When it comes to studying abroad, tuition fees and living expenses are often the biggest problems students have to consider. Countries like the US or UK can be particularly expensive, with tuition fees alone being a major barrier. Moving there and getting certified to work, especially if you’ve already graduated elsewhere, is also costly, though not as expensive. By then, you might have saved up some money. However, there are more affordable countries that offer quality education at lower costs. We will look at the cheapest country to study dentistry, particularly in Europe and obtain a certification that will be recognized in your home country.
Cheapest Country to Study Dentistry
1. Italy
Italy is the cheapest country to study dentistry and come out with highly recognized certifications. It is one of the most affordable places to study in Europe. You can pay as little as 700 euros per year for tuition, even without a scholarship. Many students pay much less than 4,000 – 6,000 euros annually. If you come from a low-income background, you can apply for a scholarship that may cover your tuition and living expenses entirely.
When it comes to accommodation, you can find a shared apartment in a central location for around 600 euros a month. However, costs generally decrease as you move further south in Italy. For instance, international students typically spend about 200 euros a month on a diet that is rich in protein. You can eat at designated canteens around the city, where a full meal costs only 2.5 euros as an international student.
2. Poland
Poland is another cheap option for those interested in dentistry. A dentistry degree earned in Poland is recognized not only in Poland but also in other countries. However, if you plan to work in Poland, you will need to demonstrate fluency in Polish, as the patients you’ll be practicing on will all be Polish.
The basic tuition cost for dentistry in Poland is around 70,000 PLN per year. While this might seem expensive, it’s quite affordable for those whose parents work abroad. There is an entrance exam, so you would need to start your preparation early. During the first year, many schools offer a Polish language course to help you get up to speed.
Different schools in Poland have different application deadlines. Some schools open their applications as early as January, while others open later. Please, try your best to keep track of these dates while also maintaining good grades, as these schools take your grades seriously for admissions.
3. Bulgaria
You can study dentistry in Bulgaria and pay less than in most European and American countries. Bulgaria’s tuition fee is 8,000 euros per year. This fee is quite reasonable considering the cost of living in Bulgaria. Water and electricity are cheap, and apartments are also affordable. You will need to take an entry exam, which can still be done online.
After you’ve received your exam results, you will need to pay a small administrative service fee, usually around 10 euros. At the start of the semester, you will pay 4,000 euros for tuition, which covers half of the annual fee.
4. Romania
Romania is an affordable country if you are from Western Europe and want to study dentistry. The cost of dental school is around 10,000 euros per year. It’s also a safe place to live, even safer than big cities in countries like Germany or France.
Different schools have different fees, but 10,000 euros is a good estimate. The cost of living in Romania is also decent, depending on how you choose to live. If you have a tight budget and plan to live simply, like sharing an apartment and cooking your own meals, you can expect to spend around 400-500 euros per month. This covers rent, bills, and food. If you want to live comfortably and have a little extra for books, clothes, and going out occasionally, you should budget about 7,000-8,000 euros per year.
If you decide to study in Romanian, you will need to spend one year learning the language at the Faculty of Letters, which is part of another university. This can be a bit tough, but it’s necessary if you want to study in the Romanian section.
5. Spain
Spain is also a cheap country for studying dentistry. And of course, this is considering ‘cheap’ as relative. In some cases, you can even get a scholarship and pay 0 euros. However, you need to speak Spanish from the very first year, and getting accepted can be very competitive.
If you get a scholarship, your education could be completely free, and you might even save money depending on where you live. If you don’t get a scholarship, tuition fees still remain quite low, especially in public schools. The cost of tuition without a scholarship varies depending on the Autonomous Region and whether the school is public or private. For example, in Andalusia, tuition is around 800 euros per year, while in Catalonia, it can go up to 2,200 euros per year. Private schools are more expensive.
Finding housing in Spain can be tricky though, but there are options. You can live in a student residence that offers meals and cleaning services at a reasonable price. Alternatively, you can share a flat with other students, which might also be affordable.
6. Greece
Greece offers value for money if you want to study dentistry. Tuition fees are around 12,000 euros per year. However, you will need to learn Greek, which might be a challenge, but Greek doctors have a strong reputation in the European Union.
To get into a Greek university, you need to pass an entrance exam. The difficulty of this exam varies depending on who you ask, but it usually covers general knowledge, IB-level Chemistry, and Biology. You will also need to do well in interviews by showing your motivation, work ethic, and explaining why you want to study in Greece.
One thing international students should note is that the English program in Greek universities is designed for non-Greek students. So, if you hold Greek citizenship, you won’t be eligible for these programs.
Above are 6 carefully hand-picked options for international students looking to gain medical knowledge in a country with good Dentistry recognition while spending less. Italy is relatively the cheapest country to study dentistry, and highly recommended.
Read Also: Cheapest Country to Study in Asia
