If you are considering Poland as your study destination, you are on the right track, if not, then you should have a rethink.
This central European country has a lot to offer to students looking for high-quality education, and an exciting experience. We have decided to list some of the medical schools in Poland, the cost, the requirements, the perks, and the answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Perks of Studying in Poland
- Great community with international students
- Travel-friendly location
- Breath-taking landscapes
- Impressive cultural and historical heritage
- Palatable Cuisines
- High level of security and personal safety
- Safety and Affordable Cost of Living
1. Great Community With International Students
Poland is one of the favorite European destinations for foreigners. It hosts more than 57,000 international students from around the globe, and this growing trend shows no signs of stopping.
Guess why! The low tuition fees are surely attractive, but it’s the sparkling student life that makes it unforgettable.
You will make friends and discover all kinds of unique events. A great example is Juwenalia, an annual holiday celebrated around Poland that’s fully dedicated to university students.
3. Travel-Friendly Location
Geographically speaking, Poland is a gem. It is a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe, so buses and trains are great options to get around and explore. There are also good air travel options with daily direct flights from many Polish airports to most of the European capital.
So if you’re studying in Poland, it will be easy and comfortable to visit some of the most beautiful cities on the continent: Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Budapest, Bratislava… you name it.
4. Breath-Taking Landscapes
Poland has more than 1,300 lakes all over the country and a great variety of striking landscapes.
From North to South, its mountains and seaside have tons of interesting activities to offer. Entertaining nightlife and fascinating history.
Meanwhile, for those interested in skiing and trekking, Zakopane, or “the winter capital of Poland” on the peaks of the Carpathian in the South, is the go-to destination.
5. Impressive Cultural and Historical Heritage
Poland is the right place if you are longing to do something on a boring Sunday. This land of outstanding historical and cultural heritage offers a wide range of attractions.
From museums to UNESCO sites, you will always find something appealing to visit. Little wonder this country has spawned great minds like Frédéric Chopin, Nicolaus Copernicus and even Marie Curie.
In Kraków, you’ll admire the Wawel castle, the very first UNESCO heritage site ever established, for centuries home to the kings of Poland and the symbol of Polish statehood. The Rynek (market square) in the Stare Miasto (old city) is the largest medieval square in Europe.
The former European capital of culture (2016) Wroclaw is home to several operas, theaters, and hundreds of iconic dwarfs along the streets.
In the city’s colorful Rynek you’ll also find the oldest restaurant in Poland, Piwnica Świdnicka, which has welcomed famous visitors such as Pablo Picasso, among others.
6. Palatable Cuisines
When it comes to great food, Poland may not be the first country that comes to mind although you may know about its great beers and premium vodkas from some night-long party.
However, typical Polish cuisine is tremendously tasty. From salty to sweet specialties, you will love it.
7. High Level of Security and Personal Safety
Poland is much safer than most European countries. Even the Nordic countries, considered very safe, have much higher crime rates than Poland.
It’s perfectly safe for international students of all races, beliefs, and origins.
8. Safety and Affordable Cost of Living
Poland is one of the safest countries for students in Europe and at the same time one of the most affordable to live in, in comparison to other countries in Europe. Although the cost of living varies from city to city, the average expenditure in the biggest ones ranges from 400 to 800 euros per month.
MBBS in Poland
There are various reasons why Poland is emerging as a favorite among study abroad destinations for medical programs. Here are some reasons:
MBBS in Poland is one of the most sought-after courses in the world. Most of the medical universities in Poland are approved by the National Medical Commission (NCM) of India, MCC (Medical Council of Canada), ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates), and also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Therefore, many international students prefer to study in Poland.
Poland is an incredible country with a diverse and rich educational history. Studying in Poland will give you a high-quality European degree, recognizable all around the World and at a low cost.
Not only will you enjoy high-quality of teaching, but also have a chance to pursue your future career in the EU.
With programs recognized the world over and degrees accredited and accepted in some major countries as US and UK medical schools, it’s no wonder Poland is a top option for international students looking to study medicine.
Quality Education at an Affordable Cost.
Poland is highly acknowledged for affordable medical education abroad. The Polish education system is ranked 10th across the globe with a balanced cost of studying medicine and dentistry. The country has some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe.
Polish schools compete with each other not only to provide a wide variety of high-quality courses but also to offer attractive tuition fees in programs such as MBBS, engineering, international business, tourism, hospitality, and other courses.
Great Career Opportunities
Poland offers favorable future prospects for medical students. All MBBS graduates from Poland have an easy pathway to practice medicine in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other EU countries such as Germany.
