Poland is growing as a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant student life. The country is home to Jagiellonian University, Krakow, which was established in 1364 and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. A medical degree obtained by a Polish university will ensure that it is recognized worldwide, whether it’s in the UK, Europe, or even the United States. Whether you are a student willing to study medicine in Poland or MBBS in Europe, the option to study MBBS in Poland would be a wonderful experience.
Warsaw, Poland’s capital and largest city, is a modern, exciting hub with many universities offering a wide range of courses. Located in Central Europe, Poland borders the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belarus, Germany, Lithuania, and Russia. Some of the major cities of universities in Poland include Krakow, Poznan, Lodz, and Wroclaw.
Quick Facts
Country
Poland
Capital:
Warsaw
No of Medical Colleges
22 (Listed universities)
Total Population:
3.77 Crores (est. 2021)
Languages:
Polish (Official), Silesian, English, Kashubian, German, etc.
Currency:
Polish Zloty (PLN) (1 PLN equals ~ 18.85 Indian Rupee)
MBBS in Poland for Indian students
Poland is a country with a prosperous history, a vibrant culture, and welcoming people. The country has over 400 higher education medical institutions, including universities, colleges, and technical schools. Poland joined the European Union in 2004 and the Schengen Area in 2007. And being part of the European Union (EU) means that the students now can work anywhere in EU countries after studying MBBS in Poland (It is called MD at the Bachelor level).
In 2013, the Ministry of Education of Poland announced its list of approved MBBS colleges in Poland, and since then medical education has gained in popularity. The country offers world-class education at modest tuition fees and living costs within your means. No doubt, Poland is one of the favorite European destinations for foreign students, which proudly hosts more than 57,000 international students from around the globe every year.
The duration of MBBS in Poland is 6 years. The program is divided into two parts: a 3-year pre-clinical phase and a 3-year clinical phase. The degree follows strict Polish and European standards of teaching. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) makes it much easier to move from one medical institution to another.
Student Life in Poland
Polish Universities are known for their academic excellence, research capabilities, and student support. The majority of universities in Poland run on a strong research focus. In terms of the number of students enrolled in higher education, Poland stands fourth in the European Union placed after the United Kingdom (UK), France, and Germany, respectively. Moreover, it has one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe and also in terms of development. Nevertheless, the cities of Poland hold a dynamic and multicultural essence. The campus is modern and spacious, providing students with excellent academic and countless social facilities. And hence, students get to experience a stimulating learning environment.
Climate in Poland
The climatic conditions in Poland are slightly cooler, similar to India's mountainous regions. The weather remains absolutely pleasant from April to October.
Why Study Medicine/MBBS In Poland?
Poland is a modern, dynamic, fast-developing country that is a member of the European Union. It ranks twenty-first as the high-income economy in the world. Here are some of the perks of studying Medicine in Poland, read on to know more:
English Taught Program: Students can opt for the 6-Year Medicine Program, delivered completely in English.
High-ranked Universities: Poland is home to many well-known higher education institutions, with nearly twenty ranked in the top 1,000 worldwide.
Global recognition: Students can do PG from any country across the Globe like the United Kingdom (UK), United States (USA), Canada, Australia, Gulf countries, etc. including India.
Great international student community: A safe and stable country with a rich culture and traditions, indeed a great place to experience student life.
Rich History of Medical Education: Polish medical universities have a long history of providing excellent medical education, with some universities tracing their roots back over 200 years.
Opportunity to settle in Europe: Poland is a European Union member, and it grants the opportunity to settle in any of the 26 countries of the European Union (EU).
Eligibility to appear in NEXT/FMGE exam: Poland Medical Education is in line with new NMC guidelines. Students can appear in the NEXT/FMGE exam after completing their MBBS in Poland.
ECTS System: Polish Universities follow the ECTS credit system (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), which allows students even take transfer from one to another University without any academic loss.
Poland is home to some of the top-ranked universities in Europe, offering world-class education to students from all over the world. In this article, As per WDOMS, World Directory of Medical Sciences, 22 listed medical universities in Poland offer degree programs mainly in English.
S. No
Univ Name
Univ Type
Estd Year
1.
Nicolaus Copernicus Univ
Public
1945
2.
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry in Zabrze
Public
1975
3.
Jagiellonian Univ
Public
1364
4.
Jan Kochanowski Univ (JKU)
Public
1969
5.
Krakow Univ
Private
2006
6.
Medical Univ of Bialystok
Public
1950
7.
Medical Univ of Gdansk
Public
1945
8.
Medical Univ of Lodz
Public
2002
9.
Medical Univ of Lublin
Public
1944
10.
Medical Univ of Silesia in Katowice
Public
1948
11.
Medical Univ of Warsaw
Public
1809
12.
Opole Univ
Public
2017
13.
Pomeranian Medical Univ (PMU)
Public
1948
14.
Poznan Univ of Medical Sciences
Public
1993
15.
Poznan Univ of Medical Sciences
Public
1919
16.
Lazarski Univ
Private
2017
17.
Univ of Rzeszow
Public
2015
18.
Univ of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
Public
2008
19.
Univ of ZielonaGóra
Public
2015
20.
Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski
Public
2019
21.
Wroclaw Medical Univ
Public
1946
22.
