Poland is 1 of the most popular destinations for international students looking for world-class education education in Europe. With well-established & respected medical universities, globally recognised Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degrees, affordable tuition fees, and a strong pharmaceutical industry, Poland is an exceptional destination to study pharmacy abroad.
Pharmacy programmes for international students in Poland are taught entirely in English, ensuring accessibility and global career prospects. The universities here provide a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences with ample hands-on experience through laboratory work, internships, and clinical training.
Graduating with an MPharm degree from a Polish university opens doors to career opportunities in pharmacy, research, and the pharmaceutical industry across Europe, the UK, and beyond.
Why Study Pharmacy in Poland?
Degrees from Polish universities are globally recognised and automatically accepted throughout the EU.
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.
Quick Facts
Location
Poland
Courses
Pharmacy
Tuition
Graduate Entry
No
Entrance Exam
Yes
Living Costs
Tuition Fees In Poland
Average cost per year per course in Poland
~
PHARMACY
About the English Pharmacy Programmes in Poland
The English-taught pharmacy degrees in Poland follow a 5.5-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) structure, which includes both theoretical and practical components. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for roles in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, and the broader healthcare industry.
The programme structure is typically divided into 4 main parts:
1. Preclinical Years (First 2 Years) Students begin their pharmaceutical education by building a strong theoretical foundation in the fundamental sciences, including General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Biochemistry. Typically, an introduction to pharmaceutical sciences and medical ethics is included, along with laboratory training in pharmaceutical analysis and microbiology.
2. Advanced Pharmaceutical Studies (Years 3 & 4)
At this point, students develop a deeper understanding of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacokinetics and begin learning about drug formulation and development. This is followed by studying Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, clinical pharmacy, the latest research methodologies and pharmaceutical law as a holistic approach to the discipline.
3. Practical Training & Research (5th year)
At this stage, students undergo clinical placements in hospitals and community pharmacies, as well as internships in pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies. At the end of 5th year, students are expected to conduct a research project and submit a Master’s thesis.
4. Pre-Diploma Internship (6 months)
At the end of the programme, students participate in a mandatory 6-month internship in an approved pharmacy or healthcare establishment, as required by the EU higher education directive for pharmacy.
Upon completing the course, graduates earn a globally recognised MPharm degree, which is accepted across the EU, UK, and many other countries worldwide.
The Top Pharmacy Universities in Poland
Poland is home to several prestigious medical universities offering high-quality pharmacy programmes in English. Here are the 4 best options for Pharmacy in Poland:
Location: Katowice, Poland Courses in English: Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry Pharmacy Tuition Fees: Approx. per year
The Medical University of Silesia is known for its modern teaching methods and emphasis on innovation in pharmaceutical education. The course includes practical training in pharmaceutical technology, toxicology, and pharmacology, ensuring that students acquire industry-relevant skills that can lead to successful careers as pharmacists across Europe.
Katowice is located in southern Poland and has a population of about 280,000 people. It offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities, as well as strong connections to the local pharmaceutical and biotech industries, providing excellent internship and employment opportunities.
Location: Warsaw, Poland Courses in English: Pharmacy, Medicine, Dentistry, Pre-med Pharmacy Tuition Fees: Approx. for year 1, for year 2, for years 3 - 5, for year 6
A leading medical school in Poland, the Medical University of Warsaw, provides a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and research. Students here gain hands-on experience in university laboratories and partner hospitals, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in pharmacy, biotechnology, and healthcare.
Warsawis Poland’s capital, with a population of about 1.8 million. Here, students can enjoy a dynamic and exciting student life with excellent career prospects at the largest companies for pharmacy in Warsaw.
Location: Bydgoszcz, Poland Courses in English: Pharmacy, Medicine, Pre-med Pharmacy Tuition Fees: Approx. per year
1 of Poland’s top-ranked universities, the Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum, offers an English pharmacy course with an emphasis on pharmaceutical technology, drug formulation, and biotechnology. Students here gain access to advanced laboratories with the latest technological advancements and can join collaborative projects in the growing pharmaceutical industry in the area.
Bydgoszcz (Bidgoshch) is a picturesque city with a population of around 330,000. It is known for its charming riverside setting, student-friendly cost of living, and its strong pharmaceutical presence.
Location: Gdansk, Poland Courses in English: Pharmacy, Medicine Pharmacy Tuition Fees: Approx. per year
The Medical University of Gdansk offers a research-driven pharmacy curriculum with a focus on modern pharmaceutical sciences and clinical training. The university is known for its strong ties with leading pharmaceutical companies, providing students with fantastic internship and job placement opportunities.
