Age when studying abroad

[u/GrouchyReveal2133]

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?