Graduates from the medical universities of Poland are eligible to practice their medical careers in any part of the world.
Therefore, after completing their MBBS/MD degree and clearing the Medical Licensing Examination, graduates can settle anywhere around the world and follow their desired career path.
A Doctor / Physician in Poland typically earns around 17,800 PLN per month. Salaries range from 6,530 PLN (lowest average) to 30,000 PLN (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher).
This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries vary drastically between different Doctor / Physician careers.
The List of Best Medical Schools in Poland
Below is a list of the best medical schools in Poland that should top your list during consideration. We have also included the cost, requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions.
- Medical University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Medical University of Lodz
- University of Gdansk
- Poznan University of Medical Sciences
- Medical University of Wroclaw
- Medical University of Silesia
- Medical University of Lubin
- Medical University of Bialystok
- Medical University of Pomeranian
1. Medical University of Warsaw
The Medical University of Warsaw, in Polish: Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, is one of the oldest and largest public medical schools in Poland.
The first academic department of medicine was created in 1809. It is one of the most prestigious schools of medical science affiliated with a number of large hospitals in Poland.
The academic staff of the Medical University of Warsaw is recognized nationally and internationally for their contributions to the research and practice of medicine. Many of them hold the prestigious posts of National Medical Consultants.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #1 in Poland
- #169 in Europe
- #482 in the World
Programs offered: The Medical University of Warsaw provides general and specialty training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. They include:
- 6-year Medical Program in English
- 5-year Program of Dentistry in English
- 5-year Program of Pharmacy
Medical programs also delivered in the Polish language include Medicine, physiotherapy, electrobiology, audiofonology, speech therapy, dentistry, dental hygiene, dental technique, pharmacy, and medical analytics.
Health Sciences: Nursing, Public Health, Dietetics, Midwifery, Emergency Medicine developed in clinical medicine in nephrology, transplantology, cardiology, hematology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, urology, surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, venereology and dentistry, as well as in theoretical medicine (histology, immunology, anatomy, biology, pharmacology, and physiology).
Admission requirements: Applicants are required to: have a high school leaving diploma, take the MUW competency test organized by the Medical University of Warsaw English Division, OR submit your BMAT, MCAT, GAMSAT or UKCAT score, and have pass grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, or Mathematics, prove of English language proficiency
- Tuition: First year 13900 EUR
- 2nd year – 13.700,00 EUR
- 3rd year – 12.700,00 EUR
- 4th year – 11.100,00 EUR
- 5th year – 11.100,00 EUR
- 6th year – 11.100,00 EUR
2. Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University Medical College (school of medicine in English)is the oldest medical school in Poland.
The School of Medicine in English was established in 1994 and is a fully integrated part of the Faculty of Medicine.
Until the academic year 2018/19, the School offered two medical programs taught exclusively in English: a four-year program for graduates of pre-medical college/university programs (enrolment discontinued), and a six-year program for graduates of secondary schools. Presently, only the latter is available.
The academic staff includes the most experienced scholars and lecturers at Jagiellonian University, as well as foreign academics from the United States, England, Germany, and other countries.
The international community has recognized it as a leading medical school in the European Economic Union. It has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best medical universities in Poland.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #2 in Poland
- #184 in Europe
- #529 in the World
Programs offered: School of Medicine in English is a part of the Jagiellonian University Faculty of Medicine. It offers a 5 year dental, and 6-year medical curricula to students from all over the world.
The clinical research programs include; cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, hematology, nephrology, treatment of diabetes, endocrinology, neurology, oncology, cardiosurgery, non-invasive and surgical gastroenterology, transplantology, and pediatrics.
Admission requirements:
A document confirming knowledge of the English language, provided that secondary education was conducted in a language other than English (e.g. International English Language Testing System- IELTS at least 6.5, Test of English as Foreign Language -TOEFL Paper Based Test at least a 510 points test score and at least 3.5 points from TWE, TOEFL Computer Based Test (TOEFL CBT) at least a 180 points test score and at least 50 points from TSE, TOEFL Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT) – at least an 87 points, TOEIC min 700); For a comprehensive list, visit the Admission page
Tuition: Tuition for MD program in English from year one through six is 15 000 Euro/year, tuition for the DDS program first and second is 13 000 Euro/year, the third year is 14 500 Euro/year, fourth and fifth year is 15 000 Euro/year.
3. Medical University of Lodz
The Medical University of Lodz is one of the largest medical universities in Poland. Its tradition goes back to the 1940s. The school educates future doctors and specialists in medical sciences and medicine-related fields.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #3 in Poland
- #195 in Europe
- #576 in the World
Programs offered:
- A 6-year MD (Medicine)
- A 5-year DMD (Dentistry)
- A 3-year B.SC. (Nursing) and Pre-med programs.
