Poland is in the top 5 best countries to study medicine abroad. Tuition fees range between - per year.
Poland is a popular destination for prospective students wishing to study medicine abroad. The country is home to one of the first universities in the world - the Cracow Academy, established by King Casimir the Great in 1364. Currently, it is known as the prestigious Jagiellonian University.
With over 650 years of higher education under its belt, Poland has trained some of the most influential doctors and dentists, who have contributed to science and medicine all around the world.
In terms of the number of students enrolled in higher education, Poland is in fourth place in the EU after the United Kingdom, France and Germany, respectively. With its modern infrastructure and high standard of education, it’s no wonder that this country is quickly proving to be one of the best places to study medicine abroad.
The degree follows strict Polish and European standards of teaching, with transferring from one medical institution to another becoming much more comfortable with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Check out our price breakdown of the top medical schools in Poland
Bialystok University is one of the largest medical schools in Poland, with more than 13,000 graduates from its esteemed medical program alone. Those who wish to study medicine in Europe will find an impressive 26 departments, 40 clinics, 2 study centres, and 2 independent laboratories in the English division alone.
The University of Silesia is located in Katowice, Poland, and has educated over 50,000 healthcare specialists since its inception 1948. Its English medical program has existed since 1996, making it one of the older ones in Europe and a prime choice for all who wish to study medicine in English.
The Medical University of Lodz is the biggest public medical school in Poland, and one of the most prestigious medical universities in the entire region. Currently, more than 900 international students attend its medicine, dentistry and pre-med programmes, all taught in English to the highest standards of medical education.
First established in 1809, Warsaw Medical University currently educates thousands of students, many of which international. Students from outside Poland can study the university's renowned medical course entirely in English, with degrees recognised by the GMC and allowing practise all over the world.
Poznan University of Medical Sciences was founded in 1920, and since then has become arguably the best medical university in Poland. Since 1993, it has also been offering its prestigious programmes in medicine and dentistry in English, allowing thousands of international students to graduate with top-level education and then practise in their home countries.
Established in 2003, the Academy of Silesia has over 2000 students from Poland and internationally. It is located in Katowice and offers an MD programme in English recognised around the world. The program consists of 12 semesters separated into 3 major groups - theoretical, pre-clinical and clinical studies. The academy works with 5 hospitals and clinics where students receive top practical training.
In 2000, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University opened with 7 faculties. The university's Medicine programme has 8000 students, many of which from outside Poland and enrolled in the school's English MD program. The practical training for international medical students includes over 1200 hours of bedside and lab work.
Nicolaus Copernicus University was founded in 1945, with its medical faculty located in Bydgoszcz. The school is equipped with the pinnacle of modern medical technology, and offers its programmes in medicine and pharmacy entirely in English. In their later years, students can practise at the two teaching hospitals owned and operated by the university.
Founded in 1948, Pomeranian Medical University is located in Szczecin, Poland, and has been teaching its esteemed medical programmes in English for over 20 years. It currently accepts about 150 international students in its medical and dental programs annually, requiring no entrance exams for them.
Jagiellonian Medical College is the oldest university in Poland, established all the way back in 1364 and boasting many notable alumni. Nowadays, the university offers a 6 year medical programme for international students who wish to study medicine in Europe in English. It hosts 6500 students, of which 700 are international.
Here's the complete list of 18 medical universities in Poland offering courses in English for international students:
1. Bialystok Medical University is a public university. It is one of Poland's most highly ranked and popular medical universities, boasting a world-class medical course taught by the best professors in their fields. This medical school was established in 1950, and The English Division was founded in 2004. The Medical University of Bialystok is most popular among international students from the UK, US, Germany, Spain, and Scandinavian countries.
Here, you can study Medicine in a 6-year MD programme and Pharmacy in a 5,5-year Pharm. D. programme. Tuition fees are per year for Medicine and for Pharmacy per year. Bialystok's living costs are around per month. You will participate in exceptional training programmes in university hospitals and clinics during your studies.
The diploma you will get is recognised worldwide. To be admitted to this fine Polish medical school, you don’t need to pass any entrance exams. Bialystok Medical University requires good grades in Chemistry and one of the following subjects: Biology, Maths, or Physics. Moreover, the university has an online interview to determine whether your motivation and character suit the medical profession.
2. The Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, focuses on modern, international-standard education and real-world clinical skill development for students. It utilizes the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for fair student evaluation and supports international experiences through programs like Erasmus+.
The academy offers an internationally recognised Doctor of Medicine programme lasting 6 years.
The academy works with five hospitals and clinics.
