Requirements for Studying Medicine in Austria and the Best Universities

Studying medicine in Austria enjoys a strong global reputation, with the country welcoming large numbers of students each year who aspire to pursue medical studies at Austrian universities.

This popularity is due to Austria’s many advantages, which have made it an ideal destination for those seeking to continue their education abroad. The country stands out for its academic excellence and strength in scientific research, particularly in the field of medicine.

Austria is home to several leading medical universities that offer outstanding academic curricula, along with extensive opportunities to conduct scientific research in well-equipped laboratories.

Requirements for Studying Medicine in Austria

Pursuing a medical degree in Austria requires meeting a set of essential admission criteria, including the following:

• Proof of general university entrance qualification in Austria by submitting one of the following: a foreign high school diploma, proof of completing three years at a post-secondary institution, or an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
• Evidence of proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction.
• A copy of a valid passport or birth certificate.
• Passing the required entrance examinations, which may include biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and aptitude tests.
• Applicants are not permitted to apply to more than one university in Austria at the same time.

Austrian medical schools typically accept students with a high school average above 90% for Human Medicine, provided all other admission requirements are met.

Language of Instruction for Medicine in Austria

English is widely used as a language of instruction in many Austrian medical faculties. However, some universities require proficiency in German in order to enroll in medical programs.

For example, the Medical University of Vienna requires international students to demonstrate proficiency in German to be eligible for admission.

Duration of Medical Studies in Austria

Medical studies in Austria typically last 12 semesters, carefully structured to ensure students gain comprehensive scientific and clinical knowledge.

The 12 semesters of medical study in Austria are structured as follows:

• First Semester: An introductory phase covering the fundamentals of health and disease, the human body in general, and basic first aid.
• Second Semester: An in-depth study of the human body, including clinical examination methods, as well as the genetic and biological regulations governing bodily functions.
• Third, Fourth, and Fifth Semesters: These three semesters focus on nutrition, digestion, reproduction, and human development.
• Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Semesters: Dedicated to studying the physical and physiological aspects of the human body.
• Ninth and Tenth Semesters: Completion of the mandatory elective clinical training in internal medicine.
• Eleventh and Twelfth Semesters: After successfully completing the previous stages, students join university hospital departments as active members of clinical training teams at the Medical University of Vienna.

Cost of Studying Medicine in Austria

The cost of studying medicine in Austria varies from one student to another, depending on several key factors, including:

• The university where you choose to pursue your medical degree.
• Living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and other daily necessities. Housing in major cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is generally more expensive than in smaller cities.

Overall, tuition fees for non-EU students are approximately €800 per semester, while EU citizens can typically study medicine in Austria free of charge.

Best Universities for Studying Medicine in Austria

Austria is home to several universities that offer medical programs, allowing students to enroll provided they meet all admission requirements.

Some of the top medical universities in Austria include:

• Medical University of Vienna: The University of Vienna enjoys widespread recognition both within Austria and across the globel, the Medical University of Vienna offers a distinguished six-year medical program that combines comprehensive theoretical instruction with hands-on clinical training across all major medical specialties.
• Medical University of Graz: The Medical University of Graz offers a Human Medicine program taught exclusively in German, along with opportunities to study Dentistry and Pharmacy, as well as a variety of specialized research programs.
• Medical University of Innsbruck: The Medical University of Innsbruck is one of Austria’s top medical schools, welcoming a large number of students each year and offering a wide range of medical programs across various specialties.
• Paracelsus Private Medical University: Paracelsus Private Medical University offers a variety of medical programs, allowing students to study Human Medicine, Nursing Sciences, Pharmacy, and other healthcare-related fields.

Frequently Asked Questions about Studying Medicine in Austria

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