The U.S. is often regarded as a top destination for studying medicine, with excellent opportunities for aspiring doctors. And that’s primarily because of the financial opportunities for doctors there. 

However, there are more important factors to consider than just money. The cost of education, the culture of the country, and the ease of relocation all play significant roles in making the right choice. Additionally, being the top country in terms of salary often makes the U.S. the most expensive option.

Countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia offer similar, if not better, opportunities when considering all factors. Non-English-speaking countries, such as Germany, China, and South Korea, also provide excellent options for medical education.

Let’s sift through the options and figure out which country truly stands out for studying medicine.

Factors to Consider for Finding the Best Country to Study Medicine

We will outline the key factors to consider when choosing a country to study medicine. Later in the article, we will focus on the most important factors for each featured university. While we won’t cover every factor for each university, we will list them to help you do your own research-

Financial factors

• Tuition fees
• Living cost
• Scholarships & Grants
• Average Salaries for Graduates
• Currency Exchange Rates

Academic factors

• University Rankings in Medicine
• Accreditation and Recognition of Degree
• Quality of Faculty and Teaching Staff
• Research Opportunities
• Clinical Experience Availability

Cultural and Social Factors

• Language of Instruction
• Cultural Adaptability and Diversity
• Social Integration and Community Support
• International Student Support

Logistical Factors

• Visa and Immigration Process
• Work and Internship Opportunities During Study

What are the Best Countries to Study Medicine?

If we set aside personal preferences, there are clear best choices. However, that’s rarely the case. So, we will outline some of the primary factors involved in the decision-making process, and you can weigh them yourself.

1. United States

• Primary degree on medicine: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Duration: 4 years (after completing a bachelor’s degree)
• Best universities: Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University
• Average cost: $58,968 per year
• Cost of living: $2,500 and $3,500 (per month)
• Average salary of a doctor:
  • Primary care physicians: $277,000 per year
  • Specialists: $394,000 per year

The U.S. is home to some of the best medical schools in the world. That’s why they are the hardest to get into. Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue an MD in the USA are – 

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field
• A MCAT score around 509-518
• Clinical experience, research experience or volunteer work in clinics or hospitals.
• Solid recommendation letters
• English Language Proficiency test scores
• Valid visa (usually a student visa such as F-1)

The structure of the MD program in the USA is divided into several phases, such as:

Pre-Medical Education

Before entering medical school, students must complete an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree. During this time, students complete pre-medical courses like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and English. Additionally, students must also take the Medical College Admission Test. 

First Two Years: Basic Science

• Duration: 2 years

In the first two years of the MD program, students focus primarily on classroom-based education, with courses in subjects like:

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Pathology
• Microbiology

Students also learn about medical ethics, medical law, and the healthcare system. Lab work and simulation-based training are also provided during this phase. 

Third Year: Clinical Rotations

• Duration: 1 year

In the third year, students shift focus from theory to clinical training. During this phase, they begin rotating through various medical specialists, including:

• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Family medicine

These clinical rotations take place in hospitals or clinics, where students work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed doctors.

Fourth Year: Advanced Clinical Rotations and Electives

• Duration: 1 year

In the final year of the MD program, students continue their clinical training with more advanced rotations. They also choose electives that allow them to specialize in particular areas of medicine.

Students often rotate in specialized fields such as:

• Cardiology
• Orthopedic surgery
• Neurology
• Emergency medicine

This year also focuses on preparing students for residency applications, including the USMLE Step 2 exams. 

Financial Consideration

Although tuition can be costly, doctors in the U.S. earn some of the highest average salaries in the world, largely due to their unique healthcare system. Unlike most developed nations, the U.S. relies heavily on private insurance, with over 50% of people covered privately and around 40% enrolled in public programs like Medicaid. 

This private sector dominance drives significantly higher physician salaries compared to other countries.

How Arkangel University Could Help

In the U.S., gaining admission to top medical schools is highly competitive. The average acceptance rate for allopathic (MD) programs is only about 41-44%. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate substantial financial resources to be considered.

However, there’s a solution. You should consider Arkangel University. It offers a streamlined path to U.S. MD recognition. Their Curriculum helps prepare the students for USMLE, the medical licensing exam in the USA. Moreover, the last 2 years of their MD program offer Clinical rotations with their partnered Medical institutions in Rochester and Chicago. Completing your MD with them is far more accessible while maintaining high educational standards. After graduation, you can take the U.S. medical licensing exam and become a recognized doctor in the United States.

Here are a few details about our program-

Program Duration

The MD program at Arkangel University takes just 6 years to complete. This is a well-structured program that combines both theoretical learning and practical medical training.

Affordable Tuition Fees

Compared to the high tuition fees in the USA, Arkangel University offers a much more affordable option.

First 4 Years: $15,000 per year

Last 2 Years (Clinical Placement): $25,500 per year 

Visa Support

As Arkangel University is located in Antigua and Barbuda, students will find it easier to gain access to the country. The visa approval rate for Antigua and Barbuda is 86%. Thus, you have a higher chance of successfully securing their visa compared to the USA.

Help in Examinations

At Arkangel University, they support international students in preparing for medical exams like the USMLE. They also assist in securing clinical rotations in the U.S. with their partnered Medical institutions in Rochester and Chicago, providing valuable hands-on experience. 

These milestones strengthen your medical journey, enhancing your credentials and increasing your chances of matching into a U.S. residency program.

Easy Admission Process

At Arkangel University, you don’t need to worry about submitting an IELTS score for admission. If you have good grades in your Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), you can easily apply and be accepted into the program.