Admission requirements include previous academic records, matriculation exam results and an English language proficiency.
The tuition fee starts from per year and are semester-based. For the first four semesters it's , for the next four semesters it's and for the last four it is per semester.
3. Medical University of Lodz is currently the largest public medical university in Poland. MUL was established in 2002 and introduced English teaching the next year. For its 20 years of existence, it has quickly risen to be one of the top choices for international students from all around the world. University statistics show 900 current students and over 600 international graduates and growing.
Just like Poznan University of Medical Sciences, MUL offers an accelerated medicine course at the same price – per year. Tuition fees per year are medicine – ; dentistry – .
4. Poznan University of Medical Sciences dates back to 1920, when the medical and dental faculties were part of the University of Poznan. 30 years later, the faculties detached from the University of Poznan to form a separate university dedicated to medical sciences. Poznan University of Medical Sciences opened up to the world in 1993 and introduced its English programmes. Since then, hundreds of international doctors and dentists have graduated and are practising their profession of choice.
Tuition fees for Medicine are /year and for Dentistry – /year. PUMS also offers an Advance MD course for health-related science graduates for per year.
5. Medical University of Silesia, established in 1948 in Katowice, has taught young doctors for more than 70 years. Here you can study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, and Public Health. The English Division was founded in 1996, so MUS has a lot of experience with international students. There are currently 551 international students who benefit from the English programme, most coming from North America, Central Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
The most notable university achievements include:
The Medical University of Silesia offers a well-equipped didactics base, a modern sports base, and international exchange programs.
The yearly tuition fees are for Medicine, for Dentistry, and for Pharmacy. To be admitted here, you would have to pass the entry exam in biology and chemistry.
One very exceptional feature this university has is the opportunity to teach accelerated medical courses, lasting for 3 or 4 years, to those who have other biomedical backgrounds. Contact us, and we can determine if you qualify for this programme.
6. Medical University of Warsaw is one of the largest medical universities in Poland and is located in the country’s capital – Warsaw. It’s also a top-ranking modern institution with top-notch medical and research equipment and facilities. MUW was established in 1809, and it has operated for more than 200 years now. It’s a public medical university where thousands of students have graduated in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy.
Today, the Medical University of Warsaw’s programmes meet the highest international standards of medical education, based on the principles of good clinical and pharmaceutical practice. This top medical university in Poland currently teaches over 799 international students from 50 countries. The degree you get has worldwide recognition, including in Europe and North America.
There are 3 programmes in English: Medicine, a 6-year MD programme; dentistry, a 5-year DMD programme; and Pharmacy, 5,5-year Pharm.D. programme. The cost of living in Warsaw is - per month. Tuition fees for the first year are (Medicine), (Dentistry), and (Pharmacy). There’s no entry exam apart from the English proficiency exam for students from non-English speaking countries.
7. Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) is a public higher education institution with its main campus located in Torun, but the medical faculty is in the city of Bydgoszcz. NCU was established in 1945, and since then, it has been providing world-class education. Also, the school owns 2 teaching and 7 affiliated hospitals. All of them give you free access to practise on-site and attend treatments and problem-solving situations.
At Nicolaus Copernicus University, you can study medicine in English in a 6-year course for annually. Living costs in Bydgoszcz are around per month. But if you choose to live in the university’s dormitory, you can reduce your monthly expenses by about .
Applying for this prestigious Polish university doesn’t require an entrance exam. You only need to attend an online interview that evaluates your English and Biology knowledge. The diploma you receive after graduation is internationally recognised and allows you to practise anywhere in the world.
8. Jagiellonian University is a public medical school located in Krakow. It is the oldest in the country - established in 1364. For 7 centuries, the school has been providing high-class education to doctors- and dentists-to-be. You can find 2 libraries and a study room open every day of the week at the campus.
Here, you can study Medicine in English for 6 years at the price of annually or a 5-year dentistry course for annually for years 1-2, for the third year and for the last 2 years. More than 700 international students attend this university to receive proper medical education. Jagiellonian University has the most modern medical equipment and lecture halls.
Admission ranking here is based on the candidates’ entrance exam results. The test consists of 100 MCQs in Biology and Chemistry. After graduation, you will receive an internationally recognised diploma that allows you to practise globally, including in the UK and the USA.
9. Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (AFMKU) was established in 2000 and quickly rose to one of the best medical universities in Europe. It is a private higher education institution where you can study Medicine in English for 6 years. AFMKU is located in Krakow city and has 7 faculties situated there.
