Life at Kosice, Slovakia
Kosice region is located close to the Hungarian border with a population of 2.5 lakhs (approx.) inhabitants. After Bratislava, Kosice is said to be the second University town, as major universities and colleges abode in this region.
The city experiences stretched out warm summers with cold nights while winters are freezing with snowfall. Here, in Kosice, January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -6 degrees Celsius. Certainly, winters in the city might be a point of concern for Indian students as the temperature reaches below zero degrees.
Pavel Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia
Established in 1959, Pavel Jozef Safarik University is a Publicly-owned educational institute. The UPJS Faculty of Medicine in Kosice started a Medicine program in the English Language for international students in 1992. The faculty of medicine is located close to the Pasteur University Hospital where students are sent for practical training to enhance their clinical skills and apply medical knowledge.
Currently, Pavel Jozef Safarik University (UPJS) provides medical studies to students from more than 50 countries. The university aims to provide three-level based higher education that is in sync with the latest scientific knowledge and in accordance with European trends. Moreover, it has gained institutional accreditation from the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of the Slovak Republic.
The Pavel Jozef Safarik University country ranking is marked at 5th position while the Pavel Jozef Safarik University world ranking is at2797th position out of 40,000 odd universities operational around the globe. However, the rankings may differ from time to time. Eventually, obtaining a medical degree in English Language from abroad universities creates a wide variety of career possibilities. Certainly, besides the theoretical knowledge students will gain a lot of practical experience and cultural exposure.
Teaching Faculty
The Pavol Jozef Safarik University teaching faculty includes more than 800 staff members. The university has employed reputed teaching staff who have command of different languages.Studying at Pavel Jozef Safarik
Studying at Pavel Jozef Safarik University
Pavel Jozef Safarik Universityis a public educational institution. Any medical students looking for medical degree in abroad must carefully take steps making proper research about their University of interest. To find more about studying at the Pavel Jozef Safarik University read the points below-
1. Firstly, it is a Public University holding more than 60 years of teaching proficiency.
2. Secondly, the university gained 126th position in the QS World University Rankings.
3. Thirdly, the single degree study program of General Medicine in English Language and the duration is 6 years.
4. Also, the degree of general medicine offered at the university is equivalent to the degree of Doctor of General Medicine (MUDr.)
5. The aspirants need to clear the entrance exam for entry to the university.
6. The total cost of MBBS fees in rupees would cost around 8 to 9 Lacs (INR) for each academic year.
7. Above all, students can obtain a general medicine degree which is recognized not only in European Union but also globally.
Affiliations and Medical Programs at Pavel Jozef Safarik University
The Pavol Jozef Safarik University Medical Programs for instance include Bachelor’s study programs in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Public Health, Laboratory Medicine, and Master's programs in Physiotherapy and Public Health. The doctoral degree programs include General and Dental Medicine, and Ph.D. studies in four study fields and 11 study programs.
As far as international affiliations are concerned, the Pavel Jozef Safarik University, for example, has international memberships with the European University Association (EUA), Slovak French University Institute (IUFS), and the Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory. Also, the University holds International cooperation from 53 Partner universities.
Cost of studying at Pavel Jozef Safarik University
The Pavel Jozef Safarik University MBBS Fees is mid-ranged. Likewise, any student with a budget of 50-55 Lacs can decide on pursuing the medical program at the university. The details for Pavel Jozef Safarik University Fee Structure for 2025 for Indian Students are as follows:
Year | Year-1 | Year-2 | Year-3 | Year-4 | Year-5 | Year-6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tuition Fee (in EUR) | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 10,500 |
Hostel/ Accommodation
The Pavel Jozef Safarik University has multiple Halls of Residency available for the students. The residency hall of UPJS consists of units of bedrooms with a kitchen and shared bathroom facility. Also, the social center of the residency includes entertainment facilities like a game room, computers, and television.
The accommodation is provided with options like 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom as sharing basis and the cost would be around 90 EUR/month to 180 EUR/month. But, most international students prefer private accommodation near the university campus.
In Kosice, the cost of living for a student depends on the life they lead on a usual basis. However, the cost of accommodation varies on the availability of resources and amenities provided. Students can choose either of the two options: a rented place in proximity to the university or a hostel room owned individually or on a sharing basis.
Indian Food in Pavel Jozef Safarik University
The meal provided at UPJS canteen specifically does not include Indian cuisine in the main course. However, students can choose from options available that offer Indian food like private Indian restaurants or Indian Mess. Certainly, the cost of food available at food outlets in the local might be costly.