Admission requirements: high school diploma or a secondary school leaving certificate or equal as GCE A-level certificates or IB and EB diplomas qualifying for admission to a university or a medical school in your home country. See admission and entry requirements for all programs here.
Tuition: 6-year MD program
11 800 EUR for the1st year
11 600 EUR/year for years from the 2nd to the 6th
5-year DMD program
13 200 EUR for the 1st year
13 000 EUR/year for years from the 2nd to the 5th. Access tuition information for all programs and other fees here
4. University of Gdansk
The University of Gdańsk, in Polish: Uniwersytet Gdański is a public research university located in Gdańsk, Poland.
It is one of the top 10 universities in Poland and is also an important center for the studies of the Kashubian language. The school was established in 1970.
The Medical University of Gdańsk (formerly Gdańsk Medical Academy) is the largest medical academic institution in northern Poland. It educates more than 5000 undergraduate and postgraduate students in four faculties.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #4 in Poland
- #215 in Europe
- #631 in the World
Programs offered: The programs offered in Gdansk medical school include: Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Sciences, and Biotechnology.
Admission requirements: A comprehensive list of all program requirements are available at the admission page.
Tuition: Tuition fees for the medical program include an orientation Week fee 3 000 PLN (or 2 000 PLN – applies only to candidates from Poland, and MUG Premedical Course graduates) tuition fee for the first to the six-year of study 24 000 PLN per semester. See tuition fees and other charges for other programs here.
5. Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Poznan University of Medical Sciences, in Polish: Uniwersytet Medyczny it is a prominent Polish medical university, located in the city of Poznań in western Poland.
It traces its beginnings to the foundation of Poznań University in 1919 and was formed as a separate institution in 1950. It gained the status of a university in 2007.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #5 in Poland
- #230 in Europe
- #681 in the World
Programs offered: Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy.
Admission requirements:
Applicants holding Polish high school leaving certificates must successfully apply and achieve a minimum score of 160 points in the admission procedure for the Polish-language medical program at PUMS in order to become eligible to apply to this medical program in English. See all requirements here.
Tuition: Tuition of 60 500 PLN for each year of studies. Tuition payment can be divided into three installments:
6. Medical University of Wroclaw
Wrocław Medical University, in Polish: Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu is an institution of higher medical education in Wrocław, Poland. The school was established in 1950 and is ranked amongst the best medical schools in Poland.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #6 in Poland
- #232 in Europe
- #694 in the World
Programs offered: Wroclaw Medical University offers the following programs:
- General Medicine: 4-(graduate) & 6-year program
- Veterinary Medicine: 6-year program
- Dentistry: 5 to 6-year program
- Pharmacy: 5 to 6-year program
- Nursing: 3 to 4-year program
- Physiotherapy: 3 to 4-year program
- Medical specialization: 3 to 6-year program
- Public Health and post-graduate programs.
Admission requirements: Admission is based on high school marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, without an entrance exam.
Candidates are chosen by open competition on the basis of grades on the high school certificate in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Also, prospective students must have an internationally recognized English certificate.
Tuition: General Medicine in English, 4-year entry medical program: 12000 Euro/year,
General Medicine in English, 6-year medical program: 12000 Euro/year,
Dentistry in English, 5-year program: 12000 Euro/year,
7. Medical University of Silesia
The Medical University of Silesia is the largest medical school in Poland. It was established in March 1948.
At first, it was given the name Medical Academy and was placed in Rokitnica Bytomska. The Medical University of Silesia has remarkably worked its way to being ranked amongst the best in Poland.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #7 in Poland
- #241 in Europe
- #709 in the World
Programs offered:
- General Medicine: 4-(graduate) & 6-year program
- Veterinary Medicine: 6-year program
- Dentistry: 5 to 6-year program
- Pharmacy: 5 to 6-year program
- Nursing: 3 to 4-year program
- Physiotherapy: 3 to 4-year program
- Medical specialization: 3 to 6-year program
Admission requirements: Admission to the 6-year MD program in English at the Medical University of Silesia is based on application file selection followed by an entrance examination (obligatory for all candidates) performed in Poland on a specific date. Candidates who graduated from high school are eligible to apply for admission to a full 6-year program.
Tuition: Tuition fees for the Medical program in English at Silesia Medical University in Poland is as follows: From 5 to 6 years of study: 14000 € (7 200 USD) /year and can be paid in 2 installments (at the beginning of each semester) from the first to fifth year.
