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Located in: Poland
The University of Medicine in Bialystok (UMB) is a modern and rapidly growing public university in Poland that was established in 1950. It is located in Bialystok, the 10th largest city in Poland, which is also one of the greenest and safest cities in Europe.
The mission of UMB is to provide medical education at the highest possible standards, while carrying out advanced scientific research at a global scale. The university is actively engaged in responding to the healthcare needs of Poland and worldwide by implementing innovative solutions in cooperation with international healthcare providers across the world.
The Faculty of Medicine at UMB offers teaching, research, diagnostics, and patient treatment across its 70 organisational units. This includes 26 departments, 40 clinics, 2 specialised teaching hospitals, 2 comprehensive study centres, a library, and 2 high-tech independent laboratories.
The teaching staff at UMB consists of supportive and highly qualified professionals that are fluent in English.This includes professors, scholar doctors with advanced qualifications, and academic teachers that are dedicated to training the next generation to be competent, responsible and ethical medical professionals.
The university was ranked #1 in Poland based on equipment, variety and availability of materials, the level of practical skills, average results from recent examinations, and organisational and administrative support from the university (source).
The university has 5,500 current students, many of whom are international students coming from over 45 countries, including the UK, USA, Norway, Germany, India, and more. More than 13,000 graduates have obtained their degrees from the Medical University in Bialystok and have gone on to become medical professionals across the world. Many of the university graduates hold executive positions in other medical universities and medical centres in Poland and abroad.
To ensure the success of its students at an international level, UMB has a large number of bilateral agreements for scientific and teaching cooperation with universities from all over the globe. This includes agreements with universities, research and educational facilities in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Finland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Georgia, and more. The agreements cover student exchange programmes, joint research and education projects, as well as scientific networking cooperation. Additionally, the university has a dedicated International Cooperation Department.
The address of UMB is Jana Kilinskiego Street, 1, Bialystok, postcode 15-089.
The university offers a 6-year medical training programme in English that was established 20 years ago and has grown to become an integral part of the medical school. The university uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to ensure a fair and transparent method of evaluating students while also facilitating student transfers.
A 3-week mandatory online premedical program is offered to all first-year students for a revision and update of their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of natural sciences before they start their medical studies. In addition to the Biology (16 hours), Chemistry (32 hours), and Physics ( 30 hours) courses, the program offers an opportunity to acquire basic fluency in the Polish language (18 hours) and to improve the knowledge of English medical/science terminology. There are no graduate entry pathways into Medicine or Dentistry at the Medical University of Bialystok. However, student transfers are possible, and Medlink Students can assist you in finding transfer opportunities in Poland.
The medicine programme in English at the University of Medicine in Bialystok lasts for 6 years (12 semesters) and is worth 360 ECTS credits.
The course features a comprehensive curriculum with an emphasis on clinical training with students taking part in clerkships from the 1st Year. Additionally, the programme builds a strong theoretical foundation for its students, while also teaching about the essentials of being a medical professional - ethics, empathy, and professionalism.
The curriculum is structured into two main phases: the first 2 years focus on preclinical courses such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, and Medical Polish/English. The remaining 4 years are dedicated to clinical courses covering a wide range of medical specialities, from Surgery and Internal Medicine to specialities like Psychiatry and Gerontology.
The university is equipped with all the latest technologies, including high-tech laboratories, modern lecture halls, and its own hospitals and clinics. Before beginning their clinical training, students use simulation equipment and cadavers to practise their skills and gain confidence before dealing with real-world scenarios.
Students at UMB are assessed through typical methods, including written, oral, practical, and clinical examinations. The Medical University of Bialystok Faculty of Medicine uses the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is designed to evaluate students in a uniform, standardised, reliable, and objective way. The OSCE is widely recognised and respected across the medical education community globally and is used by medical schools to ensure that graduates can apply knowledge in a clinical context safely and effectively. It is also used in licensing examinations.
