Prices being what they are these days, who doesn't compare shop? The internet makes it easy to do so, and as an added incentive, many shopping platforms offer product discounts.
But some say that comparison shopping means you're looking at the wrong indicators. Savvy shoppers all know the lowest price doesn't matter, what's important is getting the best value for your money.
Shoppers seem to focus on the coins leaving their purses rather than what they get in return. If the item doesn't deliver its money's worth, can anyone say that it was money well spent? The lowest price doesn't always offer the best value; that's where the idiom 'you get what you pay for' comes from.
So we need to look at cost-effective medical degrees around the world. We'll look at course fees and all the other costs of earning a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
Because price tags do matter, especially if you have little to no money coming in. But we'll also examine what you get for your money.
A Medical Degree Cost in Australia
Australia is home to some of the finest universities in the world, several of which boast top-rated medical study programs. The University of Melbourne Medical School consistently ranks in the Top 50 worldwide. The University of New South Wales isn't too far behind. These are just two of the 36 medical schools around our country.
Thanks to its Health Workforce Initiative, Australia has stepped up spending to ensure anyone who wants medical training has access to these programs. Also, universities allow entry into their medical study programs through three different pathways. High school students may enrol in undergraduate medical programs, earning their MBBS in around seven years.
People who aren't sure they want to study medicine after high school may earn a Bachelor's degree in any field of study and then apply to graduate medical school. Likewise, medical school hopefuls taking Technical and Further Education (TAFE) courses qualify for graduate studies in medicine. So do Vocational Education and Training (VET) course takers.
These three types of medical school candidates must sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). It is a challenging ordeal and you must pay for courses and to sit the exam. You might not find any financial aid for this portion of your medical studies journey.
But once you enter your graduate medical program, you may apply for scholarships and bursaries.
The cost of a medical degree in your home country varies. If you enrol in an undergraduate program, a part of your education may be subsidised. Fees for graduate medical study programs range between A$8,000 and A$10,000 per year.
Most universities' tuition fees are indicative; they depend on which courses you choose.
As a native Australian, this is the easiest country for you to become a doctor. You don't have to worry about dealing with culture shock or learning another language, and your travel costs will be lower. You won't have to pay for or sit additional exams before you can practise medicine.
That makes medical schools in Australia the best value for your money.
How Much Does a Medical Degree Cost at Asian Universities?
Asia is a huge - and hugely underrated continent. Often, when people think of Asia, they picture only Eastern Asia - China, Japan and the Korean peninsula. Few realise that Asia stretches from the easternmost tip of Russia (Cape Dezhnev) to Cape Baba, the westernmost point of Türkiye. And all across this expanse, exponential growth ensues, including access to higher education.
India currently boasts 542 medical schools, all of which welcome international students. This country's MBBS program is much shorter than other nations' courses; you might finish your studies in just 5.5 years. Course fees are low (around USD10,000/year) and the cost of living is cheap.
The All India Institute of Medical Services (AIIMS) takes top marks in the country for its medical programs and 10th place overall for education.
Universities in Malaysia typically rank higher than Indian schools and this country's medical schools offer world-class education. Like universities in India, Malaysian medical schools allow five years to complete the MBBS degree and their tuition is about the same. And, like India, the cost of living is much lower than in Australia.
With hundreds of medical colleges like Fudan and Peking Universities, international students may find the best deal in medical education in China. Their MBBS programs are even shorter in duration; a mere five years will see you certified as a doctor of medicine.
And the cost is far lower, too, only around USD 2000 per year. But the language barrier might make it hard for you to keep up with your classes.
How Much Does a Medical Degree Cost at European Universities?
Germany is the global top destination for medical studies and with good reason. If you can pass their Test for Medical Studies - Germany's GAMSAT equivalent, you won't pay a penny in tuition. However, entry is ultra-competitive and the six-year courses are taught in German.
Besides, the cost of living in Germany is pretty high so you may end up paying quite a bit even if your tuition is free.
Germany and Sweden are two of the best countries to study medicine in Europe. Unfortunately, about five years ago, the Swedish government started charging non-European students tuition, around USD 1100.oo/year. The cost of living is steep in Sweden so plan on spending twice your tuition amount each year.
Medical courses in Italy make the world's favourite boot one of the best countries to study medicine. As in Sweden, you'll have to pay around USD 1100.00/year in tuition but the cost of living is a bit lower than in those northern countries. Italy has 12 public universities and five private institutions offering medical programs in English.
Poland also offers medical degree courses in English; they may be the best European medical education deal of all. Spend six years in ancient, historic cities like Krakow, Poznan or Szczecin (Stettin), earning your medical degree for an average of A$2000/year.
You may complete your studies in about five and a half years, though six years is standard.
How Much Does a Medical Degree Cost in the Americas?
As an Australian, your first thought about studying medicine overseas might direct you to universities in English-speaking countries. You might explore enticing programs in South Africa, the United Kingdom or what seems to be most medical students' preferred destination: the United States.
Indeed, the US has many noteworthy medical programs, so that's where we'll start our list.
To study at Duke, John Hopkins or Harvard Universities, applicants must already have a Bachelor's degree and present a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Entry into top US medical programs is extremely competitive; once in, you can count on seven to 10 years of study.
Medical school tuition in the US is among the highest in the world. It's not uncommon for international students to pay upwards of USD50,000.00/year, and the cost of living in the US is pretty high, too.
Canada also has world-renowned medical education facilities. But like the US, they are very expensive and hyper-competitive, and some schools don't accept international students. Certain universities require both an MCAT result and a Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) test result for consideration. Canadian universities aren't quite as expensive as their US counterparts but the cost of living in Canada can be eye-watering.
You might then choose a more exotic destination in the Americas for your medical studies. Argentina is home to four universities with outstanding medical programs and you only need to meet two requirements to qualify for entry. You must have a high school diploma and you must speak Spanish because all of the medical courses are taught in that language.
Medical courses are standardised across the country; they take seven years to complete.
Public universities are free in Argentina but private ones charge tuition. How much a private university medical degree costs depends on which part of the country it's in. But no matter where in Argentina you study, count on the cost of living being around 70% lower than in Australia.
The world is full of wondrous places, many of them boasting fine institutes of higher learning. the countries mentioned in this article tend to dominate medical research and study headlines. We hardly touched on university medical programs in Africa; countries where living and tuition costs are low.
Zambia, Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda all have reputable universities and notable medical programs.
If you're interested in international medical education, you might first check if Australian medical study programs offer overseas internships. That way, you could complete your academic studies close to home and do your clinical studies abroad.
You might find that your university has partnered with universities overseas. You may even find scholarship money to help you with your living expenses while you're away, studying.
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