Even though attending college might be thrilling, it can be costly, especially for those pursuing careers in medicine and dentistry.
But the cost of that desire has increased equally sharply. In 2025–2026, the average first-year cost at public dentistry programmes was US$46,845 for residents and US$79,168 for non-residents. In contrast, the average first-year cost at private dental schools was US$90,090.
That begs the question: Why is dentistry so expensive in the first place, and do the least expensive nations give the same quality of education?
Let’s examine The top 13 nations to study dentistry in are listed in this article.
Why is Stdying Dentisry Very Expesnieve
1. Training is expensive.
Training someone to save lives requires a lot of resources, just like any other medical degree. It necessitates expensive and highly specialised training.
Dental clinics have greater operating costs as a result of the high cost of purchasing and maintaining dental equipment. Universities must invest in cutting-edge facilities, simulation centres, and clinical science buildings in addition to paying for highly qualified instructors. Modern tools, including lasers, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing (CADCAM), are used by dental students.
2. Dental schools have clinics of their own.
Each dental school has a sizeable clinic devoted to the clinical instruction of predoctoral students, unlike medical schools that rely on separate university-owned or connected facilities. Dental schools must comply with new government laws and significant technical advancements in order to operate these clinics.
3. Reduced financing
The three primary sources of income for dental schools are government assistance, patient care revenue, and tuition.
Tuition costs have skyrocketed to make up for the 17% reduction in funding for dentistry schools by certain state governments.
In actuality, though, there are less expensive dentistry colleges where you can earn a decent degree. All you need to do is pick the appropriate nation.
The Cheapest/Most Affordable Countries to Study Dentistry
1. Brazil
Brazil is a fantastic option for your study abroad trip because it has the world’s most colourful carnival and some of the friendliest people on the planet.
Study dentistry at the University of São Paulo, which is ranked top in South America, Latin America, and the Caribbean and #92 worldwide. The majority of its undergraduate programmes, including dentistry, are free because it is a public university.
According to QS Subject Rankings, dentistry is rated #13 in the world. Additionally, three postgraduate programmes that offer training in various research areas are available at the Master’s (MSc) and/or Doctorate (PhD) levels.
Make sure to thoroughly check before applying because some courses are available to international students in English.
2. Japan
The land of the rising sun is another location where you could want to pursue a dental degree.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) merged to form the Institute of Science Tokyo in late 2024. Its School of Dentistry strives to fulfil its mission of “advancing science and human wellbeing to create value for and with society”.
The starting price for an undergraduate year is US$4,320, plus US$1,895 for admission and US$202 for exams.
3. The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, dental programs are frequently taught in Dutch.
However, given that dentists can earn up to US$13,357 in just three years and have a minimum beginning salary of US$3,339, this could prove to be a very wise long-term investment. Additionally, you will be well on your way to obtaining permanent resident status by the time you complete your programme.
Radboud institution is a public institution in Nijmegen that offers a three-year dental bachelor’s degree and a three-year master’s degree that are taught only in Dutch. For EEA students, tuition costs begin at US$24,885, while non-EEA students must pay US$31,751.
4. Germany
If you’re prepared to learn the language, Germany, home to some of the most famous universities in the world, is a surprisingly cheap destination to get a dental degree.
In Germany, dentistry is taught only in German, and in order to practise, one must pass the state exam (Staatsexamen). Fortunately, non-EU students at the majority of public universities simply pay a small semester contribution rather than tuition. The cost, which includes your public transport pass and administrative expenses, is €85 (US$96) every semester at LMU Munich.
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, LMU Munich is the best dental school in Germany, ranked 48th in the world. It is crucial to begin language training well in advance of applying because the majority of programmes require C1-level German ability.
5. France
France is one of the most affordable destinations in the world to study dentistry if you can dedicate yourself to the language.
The French government covers a large portion of the true cost of education, which is normally between €10,000 (US$11,390) and over €15,000 (US$17,086) per student annually. The annual tuition for a bachelor’s programme is €2,895 (US$3,297) for non-EU international students. Students in the EU pay significantly less.
Admission to dental programmes in France requires proficiency in French, and the majority of colleges need verification through a language test like the DELF or DALF. Starting your language training early will put you in a much stronger position because dentistry programmes are competitive and seat numbers are limited.