In an interview with Medlink Students, Emanuela, a British student, shared her experience with the medicine course at UMB and her exam prep:
“The way the teachers teach us, they give us a lot of help. We have resources; for example, in anatomy, we always have cadavers where we look at different body parts. So not only do we have the theoretical part, but we also have the practical part. So there is a lot of chances for us to practice our skills. And I think that's very useful, especially because we have different pin tests and exams. And I feel like they always go over the content that we get in the exam. So they prepare us really well for these exams. Even though they're hard, it's like you get the best preparation you can.”
The University of Medicine in Bialystok is committed to training competent doctors who can succeed at an international level. One of the stand-out features of UMB is that it can help students who want to become doctors in the United States through:
The American Medical Student Association Bialystok was established in 2018. The organisation aims to support students aspiring to become doctors in the United States by guiding them through the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) and their future career path.
AMSA Białystok also organises social events such as international gatherings, fundraising events, and community service activities. It also actively collaborates with the other UMB student organisations.
The University's hospitals and affiliated clinics provide exceptional clinical training to its students in a modern setting. These facilities play a crucial role in delivering medical services to both the city of Bialystok and the broader Podlaskie region.
Here are the 6 main hospitals and clinics affiliated with the Medical University of Bialystok. Please keep in mind that this is not a list of all facilities, but rather the biggest and most important ones:
UMB’s main library is located in the magnificent Branicki Palace, which was opened in the same year as the university - 1950. It is the largest medical library in northeastern Poland, serving the Podlaskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie administrative.
The University Library provides traditional library services, as well as assisting students in their educational pursuits, and supporting scientific research. It includes quiet reading rooms for students, and PC workstations + photocopiers to assist students with their studies.
The Welcome Centre at the Medical University of Białystok is dedicated to assisting foreign students, PhD students, and academic staff with various aspects of their university life and integration into Białystok. It is located in the right wing of the Branicki Palace, room 207.
The centre offers a range of services designed to ease the transition and daily challenges of living and studying in a new environment. These services include:
The staff at the Welcome Centre are well-trained in intercultural communication and are equipped to handle a variety of issues that international members of the university might face.
Additionally, Medlink Students also provide support to all of our students at UMB, including help with navigating the complexities of the admission process and providing guidance throughout your entire educational journey, including after graduation.
The Medical University of Bialystok is the perfect place for students who want to personally help advance the field of healthcare. MUB is dedicated to advancing medical science through its large-scale research initiatives, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong international collaborations. Some of the projects at MUB include:
MUB collaborates with renowned institutions like Mayo Clinic, Harvard Medical School, and Universitätsmedizin Greifswald for joint scientific projects and hosting notable researchers. These partnerships have further solidified MUB’s standing on the global scale of research.
The university has been awarded the highest possible scientific recognition from the Ministry of Education and Science while also securing the prestigious European COFUND grant under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Additionally, MUB has been included in the "Initiative of Excellence - Research University" by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
MUB is equipped with several state-of-the-art facilities where they conduct their high-end research:
The Medical University of Bialystok is dedicated to providing a well-rounded academic and social environment, ensuring students not only excel in their studies but also enjoy a fulfilling and engaging university life.
To look after the well-being of its students, the university hosts a large variety of student clubs and activities, including:
Typical social events for International students include karaoke nights, sightseeing tours, sports, and international cooking days. Each event is an excellent opportunity to relax and make a ton of new friends. The best part is that MUB has a diverse international community with students from over 45 countries, so you’ll get to meet people from all over the world.
The tuition fees for the first year of the medical programme in English are and another for the obligatory pre-course on-site or if it is taken online.
If the university decides to change these fees, they will notify all students 6 months before the start of the academic year. Also, there’s a student ID fee which is about and admission fee.
In terms of admission, the university uses a ranking system based on the points earned from the following criteria in 2 parts:
You must have a School Leaving Certificate that states you are eligible to apply to universities or higher education institutions. This certificate should show positive grades in 2 of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Mathematics. Alternatively, you could have passed the Matura Exam (High School Final Exam) in 2 of these 4 subjects.
