Poland has established itself as an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality medical education at affordable costs. With twelve universities offering MD programs in English and a total of over 85,000 international students, Poland has seen a rise in the number of foreign students. Medical faculties in Poland attract around 8–10% of international students and offer a comprehensive six-year MD program. Tuition fees for the first year range between $11,000 and $18,000, while application fees can range from $20 to $200. The estimated annual living costs for international students in Poland range from $6,000 to $8,000, depending on the city and lifestyle. Those considering an MBBS in Poland should carefully research admission requirements and application strategies.

Why Study Medicine in Poland?

Poland has become one of the leading destinations for affordable medical education in Europe, attracting students from all over the world. Thanks to high-quality medical programs offered in English, Polish universities provide aspiring doctors with an excellent opportunity to pursue their dream without facing overwhelming financial burdens. Tuition fees for medical programs in Poland range between $8,500 and $16,000 per year—significantly lower than in many Western countries.

Polish medical degrees are internationally recognized, allowing graduates to work as doctors in various countries, subject to the respective national licensing requirements. The Polish medical curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical experience. Students benefit from access to numerous hospitals and clinics where they can gain hands-on experience with modern medical procedures.

Another advantage is Poland’s central location in Europe, making it easier for students to travel to other European countries during their studies. The international student community in Poland includes around 85,000 foreign students, contributing to a multicultural learning environment. Additionally, Polish universities offer research programs in various disciplines, with hundreds of international research projects conducted annually.

• Polish universities rank among the best higher education institutions in Eastern Europe but are not in the top 10 globally in terms of education quality.
• Medical programs in Poland comply with Polish, EU, and partially U.S. standards, with additional licensing required for medical practice in the U.S.
• Approximately 80–90% of graduates find employment within a year, depending on their specialization and target country.
• The cost of living in Poland is about 40–50% lower than in many Western European countries.

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Admission Requirements for MBBS in Poland

Pursuing an MD (equivalent to MBBS) degree in Poland is a popular choice for international students, with several hundred medical candidates choosing Poland annually. The application process typically starts in February or March and continues until July, with the deadline for most universities falling between July 15th and August 1st, 2025. To be eligible for admission, general category students must have a minimum of 50%–60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in their 12th grade, while reserved category students in India (SC/ST/OBC) may require lower marks, often around 40%. Additionally, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students applying for an MD in Poland.

Language proficiency is a crucial aspect of the entry requirements for MD programs in Poland. For English-taught programs, candidates must demonstrate a B2 or higher level of proficiency through international certificates (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or an online interview. Polish-taught programs may require applicants to pass a language test or complete a one-year preparatory course (zerówka) at a designated university. During the first three years of the MD program, students are also taught basic Polish to facilitate communication with patients.

The application process for MD programs in Poland is competitive, with universities assessing candidates based on their grades in biology, chemistry, and physics from their previous education. Some universities may also conduct online interviews to evaluate the applicant’s motivation and general knowledge. The processing time for MD admission in Poland is approximately 60–90 days, and medical candidates must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.

Applicants with Polish roots (Holders of the Card of the Pole – Karta Polaka) may be eligible for tuition-free spots in public universities under the same conditions as Polish citizens. Over the last five years, more than 3,000–5,000 international students have pursued medical degrees in Poland, with medical universities recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), the European Union (EU), and various national medical councils, including the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India. The duration of the MD program in Poland is 6 years, comprising 5 years of academic training and 1 year of clinical internship.

Medical Education Poland: Top Universities and Programs

Poland is home to some of the most reputable medical universities in Europe, offering a wide range of MD (equivalent to MBBS) programs and medical specializations. With over 10 medical universities providing courses in English, international students have a variety of options to choose from. Among the top institutions are the Medical University of Lodz and the Medical University of Warsaw.

These universities offer various medical programs, including General Medicine (6 years, MD degree), Dentistry (5 years, DMD degree), and Pharmacy (5.5 years, MPharm degree). Other popular health-related fields include nursing, midwifery, biotechnology, physiotherapy, and cosmetology. Tuition fees for these programs typically range from $8,500 to $16,000 per year, with dentistry programs usually starting at $13,000 annually.

One of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in Poland is Jagiellonian University Medical College (JUMC), which has been ranked as one of the top medical universities in the country multiple times. JUMC offers a six-year MD program that emphasizes scientific research in areas such as genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and various clinical disciplines. Graduates from JUMC are eligible to apply for residency and postgraduate training programs in multiple countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and across Europe, subject to national licensing requirements.

To practice medicine or dentistry in Poland, graduates must complete a 13-month internship for doctors or a 12-month internship for dentists, followed by passing the LEK (Physician Licensing Exam) or LDEK (Dentist Licensing Exam). Studying medicine abroad offers a rewarding international experience, providing students with strong academic training and practical clinical exposure that can enhance both personal and professional growth.

Conclusion

Studying medicine in Poland provides international students with the opportunity to receive a high-quality medical education at a relatively affordable cost. With a comprehensive curriculum, internationally recognized MD degrees, and a wide range of specialization options, Poland’s top medical universities offer a strong foundation for aspiring medical professionals.

Admission to MD programs in Poland is competitive, with universities evaluating applicants based on academic achievements, language proficiency, and sometimes personal interviews. By choosing to study medicine in Poland, international students can benefit from a supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and extensive hands-on clinical training.

With dedication and hard work, graduates of Polish medical universities are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers in various medical fields—both in Poland and internationally, subject to national licensing requirements.