Gdańsk, a coastal city on the Baltic Sea, is one of Poland’s most beautiful and historically significant locations. With a population of around 480,000, the city features a relaxed seaside atmosphere with excellent public transport and a growing international student community.
Graduate Entry Pharmacy in Poland
Currently, no universities in Poland offer graduate entry for pharmacy courses in English or online pharmacy in Poland. This means that all students must start from year 1 and complete the full MPharm programme.
Admission Requirements for English-taught Pharmacy in Poland
To apply for a pharmacy degree in Poland, international students must meet the following requirements:
A high school diploma with good grades in science subjects such as Chemistry and Biology. Some universities may require Physics or Mathematics as well.
English-language proficiency certificate if you are from a non-English speaking country.
Participating in an entrance exam or interview.
Cost of Studying and Living in Poland for International Students
Living in Poland gives students the opportunity to lead a high quality of life at reasonable prices. Tuition fees for Pharmacy in the country are between per year. On average, students should budget around per month, depending on the city and respective lifestyle.
Rent
Utilities
Transport
Food
Leisure
~
~
~
~
~
Student Life in Poland
Studying pharmacy in Poland offers more than academic excellence, as it also gives students the chance to experience an exciting student life in one of Europe’s most culturally rich destinations. Some of the highlights of being an international student in the country include:
A strong international student community, with universities offering support networks, growing student societies, and an accommodating atmosphere for all.
There’s plenty to explore outside the classroom, thanks to Poland’s rich history and cultural heritage. Students can enjoy discounts for the local museums, theatres, festivals and more.
Life in Poland is budget-friendly, with affordable public transport, dining, and entertainment.Â
The country’s central location also makes it easy and affordable to travel throughout Europe and the Schengen zone.
At Medlink Students, we are committed to ensuring your academic and personal success throughout your entire educational journey - from getting accepted to graduation and beyond. That’s why we’ve established the Student Success Programme, designed to provide unmatched academic, career, and personal support during your pharmacy studies in Poland, including:
Complete application support
Visa assistance
On-ground support and accommodation guidance
Entrance exam & interview preparation
Internship & career guidance
24/7 Student well-being support
With Medlink Students by your side, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re building a successful future in pharmacy.Sign up for a free consultation with one of our expert academic advisors to see if you qualify for the Student Success Programme.
Career Prospects for Pharmacy Graduates from Poland
Pharmacy graduates from Polish universities are highly regarded in the EU and beyond, thanks to Poland’s high academic standards and strong pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, as an EU member state, Poland allows pharmacy graduates to apply for automatic recognition of qualifications in many European countries.
The MPharm degree from Poland is internationally recognised, allowing graduates to work in various sectors of pharmacy, including licensed work in:
Hospital and community pharmaciesÂ
The pharmaceutical industry for research & development, quality control, or regulatory affairsÂ
Clinical research & Biotechnology for drug development and clinical trials in major biotech firms.
Academia & PhD studies
Poland's pharmaceutical sector is rapidly growing, with an increasing demand for pharmacists throughout the country. The best part is that even if you’re planning on working elsewhere, the global recognition of Polish pharmaceutical degrees unlocks career opportunities across the world.
How long does it take to study pharmacy in Poland?
The pharmacy programme in Poland typically takes 5.5 years and awards an internationally recognised Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree.
Can I work in the EU with a pharmacy degree from Poland?
Yes, a pharmacy degree from Poland is recognised across the EU, allowing graduates to practice in various European countries, subject to local licensing requirements.
Do I need to speak Polish to study pharmacy in Poland?
The pharmacy degrees in Poland for international students are taught entirely in English. However, learning some basic Polish can be beneficial for your day-to-day life.
What are the living costs for students in Poland?
Living expenses in Poland are relatively affordable, averaging between per month, depending on the city and respective lifestyle.
Is Poland a good place for international students?
Absolutely, Poland is one of the most popular destinations for international students thanks to its high-quality education inasafe and welcoming environment with low crime statistics.
Can I work while studying in Poland?
Yes, you can work while studying in Poland. EU and EEA students can work without restrictions, while non-EU students need to get a work permit.
Struggling to get accepted into medical university? As doctors, we help you secure entry into top recognised overseas universities where you can study in English. We provide full support, from application to graduation, ensuring you're well-prepared to return home and work successfully as a doctor.