Scholarships for the Top Dentistry Schools in 2019

Discover the top dental schools based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020.

The 2019 edition of the QS World University Rankings by Subject is out now, and it features a total of 50 schools for dentistry, all ranked according to a methodology which assesses four main indicators, including academic and employer reputations.

Dentistry degrees, as with other clinical subjects, tend to be more on the hefty side of things when it comes to tuition fees. Of course, this shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing a dentistry degree, if you’re interested – and it’s also where scholarships and fellowships come in.

Read on to find out more about scholarships available at the world’s 10 top dentistry schools this year. The full 2019 table can be found here.

=10. University of Washington

As one of the world’s most distinguished public universities, and having climbed four places this year to rank at joint 10^th for dentistry, the University of Washington (UW) is home to more than 54,000 students.

For non-residents, the 2017-18 estimated costs for UW dentistry programs (including tuition; training equipment; health fees; books, room and board allowance; transportation and personal expenses allowance) typically amounted to between US$117,623 and US$133,000 throughout the four academic years. For state residents however, costs are usually significantly lower, amounting to between US$87,787 and US$99,152.   

UW is currently offering financial aid to eligible US students, who will only need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using an FSA ID from the Department of Education. International students should look for funding from external sources.

=10. Tokyo Medical and Dental University

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) stands out from other dental universities in Japan in that it has four systems of graduate education and research: Medical and Dental Sciences, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences – Education Division, and Biomedical Sciences – Research Division.

TMDU now ranks at joint 10^th with the University of Washington in the dental school ranking, achieving the second-highest score globally for its academic reputation.

University fees for undergraduates at TMDU usually comprise of an admission fee of ¥277,000 (US$2,500) and a tuition cost of ¥248,400 (US$2,260) for a six-month period. For postgraduate students, costs will vary depending on the chosen graduate program, and the university advises applicants to consult the department office for relevant and up-to-date information.

At TMDU, there are numerous undergraduate scholarships for international students to choose from – more about qualifications and eligibility can be found here.  

9. University of Bern

Based in the Swiss capital of Bern, the University of Bern was founded in 1834, and is a comprehensive university offering a broad selection of courses and programs in eight faculties and around 150 institutions.

Currently placing ninth in the dental school ranking, the university’s Dental Medicine study program takes five years to complete, consisting of a three-year bachelor’s degree and a two-year master’s degree program.

Generally, the annual tuition fee for international students at the University of Bern is CHF 200 (US$199) per semester, in addition to the regular tuition fee (CHF 750/US$746), in some circumstances.

A series of scholarships are available, and applicants are advised to consult with their professor, as well as their department and faculty of interest for further options, as new or temporary opportunities for funding may unexpectedly arise. 

8. University of Zurich

The University of Zurich was founded in 1833 from the merger of already-established colleges of theology, law, medicine, and a new faculty of philosophy. With over 25,000 students enrolled, it’s currently Switzerland’s largest higher-education institution, and has moved up three places in the dental school ranking to now place eighth.  

As is the case with other schools, fees for dentistry courses differ depending on the level of study. For international students overall, tuition fees vary between US$674 and US$1,100 per semester, and include a standard application fee of US$88, and US$350 for late applicants.

A variety of scholarships are offered at Zurich, including the Swiss government scholarships, which award scholarships for postgraduate studies to international students with an undergraduate degree.  

7. Harvard University

Harvard University, ranked third overall in the QS World University Rankings® 2019, climbed five places in the dental school ranking to place seventh, scoring a perfect score for employer reputation.

Since Harvard is a private higher-education institution boasting the upmost prestigious academic standing, tuition fees here are quite high, at US$46,340 (without financial aid) with an estimated US$67,580 needed for tuition, accommodation, board, and fees combined.

Students who are not US citizens or permanent residents are not eligible for need based grants at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), though they may be eligible for funds run by the school’s Committee on General Scholarships.

Several scholarships available through HSDM can be found here. 

