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What is Public Health?
Quick read
- Public health studies the health of populations: epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, health promotion and global health.
- The Master of Public Health (MPH) is popular with MBBS, BDS, BPharm, nursing and life science graduates.
- Many programmes include a research dissertation or a placement with a health organisation.
- NHS public health roles are paid on Agenda for Change bands, for example Band 5 £31,049–£37,796 (2025/26).
- An MPH abroad does not give a licence to practise medicine there.
Public health focuses on preventing disease and improving health for whole communities rather than treating individual patients. You learn to measure health problems, design and evaluate programmes, and shape policy.
MPH programmes usually combine a core in epidemiology, biostatistics and health systems with options in global health, health economics, nutrition or environmental health, and end with a dissertation.
Why study Public Health abroad
Research strength
Universities abroad run large population health studies and global health partnerships.
Global health focus
Many MPHs are designed for students who will work in low- and middle-income countries, including India.
Skills in data
Biostatistics and epidemiology training is useful in research, NGOs, governments and industry.
Flexible backgrounds
Programmes welcome doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and science graduates.
Specialisations you can choose
- Epidemiology
- Global health
- Health policy and management
- Health economics
- Health promotion
- Environmental health
- Nutrition
- Health data science
Degree options
| Programme | Duration | Typical entry | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Health (MPH) | 1–2 years | Health or science bachelor's; some ask for experience | MBBS, BDS, BPharm, nursing and science graduates |
| MSc Epidemiology / Global Health | 1–2 years | Bachelor's with some maths or statistics | Graduates who want research-focused roles |
| Bachelor's (BSc Public Health) | 3–4 years | Class 12, often with biology | Students after Class 12 |
Best countries to study Public Health
United KingdomOne-year MPH and MSc programmes with strong global health research.Study in the UK
AustraliaMPH programmes with research and placement options.Study in Australia
CanadaMPH programmes and a work permit of up to 3 years.Study in Canada
NetherlandsEnglish-taught global and public health master's.Study in the Netherlands
IrelandOne-year public health master's.Study in Ireland
Public Health: costs and work rights in 13 countries
The table compares typical international tuition per year in each country (a range across subjects, from our country guides), how long a master's usually takes, and the post-study work route. Notes specific to Public Health are added where they matter.
| Country | Bachelor's / year | Master's / year | Post-study work | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £15,000–40,000≈ ₹18.3 lakh – ₹48.8 lakh | £17,000–36,000≈ ₹20.7 lakh – ₹43.9 lakh1–2 years | Graduate visa: 2 years (18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027) Details | One-year taught master's are common. | |
| A$30,000–50,000≈ ₹19.5 lakh – ₹32.5 lakh | A$32,000–55,000≈ ₹20.8 lakh – ₹35.8 lakh1–2 years | Temporary Graduate visa (485): usually 2–3 years; Indian graduates up to 3 years after a master's Details | Many master's are 1.5–2 years; credit for related degrees can shorten them. | |
| C$20,000–60,000≈ ₹13.4 lakh – ₹40.2 lakh | C$10,000–50,000≈ ₹6.7 lakh – ₹33.5 lakh1–2 years | PGWP: up to 3 years, depending on programme length Details | Colleges also offer postgraduate diplomas; check the field-of-study rule for PGWP. | |
| €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh | €16,000–30,000≈ ₹17 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Stamp 1G: 12 months, up to 24 months after a master's Details | Most taught master's take 1 year. | |
| Up to €20,000up to ≈ ₹21.2 lakh | Up to €25,000up to ≈ ₹26.5 lakh1.5–2 years | 18-month job-seeker residence permit Details | Public universities charge little or no tuition (Baden-Württemberg and TUM charge non-EU fees). Most bachelor's are taught in German. | |
| NZ$36,000–55,000≈ ₹19.4 lakh – ₹29.7 lakh | NZ$40,000–60,000≈ ₹21.6 lakh – ₹32.4 lakh1–2 years | Post Study Work Visa: up to 3 years after a master's Details | Includes 1-year and 1.5–2 year master's. | |
| €9,000–20,000≈ ₹9.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh | €12,000–30,000≈ ₹12.7 lakh – ₹31.8 lakh1–2 years | Orientation year: 1 year Details | Research universities and universities of applied sciences both teach in English. | |
| AED 44,000–165,000≈ ₹11 lakh – ₹41.3 lakh | AED 42,000–181,000≈ ₹10.5 lakh – ₹45.3 lakh1–2 years | No dedicated route: employer work visa or a 60–120 day Job Seeker visa Details | Branch campuses award the parent university's degree. | |
| €1,000–27,000≈ ₹1.1 lakh – ₹28.6 lakh | €2,700–43,000≈ ₹2.9 lakh – ₹45.6 lakh1–2 years | Job-search authorisation: 24 months Details | Public universities teach mostly in Spanish; English-taught options are mainly at private schools. | |
| €7,000–15,000≈ ₹7.4 lakh – ₹15.9 lakh | €8,000–20,000≈ ₹8.5 lakh – ₹21.2 lakh1–2 years | Post-study permit: up to 9 months Details | English is an official language; small universities and colleges. | |
| €6,800–12,000≈ ₹7.2 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh | €4,000–18,000≈ ₹4.2 lakh – ₹19.1 lakh1–2 years | Up to 12 months after a master's; none after a bachelor's Details | Public universities teach mainly in Greek; private universities teach in English. | |
| €3,000–10,000≈ ₹3.2 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €3,500–12,000≈ ₹3.7 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1–2 years | Up to 9 months after a master's or PhD Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. | |
| €2,500–10,000≈ ₹2.6 lakh – ₹10.6 lakh | €2,300–12,000≈ ₹2.4 lakh – ₹12.7 lakh1.5–2 years | 12-month job-search permit Details | English-taught programmes at state and private universities. |
Ranges are typical yearly international tuition across subjects; lab-based and professional courses often sit at the upper end. Living costs, visa and health cover are extra. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Not sure which country suits Public Health?Share your marks, budget and goals and we'll compare countries and universities for you.
