Transferring Universities in Europe: How to Switch

What Is a Study Transfer Within Europe?

A study transfer is a move from one university to another during an ongoing degree, in which semesters and exams already completed are recognised at the new university. Within Europe this works particularly well in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine, because these programmes are structured comparably across the continent.

This is based on EU Directive 2005/36/EC. It sets minimum requirements for study duration and content for exactly these four professions – six years for human medicine, five years for dentistry, five years for pharmacy, five years for veterinary medicine. Anyone studying in Sofia, Varna or Valletta learns essentially the same content as in Munich or Vienna, just in a different place.

It's exactly this comparability that makes a transfer possible. At Medschool Experts, we assess which location is the best fit for your academic history so far, and handle the coordination with the receiving university.

Up to Which Year of Study Is a Transfer Possible?

In human medicine, a transfer is possible up to the 5th year of study; in dentistry, up to the 4th year. Entry into the final year of study is excluded across Europe, in all four fields.

The reason lies in training responsibility: the university that ultimately awards the diploma must itself have taken responsibility for, and examined, a substantial part of the training. A pure final-year transfer isn't provided for at any European faculty. Anyone who goes past this point has missed their window for a transfer – no exceptions, no workarounds.

In practice, that means: if you're considering a switch, it's better to have the conversation a year too early than a semester too late. We have a suitable partner university for almost every situation – but only while the window is still open. Book your free consultation now.

When Is It Worth Switching Where You Study?

A switch is worth considering whenever your current location is no longer moving you forward – academically, personally or financially. In practice, in 2026 we mainly hear five reasons, and none of them is a sign of weakness.

• The location doesn't fit. The city, the climate, the distance from family, or simply the overall feel of the place isn't right.
• The programme structure doesn't fit. Some people thrive in small groups with plenty of hands-on patient contact, others need more structure.
• The language doesn't fit. If you realise you'd rather study in English or in German, you can make that happen at a different location.
• The cost doesn't fit. Semester fees vary considerably across Europe – from €1,750 per semester up into five figures a year.
• Your life circumstances have changed. Relationship, family, a part-time job, health: your degree is allowed to adapt to your life, not the other way round.

Only one thing really matters: the earlier you get in touch, the more smoothly the switch can be timed to line up with the next intake. Simply book a free consultation to talk it through.

Which Degree Programmes Can You Transfer Into?

At Medschool Experts, we support student transfers in four fields: human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. All four belong to the so-called sectoral professions under EU Directive 2005/36/EC – degrees from EU member states are automatically recognised in Germany and Austria.

Which location will take you on, and at what year of entry, depends on your academic history so far. We look at this individually for every student.

Dream Locations: Study Where Other People Go on Holiday

Yes, it's genuinely possible – and it's not just a gimmick. Several of Europe's strong medical study locations sit right on the coast, and a good place to study is about more than the lecture hall. If you're going to spend six years somewhere, you should actually like the place.

To be fully transparent: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an EU member. A degree from Foča goes through an equivalence assessment procedure in Germany; alternatively, a later transfer to an EU university is possible. We support you either way – but we'll always tell you upfront what you're taking on.

Will My Previous Semesters Be Recognised?

Generally, yes. Subjects you've already passed – such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, histology or chemistry – are recognised at European universities where the scope and content are comparable. How many semesters are ultimately recognised is always decided by the receiving university based on your documents.

Realistically, most transfers fall in a range of one to four recognised semesters. Anyone already in their third year of study can, at many locations, enter directly into the corresponding year. In dentistry, recognition is a little tighter, because practical courses and phantom-head courses are structured differently from one location to the next.

What's possible in your specific case can't be answered in general terms. That's exactly what the free consultation is for: we look at your academic history and tell you specifically which location allows entry at which year.

How Quickly Can a Transfer Be Arranged?

A study transfer generally takes effect at the next intake. Most European universities start in September or October, and several locations also offer a February start. Anyone who gets in touch a few months ahead of time can switch without a gap semester.

This is exactly where we come in. At Medschool Experts, our team knows the contacts at the universities personally, knows which location currently has places open in which year of study, and brings the two together. You don't have to work your way through university administration on the phone – that's our job.

What Does Studying Cost After the Transfer?

Semester fees start at €1,750 and, depending on the location, run up to the mid five figures per year. In 2026, the most affordable EU locations are in Romania, at €4,250 to €5,000 per semester, with Mediterranean locations correspondingly higher.

On top of that come living costs, which in Southeast and Eastern Europe are noticeably below German levels – realistically €400 to €1,100 a month, depending on the location. And foreign BAföG is available for programmes within the EU, including a tuition fee grant of up to €5,600 a year as a full grant.

Does My Degree Stay Recognised in Germany?

Yes, for all EU locations, and automatically. Directive 2005/36/EC governs mutual recognition for doctors, dentists, pharmacists and vets within the European Union. With your degree and the EU conformity certificate, you apply for your medical licence (Approbation) in Germany – without any additional equivalence assessment.

The same applies to Switzerland via MEBEKO. Your degree is an international passport that opens doors.

What If I Want to Move Back to Germany Later?

The way back is always open. Many of our students complete their first years abroad and later transfer to a German faculty – with the credits earned abroad recognised through the state examinations offices. Others stay on and end up working in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.

We support both paths. Anyone who starts with us gets support all the way through to starting their career, not just up to enrolment.