6. Lithuania
Lithuania has a lower cost of living than 46% of Eastern European nations, making it an affordable place to pursue your academic interests.
The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences offers an English-language four-year BSc in health sciences and a dental hygienist certification. The maximum annual tuition for this programme is only about $4,471.
In order to teach dentists how to diagnose, treat, and collaborate with other medical professionals, the university also provides a master’s degree in odontology.
The five-year English-taught curriculum costs US$14,802 for the first three years and US$15,346 for each of the remaining years.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia is the ideal location for English speakers who wish to study somewhere with a reduced cost of living.
The average cost of living is 54% less than in the US, while the average rent is even 80% less than in the US.
There are two ways to complete the five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme at IMU University: either spend two and a half years there and then transfer to a partner university in the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand to complete the remaining courses.
The projected cost for international students is US$3,451 per semester, with additional costs based on the partner university of their choice.
8. Puerto Rico
For those who want to become dentists, Puerto Rico offers a hidden treasure of a university.
The only dental school in the nation is the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, which is housed on the Medical Sciences Campus in San Juan.
The American Dental Association-accredited university charges about US$213,069 for a four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. You won’t have to worry about spending an extra year learning Spanish because the program is conducted in English, but it wouldn’t hurt to study it yourself.
Internationally trained dentists can enrol in the university’s two-year Advanced Placement Program, which grants them a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
9. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is the next most affordable country outside of the United States and the United Kingdom to study dentistry in English.
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, Hong Kong is home to the #2 top dentistry university in addition to being among the most reasonably priced options for overseas students.
The best and only university in the nation that offers undergraduate and graduate dental degrees is the University of Hong Kong. Depending on the faculty you are accepted to, the average annual tuition cost for international students is between 224,000 and 249,000 Hong Kong Dollars (US$28,813.34 and US$32,029.12).
10. Bulgaria
The good news is that Bulgaria is among the most reasonably priced places in Europe to study dentistry if you have your sights set on doing so.
The best thing is that they provide affordable, top-notch dentistry programmes taught in English.
The best dental school in Bulgaria is the Medical University of Sofia. The first year’s tuition is 10,000 euros (US$11,706.85), the second and third years’ tuition is 9,000 euros (US$10,536.16), and the fourth and sixth years’ tuition is 8,000 euros (US$9,365.04).
11. Romania
Romania is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after locations on the continent for English-taught dentistry, and the mix of price and academic excellence explains why.
The most esteemed dentistry school in the nation is Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest. Its six-year program, taught in English, results in a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree that is accepted across the European Union. Tuition for both EU and non-EU international students is €10,000 (US$11,390) annually, according to the university’s official prices document for 2025–2026.
12. Serbia
Serbia is among the less well-known and most reasonably priced options for dentistry taught in English.
The University of Novi Sad’s Faculty of Medicine has been offering English-taught programmes to international students since 1993, making it one of the most seasoned institutions on the continent. The Faculty of Medicine’s official payments page states that tuition for its six-year dental programme is €7,000 (US$7,973) each year. The curriculum is exclusively taught in English.
Professionals who want to finish or convert a dental degree can do so because the university also allows transfer students up to the fourth year of study.
13. Georgia
Georgia attracts students from all over the world as one of the most reasonably priced and well-known places to study dentistry in English.
According to the university’s official programme page, the five-year Doctor of Dental Medicine programme at New Vision University costs US$7,000 annually. Moreover, one-third of the university’s staff are foreigners, and the institution has its own hospital, providing students with clinical experience from the beginning of their studies.
Studying here is still inexpensive overall, even after tuition. Georgia is among the least expensive places on this list, with monthly living expenses, including rent, of about €600 (US$683).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Studying Dentistry Abroad
How long does it take to become a dentist if I study overseas?
Depending on the nation, five to six years. In contrast, dentistry needs an undergraduate degree and is a four-year graduate programme in the United States.
Which countries allow you to study dentistry in English without having to pick up a second language?
Dental programmes taught entirely in English are available in Lithuania, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, and Georgia. Check the complete structure before applying because some countries, like Italy and Spain, offer English instruction for the first two years before switching to the native language once clinical rotations start.
Are dentistry schools in less expensive nations on par with those in the US or the UK?
Yes, the quality is comparable at approved institutions. The only significant distinction is that in order to practise in the US or the UK, graduates must still pass additional licensing tests.
