Even if you’ve missed the UCAS deadline or received a rejection and are uncertain what to do next, you may still have more opportunities than you thought.
Many high school students assume that missing out on a September spot means taking a forced gap year and waiting 12 months to reapply, but that assumption is incorrect.
Many fully accredited medical universities across Europe and the Caribbean offer formal spring intakes starting in February and March. Starting your medical degree in the spring lets you begin your studies right away and keeps your goal of becoming a licensed doctor on track.
What is a Spring Medical Intake?
A spring intake is an official academic semester that begins in February or March instead of September or October. You receive the same internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, cover the same curriculum, and you will complete the same clinical training hours as autumn students.
Actually, applying for autumn right after finishing school can also feel rushed for some students, which is why some students opt to study medicine abroad with the Spring intake in 2026/2027.
Spring intake also gives you extra months to gather, translate and notarise your high school transcripts without rushing, and European medical school application deadlines 2026/2027 will give you months to work on these.
Medical universities still accepting applications in 2026 include:
| University Name | Spring Intake 2027 | Entrance Exam? |
| Pleven Medical University in Bulgaria | February | Yes |
| European University in Georgia | ||
| Riga Stradins University in Latvia | February | No |
| Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy in Georgia | March | No |
| Medical University of Silesia in Poland | February | Yes |
| University of Health Sciences School of Medicine in Antigua & Barbuda | January | No |
| Avicenna - Batumi Medical University Austrian Medical Programme in Austria/Georgia | Rolling window basis | No |
| Near East University in Georgia | February | No |
Keep in mind that a lot of these universities are actually on a rolling window basis, so the earlier you apply, the better.
If you’re still curious what the February intake medicine in Europe in 2027 is like, you have to join us in our next live interactive webinar to chat with our advisors and we’ll get all your questions answered on the spot.
Step-by-Step Preparation Checklist for Spring Applicants
Applying for a spring intake is straightforward when broken down into simple steps:
- Gather your secondary school transcript or predicted grades in Biology and Chemistry.
- European universities require certified translations and apostille stamps on high school diplomas and transcripts
- Depending on the school, you will either sit a short online multiple-choice exam or attend an online motivation interview
- Non EU applicants should complete their applications early to leave enough time for student visa processing
- Finalise dormitory choices or private flat rentals before you arrive
How Medlink Students Help You Secure Your Admission
Applying to medical school abroad involves strict legal steps, including document translation, notarisation and university liaison. Medlink Students handles all that for you.
From selecting the right university to setting up your local accommodation and helping with GMC registration after graduation, expert advisors handle the paperwork so you can focus on your medical career. Best of all, you don’t have to wait any longer.
Just book a free consultation, and we will help you secure your spring intake seat for 2027.
FAQ
Can you start medical school in February?
Yes. While September is the most common starting date, several medical universities in Europe offer a second intake in February or early spring. For example, the Riga Stradins University February intake in 2027 begins on the 2nd.
Is the Pleven Medical University spring intake 2026/2027 still available?
Yes, the Pleven Medical University spring intake 2026/2027 is still available, as of September 2026.
I was rejected from a UK medical school, what next?
If you were rejected from a UK medical school, you can check out UCAS Clearing opportunities or apply to study abroad with a spring intake. For example, as of September 2026, the Medical University of Silesia spring intake is open, or you can take a look at Georgian medical universities with a February intake.