The medical course includes more than 1,200 hours of bedside and laboratory training. It also includes mandatory summer clerkships each year. The skills obtained during training and clerkships will be crucial for the start of your professional career.
Applicants who wish to study at Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University don’t need to take any entrance exams. You only need an English certificate for at least a B2 level. It would be best if you had good grades in the science subjects in your high school leaving diploma. These are the ranking criteria for admission.
10. Medical University of Lublin is a public school located in Lublin, the student city of Poland, with more than 100,000 students living here. It was established in 1944, and in 2001 the English programmes started.
At the Medical University of Lublin, you can study Medicine in English for 6 years or dentistry for 5 years. The tuition fee for the medicine course varies according to the year of study, from to annually. The dentistry programme is around per year.
Applicants from the EU, OECD or EFTA with an International or European Baccalaureate are exempted from entrance exams. Candidates who don’t meet these criteria must sit an exam with 100 MCQs in Biology and two other subjects by their choice - Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. After graduation, you receive an internationally recognised diploma that allows you to practise everywhere around the world.
11. University of Rzeszow was established in 2001, but it didn’t take long for the university to grow and develop. Nowadays, it hosts more than 22,000 students, many of which are international. The school is located in Rzeszow, a town on both sides of the Wilson River with over 180,000 inhabitants.
The school offers only an MD course in English that takes 6 years to complete at the price of per year. In their well-equipped campus, you will be able to use the most modern medical technology and learn from the best in their field.
To apply here, you will need good grades in your high school diploma and at least a B2 level of English proficiency. Also, you have to attend an interview to evaluate your English skills, Biology and Chemistry knowledge. The school is recognised all around the globe, and so is your diploma after successful graduation.
12. Wroclaw Medical University is a public university located in Wroclaw. It was established in the middle of the 20th century. The medical faculty at this school has more than 70 years of experience educating future doctors. Wroclaw Medical University has 5 faculties devoted to medical science that host more than 6,000 students.
The school offers Medicine and Dentistry courses entirely taught in English. The MD degree lasts for 6 years and costs annually. The DMD programme continues for 5 years at per year. Here, you will be taught by the best medical practitioners and excellent teachers.
To be accepted here, you must have good grades on your high school diploma to achieve a higher ranking score than the other candidates. The school doesn’t require entrance exams. Also, you must provide an English certificate with at least a B2 level. Wroclaw Medical University is recognised by the WHO and is listed in WDOMS.
13. University of Warmia and Mazury is a public school located in Olsztyn. It was established in 1999. The university campus is surrounded by lakes and forests, making it an excellent place for breaks between classes or leisure time. The school is famous for its high research activity.
Here, you can study Medicine in English for 6 years. The course costs for the 1st year, for the 2nd, and approximately for the 4 remaining years. The university also offers a foundation year for a one-time payment of . Students here can take advantage of studying in a well-developed medical faculty and taking part in research projects.
University of Warmia and Mazury requires candidates to sit an entrance exam in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. But for a high-ranking score, you will need good grades on your high school diploma. Also, you need to prove an English language proficiency at a B2 level. After graduation, you can start practising worldwide or continue your studies for a PhD degree.
14. Pomeranian Medical University (PMU) was established in 1948, and its dental faculty started operating in 1996. The school has a solid background in teaching medicine in English, with more than 20 years of experience. PMU is located in Szczecin city, near the Baltic Sea and the shores of Dabie Lake. It’s a fantastic place to spend your student years.
Here, you can apply for a medicine or dentistry course taught in English. The tuition fee for the MD programme is for years 1-3 and for years 4-5 and for the last year of your study. Graduating as a dentist takes 5 years and an annual tuition fee of for the years 1-4 and for the last year.
The university’s admission ranking is based only on your high school diploma grades. You don’t have to pass any entrance exams or interviews. Also, you can transfer from one medical school to Pomeranian Medical University. After graduation, you can start practising everywhere around the world.
15. Medical University Of Gdańsk is among the most popular destinations to study Medicine abroad. Around 15% of the students here are international, coming from all around the globe. The university owns one of the most modern hospitals in Europe, providing free access for their students seeking extra experience and knowledge.
At MUG, you can study medicine in English for 6 years and Pharmacy for 5,5 years. European and international institutions accredit both programmes. Also, candidates who believe they need further Biology and Chemistry knowledge can enrol in a pre-medical programme at the price of /year. The medical course costs /year and the Pharmacy - /year.
You need to pass an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry to apply here. Candidates graduating from a high school with a different language of instruction than English must also provide a language certificate. The diploma you receive after graduation allows you to start practising everywhere around the world.