6. University of Gothenburg

Dubbed the third-oldest university in Sweden, the University of Gothenburg, ranked sixth for dentistry this year, is also one of the largest higher-education institutes in the Nordic countries, thanks to its 37,000 students and 6,000 staff members.

At Gothenburg, exchange students and EU/EEA residents are exempt from paying fees. For students from outside the EU/EEA, a one-off application fee of SEK 900 (US$114) needs to be paid, along with a tuition fee ranging from SEK 100,000 (US$10,800) to SEK 192,500 (US$20,820) per year, depending on the course.

An extensive range of grants and scholarships are available for both domestic and international students. Fee-paying international students can also apply for specially-designed scholarships before coming to Sweden for their studies. (The deadline for the 2019/2020 scholarships application has closed. Please check back for updates).

5. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan was founded in 1817 in Detroit, before Michigan had become a state, and is its oldest higher-education institute. 20 years later, it was moved to what is now its Central campus in Ann Arbor. Ranked fifth in the world for dentistry, its School of Dentistry offers one of the oldest dental hygiene programs in the US.

Tuition fees for UM’s dentistry courses vary according to the degree level and type of program, however, an undergraduate degree typically costs around US$13,800 in the first year for Michigan residents, and US$43,400 for non-Michigan residents, though most eligible students will be pleased to know that they may be offered a financial aid package, which generally comes from a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study (wages earned through employment), and loans.

4. University of Hong Kong (HKU)

Founded in 1911, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) traces its origins back to the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, which was established in 1887. Today, it’s home to 10 academic faculties led in English, with almost 29,100 students enrolled.   

Ranked fourth in the dental school ranking this year, the Faculty of Dentistry at HKU was established in 1982, and is an internationally regarded dental school with an employment rate of 100 percent and is the only institution in Hong Kong that provides undergraduate and postgraduate dental programs.

An undergraduate degree in the field will typically cost HK$42,100 (US$5,360) per year, though scholarships such as the Hong Kong Dental Associate Scholarship of HK$2,500 (US$318) may be awarded each year to final year students, based on academic merit from their previous years. More scholarships to study in Hong Kong can be found here.

=2. King’s College London (KCL)

Based in the UK capital, King’s College London (KCL) is placed joint second for dentistry and 31^st in the overall QS World University Rankings. The largest dental school in the UK, KCL graduates over 150 dentists a year from its Dentistry BDS course, which is an evidence-based, research-intensive course combining modern dental education with early clinical experience.

Tuition fees for the 2019-20 academic year are currently £9,250 (€10,400) per year for UK and EU students, and £43,500 (US$55,800) per year for international students.

KSL currently offers several scholarship and bursary opportunities – you can scroll through this list to see if you’re eligible to apply for financial support during your studies at King’s. More scholarships to study in the UK can be found here.

=2. Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)

The Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), ranked joint second for dentistry this year, is a joint scheme connecting the Faculties of Dentistry at the University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam. As well as providing both educational programs for approximately 800 students and patient care to around 300 patients daily, ACTA regularly conducts scientific research and has a workforce of around 500.

2019/20 general tuition fee rates at UV University Amsterdam for both full-time and part-time undergraduate students from the EU/EEA countries who have not yet been awarded a degree in the Netherlands, will amount to €2,083 (US$2,360) per academic year. However, exceptions may apply.

Though dental scholarships are currently not available at ACTA, the University of Amsterdam offers a range of scholarships for academically talented international students as well as faculty scholarships – details on both can be found here.  

1. Karolinska Institute

The Karolinska Institute is currently the world’s top dental school, after climbing an impressive five spots this year to place number one and achieving a perfect score for academic reputation. It’s based in Stockholm, Sweden, and provides world-class medical and health sciences courses, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

While EU/EEA citizens are exempt from paying tuition fees, Karolinska’s five-year dental program, taught entirely in Swedish, comes to a total of SEK 1,900,000 (US$205,700) for non-EU/EEA citizens. Scholarships at Karolinska aren’t available for this course, however, there are over 120 Sweden-based scholarships for dentistry, which can be found here.

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