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Four Reasons to Study Medicine in Poland

Looking for an affordable, accessible, accredited, world-class medical degree which will be recognized throughout all of the EU? While this may sounds like a tall order, it’s exactly what draws thousands of countries from all over the world to Poland every year. Still not sure that Poland is right for you? Read on for four reasons why Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive study destination for medical students from all over the world.

Jun 26, 2017
  • Student Tips
Four Reasons to Study Medicine in Poland

Looking for an affordable, accessible, accredited, world-class medical degree which will be recognized throughout all of the EU? While this may sounds like a tall order, it’s exactly what draws thousands of countries from all over the world to Poland every year. Still not sure that Poland is right for you? Read on for four reasons why Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive study destination for medical students from all over the world, along with one school - Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin -- which offers a particularly appealing option for international students.

panorama of Old Town in Szczecin

1. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities.

In May of 2013, a Polish surgical team became the first to accomplish the previously unthinkable: a groundbreaking, life-saving, full-face transplant. Not only was the surgery, during which the 33-year-old patient received a skin-and-bone transplant after losing his nose, upper jaw and cheeks in an accident, but it was also the world’s quickest time frame for such a complicated operation. “Face transplants are extraordinarily complicated, relatively rare procedures that usually require extensive preparation, typically months or years,” say The Daily Mail.

At the forefront of this and many other medical fields, thanks to its cutting-edge facilities and expert staff? Poland.

group of doctors examining an x-ray in hospital

2. If you speak English, you’re all set.

Worried because you don’t speak Polish? Don’t be. All of Poland’s medical schools offer studies in English across specialty fields including pharmacy, nursing and physiotherapy.

Consider Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, the capital city of West Pomerania. This public university is centrally located in northwest Poland, giving you easy access to the whole of Europe. And along with a full-time, intramural system of study, Pomeranian Medical University offers a particularly international setting, boasting students from more than 30 countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Italy, Spain, Canada, China, Egypt, Israel, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, and the US. And because Poland is a member of the EU, the degrees and professional qualifications bestowed by Pomeranian Medical University are recognized throughout the EU.

Pomeranian Medical University’s long cycle master’s degree program is especially exciting for students looking to matriculate directly from high school into a medical course of study in either the six-year (12 semester) Faculty of Medicine or five-year (10 semester) Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry curricula. Upon graduation, degrees from Pomeranian Medical University allow students to take the Medical Final Exam, apply for a permit to practice their professions, and/or pursue further studies at the postgraduate and doctoral levels.

The best part? You can gain access to everything Pomeranian Medical University has to offer without taking a single entrance exam! The recruitment committee relies on students’ high school records and proficiency in biology, chemistry, and physics when evaluating candidates; Additionally, English Language Certification (minimum B2 level) is required. Students also have the chance to refresh their knowledge -- as well as to learn some “survival Polish” -- during orientation week. A two-day integration trip, meanwhile, helps students acclimate to their new surroundings, explore Poland, and connect with each other.

3. You’ll be in excellent company.

International students make up 8.58 percent of the total student body of Poland’s medical universities with students from Norway, Sweden, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Canada topping the list of sending countries. As part of the Bologna process, Polish universities grant degrees recognized throughout Europe and accredited by many of the globe’s most reputable institutions. Poland also cooperates with universities all over the globe. The takeaway? Not only will you have the opportunity to study alongside a diverse student body, but you’ll also have the chance to broaden your network and make connections -- not just in Poland but all over the world.

4. You’ll spend less for top quality.

According to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average cost of one year of public medical school, including tuition, fees and health insurance, in the US was $34,592 in-state and $58,668 out-of-state in the 2016-2017 academic year. Private school tuition and fees, meanwhile, soared above $50,000. And these figures don’t include charges incurred outside of the university, such as housing, books, and food.

The cost of a medical degree is significantly lower in Poland, according to figures from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education: Full-time studies at public schools are free for Polish students as well as international students who fulfill certain requirements, including citizens of the EU/EEA. Other international students will still score a bargain -- paying just EUR 3,000 (approximately USD 3,200) annually for studies. Not only that, but they also enjoy a significantly lower cost of living compared to in the US and throughout much of Europe.

One of the biggest indicators of Poland’s top-notch hospitals, world-class medical system, and well-qualified medical professionals? Its status as a popular destination for medical tourism. Which begs the question: Given the unique benefits of studying medicine at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, will you be taking your place among the many students from all over the world flocking to capitalize on Poland’s exceptional medical offerings?

Joanna Hughes

Author

Joanna worked in higher education administration for many years at a leading research institution before becoming a full-time freelance writer. She lives in the beautiful White Mountains region of New Hampshire with her family.