Frequently Asked Questions — Study Medicine Abroad · BecomeADoctor.eu

BecomeADoctor.eu is a free medical university placement agency. We help students apply to WHO-recognised medical schools across Europe and globally. We make money by receiving a placement commission from the university when you successfully enrol. This means you never pay us — and our interests are perfectly aligned with yours. We only succeed when you do.

€0. Our complete service is free to students. This includes your initial assessment, university matching, full application support, document handling, entrance exam preparation, interview coaching, visa guidance, accommodation support and a dedicated Personal Advisor from your first call to your first day of medical school.

Typically 3–6 months from first contact to receiving your offer. We recommend starting at least 6 months before your target intake (September or October). Some urgent cases can be processed faster. Contact us as early as possible — earlier applications have stronger chances.

When you apply directly, you navigate the entire process alone — document translation, entrance exam preparation, interview coaching, visa steps and accommodation search. When you apply through us, we manage all of that. We are also official placement partners with the universities, which gives your application a higher level of support and visibility.

Yes. We often recommend applying to 2–3 universities simultaneously to maximise your chances. We manage all applications and advise you on which to accept if you receive multiple offers.

You need a completed high school diploma with strong results in Biology and Chemistry. Some universities also look at Physics and Maths. Specific grade requirements vary by university. A-levels, IB, SAT, national school-leaving certificates — all are accepted. Contact us and we will assess your specific qualifications free of charge.

Not at most of our EU partner universities. If you studied in English at high school or university, that is usually sufficient proof. Some universities require a formal English certificate — we advise you exactly what your chosen university needs as part of our free assessment.

Yes. EU medical schools do not use UKCAT/UCAT. They have their own entrance examinations in Biology and Chemistry, which we prepare you for specifically. Many of our most successful placements are students who were rejected by UK medical schools.

There is no upper age limit at any of our partner universities. We regularly place mature students and career changers in their 30s, 40s and beyond. Your life experience is an asset, not a disadvantage. See our dedicated page for mature students.

Yes — and we recommend it. Start your application in Year 13 / final year. Universities allow conditional offers. You submit your application now, they offer you a place conditional on passing your final exams, and you confirm when results are in.

Most EU medical school entrance exams test Biology and Chemistry at A-level / IB standard, in multiple-choice format. Some also include Physics, English or Critical Thinking. Exams are typically taken online and last 1–2 hours. We provide full preparation for every exam at every university we work with.

At most of our partner universities, 30–55% of prepared applicants pass. With specific preparation — which we provide — your chances are significantly higher. The key is preparing for the specific exam format of your chosen university, not just general biology revision.

Typically May–July for September/October intake. Some universities offer multiple exam dates. We track all deadlines and build your personal timeline so you know exactly when to prepare and when to sit.

Yes — full preparation is included in our free service. This includes university-specific past papers, practice questions, timed mock exams, video tutorials and one-to-one coaching with your Personal Advisor.

We review your result, identify which areas need work, and advise on next options — which may include a resit (if available), an alternative university, or a Foundation Year. We never leave a student without a pathway forward.

Annual tuition at our EU partner universities ranges from €6,000/yr (Romania) to €25,000/yr (Italy). The most popular destinations — Hungary, Czech Republic — cost €12,000–€16,000/yr. Monthly living costs add €350–€900 depending on city. This is dramatically cheaper than UK, Irish or Australian medical schools.

• Hungary: €14,000–€18,000/yr · living €400–700/month
• Czech Republic: €10,000–€17,000/yr · living €500–700/month
• Romania: €6,000–€9,000/yr · living €300–500/month
• Italy: €12,000–€25,000/yr · living €700–1,200/month

Yes — some EU governments offer partial scholarships for international students through bilateral agreements. Some universities offer merit-based bursaries after Year 1. We advise every student on what is available for their chosen country and university.

Tuition is typically paid in two instalments per academic year (beginning of each semester). Payment methods and deadlines are provided in the offer letter. We guide you through the full payment process, including international bank transfers and what reference codes to use.

This depends on your country of residence. UK students may be eligible for maintenance loans from Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland/NI for studying at designated EU institutions — but not tuition loans (check current rules). Many of our students are self-funded or supported by family.

Total cost varies significantly by country. As a rough guide: Romania (most affordable): €50,000–70,000 total. Hungary/Czech: €90,000–130,000 total. Italy (premium): €140,000–180,000 total. Compare this with UK: Imperial/UCL = £380,000+ total for a 6-year degree. EU medicine offers world-class education at a fraction of UK cost.

Yes — if the university is GMC-recognised (all of our partner universities are). After graduation, you complete PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, then apply for full GMC registration. You can then apply for Foundation Programme or specialty training posts. We advise on the complete UK licensing pathway.

Yes — through the ECFMG/USMLE pathway. You complete USMLE Steps 1 and 2 (CK) during your studies, apply for ECFMG certification after graduation, then apply for residency through ERAS/NRMP. It is a longer pathway than for US medical school graduates, but it is well-established and we have placed students who now practice in the USA.

Yes — through the MCC/MCCQE pathway. You complete MCCQE Part 1 and 2, apply for provisional registration, then compete for residency positions (CaRMS). Competition is high but achievable, especially in less competitive specialties and provinces.

Yes — most Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) recognise EU medical degrees from WHO-listed universities. Licensing examinations (DHA, HAAD, MOH, SCFHS) are required. We advise on the specific exam and registration process for each country.

Yes — an EU medical degree is automatically recognised across all 27 EU member states under the Directive on the Recognition of Professional Qualifications. You can practice in Germany, France, Netherlands, Sweden or any other EU country without additional licensing exams, subject to language requirements.

Not to complete your degree — it is 100% English. However, basic local language skills help enormously with daily life and patient communication in clinical years. Most universities offer optional free language classes. We advise which universities have the most English-friendly environments.

Most universities offer dormitory accommodation for first-year students (€80–500/month depending on country). We help you apply for university dorms immediately after receiving your offer — places fill quickly. From Year 2 onwards, most students move into private apartments.

All of our partner countries (EU members or EU candidates) have strong safety records. Budapest, Prague, Warsaw and the other cities where our universities are located are among Europe's safest student cities. We place students from 80+ countries and safety concerns have never been a significant issue.

Your Personal Advisor remains available throughout your studies, not just during the application. We have local contacts in every city where we have placed students. University international offices also provide dedicated support.

All of our partner countries are in the Schengen Area (or easily accessible). Families can visit freely. Many parents take advantage of the visit to also see the beautiful cities — Budapest, Prague, Olomouc and Split in particular are spectacular.