MD in Ukraine

Medical education in Ukraine is an integral part of national education system. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union,medical education in Ukraine was considered one of world’s best and its reputation was still strong enough to attract thousands of foreign students each year. Its students, graduates and academics have been known and appreciated worldwide.

Being a participant of the Bologna process, Ukraine joined common European education system, as well as European academic research community. A new set of qualification requirements for medical education in Ukraine has been adapted to meet European standards.

Ukraine is one of the most preferred destinations in the world for medical education. Students from over 70 countries come to Ukraine every year to study medicine.

The medical universities under the Ministry of Health of Ukraine offer the best value for money in the sphere of medical education for students from around the world. Good facilities and a history of high quality medical education and care, provide the right environment for students to be moulded as accomplished doctors of International standards. The Universities are recognized by all Medical councils around the world.

Graduates of Ukrainian medical universities are of high demand for their fundamental knowledge and excellent practical skills. Due to the latest data, the educational potential of Ukraine has allowed us to enter the group of the first ten leader states in the field of international education (as evidenced by current demand for higher education in Ukraine among citizens of other countries).

Today, specialists of medical and pharmaceutical fields are prepared in higher education establishments of I-IV levels of accreditation, which include 64 medical schools, 47 medical colleges and their branches, 2 nursing institutes, 12 medical universities, 2 medical academies, 1 national pharmaceutical university and 3 academies of postgraduate education. Six medical universities and one medical academy of postgraduate education have the status of national establishments. It should be noted that today Ukrainian diploma has wide international recognition, and the level of professional training is highly appreciated by foreign employers.

Structure of Medical Education in Ukraine

Structure of medical education in Ukraine is based on educational systems of leading world countries in accordance with recommendations of EU, UNESCO, UNO and other international organizations. Taking into account that higher medical education is an integral part of Ukrainian educational system, it is regulated by the law “On higher education”, regulation “On specialization (internship)” and regulation “On clinical residency”. Four-graded educational system provides high-quality education with further awarding of such qualification levels as Junior Specialist (2-3 years), Bachelor (3-4 years), Specialist (6 years), and Master (1-2 years).

Higher education may be obtained in higher education establishments of relevant level of certification. In order to be able to get higher medical education applicant has to have a certificate on complete general secondary education or qualification of Junior Specialist / Bachelor. To obtain postgraduate education a candidate has to have a document confirming qualification of Specialist or Master.

Multigraded structure of higher medical education means that after completing of a particular level of education students may continue their studies further. Ukrainian medical graduates are obliged to pass Internship and Master Program or Clinical Studies (optional), while foreigners, who have been qualified as Specialist, may complete only Master or Clinical Residency studies.

Major Primary medical educational Programs

General Medicine (MBBS)

• Level of preparation– Specialist;
• Qualification – Medical Doctor;
• Duration — 6 years.The program is available for all citizens of Ukraine and foreigners.

Dentistry (BDS)

• Level of preparation – Specialist;
• Qualification – Dentist;
• Duration — 5 years.
• The program is available for all citizens of Ukraine and foreigners.

Pharmacy (BPharm)

• Level of preparation – Specialist;
• Qualification – Pharmaceutist;
• Duration — 5 years.

The program is available for all citizens of Ukraine and foreigners.

Education for Foreign Citizens

Each year the number of foreigners willing to get Ukrainian education is constantly increasing. Thus, in the 2013/2014 academic year the contingent of foreign students in higher educational establishments of Ukraine comprised approximately 70,000 students from 145 countries.

Admission Board carries out acceptance of foreigners to establishments of higher education of Ukraine on the basis of the interview and following the consideration of submitted documents of previous education. Each university has its own requirements as to the level of academic achievements of foreign students.

Foreigners take courses in Ukrainian or Russian, however many universities now offer English-language programs.

Foreigners who do not speak Ukrainian (Russian), have the opportunity to study it during 10-month preparatory program at the Preparatory Department of chosen university. After successful completion, they may continue their education at the basic faculties of higher educational establishments of Ukraine.

Apart language training, foreigners study basic disciplines needed for further studies on selected fields / specialties.

Education for foreigners in Ukrainian universities is conducted on a contract basis. Approximate cost of education for foreigners ranges from $ 1000 to $ 3000 per year and from $ 2,000 to $ 6,000 per year for medical specialties.

Education cost at the Preparatory Department ranges from $ 1000 to $ 2000.

Foreigners, who have received state grants of Ukraine under international agreements, state programs and other international obligations, are admitted to study on the basis of referrals from the Ministry of Education as prescribed in such agreements and programs.

Foreigners who have received complete general secondary education at foreign schools with study of the Ukrainian language and Ukrainian foreign, whose status was confirmed by foreign Ukrainian certificate, can also study for free under the quota for foreign Ukrainians established by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Foreigners legally residing in Ukraine have the right to obtain higher education on equal terms with the citizens of Ukraine

Students obtaining medical education in Ukraine are eligible to apply for International Licensing exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), MCI Screening Test and all other licensing exams around the world.