16. Jan Kochanowski University was established in 1969. It is located in Kielce city, which is situated in South-Central Poland. The medical faculty was founded in 2005 and consists of Medical and Public Health institutions. The city of Kielce offers good living standards at an affordable cost. Around per month would cover all your expenses, including rent.
At Jan Kochanowski University, you can study medicine in English in a 6-year course at an annual tuition fee of . Also, the school offers 2 types of pre-medical course packages - basic for and Package Plus for . The school uses the ECTS point system, which makes credit transfers easier.
The score for the admission ranking is based on the candidates’ high school diploma grades in science subjects. The school is listed in the WDOMS and is recognised by the World Health Organisation, so after graduation, you can practise everywhere around the world.
17. Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences is a public school accredited by the EAEVE that offers a Veterinary Medicine course in English. It is located in Wroclaw - one of the fastest-growing Polish cities.
The veterinary course lasts for 11 semesters (5,5 years). The price is per year. You will practise at animal clinics affiliated with the university during your studies. There, you will meet and have the opportunity to participate in the treatment of different animals, including exotic and rare species.
Entrance exams are not required when applying to this university, but your school reports and grades matter. The admission score is based on your high school leaving diploma. Also, students already enrolled in a veterinary course can transfer to this school. After successful graduation, you can apply to continue your studies or start practising everywhere around the globe.
18. The Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine At The Warsaw University Of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW) is located in Poland's capital. It is a public school established at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, WULS has 13 faculties, and over 16,000 students are enrolled in different courses.
The veterinary course here is almost 2 centuries old, which has helped the university to develop and achieve perfection in the teaching methods. The programme takes 5,5 years, and the tuition fee is , paid in 2 instalments. The school has the most modern educational technologies to improve the educational experience.
To be admitted to the course, you need to pass an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry. However, applicants with previous education in an animal-related field can be exempted from entrance exams. The school has accreditation by the EAEVE, and its graduates are allowed to start practising worldwide.
Each medical university in Poland sets its own entry requirements for international students. However, there are a couple of common denominators for all of them: a secondary school diploma and an English proficiency certificate (or exam) for non-native speakers.
Good grades in at least two subjects are considered an advantage, and the subjects of interest are usually Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.
In addition, applicants for graduate entry in medicine need to present their Bachelor's Degree diploma. Their focus of study would ideally be in Chemistry, Biology, Biomedicine, or Biochemistry.
Some universities require entrance examinations, usually in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. The exams can be written or oral.
Finally, here is a list of the universities where people can study medicine in Poland without an entrance exam:
If you are looking forward to starting studying medicine in English in Poland, you should take a look at first-year entry options available in Europe and the Caribbean. Learn more about direct first-year entry opportunities here.
From a financial perspective, Poland is a good destination for international students. The cost of studying medicine in Poland is lower than in the Baltic and Central European countries. Both tuition fees and living expenses are somewhat higher than those in Romania and Bulgaria.
Tuition fees for medical universities in Poland are usually between and , depending on the university. Dentistry and medicine are the most expensive studies since annual prices rarely fall below for an English programme. In contrast, the tuition fees for pharmacy are not likely to exceed .
Studying abroad in Poland has great perks because students don't have to break the bank for tuition and lifestyle, while still being able to experience top-notch education and living. That's why Poland is a fantastic destination for international students who want to acquire their medical or dental degrees. Of course, the living expenses vary depending on which city you're located in and the lifestyle you wish to lead. Still, we have calculated the average costs you would need if you wish to study medicine in Poland and live there.
| Rent | Utilities | Transport | Food | Leisure |
| ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ | ~ |
Please note that the average rent price is based on living in a one-room apartment, and you can find even cheaper options, like hostels and dormitories.
Not many universities in Europe offer a graduate entry route. You can study graduate entry medicine in Poland at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. Biomedical life science graduates and healthcare professionals with similar academic qualifications can benefit from a fast-track medicine or accelerated medicine course. Contact us now to assess your documents and tell you how many years exactly you can skip.
Poland medical universities offer affordable tuition fees and living costs to international students. In addition, many local universities provide high-quality education with undemanding admission requirements. In these terms, Poland is worth it for students looking for a degree with worldwide recognition and low average education costs.
Besides, Polish education is the best way to get acquainted with the “whitereds” as locals often refer to their nationality. Once international students stay for a semester, they inevitably catch an acute case of Polonophilia, the appreciation of Polish culture and heritage.
