JPMER, or PGIMER examination.

In order to participate in the residency matching process in the US, students must sign up with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), which matches hospital matching programmes with residents. Students may possibly need to submit an application through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Services), which is run by ECFMG in the USA for IMGs.

Duration of Medicine PG/ Specialization & Costs

The time required to complete the specialization might range from 3 to 9 years, depending on the location and the branch of medicine the student wants to specialize in, While in certain countries, such as India, students may have to pay to obtain a postgraduate degree (specialization), in the US and the UK, students receive incomes while simultaneously working as doctors and completing their specializations.

Conclusion

A profession in medicine requires a very long-term commitment. It's essential that you understand the entire process, not just the admission to the first medical school, but also the price, timeframe, licencing requirements, various exams needed to pass for specialization, income potential across nations, and last but not least, how to practice in a country other than the one where the degree was obtained