In recent years, studying medicine overseas has grown in popularity. Hundreds of students from the United Kingdom, Germany, India, the Netherlands, and other nations choose to study medicine in Ukraine.
The country has a rich history of providing world-class medical and dental education. In fact, the first medical school in Ukraine was founded way back in the 17th century.
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Furthermore, Ukraine is one of the top countries in Europe, offering medicine and dentistry courses in English.
Want to know why so many students pursue their dream of becoming doctors in Ukraine? Read this article and be ready to make an informed decision about your medical journey in Europe.
Medicine courses in Ukraine: Structure
Ukrainian medical schools offer medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs entirely taught in English for international students.
Medicine programs in Ukraine are 6 years long. Dentistry and Pharmacy courses take 5 years to complete. After successfully completing a medicine course, you will get an MD degree (Doctor of Medicine) which is a Masters’s equivalent.
Degrees issued by Ukrainian universities are globally recognized.
Ukrainian medical programs are designed for high school graduates who may enroll after completing their GCSEs, A-levels, or the 12 grade equivalent in their home country.
Medicine course structure can be divided into two parts:
- Years 1 – 3 : theoretical studies/pre-clinical years
- Years 4 – 6: practical knowledge/clinical skills and rotations
That’s not all. Some medical universities in Ukraine offer graduate entry medicine courses for healthcare professionals who desire to advance their skills and become doctors.
The so-called 4-year accelerated medicine program allows biomedical/life science graduates and healthcare workers with equivalent academic qualifications to get a Doctor of Medicine degree in as little as 3 or 4 years.
Tuition fees and living costs in Ukraine
The country is well known for its affordable tuition fees for medical education. The cost of education can be as low as €3000 per year. Ukraine is among the countries with the lowest prices for medical education in Europe.
It is essential to note that the low tuition fees are due to the country’s economic state and do not compromise the quality of education. This is also why international students in Ukraine spend between €200 – €300 per month on living costs. These include expenses such as food, bills, and leisure activities.
Worldwide recognised degrees
Most Ukrainian medical schools are listed in the WHO Directory (World Health Organisation). General Medical Councils all around the world recognize degrees issued by Ukrainian universities.
Ukraine is a fantastic option for students who want to combine affordable tuition fees with high quality of education. What’s more, after 6 years of study, you will be awarded a Master’s degree in medicine rather than a Bachelor’s degree.
You will be able to practice medicine in Ukraine, in your home country, or wherever you wish! All you will have to do is register within the medical board of your country of choice.
Entry requirements
In general, the entry requirements for medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy programs in Ukraine are:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Good grades in Biology and Chemistry
- Some universities may require you to have an English language proficiency certificate.
- Most universities do not have an entrance examination. Others might have a simple entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry in English.
- Passport
Where you can study medicine in Ukraine
Top medical schools in Ukraine:
- Dnipro Medical Institute
- Medicine (6 years) & Dentistry (5 years): around €4,600 for the 1st year and approximately €3,300 annually for the remaining years
- Graduate Entry Medicine & Dentistry (3 or 4 years)
- Kyiv Medical University
- Medicine (6 years) & Dentistry (5 years): around €3,200 per year
- Karazin Kharkiv National University
- Medicine (6 years): around €4800 annually
- Bogomolets National Medical University
- Medicine (6 years): approximately €3700 per year
- Dentistry (5 years): €3600 for the 1st year and €4975 for the following years
About international student life in Ukraine
Living in Ukraine is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The country is well-known for its stunning and diversified landscape, as well as its well-preserved culture and national heritage.
Students may immerse themselves in a new culture while making lifelong connections with both domestic and international students.
It is essential to begin networking with other prospective physicians and medical practitioners. These will provide several benefits in the future, such as the exchange of valuable knowledge and experiences.
Due to its geographical location, Ukraine has excellent travel links to the majority of European nations. It is easily reached by planes, trains, buses, and boats. Therefore it is a perfect choice for those of you who love traveling.
Furthermore, Ukraine has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread around the country:
- St. Sophia’s Cathedral
- Lviv Historic Centre
- Struve Geodetic Arc
- Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans in Chernivtsi
- The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora
- Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region
Students can also enjoy hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, parachuting, scuba diving, and many more sports and fun activities.
In conclusion, we can tell that Ukraine is one of the best choices for students who want to study medicine in Europe. The country provides a perfect mix of high-quality medical education, beautiful nature, and countless opportunities for international students.
If you are brave, ambitious, and ready to make your dreams true, there is nothing that can stop you from becoming a doctor!
Ukraine might be the right choice for you. Do your own research and go after your goals!
