Licensing Pathway Guides
Where you can practice after graduating from a European medical university depends entirely on which university you attend. Understanding the licensing pathway before you apply is not optional — it determines which universities belong on your shortlist.
Full pathway guides are in development. Below is an overview of each major licensing destination.
Graduates of Annex V listed programmes have automatic recognition across all 27 EU member states. No equivalence exam. No conversion process. The most important recognition criterion for students targeting EU practice.
Key fact: Applies to: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy, and all other EU member state universities listed in Annex V.
Graduates of WHO WDMS-listed European universities can sit PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 to register with the General Medical Council and practice in the UK NHS.
Key fact: PLAB 1: written exam at Pearson VUE centres worldwide. PLAB 2: OSCE in Manchester only.
Graduates of ECFMG IMED-listed European universities can obtain ECFMG certification, sit USMLE Steps 1 and 2 CK, and compete for US residency as International Medical Graduates.
Key fact: Total cost: European MD + USMLE is approximately €60,000–170,000 vs $280,000–500,000 for a US MD programme.
Graduates of NMC-approved foreign medical universities must pass the NMC Screening Test to register and practice in India. Major Romanian, Bulgarian, Georgian, and Polish universities are NMC approved.
Key fact: A minimum qualifying NEET score is required to apply to NMC-approved foreign universities.
Why licensing matters before you choose a university
A degree from a Georgian university (SEU, EU Tbilisi) opens the UK, US, and India — but not automatic EU practice rights. A degree from a Romanian or Bulgarian university opens the EU, UK, US, and India. The university that scores highest in our database may not be the right university for your career goals.
A route.doctor consultation will verify the specific licensing pathway for every university on your shortlist before you apply.