The 6 cheapest countries for studying dentistry
As exciting as studying can be, it can be expensive – especially for medical and dental students.
Training people who save lives consumes a lot of resources. Universities not only have to pay highly qualified professors, but also invest in state-of-the-art facilities, simulation centers and buildings for clinical science.
Other factors have nothing to do with the cost of providing or delivering medical education. These include the increasing demand for doctors or dentists and the training required to meet that demand.
In the academic year 2021/22 there were 26,228 students in predoctoral dental training programs. The The average annual cost for the first year of dental school ranges from $11,400 to $84,630 for students of private or foreign dental schools.
Enrolling in dental school can cost you anywhere from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars just to complete the four-year program, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are cheaper dental schools where you can get a good degree. You just have to choose the right country.
Cheapest countries for studying dentistry
1. Brazil
Home to the “Lungs of the Earth,” the world’s liveliest carnival, and some of the world’s most hospitable people, Brazil is an excellent choice for your study abroad destination.
The University of São Paulo’s dentistry program is ranked 13th in the QS World University Rankings by subject and takes four years to complete. As it is a public university, most of its undergraduate programs – including dentistry – are free. However, classes are taught in Portuguese – so keep this in mind before you rush into applying.
You might be surprised to know that Japan is one of the cheapest countries to study dentistry. The only catch is that you have to learn Japanese. Source: AFP
2. Japan
Another place where you can get your dentistry degree is the land of the rising sun. Like Brazil, you will need to know the local language (Japanese), which may require a little more effort, but it’s worth it when you can attend one of the best dentistry universities in the world at a reasonable price and also end up being fluent in a new language.
The Tokyo University of Medicine and Dentistry is ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings by subject area and costs just an estimated US$20,489 for a six-year program that includes clinical practice. Note, however, that applicants must have passed Level I of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is administered jointly by the Japan Foundation and JASSO.
Here are some tips for passing the JLPT from two people who passed it.
You don’t always have to choose the most expensive cities to study in. Nijmegen in the Netherlands also has its own charm. Source: AFP
3. The Netherlands
Dentistry courses in the Netherlands are often conducted in Dutch, but since dentists have a starting salary of at least $3,339 and can earn up to $13,357 in just three years, this could prove to be a really good long-term investment. Plus, you’ll be well on your way to permanent residency once you’ve completed your studies.
Radboud University in Nijmegen is a public university offering a three-year Bachelor’s and a three-year Master’s program in Dentistry, taught entirely in Dutch. The total tuition fees are around 188,740 US dollars.
4. Lithuania
If you’re not necessarily interested in learning a new language, you still have plenty of options. For example, Lithuania is a low-cost country to pursue your academic interests, as the cost of living is lower than in 54% of Eastern European countries.
The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences offers a four-year BSc in Health Sciences and a Dental Hygienist qualification, which is taught in English. The tuition fee for this program is only about $17,065.
The university also offers a master’s degree in dentistry, which trains dentists to diagnose and treat dental diseases and work with other health specialists. The English-taught program lasts five years and costs up to $90,642.
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and the low cost of living makes the country a great place to study abroad. Source: AFP
5. Malaysia
For English speakers looking for a place with a lower cost of living to study, Malaysia is the place to go. On average, the cost of living here is 54% lower than in the US – and rent is on average 80% lower than in the US.
IMU University’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery has two routes: you can complete the entire five-year course at IMU, or spend two and a half years there and then transfer to a partner university in the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand for the remaining courses. The first route costs around US$149,794, while the second costs at least US$502,988.
6. Puerto Rico
Although Puerto Rico is not such a popular choice, it does have a hidden gem in the form of a university for aspiring dentists. The University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, located on the Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan, is the only dental school in the country.
Accredited by the American Dental Association, the university offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine degree for around $213,069. The program is conducted in English, so you don’t have to worry about spending an extra year learning Spanish, although it still doesn’t hurt to learn it yourself.
For working professionals, the university offers a two-year Advanced Placement Program for internationally trained dentists, after which they receive the title of Doctor of Dental Medicine. The program costs $24,500.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on August 23, 2024.