Applying to the Medical University of Bialystok can be a highly competitive process, with the application journey often feeling overwhelming and challenging to navigate alone. The university has a comprehensive list of application requirements and legal procedures that must be fulfilled, including the submission of specific documents that need to be translated, notarised, and legalised. Failure to fulfill these requirements may lead to your application being rejected. However, you need not face this task alone. Our team of admissions experts, widely regarded as the best in Europe, specialises in managing all legal aspects to the last detail. Moreover, we have established a strong partnership with the Medical University of Bialystok and possess extensive knowledge of the entire application process and interview. Throughout the process, we will diligently handle your application, ensuring it meets the highest standards and significantly improves your chances of acceptance to this prestigious university. By choosing Medlink Students, you can avoid the stress of applying and focus on preparing for your future career in medicine. The best part is that we can help you prepare for the interview by giving you special preparation materials created specifically for it.
Miss Marta from the Medical University of Bialystok joined a Medlink Students webinar to highlight the university’s high teaching standards, global accreditation, and vibrant student life. She emphasized the strong partnership with Medlink Students, encouraging applicants to use their support. Watch the full interview in the webinar here.
The interview assesses students based on 3 main things:
The interview will be conducted once our team has completed the online registration process and student's application has been positively verified. To participate in the interview, a enrollment fee must be paid.
How to prepare:
There's a test during the interview, consisting of:
The maximum score from the interview is 100 points. If the maximum number of seats has not been reached, an extended recruitment phase will be established, where candidates with lower points may be accepted.
If you wonder what the Bialystok Medical University entrance exam is, that’s it: high school performance evaluation and the above-described interview. The application deadline is usually late August. However, we highly recommend applying through us as soon as possible because it is a long procedure to prepare everything. Also, the university works on a first-come, first-serve basis, which means that if the university fills the spaces by May, for example, they will close the admission for the year.
The Medical University of Bialystok is:
Upon completing your studies at the University of Medicine in Bialystok, you will receive an internationally recognised diploma that will enable you to become a successful doctor in many countries across the world. This is just one of the reasons that make UMB a top destination to study medicine in English in Europe.
International medical students can stay in Dormitory N.2. It has 2 dormitory buildings provided for non-Bialystok residents. Both dorms are connected and have entry control for additional safety. The dorms have over 300 rooms, gym, fitness room, table tennis table, pool table, library, 45 bicycle parking and it's easily accessible.
For international students, there are high-quality, furnished rooms in Dormitory N.2, located at Waszyngtona 23 str., 15-304 Bialystok. Basic Sciences and Clinical Departments are within 10 minutes walking distance from where you will live.
Telephone and high-speed internet are available upon request for a monthly fee. All floors also have a spacious common area, kitchen, and laundry facilities for your everyday needs.
Byalistok dorms photos:
In the vicinity of the dormitory, you can find a beautiful park and sources of entertainment such as athletic facilities, shopping centres, clubs, etc.
The dormitory fee is between , depending on the accommodation type. In addition, a single-bedroom apartment in Bialystok costs between per month, depending on the location. Average living costs without rent are around .
Bialystok is one of the greenest and safest cities in Poland and Europe. It is a lively, student-orientated city that has 32% of its territory covered in parks and lush natural scenery. Students at UMB will enjoy beautiful natural surroundings while studying in the magnificent Palace of Branicki, an 18th-century baroque building.
The city is named after the Biala River or just “Bialka '' as locals call it. It passes right by the front gates of the Medical University, which adds to the serene and calming atmosphere of the nearby park. But that’s not all, the Garden Palace of Branicki is right at the backside of the university, which means that students will have access to 2 different parks where they can unwind and relax after they complete their studies for the day.
Samiya, a current student at UMB, shared her experience in an interview with Medlink Students:
"Bialystok is a very small city, but it's totally a student city. So everywhere there are students, and the English division is one of the biggest divisions. So, my year, my batch was the biggest English division I've ever got. Plus, the professors are extremely helpful, and the students in the above years are also helpful. So, everyone is there to help you. And, in general, it's a very nice place to stay.”
Medical University of Bialystok Faculty of Medicine has an excellent location. Bialystok is located in the Podlaskie Plain, part of the Green Lungs of Poland, an environmentally protected area in the country. Additionally, the city itself also has an excellent location, as the capital of Warsaw is a two-hour train ride from Bialystok, allowing for easy weekend trips.