From 5 to 6 years of study: 270 Euro or 418 USD per 1 week: clinical training in Poland; 100 Euro or 144 USD per 1 week: clinical training outside of Poland; From 3 to 5 years of medical study: 1 080 Euro or 1 550 USD for 4 weeks summer clerkship in Poland (scheduled by the University).
8. Medical University of Lubin
The Medical University of Lublin is a research-intensive medical school in Lublin, Poland. Its inception dates back to 1944. The university gained its autonomy in 1950 and over the years, new departments were added such as the Department of Dentistry in 1973.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #8 in Poland
- #250 in Europe
- #733 in the World
Programs offered: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy.
Admission requirements: Applicants must have completed a minimum of 12 years of school education and passed subjects in Biology, Chemistry and Physics / Math in Higher Secondary School, applicants must have proficiency in spoken and written English and must have passed the English Language Proficiency Test.
A minimum score of TOEFL (PBT 510, CBT 180, iBT 81), IELTS Academic 6.0, Cambridge ESOL (CI) or any other standardized internationally recognized test approved by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, Higher Education Affairs or UAE.
9. Medical University of Bialystok
The Medical University of Białystok (UMB), in Polish: Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku is a medical university founded in 1950 in a historic building from the 18th century, Branicki Palace, which is the most historically important building for the city of Białystok.
The Medical University of Bialystok is a modern, rapidly growing public university, with a mission to: provide the best possible education for professional, responsible, leading-edge medical staff; Carry out scientific research at the most advanced level worldwide, Implement innovative solutions in cooperation with medical service providers, and respond to social needs.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #9 in Poland
- #265 in Europe
- #803 in the World
Programs offered: The university is home to the Medical Department with a Division of Dentistry and a six-year M.D. program taught in English (English Division), Pharmacology, Medical Analytics, Nursing and Health Protection, Physiotherapy, Medical Rescue, Obstetrics and Public Health.
Admission requirements: The 6-year MD program is offered for High School graduates who possess a school leaving certificate; the certificate must contain a statement that its holder has the right to apply for a position within a University or Institute of Higher Education.
Positive grades in two out of four subjects – Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics must be shown on the certificate or have passed the Matura Exam (High School Final Exam) in two out of four subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Mathematics.
Full requirements details are available on the admission page.
Tuition: The tuition fee is € 11,500 for the 1st Year of Medical Studies and for each year thereafter (from 2nd to 6th).
10. Medical University of Pomeranian
Pomeranian Medical University (PMU) was established in 1948 in Szczecin, Poland. It is referred to as Pomorski Uniwersytet Medyczny in Polish.
Clinical departments of the University, besides offering sophisticated health care services for the Western Pomerania region, train very reputable medical practitioners.
Ranking: For Medicine:
- #10 in Poland
- #275 in Europe
- #847 in the World
Programs offered: Medicine (English program), Dentistry (English program), Medical Biotechnology, Medical Technology(Clinical Laboratory Science), Paramedic, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Public Health, and Cosmetology.
Admission requirements: in order to qualify for consideration, the following requirements must be met: good grades in the following high school subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
One of the abovementioned subjects must be taught on an advanced level (2 school years/ 4 semesters minimum). See all requirements here.
Tuition: Faculty of Medicine (English Program):
- Year 1 to 3 – 12 500,00 EUR
- Year 4 and 5 – 12 000,00 EUR
- Year 6- 10 000,00 EUR
- Faculty of Medicine (Asklepios Program)
- Year 1 – 13 800,00 EUR
- Year 2 to 6 – 13 500,00 EUR
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (English Program):
- Year 1 to 4 – 12 500,00 EUR
- Year 5 – 12 000,00 EUR
Is Poland Good for Medicine?
Poland is one of the best destinations to pursue MBBS because of the high-quality medical education & low-cost fee structure.
Poland universities/colleges provide world-class infrastructure and a high standard of teaching to medical students.
Is Med School in Poland Free?
The cost of a medical degree is significantly lower in Poland, according to figures from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Full-time studies at public schools are free for Polish students as well as international students who fulfill certain requirements, including citizens of the EU/EEA.
Can I Study Medicine in English in Poland?
Some medical schools in Poland offer international students the opportunity to study medicine in English.
Is a Polish Medical Degree Valid in UK?
Accredited medical universities in European Economic Area deliver medical degrees fully recognized in UK (by General Medical Council – GMC).
How Long is Med School in Poland?
5-6 year
The system of medical education in Poland is basically a 5-6 year training program (medicine, dentistry, pharmaceuticals), which ends with a general examination.