- Desire2Study
- Jul 28
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Are you a student with a completed undergraduate degree and looking for a medicine graduate entry into medicine? Four-year graduate entry medical schools in Europe are an increasingly attractive option. These programs are designed for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree, especially in a science-related field, and want to pursue a medical career without restarting from scratch. The only problem is that they are only available in a few countries and usually are a very expensive option to become a doctor.
In countries like Ireland, the UK, and the U.S., studying medicine usually requires a four-year undergraduate degree before applying to a four-year graduate entry medical program — making the full path to becoming a doctor both long and expensive.
As a result, many students are now exploring alternative options in Europe. Medical universities across Central and Eastern Europe offer internationally recognised degrees — including five-year graduate entry routes for students with science backgrounds, and full six-year medical programs that accept applicants straight after high school.
Table of Contents
Why Students Are Searching for 4-Year Medical Degrees in Europe
Medical education, especially in the United States and Canada, is notoriously long and expensive and often requires four-year undergraduate degree before applying to medical school. Many students are looking for faster, more affordable alternatives that don’t compromise quality. This is where Europe enters the picture. While there is a common search for "4-year medical schools in Europe," the reality is slightly more nuanced.
Students from the US or Canada, the same as other international students, can often begin studying medicine in Europe directly after high school, bypassing undergraduate pre-med studies and entering a 6-year MD program that saves time (2 years shorter route versus 4 plus 4 in the North America) and money in the long run.
Can You Really Study Medicine in Europe in Just 4 Years?
In most cases, mainland European universities do not offer traditional 4-year MD programs like those in the U.S. Instead, they offer 6-year integrated medical degrees that start directly after high school. However, some universities do offer graduate entry medicine (GEM) programs for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a science-related field. These programs are closer to the 4-year format familiar in North America, though they run usually for 5 years like University of Nicosia medicine graduate entry programme.
Four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) courses in Europe are only offered in Ireland and the UK , but they are only suitable for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These programs are structured specifically for students who have already completed a 4-year undergraduate degree, regardless of whether it's in science or another field (though some schools may require prerequisite courses).
Understanding the European Medical Education System
Continental European medical universities often allow students to begin medical studies directly after high school through a 6-year MD programme. This means students can avoid the 4 years of undergraduate education required in North America. These programs are intensive and cover pre-clinical and clinical training in a streamlined format, ultimately leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree that is recognized across the EU and in many other countries, including the U.S. and Canada.
Where Can You Find 4-Year Medical Schools in Europe?
True 4-year programs exist mainly in Ireland and the UK, but they are primarily intended for graduate students. Most American and Canadian students instead pursue the 6-year undergraduate-entry programs in mainland Europe which are effectively shorter when you factor in skipping undergrad.
Graduate Medicine Entry Programs
While true four-year medical degrees are uncommon in mainland Europe, they are widely available in Ireland and the UK for students with a prior undergraduate degree. These programmes offer a fast-tracked route into medicine without the need to complete another full-generation undergraduate course.
Graduate Medicine Entry Program Requirements
Graduate Entry Medicine programmes are designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field. To apply, especially in the UK or Ireland, candidates usually need at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent), a strong academic record in biology and chemistry, and relevant healthcare or volunteering experience.
Most universities require entrance exams such as the GAMSAT, UCAT, or BMAT, and applicants must also perform well in interviews. In Ireland, programs like those at RCSI or University College Dublin follow a similar format, with GAMSAT being the standard test. Competition is high, and places are limited, so a well-prepared application is essential.
Ireland’s Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) Programmes
In Ireland, several universities offer four-year Graduate Entry Medicine programmes designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. These include:
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin — GEM lasts four years and awards the MB, BCh, BAO (Hons) degree. In 2024, RCSI had 30 EU and 52 Non‑EU places. Admission is based on a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree and a GAMSAT score (minimum ~57 for EU applicants)
University College Dublin (UCD) offers a four-year Graduate Entry Medicine programme (DN401) with around 100 places in 2024. Applicants need a minimum 2.1 honours degree and GAMSAT scores; no interviews for EU applicants
University of Limerick (UL) also provides a four-year Graduate Entry Medicine course with 150 places (95 EU / 55 Non-EU) in 2024, requiring a 2.1 honours degree and competitive GAMSAT scores; no interviews for EU applicants
University College Cork (UCC) runs a four-year GEM programme as well, open to international and EU graduates holding at least a 2.1 honours degree; selection is based on GAMSAT scores, without interviews
These Irish programmes provide a clear pathway for U.S. and Canadian students who completed a bachelor’s degree and want to pursue medicine without starting from the undergraduate level.
UK Graduate Medicine Programmes
In the UK, several medical schools offer four‑year graduate‑entry programmes, typically open to graduates from any discipline provided they meet entrance requirements (e.g., GAMSAT, UCAT, or BMAT):
University of Cambridge provides a 4-year MB, BChir medical graduate course for home/international students meeting high academic standards
University of Oxford offers a similar graduate entry degree, requiring a strong first degree and BMAT scores
Ulster University runs a 4-year MBBS GEM in Derry, open to graduates from any academic background, recognized by the GMC
Swansea University also offers a four-year graduate-entry medical programme open to graduates regardless of background, requiring GAMSAT or MCAT for entry
Other UK schools offering GEM pathways (including University of Bristol, King's College London, Southampton, Cardiff, Leicester, Liverpool, Dundee, Nottingham, and Warwick) admit qualified graduates into accelerated four-year tracks, often requiring UKCAT, GAMSAT, or BMAT and a prior degree
Study Medicine After High School - Options Explained
While 4-year degrees are rare in Europe, the more popular path is the 6-year MD program available straight after high school. This model effectively reduces the overall time it takes to become a doctor because you skip the 4-year bachelor’s degree required in the U.S. Students from the U.S. and Canada who are confident in their career path choose this route to save time and reduce costs.