2. United Kingdom

• Primary degree: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
• Duration: 5 to 6 years
• Best universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, University College London (UCL)
• Average cost: £25,000 to £50,000 per year for international students
• Average salary of a doctor:
  • Doctors in training
    • Foundation training: £32,398–£37,303
    • Specialist training: £43,923–£63,152
  • General practitioners: £68,975–£104,085
  • Specialty doctors
    • Basic salary: £52,530–£82,400
    • Specialist grade doctors: £83,945–£92,275
    • Consultants: £99,532–£131,964

The UK is a global leader and has one of the most clinical trials in the world. Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue a medical degree in the UK are-

• Completion of A-levels or an equivalent qualification with subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
• University Clinical Aptitude Test or BioMedical Admissions Test
• IELTS score

The structure of the MBBS program in the UK is divided into several phases, such as:

• The first 2-3 years focus on foundational sciences. These include anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. 
• The next 2-3 years are clinical years. Students rotate through hospitals and clinics to gain practical experience.

As you can see, the UK is significantly more affordable than the United States. However, earnings are also lower due to the NHS, the UK’s public healthcare system. 

Despite this, the UK remains one of the top destinations for medical education, thanks to its high academic standards and strong research opportunities. If you are thinking of getting a job there as a doctor, the job security and pension schemes are one of the best in the world.

3. Canada

• Primary degree: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Duration: 3 to 4 years (after completing an undergraduate degree)
• Best universities: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia
• Average cost: $100,000 to $300,000 per year
• Average salary of a doctor:
  • Family medicine: $287,000
  • Medical specialists: $370,000
  • Surgical specialists: $487,000
  • General practitioner: $233,726

Canada’s medical education structure and requirements are quite similar to those of the United States. However, physician salaries are not as high. Still, Canada remains an excellent option due to its high quality of life and strong research opportunities.

Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue a medical degree in Canada:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a science-related field.
• Medical College Admission Test
• IELTS or TOEFL Certificate 
• Clinical or volunteer experience in clinics or hospitals

The structure of the Medical Program program in the Canada is divided into several phases, such as:

• The first 2 years focus on basic medical sciences. Students study subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology.
• In the next 2 years students participate in hospital rotations. They gain experience in various specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics.

4. Australia

• Primary degree: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Duration: 5 to 6 years
• Best universities: University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University
• Average cost: AU$225,200 to AU$ 630,000
• Average salary of a doctor:
  • General Practitioners (GPs): AUD $215,000 and $235,000 per year.
  • Specialists: AUD$500,000

Australia is an excellent destination for continuing your studies, offering a high quality of life and a smooth administrative process. However, gaining admission to a medical university remains highly competitive.

Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue a medical degree in Australia:

• Completion of Year 12
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test or Graduate Medical School Admissions Test
• Non-native English speakers need to provide an IELTS certificate.

The structure of the MD program in Australia is divided into several phases. The first 2 years focus on basic medical sciences. Students study subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pathology. 

These subjects help students understand how the human body works in both healthy and diseased states. The next 2 years focus on clinical training. Students participate in hospital rotations. Some universities require a final year of medical school. In this year, students take on more responsibilities. 

They are involved in decision-making regarding patient care. They may also work on research projects in academic or teaching hospitals.

5. Germany

• Primary degree: Medizinische Staatsexamen (State Examination in Medicine)
• Duration: 6 years
• Best universities: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, University of Heidelberg, Charité University of Medicine Berlin
• Average cost: €1,500 to €3,500 per year (in public universities)
• Average salary of a doctor: €235,844 per year.

For Bangladeshi students, the biggest challenge is the language barrier, as most German universities require proficiency in German. However, the effort is worthwhile since Germany offers one of the most affordable options for studying medicine. Additionally, there are institutions that provide English-taught programs to support international students.

Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue a medical degree in Germany:

• Completion of secondary education
• Test for Medical Studies
• German Language Examination for University Admission

The structure of the medical program in Germany is divided into several phases. The pre-clinical phase lasts for two years. During this phase, students learn subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy. The clinical phase follows the pre-clinical phase and lasts for an additional three years. In this phase, students study topics like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry.

The final stage is the practical year. This year is also known as the “Praktisches Jahr” or PJ. It lasts for one year. During the practical year, students rotate through different medical departments.

6. China

• Primary degree: Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
• Duration: 5 to 6 years
• Best universities: Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Average cost: 20,000 RMB ($3000) to 35,000 RMB ($5000) Per year.
• Average salary of a doctor: CN¥390,019 per year

Prerequisites for foreign students to pursue a medical degree in China:

• Completion of secondary education with minimum 60% score in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
• Two recommendation letters
• Police Clearance Report
• English Proficiency Certificate

The structure of the medical program in China is divided into several phases. In the first 2 years students study subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. The next two years are dedicated to clinical training. 

Students learn about various medical specialties. They spend time in hospitals and clinics. The final year of the MBBS program is often a practical year. During this time, students take on more responsibilities in patient care.

Final words

In addition to the countries we’ve mentioned, you should also consider the following options if they meet your criteria:

• France
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Ireland
• Portugal
• South Korea
• Grenada

These countries offer excellent medical programs. Notably, Antigua and Barbuda provides a unique opportunity, offering many of the benefits of studying in the USA while being more affordable, not to mention the beautiful Caribbean beaches.

For Bangladeshi students, Arkangel University would be a great option if you’re on a budget. Plus, Arkangel can help you transition into the USA as a medical doctor after completing your studies.