Medical studies in Poland

Firstly, diplomas from Polish medical universities are recognized across all European Union countries and many other nations worldwide. Secondly, education is delivered at a modern level, utilizing advanced technologies and clinical practice, ensuring a high standard of professional training.

Additionally, programs are available in both Polish and English, which attracts international students. Tuition fees in Poland are lower than in Western Europe, while the quality of education remains high. Furthermore, during their studies, students complete internships in leading hospitals and medical centers.

The most popular medical universities in Poland among international students in 2025 include:

1. Warsaw Medical University – One of the country’s leading universities, offering programs in Polish and English with a strong clinical foundation and internationally recognized diplomas.

2. Medical University of Lublin – A popular choice for international students due to its affordable tuition fees, located in Poland’s most student-friendly city.

3. Medical University of Wrocław – Attracts international students with its English-language programs and practical training opportunities in regional medical facilities.

4. Gdańsk Medical University – Known for its high-quality education, modern laboratories, and internship opportunities in major European clinics.

5. Vincent Pol University – A private university focusing on physiotherapy and nursing, offering programs with an emphasis on practice and innovative teaching methods.

For detailed information about each university, read our blog on medical universities in Poland.

To enroll in medical universities in Poland, international students must demonstrate proficiency in core subjects and the language of instruction. Required exams include biology and chemistry, with some universities also requiring mathematics or physics. Certain universities may conduct internal entrance tests or accept international exams like the SAT.

For programs taught in Polish, a B2-level certificate (e.g., Certyfikat z języka polskiego) is required. For English-language programs, an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 87 is necessary. Some universities also conduct interviews to assess students' motivation and foundational knowledge in core subjects.

The required language proficiency depends on the language of instruction for the program:

- For programs in Polish, a B2-level certificate is required. This can be validated through a Certyfikat z języka polskiego jako obcego or by passing an internal language exam at the university.

- For programs in English, an international certificate such as IELTS (6.0 or higher) or TOEFL iBT (87 or higher) is required. However, some private universities also offer the option of an interview for students who do not have a language certificate.

1. Warsaw Medical UniversityOffers a 6-year program in General Medicine taught in English. Tuition fees are 15,100 euro for the first year and 14,900 euro for each subsequent year.

2. Gdańsk Medical UniversityProvides English-language programs in Medicine and Dentistry. Tuition fees for the Medicine program are 12,000 euro per year, while the Dentistry program costs 12,500 euro per year.

3. Medical University of LublinOffers a 6-year program in Medicine taught in English. Tuition fees are 13,339 USD per semester for the first three years and 800 USD per week for clinical years.

4. Medical University of WrocławOffers English-language programs in Medicine and Dentistry. Tuition fees for the Medicine program are 11,000 euro per year, and for the Dentistry program, 12,000 euro per year.

5. Vincent Pol UniversityProvides English-language programs in Physiotherapy and Nursing. Tuition fees for the Physiotherapy program range from 4000 to 6000 euro per year.

Graduates with medical degrees from Poland are highly sought after worldwide due to the international recognition of Polish diplomas and the high quality of education. Poland adheres to the Bologna Process standards, ensuring that its educational programs meet European requirements, and its diplomas are recognized in all EU countries.

Outside the EU, Polish graduates can work in countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Middle East, provided they complete nostrification or additional certification (e.g., the USMLE exam in the USA). Most students gain practical experience in modern clinics and university hospitals in Poland, making them competitive in the global job market.

There is especially high demand for specialists in General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, fields where there is a global shortage of qualified professionals.

Medical universities in Poland offer various postgraduate programs, including:

- Residency Programs: After completing basic medical education, doctors can pursue specializations in fields such as cardiology, surgery, and pediatrics. These programs typically last 4 to 6 years, depending on the specialty.

- PhD Programs: For those pursuing a research career, medical universities offer doctoral programs that allow research in various medical fields. These programs usually last 3 to 4 years.

- Professional Development Courses: Short programs designed to update knowledge and learn new technologies in medicine. These courses range from a few days to several months and cover topics from modern diagnostic methods to healthcare management.

- Master’s Programs in Related Fields: Doctors can expand their expertise by studying for a master’s degree in areas such as Public Health, Medical Informatics, or Healthcare Management. These programs usually last 1 to 2 years.

Each university sets its own admission requirements for postgraduate programs, so it’s recommended to check the specific criteria on the official websites of the chosen institutions.

Diplomas from Polish medical universities are recognized in many countries worldwide due to the high quality of education and adherence to international standards. They are fully recognized in all EU countries as Poland follows the Bologna Process requirements.

Outside Europe, Polish medical diplomas are recognized in countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and the Middle East. However, practicing in these countries requires nostrification and passing qualification exams (e.g., USMLE in the USA or PLAB in the UK). In African and Asian countries, Polish diplomas are also widely recognized.