Medicine Studies at Universities in Poland
Medical education in Poland combines high academic standards, modern facilities, and early clinical training. Compared to Western Europe, tuition fees are significantly lower, while the quality of education meets European requirements. This is why Poland attracts thousands of international medical students every year.
Why Choose Medicine in Poland?
EU-recognised medical degree
Graduates of Polish medical universities are eligible to work as doctors in Poland and other EU countries after completing the required licensing and registration procedures.
Affordable tuition fees
The average cost of studying medicine in Poland ranges from 11000 to 15000 euros per year, which is considerably lower than in countries such as Germany or the United Kingdom.
Programs in English and Polish
Students can choose between English-taught and Polish-taught MD programs, depending on language skills and long-term career plans.
Modern hospitals and laboratories
Training takes place in university hospitals using simulation centres, modern laboratories, and real clinical cases from the early years of study.
Legal part-time work during studies
International students in Poland are allowed to work during their studies, gaining practical experience and supporting living expenses.
How AcademGo Supports Future Medical Students
AcademGo is an official education consultancy specialising in admission to medical universities in Poland. We support international students throughout the entire application process — from choosing the right university to settling in Poland.
✔️ Selection of medical universities based on the chosen specialty and budget
✔️ Full verification and preparation of admission documents
✔️ Assistance with visa/residence permit and accommodation
✔️ Support during the first months of study in Poland
Top Medical Universities in Poland
Poland is home to more than a dozen reputable public medical universities offering Medicine (MD) programs. Below are some of the most popular choices among international students:
1. Warsaw Medical University — the largest medical university in the country, offering MD programs in both Polish and English.
Tuition fee: approx. 13 500 euros per year.
2. Jagiellonian University Medical College (Kraków) — one of the oldest universities in Europe with a strong international reputation.
Tuition fee: from 14 000 euros per year.
3. Medical University of Gdańsk — well known for international programs and close cooperation with teaching hospitals in the Tri-City area.
Tuition fee: approx. 12 000 euros per year.
4. Wroclaw Medical University — recognised for strong clinical training, particularly in general medicine and dentistry.
Tuition fee: approx. 12 000–13 000 euros per year.
5. Poznan University of Medical Sciences — offers several English-taught medical programs recognised in countries such as the USA and Canada.
Tuition fee: approx. 13 000–14 000 euros per year.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
✔️ Polish-taught programs: from 8 000 euros per year
✔️ English-taught programs: 11 000–15 000 euros per year
✔️ Accommodation: 300–500 euros per month, depending on the city and type of housing
✔️ Additional expenses (health insurance, student fees, books, public transport): 100–200 euros per month
Overall, living costs in Poland typically range between 500–600 euros per month, making Poland one of the most affordable EU countries for medical studies. Combined with moderate tuition fees, this provides an excellent balance between cost and quality of a European medical degree.
You can find more details about tuition fees and living costs in Poland in our separate article.
Admission to Medicine in Poland
Admission to Medicine (MD) in Poland is one of the most competitive pathways in European higher education. Public medical universities apply strict selection criteria, and competition is especially high for Polish-taught programs, which offer lower tuition fees. Admission rules differ depending on whether the applicant completed secondary education within the EU or outside the EU.
General Admission Requirements
All applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
✔️ Completed secondary education (high school diploma or equivalent)
✔️ Strong academic background in Biology and Chemistry (Physics or Mathematics may also be considered)
✔️ Proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction
✔️ Successful completion of the required admission procedure (exam and/or interview)
More detailed information about general admission requirements you can find here.
Entrance Exam for English-Taught Medicine
Admission to Medicine (English Division) at Polish medical universities is based primarily on a competitive entrance examination conducted entirely in English. For international applicants, this exam is the key and, in most cases, the only decisive factor in the admission process. School grades and national exams are used solely to confirm completion of secondary education and do not affect the final ranking.
Subjects and Assessment System
The entrance exam focuses on Biology and Chemistry, which form the academic foundation of medical studies. At some universities, basic elements of Mathematics or Physics may also be included, but for most English-taught MD programs only Biology and Chemistry are assessed.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Physics (at selected universities)
Each subject is graded on a 0–100 scale, and candidates must achieve at least 30% in each subject for the exam to be considered valid. Due to high competition, successful applicants typically score well above the minimum threshold.
Exam Format and Technical Requirements
The exam is organised as a written multiple-choice test based on the upper-secondary school curriculum. Questions are designed to assess not only theoretical knowledge, but also logical reasoning and the ability to apply scientific concepts in a medical context. The academic level corresponds to advanced high school Biology and Chemistry and reflects standard European pre-medical expectations.
For international candidates, the entrance exam is most commonly held online via secure examination platforms, such as Testportal or similar systems. The examination process includes strict supervision to ensure academic integrity.
✔️ identity verification before the exam
✔️ continuous video monitoring during the test
✔️ stable internet connection required
✔️ camera and microphone mandatory
Candidates receive detailed technical instructions in advance to avoid technical issues on the exam day.
Duration, Ranking and Competition
The total exam duration is typically 60–90 minutes, depending on the university. Each subject usually consists of 30–50 multiple-choice questions. After the exam, candidates are ranked exclusively on the basis of their test results. In the case of identical scores, priority is usually given to the higher result in Biology, as the most relevant subject for medical studies.
Competition for English-taught medicine programs in Poland is high and often reaches 6–8 applicants per place, especially at leading medical universities. For this reason, solid preparation in Biology and Chemistry is essential for successful admission.
Polish medical universities offering English-taught Medicine (MD) programs usually do not publish fixed passing scores. Admission is based on competitive ranking, meaning the effective threshold changes every year depending on the applicant pool.
Structure of Studies and Program Features
Students complete the Medicine (MD) program over 6 years, following a curriculum comparable to Western European medical education.
- 1–2 years: basic disciplines, including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and histology.
- 3–4 years: clinical subjects and laboratory classes, with the beginning of hospital-based training.
- 5–6 years: clinical practice in hospitals, participation in diagnostics and patient treatment under the supervision of academic staff and physicians.
After completing the program, graduates are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and gain the opportunity to continue their education in residency (specialisation).
Diploma Recognition and Employment After Graduation
Graduates of Polish medical universities receive the Doctor of Medicine (MD) diploma, which is recognised in all European Union countries. After completing the six-year program, graduates undertake a 13-month postgraduate internship (staż podyplomowy) and pass the national LEK examination, which grants the right to practise medicine independently in Poland. After that, graduates may work in public or private healthcare institutions or continue their training through residency programs.
A Polish medical diploma also opens access to medical careers in other EU countries, where the recognition procedure is simplified. Many graduates successfully confirm their qualifications and work in countries such as Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries. Polish medical education is valued for its practical focus and high level of clinical training, making graduates competitive on the international medical labour market.
Prospects and Advantages for International Students
Poland remains one of the most attractive countries to study medicine due to its European-standard education and affordable tuition fees. International students benefit from modern academic facilities, clinical training in university hospitals, and the opportunity to work part-time during their studies. After graduation, medical graduates are in demand both in Poland and across the EU, where there is a shortage of doctors in key fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and family medicine.
In addition, students may apply for scholarships, participate in Erasmus+ exchange programs, and benefit from NAWA grant schemes. After graduation, they may also apply for a temporary residence permit and build a long-term medical career in Europe. Studying medicine in Poland offers not only a prestigious medical degree, but also a real and practical pathway to a stable and successful professional future.
Frequently Asked Questions