Admission Requirements for Medical Schools in Europe
Admission requirements vary by country and school but typically include:
• High school diploma or university degree (for GEM)
• Strong grades in science subjects (Biology and Chemistry)
• Entrance exams (some schools require MCAT or school-specific tests)
• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS)
• Personal interview (in-person or online)
Desire2Study helps students prepare for these requirements and ensure all documents are correctly submitted.
Med Schools with 6-year Medicine Programmes
Desire2Study partners with several top universities that offer accessible entry for North American and international students:
• Poznan University of Medical Sciences (Poland) – tuition: €16,200–€17,800
• Medical University of Bialystok (Poland) – Tuition: €15,100
• Academy of Silesia (Poland) – Tuition: €14,000–€16,100
• Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (Slovakia) – Tuition: €12,500
• University of Ostrava (Czechia) – Tuition: €12,000
• Palacky University (Czechia) – Tuition: €12,500
• University of Pécs (Hungary) – Tuition: $16,750
• Lithuanian University of Health Sciences – Tuition: €12,600–€13,100
• Riga Stradins University (Latvia) – Tuition: €13,500
• Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (Poland) – Tuition: €15,000
• University of Nicosia (Cyprus) – Tuition: €22,000
• University of Targu Mures Medical Campus in Hamburg (Germany) – Tuition: €29,800–€34,800
Med Schools with 5-year Graduate Medicine Entry Programmes
The University of Nicosia offers a 5-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEMD) programme designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Taught entirely in English, the course combines early clinical exposure with modern, case-based learning.
Applicants typically need a minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree and must meet entry requirements such as the MCAT (498+), GAMSAT (55+), or UCAT (2500+). Tuition is around €24,000 per year, with scholarships available. Graduates earn an internationally recognised MD degree with clinical training opportunities in Cyprus, the UK, Switzerland, and the U.S.
Degree Recognition and Postgraduate Options
If your goal is to return to your home country or countries like the U.S. or Canada after graduation, it’s crucial to choose a European university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. This is a requirement for eligibility to sit the USMLE or MCCQE (for Canada). All our partner European universities meet this criteria.
Graduates who pass the necessary exams can return home to complete their residency training, while others may choose to remain in Europe. Within the EU, medical degrees from accredited institutions are often automatically recognized across member states, making it easier to start working after graduation.
Should You Choose Graduate Medicine Entry or 6 Years Medicine Programme?
When deciding between a graduate entry medicine programme and a traditional 6-year medical degree in Europe, it’s important to understand the key differences in structure, eligibility, and long-term benefits. Graduate medicine entry programmes, typically lasting 4 years, are designed for students who have already completed a relevant undergraduate degree—usually in biological or health sciences. These programmes are often more intensive and compressed, assuming prior academic experience in foundational sciences. They’re available in countries like Ireland and the UK, with universities such as RCSI, Queen Mary University of London, and the University of Oxford offering well-recognised graduate tracks.
On the other hand, the 6-year medicine programmes in Europe are ideal for students coming straight from high school or without a prior science degree. These programmes integrate both pre-clinical and clinical training, starting from the basics and building up to hands-on hospital experience. This route is very popular among international students, including Americans and Canadians, as it allows them to start medical training earlier, without needing a separate undergraduate qualification.
Universities in countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic offer high-quality 6-year programmes taught entirely in English, recognised across the EU and often beyond.
In summary, graduate entry may suit older or science-degree holders looking for a shorter path, while the 6-year course is a flexible and direct option for students ready to commit to medicine early.
How Desire2Study Helps Students to Get into a Medicine?
Desire2Study is an education abroad consultant for international students, representing a wide selection of partner top rated medical schools in Europe.
We offer:
• Free consultation and school matching
• Help preparing for entrance exams or interviews
• Application and document support
• Placement with partnered universities
• Post-arrival support including housing and orientation
Learn more: https://www.desire2study.com or book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Graduate Entry Medicine?
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is an accelerated medical programme designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field. These courses are usually four or five years long and offer a faster pathway to becoming a doctor compared to traditional six-year programmes.
Who is eligible for Graduate Entry Medicine programmes?
To apply for GEM programmes, you usually need a completed undergraduate degree, often with a strong emphasis on science subjects like biology or chemistry. Some universities also require admissions tests like the GAMSAT, MCAT, or UCAT, along with relevant work or volunteering experience in healthcare.
Are Graduate Entry Medicine programmes recognised internationally?
Yes, many Graduate Entry Medicine programmes in Europe, the UK, and Ireland are recognised globally. However, you should always check if the degree is recognised in the country where you plan to practise medicine, such as the U.S., Canada, or your home country.
How competitive is Graduate Entry Medicine?
Entry into GEM programmes can be highly competitive due to the limited number of places and high demand. Applicants are often evaluated based on academic performance, admissions test scores, personal statements, interviews, and relevant healthcare experience.
Can I apply for GEM if my undergraduate degree isn't in science?
Some GEM programmes accept applicants from non-science backgrounds, but you may need to complete prerequisite science courses or show strong performance in related subjects. Always check individual university requirements.
Can I study medicine in Europe without a science degree?
Yes. If you apply after high school, you can enter a 6-year medical program without a bachelor’s degree.
Will my degree be recognized in the U.S. or Canada if I study medicine in Europe?
Yes, provided the school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Graduates still need to pass the USMLE (U.S.) or MCCQE (Canada).
Are there medical schools in Europe taught in English?
Absolutely. All the medical schools represented by Desire2Study offer fully English-taught programs.
How early should I apply to med schools in Europe?
Applications typically open 6–12 months in advance. Early planning is recommended to secure your place.
