Below is the full academic schedule used in Estonian medical universities, specifically the University of Tartu, which is the only institution in Estonia offering the full 6-year medical doctor (MD) program.
The curriculum is aligned with EU Directive 2005/36/EC and mirrors Nordic & Central European structures.
🇪🇪 FULL ACADEMIC SCHEDULE — ESTONIAN MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES (MD – 6 YEARS / 360 ECTS)
(Based on the University of Tartu Medical Curriculum), other Estonian universities have the same curriculum
📘 DETAILED 6-YEAR MEDICAL CURRICULUM TABLE (ESTONIA)
| Year | Semester | Main Module Groups | Detailed Subjects / Components | Skills & Competencies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sem 1 | Basic Biomedical Foundations | Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Human Anatomy I, Histology I | Scientific fundamentals, cadaveric labs |
| Sem 2 | Basic Sciences II | Anatomy II, Histology II, Physiology I, Medical Genetics, Biostatistics | Lab & microscopy competencies | |
| 2 | Sem 3 | Advanced Structure & Function | Physiology II, Biochemistry I, Anatomy III, Embryology | Integration of normal human biology |
| Sem 4 | Intro to Pathology & Microbiology | Biochemistry II, Microbiology I, Immunology I, Public Health (intro), First Aid | Early clinical preparedness | |
| 3 | Sem 5 | Mechanisms of Disease (Preclinical Block I) | General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Medical Microbiology II, Immunology II | Understanding disease development |
| Sem 6 | Diagnostics & Clinical Foundations | Pharmacology I, Pathophysiology, Radiology (basics), Clinical Skills I | History taking + physical exam basics | |
| 4 | Sem 7 | Core Clinical Sciences I | Internal Medicine I, General Surgery I, Neurology I, Psychiatry I, Dermatology | Bedside teaching, diagnostic reasoning |
| Sem 8 | Organ-System Based Clinical Sciences | Pediatrics I, Obstetrics & Gynecology I, ENT, Ophthalmology, Infectious Diseases | Specialty exposure & outpatient clinics | |
| 5 | Sem 9 | Clinical Rotations II | Internal Medicine II, Surgery II, Orthopedics, Traumatology, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology & ICU | Procedural skills, ward management |
| Sem 10 | Clinical Rotations III | Cardiology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Oncology, Family Medicine | Advanced diagnostics & treatment | |
| 6 | Sem 11 | Practical (Internship) Year – Part I | Long rotations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics | Near-independent supervised practice |
| Sem 12 | Practical Year – Part II | OB/GYN, Emergency Medicine, Primary Care/Family Medicine, Electives | Night duties, patient management, advanced procedures | |
| — | Final State Examination | Integrated written + oral + clinical exam | Required for MD degree |
🎓 AFTER COMPLETION
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree Awarded | Arstikraad (MD equivalent) – recognized across EU |
| Licensing Pathway | Graduates receive EU-recognized medical qualification |
| Residency Training | 4–6 years depending on specialty (Estonia or EU) |
| EU Recognition | Automatic via Directive 2005/36/EC |
Explore available Estonian medical universities
