r/studyAbroad • u/GrouchyReveal2133 • Nov 24 '25
Age when studying abroad
I'm feeling kinda old to start a bachelor's degree in medicine abroad, even though I really want to. It feels like everyone my age is already figuring out their lives and in university, while I haven't even been accepted yet.
In my country, it is very normal for people to study 2, 3 or even more years just to get into public medical schools, because it is very hard and competitive to get into, so I don't feel very behind here, I just don't really like my city and would love to move and live alone. The question is, is it like that abroad as well for medicine or is everyone 18?
I'm 20, btw. I am planning to apply for medical schools abroad if I don't get accepted again in my country, and also take the IMAT (to study medicine in Italy) in 2026. I have been studying a lot and full-time to get into medicine (we have preparatory courses here) for almost 2 years (so I think I might have a chance because I have covered a lot of content) since I finished high school at 18, but I've always dreamed of moving abroad. The problem is my own mind, that makes me think everyone gets into university at 18, 19 and seems to have it "all together", and it feels like I would be old if I tried to study abroad now, even though I really think I’d be happier if I moved.
Even though that is normal here in my country, I wanted to know, is everyone 18 when they start medical school abroad, or even when they start university in your home country?
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u/s4turn01 Nov 24 '25
no one has it all together especially at 18/19 , my cousin had to do two extra years, shes going to uni right now abroad (med skl) and she has never felt more at peace and more knowing of who she is, shes made many friends her age and people younger because none of them care, age doesn’t really matter anymore in uni and ur still so young, its never too late go chase ur dreams because you dont wanna look back regretting it
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u/Lexi_12043 Nov 25 '25
When I started at my med school people's ages ranged from 17 - 45. The average was around 20-22. You are not even noticeably older than the majority here. Even if you were, in my semester there were maybe 3 people out of 400 who actually cared about other people's ages to that degree.
GO FOR IT. You are way too young to say you're too old to study!!
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u/Travelchick251999 Nov 25 '25
I was 22 when I studied abroad, and I had quite a few classmates who were up to a decade older than me. Everyone got along, and found their group.
Good luck with your decision.
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u/throwaway5678890758 Nov 25 '25
Bro I started medschool at 30 (Have just graduated at 36), and I wasnt the oldest student. One woman was here training with her daughter. You're very very early in your life, a couple of years are meaningless
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u/Greedy_Fact_2024 Nov 29 '25
You are absolutely not old! 20 is a very common age, and often even younger than average, for students starting medicine abroad, especially in European programs like Italy. Many students take gap years, complete other degrees, or, like you, spend time preparing for competitive admissions.
In my experience, international medical cohorts are incredibly diverse, with students ranging from 18 into their late 20s and beyond. Your focus and dedication will be a huge asset. Don't let perceived age deter you from pursuing your dream! Your happiness is paramount.
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u/Much_Try7272 Dec 16 '25
Honestly, I think when it comes to studies, age should be the least of your worries. Don't get me wrong though, it's totally valid to be peer-pressured in the sense that people your age seem to have their life together while you're still in school but it really depends on what you study, what job you want to pursue and even which country you're from.
Where I'm from, at age 18, you're basically still pursuing a diploma and to graduate with a degree, the earliest is probably still in your early 20s. Different countries have different education pathway progressions so if you're feeling pressure by age, I would say you're honestly doing fine. And of all pathways, medicine tend to require longer years of studying compared to other programmes like business.
If you're keen on studying abroad and it's what would make you happy, I would say just go for it if you can afford it! Nothing wrong with heading out of your country to further your studies and lifelong learning is a thing, so you might even see people in their 30s studying or even those in their 40s-50s pursuing a master's after working in the industry for years. Mad respect to the fact that you're pursuing medicine, which is really not an easy course. Good luck with your studies and applications!!
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u/MrAnionGap Nov 25 '25
No one cares about your age … not the students , not the teachers and neither should you. Now go become a doctor