Universities to consider for Public Health
Universities on our list known for Medicine & Health Sciences, ordered by global ranking, with no more than two per country. Entry rules and fees differ by course, so check the university page or ask us.
The University of SydneySydney, AustraliaQS 2027: 28
Monash UniversityMelbourne, AustraliaQS 2027: 31
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich)Munich, GermanyQS 2027: 61
University of AucklandAuckland, New ZealandQS 2027: 67
Heidelberg UniversityHeidelberg, GermanyQS 2027: 86
Erasmus University RotterdamRotterdam, NetherlandsQS 2027: 148
University of BarcelonaBarcelona, SpainQS 2027: =165
University of OtagoDunedin, New ZealandQS 2027: 198
Complutense University of MadridMadrid, SpainQS 2027: 199
University of GalwayGalway, IrelandQS 2027: 275
Admission requirements
Bachelor's
- Class 12, often with biology
- Minimum marks set by each university
- English test or accepted Class 12 English mark
Master's
- Bachelor's in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, life sciences or a related subject
- Some programmes prefer work experience
- Minimum grade set by each university
Documents you will usually need
- Mark sheets and certificates
- Statement of purpose
- CV
- References
- English test score report
English test scores
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Master's | IELTS Academic 6.5–7.0 overall is typical for MPH programmes |
| Bachelor's | IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is typical |
| Other tests | PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted |
Typical ranges; each university and course sets its own scores. Prepare with our IELTS and PTE classes.
Professional recognition
Working as a doctor abroad
An MPH does not give a licence to practise medicine. Doctors who want clinical work abroad need that country's licensing route.
Skills you will build
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics (R, Stata or SPSS)
- Study design
- Policy analysis
- Programme evaluation
- Health communication
- Report writing
- Working with communities
Careers and salaries after Public Health
| Job role | UK salary guide | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Public health or health promotion role (NHS Band 5) | £31,049–£37,796 a year | NHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab) |
| Epidemiologist or specialist (Band 6–7) | £38,682–£54,710 a year | NHS Employers, Agenda for Change pay scales 2025/26 (England) (opens in a new tab) |
| Clinical research associate | £26,000–£36,000 starting; £37,000–£55,000 with experience | Prospects job profile (UK), 2025 (opens in a new tab) |
UK salary guides are shown so all courses use the same comparison. Pay elsewhere differs, and a job offer abroad is never guaranteed.
Planning a career in Public Health?Our counsellor can map courses to the jobs and countries you're aiming for.
Study Public Health abroad: FAQs
Is an MPH good after MBBS?
Yes, if you want a career in research, policy, programmes or health management rather than only clinical work.
Can non-medical graduates do an MPH?
Yes. Many programmes accept graduates in nursing, pharmacy, life sciences, nutrition and social sciences.
One-year or two-year MPH?
One-year programmes are common in the UK and Ireland. Two-year programmes often include a practicum and more research.
Does an MPH help with jobs in India?
Yes, public health skills are used by governments, NGOs, research organisations and industry in India.
Is statistics difficult in an MPH?
Biostatistics is a core part. Programmes start from the basics, but comfort with numbers helps.
Explore other courses
Business and finance
Computing and data
Engineering and architecture
Health and life sciences
Hospitality and social sciences
Sources
- NHS Employers: pay scales for 2025/26 (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: epidemiologist job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: health promotion specialist job profile (opens in a new tab)
- Prospects: clinical research associate job profile (opens in a new tab)
Researched 23 Oct 2026. Fees, rules and salaries change; confirm with the university or official source before you apply.