Here are the most important reasons to choose a mbbs/md in Poland as a destination to study medicine abroad:
The vibrant student life in Poland is one of the most common magnets for foreign students. Poland invites students to visit its lively cities and experience cosmopolitan vibes and cultural festivals throughout the year, despite the fact that the country's educational system places a strong emphasis on practical learning and creative talents.
Students can take part in events, parties, music festivals, and other fun things. All around the country, there are lots of exciting locations to hang out with friends, including bars, clubs, restaurants, and wine bars.
Juvenilia, a widely recognized festival, is celebrated by young people through the use of costumes, music, and a range of other enjoyable activities.
The Polish Baltic coast is known for its advanced scuba diving opportunities. There are over 200 shipwrecks to explore in the depths around Gdynia, Gdansk, Ustka, and Leba.
Speaking of depths, Poland has the second-highest number of lakes in Europe. Adding its major rivers and the Baltic, the country has excellent conditions for fishing. Anglers can enjoy salmon, trout, pike, pikeperch, catfish, and eels.
Local nature preserves are another attraction for nature lovers, and they hold some of the rarest species in Europe. The European Bison (wisent) had gone almost extinct at the beginning of the twentieth century, but it was restored in Bialowieza and reintroduced to other countries.
The MD program is split into two parts that take 6 years of study. The first two years are pre-clinical, with a devotion to foundation subjects, such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, histology, and embryology. The second part starts in your third year and ends when you graduate, whereby you are required to take clinical subjects and test your knowledge of the theory you have learned up until that point. After you have passed your examinations, you are awarded an MD diploma. Students who study dentistry in English in Poland will graduate with a DMD diploma.
With state-of-the-art facilities, a long history of professionals excelling in the medical field, and a low barrier to entry in terms of grades and finances, Poland is the place to go for studying medicine abroad!
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My main concern before coming to Poland Bialystok was whether the study materials and teaching would be in English. When I arrived, I was relieved to find that everyone speaks English, including the professors. The administration is also very supportive, helping with accommodations and any questions you might have. It's a very friendly community where everyone knows each other, and the professors are always available via email. As a girl moving away from home for the first time, I can say that I feel very safe here. I can walk home at 11 PM and feel perfectly safe. If it's very late, taxis are very affordable. The younger generation speaks English, and even though the older generation might not, they are still very helpful. The Medical University Of Bialystok also organizes events to help the English division students interact with the Polish students, which is great.
I'm studying in University of Silesia in Katowice and the city is just as safe as my home in England. I've seen little seven- and eight-year-olds catching the bus to school by themselves. I've never felt unsafe here; there's nothing to feel unsafe about, honestly. The majority of the younger generation here can understand English. Where I live, people from all over the world—Spain, Canada, Turkey, even further—come to improve their English. You end up learning a bunch of new languages and helping loads of people with their English. You’ll never really have anything to worry about.
As a British student, I chose Poland because it's only a two-hour flight away from home, and it's about half an hour to get to the airport. I was surprised when I came to Poland. Being someone who's Brown, and Muslim, I thought I would face discrimination or get funny looks. I remember being lost once, and a Polish gentleman approached me, spoke English, and pointed me in the right direction. People here are very friendly regardless of where you come from or what language you speak. When I first came here, I thought I wouldn't want to go out at night, but I've never had any issues. The drivers are friendly, and even public transport is good. If you're lost or unsure, people will help you. It is very safe. I haven't seen any crime or incidents happen in Silesia. I'd say it's probably safer than London. Medlink Students took care of everything. They discussed my options, the different fees, universities, and the pros and cons. There's also on-the-ground support when you first arrive. They provide a cab to your desired location, be it a hotel or the university campus. Medlink Students is always available for questions, which is quite good.
In Poland, the Medicine course will take you 6 years. The duration of dentistry and pharmacy is 5 years.
Everywhere. Poland's diplomas are recognised worldwide.
The average price of medical education in Poland is €12000 per year for international students.
Yes. Several Polish medical schools offer the option to take their programme entirely in English. These special English programmes are taught entirely in English by fluent speakers.
A secondary/high school diploma and a certificate of proficiency for non-native English speakers are universal requirements across all medical universities in Poland. Beyond that, some will require good grades in science subjects and/or an entrance exam.
Medical school in Poland is just as hard as it is everywhere else. All medical universities adhere to the same education standards, so their difficulty is all around the same level.
Yes, medical education in Poland is very good. Overall, their educational system ranks 10th worldwide, making it a prime destination to study medicine in Europe.
It takes six years to become a doctor in Poland. The accelerated route allows you to graduate in 4 or 5 years.
