15+ Cheapest Country to Study Medicine

Medicine is an excellent course of study, however, it can be quite expensive since it isn’t a cheap course in the first place. But with so many countries worldwide, some offer you the opportunity to study for cheap, and sometimes at no cost if you qualify for certain financial aid programs and scholarships. So, in this post, I will show you the top cheapest country to study medicine.

So, yes, it’s possible to receive a quality education without breaking the bank. Make yourself comfortable as I lead you through the best budget-friendly options for medical education.

Cheapest Country to Study Medicine

There are a lot of affordable places around the world to study medicine. Let’s look at the top 15+ countries where studying medicine won’t cost you too much. Note that this list is in no particular. But for some countries, I have emphasized how reliable and cheap they can be for your medical education. So, that said, below is the best, cheapest country to study medicine:

1. China

China is renowned for its excellence in medicine and ranks among the top 20 countries for studying medicine. Moreover, it’s one of the cheapest countries worldwide for medical studies. Students often find themselves torn between Russia and China when selecting the cheapest country to study medicine. However, choosing either China or Russia ensures os brilliant. The cost of medical education in China is about $2600 per year.

China’s medical programs are globally recognized, and its degrees are accepted in major countries, including the US and the UK, making it a highly popular and considered option for international students pursuing medicine.

Also, there’s an opportunity to study medicine for free, thanks to various renowned scholarships offered by Chinese universities and the government, such as:

1. Shandong University Scholarship
2. Xinjiang Medical University Scholarship
3. Nanjing Medical University Scholarship and
4. Jiangsu University Government Scholarship

Prominent Universities in China for Medical Studies

• Nanjing Medical University
• Capital Medical University
• Dalian Medical University

The average costs for these programs range from $2600 to $3000, with an average course duration of 6 years.

2. Kyrgyzstan

Ranking among the top cheapest countries for medicine is Kyrgyzstan. This is a noteworthy choice for an MBBS degree. Though it may not be the first country that comes to mind for medical studies, it certainly deserves attention.

The lure of Kyrgyzstan lies in its surprisingly low tuition fees, coupled with medical colleges that boast modern teaching facilities and impressive infrastructure. The cost of medical education here is remarkably economical, with yearly expenses as low as $2000.

Prominent Universities in Kyrgyzstan

1. Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
2. Jalal-Abad State University

Average Costs: $2000 to $7000

Average Course Duration: 6 years

3. Poland

If you plan to study medicine economically when it comes to saving more money, good choice. The country has esteemed medical universities that are welcoming to international students.

The cost of medical education in Poland can be as low as $7,000 per year, placing it among the leading countries for cost-effective medical studies.

Cheap Universities in Poland

1. Wroclaw Medical University
2. Medical University of Silesia

Average Costs: $7,000 to $15,000

Average Course Duration: 6 years

4. Russia

Russia ranks as one of the cheapest countries in the world for studying medicine. You can get a medical education here for as little as $1750 a year. Russia doesn’t just offer low-cost medical education but also ensures it’s of high quality.

Apart from the low cost, Russia is also known for its various scholarships, like the Education Future International Scholarship – USA & Non-USA 2024, Wellcome Career Development Awards 2024, ServiceScape Scholarship 2024, and others.

Cheap Russian Universities for International Students

1. Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg
2. Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University
3. Pskov State University

Average Costs range from $1750 – $2000 and the average course duration ranges from 5.8 – 6 years.

5. Philippines

You probably didn’t consider the Philippines earlier, but now I am recommending this country. It is easily the cheapest country to study medicine and a remarkable destination for international students. It ranks among the top 20 nations for its affordability in medical studies. The tuition fees are attractively low, and the living expenses are equally manageable. What’s impressive is the high standard of medical education in the Philippines, which stands on par with the world’s best.

Cheap Prominent Universities in the Philippines

1. Angeles University Foundation
2. Manila Central University
3. Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan

Average Costs: $6,000 to $12,000

Average Course Duration: 6 years

6. Germany

Of recent, Germany has become a magnet for international students looking for the cheapest country to study medicine. Moreover, in Germany, there are many worldwide-ranked universities offering many courses for you to choose from. These are all globally valued degrees that guarantee high employability, not just medicine alone. The living cost is also affordable.

However, private institutions might charge around $4000 per semester but public universities are really cheap, if not free. Germany is listed among the top 15 countries for affordable medical education. As a student who wishes to study medicine in Germany, I advise that you learn German, as most medical colleges conduct their courses in German. Regardless, there are English-speaking universities as well.

Prominent universities in Germany

1. Heidelberg University
2. Rwth Aachen University
3. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
4. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
5. Freie Universität Berlin
6. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
7. Technische Universität München

Average Costs: free to $4000 – $16000

Average course duration: 6 years

7. Italy

Due to its affordability, Italy is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for medical studies. With annual tuition fees as low as USD 2000, Italy stands out as one of the cheapest countries to study medicine. However, if you are not enrolled in an English-taught program, you might need to learn the local language.

