5 Best Medical Schools in Austria

With highly mountainous terrain and landlocked area, Austria is located in Central Europe. The country is further divided into districts and municipalities.

Before looking at medical schools in Austria, let’s look at some notable facts about Austria.

Austria’s landscape is highly diverse, with the Alps in the west and southwest, the Vienna Basin in the east, and the Danube River flowing through the center.

Its tourist attractions include its capital, Vienna, home to numerous historical sites and cultural institutions, and other major cities such as Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Graz. 

Austria has a long history as a center of European culture and arts. It was the birthplace of many famous composers, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, and Johann Strauss II.

The Vienna Boys’ Choir is also a well-known Austrian export. The country’s cuisine is also worth exploring, as it is known for its rich pastries and coffees.

Austria is a renowned center of excellence for medical education. Students from all over the world come to Austria to study medicine. The country’s universities offer various courses and programs in medicine and related fields. They are well-equipped to provide students with the latest medical technology and research.

In Austria, the environment is highly conducive to medical students’ success. The country’s renowned healthcare system provides top-notch facilities and resources, while its stunning scenery and diverse culture offer a wealth of opportunities for students to explore and enjoy.

Austria’s vibrant cities are home to world-class medical schools, which offer students the chance to study in some of the world’s most modern and well-equipped facilities.

In addition, the country’s countryside is dotted with several quaint villages and towns, which offer a more relaxed pace of life and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty of Austria.

Medical students in Austria also have the opportunity to experience some of the best healthcare in the world. The country’s hospitals are world-renowned for their quality of care, and students can expect to receive top-notch treatment if they should need it.

Overall, Austria is an ideal destination for medical students looking to further their studies in a beautiful and welcoming country. With its excellent healthcare system, world-class facilities, and stunning scenery, Austria provides everything students need to succeed.

Why Study Medicine in Austria?

There are many reasons to study medicine in Austria. The country has a long tradition of excellence in medical education, and Austrian universities offer some of the best programs in Europe. 

Additionally, Austria is a beautiful country with a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for international students.

A few of the reasons to study medicine in Austria are:

Excellent Quality of Education

Austrian universities have a reputation for excellence, and students can expect to receive a top-notch education if they choose to study medicine in the country. Additionally, many Austrian medical schools offer programs in English, making them accessible to international students.

Clinical Training in English

Austria offers a wide range of medical schools that provide clinical training in English. These schools offer excellent opportunities for students who wish to pursue a medical career in Austria. 

The Austrian medical schools offer a variety of programs that cater to the needs of international students. Some popular programs include the International Master’s Program in Clinical Sciences and the International Ph.D. Program in Clinical Sciences, and the MD-PhD Joint Program in Clinical Sciences.

Scholarships and Financial Aids

The Austrian medical schools offer a wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs that help the students meet the costs of their education.

The schools also offer fellowships and assistantships that help students develop their careers.

Better Job Prospects

Graduates of Austrian medical schools are highly sought after by employers both in Austria and abroad. In addition to excellent job prospects, medical graduates can also look forward to high salaries.

According to a recent Austrian Chamber of Commerce study, the average starting salary for medical graduates in Austria is €56,000 per year. It is significantly higher than the average starting salary for other professions, such as engineering (€40,000) or law (€38,000).

High Standard of Living

Austria is a developed country with a strong economy, which translates into a high standard of living for its citizens.

It is evident in the quality of the infrastructure and public services, as well as the overall safety and security of the country. Austria has a rich culture and history, making it an interesting place to live and study.

Convenient for International Students

The country is located in the heart of Europe, making it easy to travel to other parts of the continent.

Austria’s major airports are well-connected to major cities worldwide, making it easy to get to and from Austria.

Undergraduate Requirement for Medical School Admission in Austria

To be eligible to study medicine at an Austrian medical school, you must have completed your secondary education with good grades and fulfilled the following specific requirements:

  • You must have completed 12 years of schooling.

  • You must have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in your secondary school, leaving examinations.

  • You must have passed the Austrian Medical Aptitude Test (MedAT) with a minimum score of 50 points.

  • Suppose you are not a native German speaker. In that case, you will also need to prove your proficiency in the language by passing a German language test at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Requirements For International Students 

For international students who want admission to medicine in Austria, the requirements are as follows:

  • A completed high school education with excellent grades

  • German language proficiency at a B2 level or higher

  • Passing scores on the Austrian medical entrance exam (Medizinertest)

If you meet these requirements, you can begin the application process to study medicine in Austria!

To study medicine in Austria, international students must meet the same requirements as Austrian students. It means you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass an entrance exam.

If you have completed your secondary education outside of Austria, you must have your documents recognized by the Austrian authorities. Once this is done, you can register for the entrance exam.

The entrance exam for medicine is a two-part test consisting of a written and an oral examination. The written examination tests your knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The oral examination tests your ability to communicate in German.

If you are successful in both examinations, you will be admitted to a medical school in Austria. Medical studies in Austria take six years to complete and lead to a Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Medical School High School Requirements to Study Medicine in Austria

To study medicine in Austria, you must complete a recognized Austrian medical degree, which typically takes six years. Alternatively, you may be able to study for a shorter five-year degree if you have already completed a year of medical studies elsewhere.

Most Austrian medical schools require you to have completed your secondary education before starting a medical degree. As such, you must have good grades in biology and chemistry and pass an entrance exam.

If you do not speak German, you may also be required to complete a German language course before commencing your studies. However, many medical schools in Austria offer courses taught in English, so this should not be a major barrier to entry.

Once you have completed your medical degree, you will need to complete a one-year internship in an Austrian hospital before you can practice medicine there.

To be eligible to study medicine in Austria, you must have completed high school with excellent grades. In addition, you will need to take and pass an entrance exam.

