Entry Requirements for Medicine in Europe: Grades, Tests and Interviews

What grades do you need for medical school in Europe?

Grade expectations depend on how much weight a university gives its own test:

• Test-led universities set minimum grades, then rank you on their exam. Jagiellonian University in Kraków admits to its 6-year MD on entrance exam results only. The University of Szeged asks for no failing grade in your final year in biology, chemistry, physics, maths or English.
• Mixed systems combine both. The Medical University of Gdańsk adds points for two advanced-level grades (biology plus chemistry, physics or maths) to an online test and interview.
• Grade-led universities assess your school record without an exam, as Iuliu Hațieganu in Cluj-Napoca did for international applicants in 2026.
• Ireland is the most grade-driven. For non-EU school leavers, RCSI's 5-year track asks for AAB at A-level including chemistry, IB 38 points with Higher Level chemistry at grade 5, or for US students APs in chemistry, biology and a third subject scored 5, 5 and 4. Its 6-year track accepts a US GPA of 3.5, with at least 3.0 in the sciences.

Which subjects do you need?

Biology and chemistry are required almost everywhere, and most entrance tests are built around them. Physics or maths matters at some schools: the IMAT includes a physics and maths section, and Debrecen's entrance exam has included physics alongside biology and chemistry. If you are still choosing subjects, take biology and chemistry at A-level or IB Higher Level, ideally with maths or physics.

Entry requirements for medicine in Europe: tests and interviews by country

Interviews range from short conversations to structured formats. Charles University's First Faculty uses five Multiple Mini Interview stations of about 10 minutes each, and only the interview score decides admission. Semmelweis's interview includes oral questions on biology, chemistry and English, and Gdańsk's covers motivation, aptitude for medicine and subject knowledge. Prepare to explain why you want medicine, what the profession involves and how you handle pressure.

English proficiency, documents and deadlines

Most universities ask for proof of English unless your schooling was in English. RCSI asks for IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0, Iuliu Hațieganu in Cluj-Napoca asks for B2, and LSMU sets its own test if you have no certificate. For Italy's IMAT courses, students who need a visa must show B2 English to enrol.

Typical documents include:

• School transcripts and your final diploma, or predicted grades
• Passport copy and photographs
• A motivation letter, required by LSMU and Szeged, and often a CV
• A medical certificate, and for Italy a Dichiarazione di valore or CIMEA statement of comparability for a foreign diploma

Deadlines run from January to September, and many schools admit in rounds, so apply early. You can check RCSI's full entry requirements as a benchmark, see our full list of European medical schools and read our complete guide to study medicine in Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Can A-level or IB grades replace an entrance exam?

At some universities, yes. LSMU can exempt applicants with strong A-level, IB, UCAT, MCAT or IMAT results in biology and chemistry. Gdańsk ranks IB candidates with Higher Level biology plus chemistry, physics or maths on their scores and an interview, without the written test. Most other schools still set a test or interview.

Are medical school entry requirements Europe-wide the same for EU and non-EU students?

Not always. In Ireland, EU applicants apply through the CAO and take the HPAT, while non-EU applicants apply directly on grades and the Casper test. Italy runs a separate IMAT ranking for non-EU applicants living abroad, and the Medical University of Sofia set different 2026 exam dates for each group.

Meeting the entry requirements for medicine in Europe takes planning across grades, tests and interviews. We help you match your profile to the right schools and prepare for each step of 2027 entry. Apply for a Strategy Call