And hence, most international students prefer preparing food on their own as it is more healthy and hygienic and cost saving as well. Nonetheless, the university also provides kitchen or cooking top on every floor for the students.
Can I work/ get a Part-time Job in Slovakia?
Usually, students have doubts pertaining that, “If they will be able to work while studying in foreign countries?” And, the answer is - Yes you can! As per the Laws of the European Union, students can work 20 hours in a week time.
International students can find jobs suitable for them while they study in Slovakia. As long as, the student is enrolled in a study program he/she can do part-time jobs to cover up their expenses. International students can make an average earning of 400 € to 500 € in a month. Eventually, this amount is fair enough for any international student to manage their monthly expenses.
Admission Deadline for Pavel Jozef Safarik University
Students need to keep up with the application dates so that they do not miss out on applying at UPJS. The university suggests to applications in the winter semester (June) or in the summer semester (November). And hence, you need to initiate the application process and submit the documents before given deadline. The right time to apply for Pavel Jozef Safarik University admission 2025 - 2026 is before 15th June 2025 or before 30th November 2025.
Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Pavel Jozef Safarik University
The Pavel Jozef Safarik University admission requirements include Previous Education Background in subjects of Biology and chemistry. The medical aspirant needs to clear the entrance test conducted by the University itself and the acceptance pass mark is 75%. Also, the university charges 40 Euro as the Entrance Exam Fee which is payable at the time of application.
Indian students at Pavel Jozef Safarik University
Pavel Jozef Safarik University of Slovakia boasts of 28% international students at the campus. Medical aspirants often prefer Medical PG in European Union due to high-quality studies and moderate fee structure. However, only some Indian students go for Medical degrees in Slovakia. Thus, you may find few Indian students at the University.
Departure to Pavel Jozef Safarik University
In Slovakia, visa approval will take about one to two weeks time. Meanwhile, the academic session for the MD programs at Pavel Jozef Safarik University begins before September month every year. The students depart from India 10-15 Days before the classes begin so that they can adjust to the Slovakian environment comfortably.
PG Option after MBBS in Pavel Jozef Safarik University
Students after completing MD Program in Slovakia may explore multiple options for their Medical PG like India after clearing NEXT, USA after Clearing USMLE, UK after clearing PLAB Exam, or Medical PG in Germany. Those who are looking for Medical PG from Slovakia need to do one year of Internship in Slovakia after their 6 years of the MD Program. Before that, they have to clear Slovakia n Medical PG Licensing Exam. Very few international students opt for it in the program in Slovakia n, and no acceptance in their native country.
NEET PG or NEXT
success ratio to get Clinical PG Seat in Govt Medical College which is 9% only, broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get Govt Seat, even after paying 1.5-2 Cr in Pvt Medical college your chances are just 1 out of 6.
NEXT Exam is applicable from 2024 batch onward, replacing NEET-PG and FMGE. NEXT aims to assess knowledge in Pre, Para, and Clinical subjects nationally.
Step | Eligibility | Result | Opportunity |
---|---|---|---|
NEXT-1 | After 4th Year | Pass | Entry to Internship |
Merit | PG seat is Secured | ||
NEXT-2 | After Internship | Pass | License to Practice |
Medical PG in USA (USMLE)
USMLE is a 3 step Exam. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during an internship, and Step-3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam and can be taken at the PROMETRIC centres present across India any time.
USMLE Exam passing ratio is 60% which is 6 time the NEET-PG Exam. NEXT Exam designed on USMLE pattern, refer the table below
Criteria | USMLE | NExT |
---|---|---|
Purpose | PG & Practice in US | PG & Practice in India |
Phases | 3 Steps | 2 Steps |
Eligibility | From 2nd Yr onward | After 4th Yr |
Qus Format | Clinical Application / Patient Centered | Clinical Application / Patient Centered |
Attempt | 4 Attempt | Practically 4 Years to attempt |
Validity | 7 Years | 3 Years |
Practice | All countries Incl India | Only in India |

Medical PG IN UK (MRCP)
There are Two ways to Start your Medical Career in UK either by MRCP/MRCS. You can complete all steps in India , your refer the table below
Criteria | PLAB | MRCP/MRCS |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Internship in UK hospitals | PG & Practice in UK |
Phases | 2 Steps | 3 Steps |
Eligibility | After Graduation | 2 Yr Work Exp required |
Qus Format | MCQ , Clinical Qus | MCQ , Clinical Qus |
Salary | Low | High |