The unity with nature is in excellent balance with the city's cultural life. The city owns the most modern cultural centre in the region - the European Art Centre. There is also a theatre, opera and philharmonic, where students can bask in visual and auditory beauty.
In addition, the local football team, the Jagiellonia Białystok, is a strong contender in the local league and even won the Polish Cup in 2010. Football fans can enjoy the local derby and even some Europa League games.
Lastly, according to an EU Commission report, Bialystok is among the best places to live in Poland. The city has almost no crime, with 94%of people having no experience with stolen property. Any way you look at it, Bialystok is like an academic haven for future doctors.
The best part is that you don’t need to be worried about language barriers. Most of the residents, especially the younger generations speak English very well and are known to be very warm, friendly and welcoming.
From the moment you step foot in the city of Bialystok, it becomes apparent that diversity and inclusion are deeply cherished values. Students coming from all corners of the world are welcomed with open arms, as the Medical University Bialystok remains dedicated to meeting the unique needs of its diverse community.
With a strong emphasis on accommodating students from diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultures, the university fosters an environment where every individual can thrive.
For the religious needs of the residents of Bialystok, you will find mosques, churches, and synagogues across the city. Additionally, Bialystok caters to a variety of dietary needs and has vegetarian, kosher, and halal restaurants offering options for all.
Polish culture revolves around respect and safety, ensuring the well-being of every student, including hijabi women. Both on campus and throughout the city, the Faculty of Medicine actively promotes an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, celebrating the beauty of diversity and honouring the richness of cultural backgrounds.
Explore the hallways and lecture halls here: https://www.umb.edu.pl/virtualwalk
The winter semester usually starts at the beginning of October and ends at the beginning of February (15 weeks of the didactic period), just before the winter examination session. The summer semester is from late February (15 weeks of the didactic period), with a summer examination session between June and September.
I’m from London, and my name is Emanuela. I always wanted to study medicine, and though I was anxious at first, coming to the Medical University Of Bialystok has been one of the best decisions of my life. The community is so nice and welcoming. Everyone is from different places, but we form a family and rely on each other. The support is incredible, both from the professors and fellow students. The university has a very diverse student community. There are Norwegians, Germans, Asians, and people from all over. This diversity adds to the richness of the experience and makes it feel like home. Moving abroad was the best decision of my life. I was anxious about leaving my friends and family, but the experience has been amazing. Studying medicine in Bialystok and succeeding at it is a dream come true.
The classes are very well organized, and the professors are always willing to help. Anytime there’s a doubt, you can email them, and they respond quickly. It really makes a difference when the professors are approachable and supportive like this. Every year has a class rep who communicates with the department heads to fix the exam dates, which is extremely helpful. As a student, it's hard to manage an anatomy credit one day and then histology just two days later. Having a student representative ensures that exam schedules are more manageable for us. It’s a small detail, but it makes a huge difference.
It is located in Bialystok, Poland, at Jana Kilinskiego street 1. The school’s campus is right on the bank of the Biala River or “Bialka” as locals call it. Moreover, the main building is actually the majestic Palace of Branicki landmark.
Yes. Transfers are possible for medical students.
No. The school does not offer a fast track medicine option.
The tuition fee is per year
It has worldwide recognition. The university is recognised by many institutions, including the World Health Organisation through its World Directory of Medical Schools.
Yes. The school offers a medical programme taught in English.
Yes. Graduates from the school have registered with the UK General Medical Council.
Yes. The exam consists of a secondary school performance evaluation and an interview.
There is a ranking system that takes into consideration two components. The first component evaluates the high school grades of the student. The second component is an interview.
The first semester starts in the beginning of October and the second one begins in late February. Both last 15 weeks.
The application deadline is on the 31st of August but we highly recommend you apply through us as soon as possible.
The school has an excellent academic reputation and it ranked #1 in Poland for teaching equipment. In addition, students benefit from an advanced research programme, numerous student organisations, and a vibrant community.
