Medicine Foundation Courses Europe

What is a Foundation Medicine Course?

Foundation medicine courses, also known as medicine foundation year, are designed for medical university candidates who:

• Didn’t take the required sciences at A-Level;
• Didn’t get the optimal grades at A-Levels;
• Didn’t gain admission into medical school on the first try
• Are unsure whether medicine or dentistry is their right career path
• Just want to take a year extra to prepare

The pre-medical course acts as a foundation year or an introductory course for the regular 6-year medicine course that medical schools in Europe teach in English.

Pre-med consists of the basic science subjects you need in order to gain entry into the medical university of your choice: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (some universities may teach Mathematics as well as part of the foundation year course).

Are There Options for Dentistry Foundation Courses?

Yes, there are also options for taking a dentistry foundation year, which are designed to prepare students specifically for dental school. Typically, foundation year dentistry programmes focus on the core sciences such as biology and chemistry, with additional emphasis on subjects relevant to dentistry, including anatomy and sometimes introductory clinical skills.

Just like with medicine foundation years, these courses are designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to progress into the main course.

How Long Do Foundation Courses Take?

The duration of courses for pre-med and foundation year dentistry can be anywhere between 3 and 9 months. There usually are 2 types of programmes: one in English, and one taught in the national language.

Apart from the subjects mentioned above, you will be studying general English language and English for Health Sciences, which will help you with terminology in the first year of medicine.

Why Invest an Additional Year?

Both medicine foundation courses and dentistry foundation year programmes are aimed at students who wish to secure their entry into a particular university, don't have the required A-levels, or need more preparation for 1st-year entry.

By signing up for a preparatory course, you will gain A-Level science knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and/or Mathematics. You will have a massive advantage over other applicants because you have invested more time to prepare for medical school entrance exams.

Entry Requirements for Medicine Foundation Year in Europe

While entry requirements for medicine foundation courses in Europe may differ for every country, the 2 most common requirements are:

• High-school certificate of completion with an average grade of 60% (in some cases even 40%)
• English language proficiency diploma or exam

Best Places to Study Abroad for Pre-Med

Here are the best pre-med programmes in Europe:

1. University of Health Sciences School of Medicine in Antigua & Barbuda
2. Medical University of Bialystok
3. McDaniel College Budapest
4. Semmelweis University of Medicine
5. Caucasus International University
6. Charles University Third Faculty of Medicine
7. Humanitas University Milan
8. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU)
9. Medical University of Lodz
10. Medical University of Warsaw
11. Poznan University of Medical Sciences
12. University of Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH)
13. Riga Stradins University (RSU)
14. University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest
15. Titu Maiorescu University
16. Plovdiv Medical University
17. University of Sofia St Kliment Ohridski
18. Varna Medical University
19. Nicolaus Copernicus University – Collegium Medicum
20. Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome
21. European University Cyprus
22. Jagiellonian University Medical College
23. Jan Kochanowski University School of Medicine in Kielce
24. Masaryk University
25. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW)
26. The State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Nicolae Testemitanu
27. University of Debrecen Medical School
28. University of Pecs
29. University of Rzeszow, Faculty of Medicine
30. University of Szeged
31. University of Traditional Medicine Armenia
32. University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
33. Yerevan State Medical University

This list includes options for foundation year courses in medicine and dentistry. Get in touch with us today to learn how you can secure your place and start your journey to a medical or dental career.

Why You Should Apply for a First-Year Pre-Med Courses

Admitting to a foundation year course will make your life a lot easier for the remaining years of your medical education. In fact, students who decide to invest an extra year in medicine have several advantages over their peers. In fact, students who decide to invest an extra year in medicine have several advantages over their peers.

Why? Because you will:

• Gain A-Level science knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This will automatically eliminate the pressure to study hard since you have already gotten quite a lot of knowledge in your foundation year.
• Spend more time in the first year focusing on the important subjects rather than on the language. If you sign up for a basic course teaching the local language during the pre-med year, later you will worry less about the official language of the country you study in.
• Pass easily and gain entry into the 1st year of medicine. You will go through the stress of chasing admission deadlines.
• Meet the same teachers who will teach you in years 1, 2, and 3. You can start building a good relationship with them from your pre-med year.
• Have the time to socialise, meet people, make friends, explore the city, and familiarise yourself with the authentic student experience.

Build the Strongest Foundation for Medical School Success

A solid foundation is the key to excelling in medical school and that’s exactly what the Student Success Programme (SSP) provides.
Whether you’re preparing for biology, chemistry, anatomy, or medical terminology, our team of doctors will help you develop effective study habits, subject mastery, and test-taking confidence before you even start your degree.
Our tailored support ensures that when you enter medical school, you’re already ahead of the curve.