Mymedschool ID
MD.NL.002
FAIMER ID
F0000146
School Type
Public
Year Instruction Began
1614
Operational Status
Currently Operational
Alternate names
University of Groningen Faculty of Medical Sciences
Academic Affiliation
–
School Website
Additional information
Master of Science in Medicine: This program has been reviewed by Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie in the Netherlands, who have informed us that the program was most recently given the status of Accredited on 31 October 2018. Nederlands-Vlaamse Accreditatieorganisatie is an accrediting agency recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education.
Address
Qualification Title
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Curriculum Duration
3 years
Language of Instruction
Dutch; Flemish
Foreign Students
Accepted
Prerequisite Education
Admission follows completion of an undergraduate degree.
Gender
Both genders accepted
ECFMG & Canada Exams
Yes
Basic sciences courses
Exam courses
-
USMLE Step 1 Self Assessment
-
USMLE Step 1 Review Series
-
UKMLA: PLAB Part 1 Self Assessment Quiz
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UKMLA: PLAB Part 1 Review
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MRCP Part 1 Self-Assessment
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MRCP Part 1 Review
The Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) is one of the Netherlands’ leading centers for medical education and research. Closely affiliated with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the faculty integrates clinical practice, biomedical research, and public health training.
With a strong international outlook and research-driven approach, Groningen offers a modern European pathway to becoming a physician.
Admission Process
1. Entry Requirements
Medicine in the Netherlands follows a 6-year track (Bachelor + Master).
Applicants must have:
- Equivalent of the Dutch VWO diploma
- Required subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
- Dutch language proficiency (the regular medicine program is taught in Dutch)
There is also a Selective Bachelor in Medicine (English-taught track), though progression to clinical Master training requires Dutch proficiency.
2. Selection Procedure (Numerus Fixus)
Medicine at Groningen is a numerus fixus program, meaning limited seats are available annually.
Selection includes:
- Academic performance ranking
- Cognitive and non-cognitive assessments
- Motivation evaluation
- Possible selection tests
Admission is highly competitive.
Course and Curriculum
Years 1–3: Bachelor of Medicine
- Biomedical sciences
- Early patient contact
- Clinical reasoning training
- Research methodology
- Small-group, problem-based learning
The Bachelor phase emphasizes understanding disease mechanisms and evidence-based medicine.
Years 4–6: Master of Medicine
- Full-time clinical rotations at UMCG
- Core specialties:
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Neurology
- Research internship
- Electives (including international placements)
Graduates earn the Dutch medical qualification and may register as physicians.
Prospects After Graduation
After completing the Master of Medicine:
Graduates can:
- Register as a basic physician (basisarts)
- Apply for specialist training (residency)
- Enter PhD programs
- Work in public health or research
Specialist training positions are competitive and nationally regulated.
The Netherlands is known for:
- Strong academic medicine pathways
- Excellent research funding
- Structured residency system
Life as a Doctor in the Netherlands
Work Environment
Doctors in the Netherlands generally experience:
- Regulated working hours
- Strong work-life balance
- Team-based healthcare delivery
- High patient autonomy standards
Career & Income
Physician salaries increase significantly after specialization. The Dutch healthcare system provides:
- Universal access
- Strong primary care focus
- High clinical governance standards
International graduates must complete licensing and language requirements to practice.
