best medical schools Greece

5 Best Medical Schools in Greece

Medical Schools

Greece is a country in Southeast Europe situated on the Balkan peninsula. It is a country with one of the largest coastlines in the world, spanning from the mainland to the large number of islands. Because of this, along with the warm Mediterranean weather, Greece is a hot destination for thousands of tourists each year.

Historically, Greece has played a major role in the development of the world. Many modern concepts such as democracy originated from those regions, as well as many famous philosophers that are influencing our education to this day. As a result of its rich past, the country is full of historical landmarks that are very well worth a visit.

At the moment, Greece is suffering from a shortage of medical workers, which is why the country is trying to attract foreign professionals or students to continue or start their careers in Greece. In this article, we will share the five best medical schools that Greece has to offer.

Can Foreigners Study in Medical Schools in Greece?

With its rich history in the field, Greece prides itself on providing an affordable but very high-quality medical education for everyone, including international students. In fact, Greece is one of the cheapest EU countries to study medicine in, with yearly tuition prices of around 1,500 EUR for non-EU students, while students from within the EU can study for free. Medical school in Greece lasts for 6 years, where the first 2.5 years are pre-clinical, the next 2.5 is clinical, and the final year is an internship at a hospital.

To learn more about studying medicine in Greece as an international student, you can visit this page from the University of Crete – one of the most popular medical schools for international students in the country.

What is the most prestigious medical school in Greece?

Founded in 1837, the Medical School at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the oldest and most prestigious medical school in Greece. To this day, it remains one of the top institutions of its kind in the country and is incredibly hard to get into. Some of Greece’s best health professionals have come from this school and went on to have long, successful, and impactful careers in Greece or abroad.

Best Medical Schools in Greece

1. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – School of Medicine

The School of Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (the largest university in Greece) was founded in 1942 and played a major role in the country’s fight against the Nazi regime. Many years later, it remains a significant player in the country’s effort to produce qualified healthcare professionals. The school is now one of four schools that are part of the Faculty of Health and Sciences, along with the schools of pharmacy, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

The undergraduate program at this top medical school in Greece lasts for a period of six years, in which the first two are focused on learning basic sciences, while clinical work begins from the start of year three.

2. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens – Medical School

With a long history that spans nearly two centuries, the Medical School at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is the best medical school in Greece. It currently enrolls around 8,500 students, making it one of the largest medical schools in Greece. Through its research contributions, the school has gained a great reputation all around the world and even surpassed most American universities in this category.

The School of Medicine is a department within the School of Health Sciences at the university, that also contains the departments of nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy.

3. University of Crete – Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Crete is one of the most internationally recognized medical schools in Greece, placing a large emphasis on using the latest research in the field to prepare the next generation of doctors and medical workers. It currently ranks among the top 175 medical schools in the entire world. As a result, this school Is particularly popular with international students.

As usual, the undergraduate course contains 12 semesters, ending with a clinical clerkship. There are also many opportunities that the university offers to study abroad as an exchange student.

4. University of Patras – Faculty of Medicine

The University of Patras started its Faculty of Medicine in 1977, accepting its first students that same year as well. The buildings of the faculty sit right next to each other, with one large building being used for all pre-clinical activities, while the other one is a university hospital where all clinical work is being carried out. There are also teaching amphitheaters and a medical library within the complex. A third building is currently being built that will host all research laboratories of the various Clinical Departments.

This top medical school in Greece not only focuses on making sure that the students are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to become effective and efficient medical workers, but that they also develop strong values and ethical principles that are crucial for a career in medicine.

5. University of Ioannina – Faculty of Medicine

Also founded in 1977, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ioannina is another top-quality medical school in Greece. It currently enrolls over 2,000 students across its undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses. The faculty is highly-ranked internationally and collaborates with institutions across Europe, the USA, and Asia.

The staff at the faculty is highly qualified and recognized internationally for their research activity. The University Campus is situated close to the Ioannina University Hospital, one of the largest such hospitals in Greece, making sure that the students have easy access to practical training that will make them prepared to face all the challenges that come with their profession.

I hope that this article on the best medical schools in Greece was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Medical School Category!