Admission Test

There are a few different medical schools in Austria that you can apply to, and each one may have slightly different requirements. However, you will generally need very good grades to be accepted into a medical school in Austria. In addition, you will need to take and pass an entrance exam.

The MedAT is a computer-based aptitude test for admission to medical schools in Austria. It consists of two parts: the Multiple-Choice section and the Free Response section.

The Multiple-Choice section tests your knowledge of natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) and mathematics. You will have 90 minutes to answer 60 questions.

Besides, the Free Response section tests your ability to apply your knowledge to solving problems. You will have 90 minutes to answer 4 questions.

You can find more information about MedAT on the website of the Austrian Medical Association (Österreichische Ärztekammer).

The best way to prepare for the entrance exam is to have a strong understanding of all the material covered on the test. You can find practice exams online, and many study guides can help you prepare. If you can, try to take the entrance exam a few times to get a feel for what it is like and increase your chances of doing well.

Regulatory Body

The regulatory body of medical schools in Austria is the Medical Universities Act (Medizin-Universitäten-Gesetz, or MUG). This act governs the approval and operation of medical schools in Austria and the standards they must meet.

The MUG sets forth several requirements that all medical schools must meet to be accredited. A few of them are:

  • All medical schools must have six years of undergraduate medical training, including at least four years of clinical training. 
  • All medical schools must offer various medical and surgical specialties and other health-related disciplines. 
  • All medical schools must have adequate facilities and resources, including teaching hospitals.

The MUG is responsible for accrediting all medical schools in Austria and ensuring they meet the required standards. In addition, the MUG also sets forth guidelines for the operation of medical schools and provides oversight of their activities.

5 Best Medical Schools in Austria

Students worldwide are always in such learning opportunities to better their skills and abilities. In this way, they will be able to find good job openings in their desired industries. However, many do not know that certain career paths exist not only in the United States but all over the world, just like the field of medicine.

With world-class medical facilities and instructors, Austria has one of the best medical schools. And, of course, Austria is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage.

If you’re interested in studying medicine in Austria, here are five of the best medical schools to consider:

University of Vienna

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The University of Vienna is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, founded in 1365. The university’s medical school is ranked among the best in Austria and Europe and offers various programs and specializations. 

The Faculty of Medicine offers various undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in medicine and health sciences.

Undergraduate programs include the six-year MBBS and four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Graduate programs include the Ph.D. program in biomedical sciences and the Master of Science in Nursing program.

If you’re looking for a top-notch medical education, the University of Vienna is an excellent choice.

Medical University of Innsbruck

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The Medical University of Innsbruck is another leading institution for medical education in Austria. It’s located in Innsbruck, in the beautiful Tyrolean Alps.

It was founded in 1669 by Emperor Leopold I and is currently the largest medical school in Austria. The university offers a 6-year medical program and several postgraduate programs.

The university is currently ranked as the third-best medical school in Austria, behind the University of Vienna and the Medical University of Graz. It is also ranked within the top 400 medical schools in the world by the QS World University Rankings.

The university strongly focuses on research and is home to many world-renowned researchers. It is also a teaching hospital with over 1,200 beds.

And with its strong focus on research, it’s an excellent choice for those interested in pursuing a career in academia or medicine.

Medical University of Graz

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The Medical University of Graz is another excellent choice for those interested in studying medicine in Austria. It’s located in the city of Graz, the second-largest city in the country.

The Medical University of Graz (MUG) is a public university in Graz, Austria. It is one of four medical schools in Austria and is the largest in Styria. MUG offers a 6-year medical program leading to the “Doctor of Medicine” (MD) degree.

MUG is ranked among the top 300 medical schools in the world and is particularly well-known for its research in the fields of oncology and cardiology. MUG has a long medical education and research tradition, dating back to 1585 when the city’s “Medical Faculty” was established.

Today, MUG comprises eight faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Nursing, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, and Sports Science. 

Danube Private University

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Danube Private University is one of Austria’s most prestigious medical schools. The university offers a six-year medical program leading to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and Ph.D. programs in various medical fields.

Danube Private University is an internationally recognized leader in medical education and research. The university has a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, and its faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields. 

The university is home to many world-class research institutes and centers, including the Vienna Institute for Cancer Research, the Center for Molecular Medicine, and the Austrian Center for Molecular Biology.

Paracelsus Medical University

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Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) is a medical university in Salzburg, Austria. It is Austria’s largest private medical university and was founded in 2002. It is named after the Swiss physician and alchemist Paracelsus.

The university has about 3,700 students from more than 60 countries and offers degree programs in human medicine, dentistry, and health sciences at its four faculties. The university is especially known for its internationality and interdisciplinarity.

If you’re interested in studying medicine in Austria, these are five of the best medical schools to consider. Each of these universities offers world-class education and research opportunities. 

Moreover, DeinArzt provides information and resources for German-speaking doctors. The site includes a directory of doctors, a forum, and a blog and is operated by a team of German-speaking doctors.

Exempted Applicants

Several groups of applicants are exempted from the entrance medical exam in Austria. These include:

  • Applicants who have already passed an equivalent medical exam in another EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
  • Applicants who are nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the United States and who have already passed a medical exam in their home country
  • Applicants who are holders of a valid residence permit for Austria (e.g., students, researchers, etc.)

Wrapping it All Up

Now that you have an overview of studying for medical school in Austria, it’s time to start planning your educational journey. Use the tips and advice in this article to help you choose the right program and school and start your path to becoming a doctor. 

Once you have been accepted into a medical school in Austria, you can expect to complete a rigorous program that will last for several years. However, the hard work will be worthwhile if you are dedicated to becoming a doctor. After completing your studies, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful doctor.

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