Hong Kong is the cheapest option. Medical degrees at University of Hong Kong or Chinese University take five years to complete, prior to the one-year paid internship to be a qualified doctor. Students who are permanent residents or have lived here for three years pay $42,100 and others pay $60,000. They may also need to spend between $6,000 and $9,000 a year on books.

Accommodation in dormitories is available at $9,200 a year. Students should expect to pay $4,200 for compulsory residency at specific hospitals when they are on speciality clerkships in the fourth and fifth years.

For Britain, the British Council tells us that medical degrees take five to six years. Annual fees range between GBP6,900 ($96,700) and GBP20,000 for international students. Local students pay GBP3,000 a year, but they need to be British citizens who have lived in the country for more than three years prior to starting their course. Living expenses range between GBP7,800 and GBP8,700 a year, excluding accommodation.

In the US, students must complete a four-year bachelor degree, in any discipline, before going on to medical school. Some schools require graduates from overseas to complete a year in a US university beforehand. The medical degree normally takes four years to complete before residency requirements. For international students, annual fees for both bachelor and medical degree range between US$16,000 and US$37,000. For living expenses, expect to pay at least US$10,000 a year, excluding accommodation.

For Australia, applicants must complete a three or four-year bachelor degree in any discipline before enrolling in a four-year medical degree course. Annual fees are about A$36,000 ($214,700) with living costs of A$17,000 to A$19,000 a year, excluding accommodation, according to the University of Queensland.