Cheap Universities in Italy

1. The University of Parma
2. University of Rome La Sapienza
3. University of Padua.

Average cost: $2000 to $5000

Average Courses Duration: 6 years.

8. Ukraine

Ukraine has always been a prime choice for international students, especially those who study medicine. This country is celebrated for being one of the most budget-friendly destinations for international students aspiring to study medicine. The annual cost of studying in Ukraine ranges from a modest $4000 to $6000. Not only is it cost-effective, but Ukraine also prides itself on delivering high-quality medical education.

Furthermore, the medical degrees obtained here are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), making it an ideal fit for many. If you’re looking to lessen the financial strain even further, consider exploring these 15 fully funded scholarships to help you realize your dream.

Cheap Universities in Ukraine to Study Medicine

1. Kharkiv National Medical University
2. Kyiv Medical University of UAFM
3. Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University
4. Ternopil National Medical University

Average Costs: $4000 to $6000

Average Course Duration: 6 years

9. Belgium

Belgium ranks among the top 10 affordable countries for studying medicine. The cost at public institutions is approximately USD 2000 to 3000 annually, whereas private institutions charge about USD 4800 per year.

Belgium is an excellent choice for medical studies, known for its high-quality medical education and universities that rank among Europe’s best.

Cheap Universities in Belgium for International Students

1. Ghent University
2. The University of Antwerp

Average Costs: $2000 to $3000A

Average Course Duration: 6 years.

10. Hungary

Recognized for its high-standard education, Hungary presents an excellent opportunity for students aiming for a prosperous future in healthcare. It is one of the cheapest countries to study medicine and is home to prestigious institutions.

Prominent Universities in Hungary

1. Debrecen University
2. The University of Szeged

Average Costs: $16000 and $16900

Average Course Duration: 6 years

11. Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, students find it both economical and enriching to pursue medical studies. This country notably makes the cost of studying medicine here quite cheap compared to many other European countries. The annual fees start at around $10,800.

It doesn’t end there; the Czech Republic’s medical schools are equipped with modern facilities and cutting-edge technology. Yes, you will have a comprehensive learning experience in this country.

Prominent Universities in the Czech Republic

1. Charles University
2. Masaryk University
3. Palacky University

Average Costs: $10,800 – $14,600

Average Course Duration: 6 years

12. Sweden

Sweden is favored by students for its high living standards, safety, and commitment to equality, offering a stable and comfortable environment for academic pursuits. It stands out as one of the most budget-friendly nations for studying medicine. The appeal of Sweden also lies in its educational quality and not the affordability, with a medical curriculum that emphasizes practical experience and research. Home to some of the finest universities, Sweden could be an ideal choice for your medical studies.

Prominent Universities

1. Goteborg University
2. Karolinska Institutet

Average Costs: $9,000 to $22,800

Average Course Period: 4 – 5 years

13. Belarus

Another decent, yet cheapest country to study medicine is Belarus. Here, you will have a great opportunity to study medicine without leaving a hole in your pocket. Despite the affordable fees, the quality of education in Belarus is commendable. You can study medicine here for as low as $2500 per year, a cost significantly lower than in many other countries.

The medical colleges in Belarus are of a high standard, capable of competing with the best globally. So, if you’re considering a medical career, Belarus should definitely be on your list of options.

Prominent Universities

1. The Belarusian State Medical University
2. Gomel State Medical University

Average Costs is $2500 – $4600

Average Course Duration is 6 years

14. Caribbean

The important thing is that Caribbeans speak English. So, if you don’t want a country where you have to identify English-speaking schools, then this should be your destination. The Caribbean is emerging as a favored destination for medical education. The region’s medical schools offer a broad spectrum of programs in medicine, dentistry, and other health-related fields, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The Caribbean is among the top 15 most affordable places to study medicine, with yearly fees starting at just $11,500. Students in the Caribbean enjoy a blend of unique cultural experiences, stunning natural surroundings, and a diverse academic community.

Cheap Universities for International Students

1. The All-American Institute of Medical Sciences
2. All Saints University

Average Costs: $11,500 – $13,000

Average Course Duration: 5 years

15. Bulgaria

Finally, we have Bulgaria. Many people might not be familiar with Bulgaria as a sought-after place for studying medicine. Well, it turns out that this country is also globally ranked among the m most affordable countries for studies. Graduates from Bulgarian medical schools have achieved success worldwide, thanks to the high-quality education provided. This country draws students globally to pursue their medical degrees. The medical program here spans six years, with annual tuition fees ranging between $7,500 and $8,000.

Cheap Universities in Bulgaria

1. Sofia University
2. Medical University Pleven

Average Costs: $7500 to $8000

Average Course Duration: 6 years

Other Cheapest Countries to Study Medicine

These two countries are special mentions—you can get a really cheap medical degree from any of these two schools.

1. Slovakia
2. Romania

Conclusion

It’s clear that there are many affordable options for studying medicine globally, with Belarus, Germany, and Poland, being the cheapest. A career in medicine is a noble and exciting path, and finding a program that offers both quality and affordability should be your priority if you want to save money while studying.

Read also: Cheapest English Speaking Country to Study