Katowice Univ of Technology
Private
2018
Best Ranked Universities for Clinical Medicine
Here you will find the top universities in Poland for clinical medicine-
Univ Name
City
Medical Univ Ranking
Global Univ Ranking
Jagiellonian Univ
Krakow
#170
#339
Wroclaw Medical Univ
Wroclaw
#286
#835
Medical Univ of Warsaw
Warsaw
#445
#1106
Medical Univ Gdansk
Gdansk
#456
#1,155
Medical Univ Lodz
Lodz
#470
#1,291
Fahrenheit Universities
Gdansk
#561
#1,327
Pomeranian Medical Univ
Szczecin
#572
#1,498
Medical Univ Silesia
Katowice
#582
#1,705
Poznan Univ
Poznan
#618
#1,431
Medical Univ of Lublin
Lublin
#684
#1,589
Medical Univ of Bialystok
Bialystok
#765
#1,758
Tuition Fees to Study Medicine in Poland
Tuition costs for medical universities in Poland are generally between €10,00 and €15,000, depending on the university. Find the table for yearly tuition fees for various Medical Universities-
Univ Name
Annual Tuition Fee (in Euros)
Annual Tuition Fee (in Lacs)
Medical Univ of Bialystok
11500
10.35
Medical Univ of Warsaw
13900
12.51
Medical Univ of Silesia
11000
9.90
Poznan Univ of Medical Sciences
13000
? 11.70
Medical Univ of Lodz
11800
10.62
Nicolaus Copernicus Univ – Collegium Medicum
10800
9.72
Jagiellonian Univ Medical College
15000
13.50
Andrzej FryczModrzewski Krakow Univ
15000
13.50
Medical Univ of Lublin
13000
11.70
Univ of Rzeszów
12500
11.25
Univ Of Warmia And Mazury In Olsztyn
10500
9.45
Pomeranian Medical Univ in Szczecin
12000
10.80
Medical Univ Of Gdansk
9550
8.60
Jan Kochanowski Univ ,Kielce
12000
10.80
Cost of Living in Poland for International Students
Life in Warsaw might be the most expensive in comparison to other Polish cities as it is the capital. Average living costs in smaller cities such as Krakow and Wroclaw are around EUR 400 per month without rent. Prices in smaller cities, such as Lodz and Olsztyn, are even lower. Conversely, a single bedroom apartment would cost somewhere between €400 and €500, depending on the location.
In general, based on the city of your choice, you may be able to manage with a budget of less than EUR 500 per month.
Items
Cost (in €)
Milk (1 litre)
1 EUR
Bread Loaf (500g)
1 EUR
Eggs (12)
2 EUR
Meal for 2 (average restaurant)
20 EUR
Petrol (1 litre)
1.5 EUR
Monthly Bus Pass
20 EUR
Basic Utilities/month
200 EUR
Cost of Studying MBBS In Poland
The cost of studying medicine in Poland for Indian students can vary depending on the university and the program they choose. The estimated cost in Indian rupees for a year can be estimated from the below table. The total cost of MBBS in Poland ranges from 90 Lacs to 1.2 Crores for the entire Course.
Expense Type
Minimum Expenditure
Maximum Expenditure
Tuition Fee
9 Lacs
13 Lacs
Accommodation
3 Lacs
4 Lacs
Food
2 Lacs
2 Lacs
Personal
1 Lacs
1 Lacs
Yearly Cost
15 Lacs
20 Lacs
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS In Poland 2023-24
To be eligible, Indian students must fulfill the following criteria:
Class XII
65% in PCB
Age
17-25 Years
NEET
Not Mandatory
Online Interview/Exam
Yes (Most of the Univ)
Online interview-The students would interact with admission officials of the University. The interview would consist of 4 questions based on each of the subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. All of these are based on the 12th level in India.
Admission Process to Study MBBS in Poland
The admission process to study MBBS in Poland is quite simple. Indian students can get the benefit of the simple online application system.
The process for MBBS admission in Poland is smooth and straightforward. The requirements for student visas in Poland include the following:
12th Level Passing certificate.
Transcripts/mark sheet for 10th & 12th Level
Passport copy
Digital photograph
Application fees
Admission Deadline to Study in Poland
In Poland, the ideal time to begin the application process is before the 15th of July every year. The Ministry of Education & the Consulate of Poland initiates the issuance of admission letters. The invitation letter & visa process take around 2–3 months. A visa is issued only based on this invitation letter. Check the table below for the yearly intake in Poland.
Intake
Month
Last Date to Apply
Autumn
Sep-23
1st June 2023
Spring
Feb-24
15th Nov 2023
Admission Process For MBBS In Poland 2023-24
The admission process for MBBS in Poland for Indian students in 2023 is made very simple by MOKSH. Direct admission for MBBS to leading Polish Universities is now available. The candidate must-
Keep track of the timing of the application.
Reserve a medical seat as early as possible so as not to miss out on the opportunity.
Ensure applying within the application deadline.
The departure to Poland would be done by the 1st week of September.
PG Option after MBBS in Poland
Medical PG in India or NExT
During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting a Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!
Total Applicants NEET PG 2022
Specialty
Govt Med College
Pvt Med College
Seats
Success Ratio
Seats
2.06 Lacs
MD (Non Clinical)
15K
8.6%
10K
MS ( Clinical)
8K
4.6%
5K
Total
23K
11.4%
15K
Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2.
The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam
Most of the Students studying in Poland also plan for doing Medical PG from USA. This is because getting PG Seats in India is very tough. With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems in the world because of numerous reasons like high rewards, excellent infrastructure, merit based assessment, open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries try to replicate US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates. USMLE exam is divided in 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during residency (Medical PG). Unfortunately there is no prometric center in Goergia, But, all neighboring countries are having these centers.
MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.
Due to the close proximity of Poland to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK.
In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.
The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking).
After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.
By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.
Medical PG in Germany
PG in Germany after MBBS in Poland is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 which would qualify you to apply for the visa.
Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany,
The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 550+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 83000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge ranging from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.
