Medicine in Poland Fees
Everything You Have to Know
Poland is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe to study medicine in English, with tuition fees ranging from €11,000 to €16,000 per year — a fraction of what the same degree costs in the UK or the USA. This guide covers tuition fees at the main universities, living costs, admission requirements, and everything international students need to know before applying.
Polish medical degrees are recognised across the European Union and accepted for licensing examinations in the United States (USMLE) and Canada (MCCQE). Graduates practise in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and most other EU countries. The degree awarded is equivalent to an MD and allows direct application for postgraduate training in most European health systems.
Tuition fees are set per university and per academic year and may increase by up to 30% over the course of the 6-year programme. Always confirm current fees directly with the admissions office of the university you are applying to. The figures in this guide reflect published fees for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years.
Why study medicine in Poland?
Poland has become one of the leading destinations for international medical students — particularly for those from the UK, Ireland, North America, Norway, Sweden, and Israel who seek a European medical education at a significantly lower cost. The combination of affordable tuition, English-taught programmes, EU-recognised degrees, and access to modern teaching hospitals makes Polish medical universities highly competitive on a global scale.
Medical education in Poland costs between €11,000 and €16,000 per year for English-taught programmes, compared to £40,000+ per year in the UK or $60,000+ in the United States. Living costs in Poland average €600–700 per month for accommodation, food, and transport — considerably lower than Western European capitals. The total cost of a 6-year MD programme in Poland is typically €70,000–€100,000, including all living expenses.
All major Polish medical universities are included in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is the prerequisite for USMLE eligibility in the United States. Graduates from Polish medical schools regularly pass USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and match into US residency programmes.
Tuition fees at Polish medical universities
Fees below are for English-taught programmes for international students. All figures are per academic year unless otherwise stated. Polish-language programmes are significantly cheaper but require C1-level Polish.
Medical University of Warsaw (MUW)
6-year MD programme
€13,700 / year
Application fee: €24
Admission: competency test (biology, chemistry, English)
Medical University of Lodz (UMED)
6-year MD programme
€15,100 / year (1st year); €14,900 (years 2–6)
Application fee: PLN 100
Admission: online entrance exam via MS Teams
Medical University of Bialystok (UMB)
6-year MD programme
€15,100 / year (years I–III); €16,200 / year (years IV–VI)
Fees payable in EUR or USD
Admission: entrance exam
Medical University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM)
6-year MD programme
~€11,000 / year (PLN 52,000 / year)
One of the most affordable options in Poland
Admission: entrance exam
Wroclaw Medical University
6-year MD programme
€13,000–€15,000 / year
Strong emphasis on research
Admission: entrance exam in biology and chemistry
Medical University of Silesia (SUM)
6-year MD programme
€14,000–€16,000 / year
No entrance exam required
Multiple campuses in Katowice and Zabrze
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change. Always confirm current tuition fees directly with the university’s admissions office before applying. Most universities allow fees to increase by up to 30% during the 6-year programme.
Living costs for medical students in Poland
Living costs in Poland are significantly lower than in Western Europe, making it one of the most economical places to complete a medical degree. The average monthly budget for a medical student living in Warsaw or Krakow ranges from €600 to €800 per month, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. In smaller university cities such as Bialystok, Lublin, or Olsztyn, costs are lower — typically €450–€600 per month.
Accommodation in a university dormitory costs approximately €100–€250 per month. Private studio apartments in Warsaw average €500–€700 per month; shared apartments cost €250–€400 per person. Public transport monthly passes cost around €20–€35. Student canteens and supermarkets are considerably cheaper than in Western Europe, and most student cities offer a vibrant and affordable social and cultural life.
Over a full 6-year programme, living costs total approximately €40,000–€55,000, bringing the full cost of a Polish medical education (tuition plus living) to roughly €100,000–€150,000 — compared to €300,000–€500,000 in the UK or USA for an equivalent degree.
Teaching hospitals
Polish medical universities work alongside major university hospitals (szpitale kliniczne) where students complete their clinical rotations from year 3 onwards. These hospitals are fully accredited, well-equipped, and handle a wide range of cases. Clinical training in Poland covers the full spectrum of medical specialties and meets the standards required for postgraduate training in EU countries and for USMLE clinical examinations in the USA.
Beyond tuition, students should budget for: application fee (€24–PLN 200 depending on university); orientation week fee (PLN 2,000–3,000 at some universities); medical equipment (stethoscope, lab coat, instruments — approximately €200–€400); health insurance; and the cost of Polish language classes if required for clinical rotations. Some universities also charge a library or student services fee per semester.
Admission requirements for English-taught medicine
Requirements vary by university, but the standard admission requirements for English-taught MD programmes in Poland are:
- High school leaving diploma (or equivalent) recognised as giving access to higher education in the applicant’s country — A-levels, IB, Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat, or equivalent
- Biology and chemistry at a high level — most universities require these subjects at A-level, IB Higher Level, or equivalent; some specify minimum grades
- English proficiency — most universities require proof of English language ability; some conduct their own English proficiency exam for non-native speakers
- Entrance examination — many universities conduct an entrance exam covering biology and chemistry; some (such as Medical University of Silesia) do not require an entrance exam
- MCAT is not required — none of the Polish medical universities require the MCAT, which is a significant advantage for US applicants
Student residence permit — staying legally in Poland
Non-EU students admitted to a Polish medical university must obtain a legal basis for their stay. Students staying in Poland for more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study (zezwolenie na pobyt czasowy w celu kształcenia się na studiach). This permit is issued for the duration of the programme and gives the student the right to stay in Poland, work part-time (up to 20 hours per week), and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
The application is submitted at the voivodeship office competent for the place of residence (usually the city where the university is located). Required documents include: completed application form, valid passport, 4 photographs, university enrolment confirmation, proof of accommodation, proof of health insurance, and proof of financial means to cover living costs. All foreign-language supporting documents must be accompanied by a sworn translation into Polish.
Apply for the student residence permit before your current legal stay expires. If submitted on time and formally complete, your stay is lawful throughout the processing period. Processing typically takes 1–3 months. Some voivodeship offices handling large student populations (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw) may take longer during peak periods at the start of the academic year.
FAQ
How much does it cost to study medicine in Poland?
Tuition fees for English-taught MD programmes range from approximately €11,000 to €16,000 per year depending on the university. The total cost of the 6-year programme including tuition is €66,000–€96,000. Adding living costs of €600–€700 per month brings the all-in cost to approximately €100,000–€150,000 — significantly less than comparable degrees in the UK or USA.
Is a Polish medical degree recognised in the UK, US, and EU?
Yes. Polish medical degrees are recognised across the European Union. All major Polish medical universities are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making their graduates eligible for USMLE in the USA and MCCQE in Canada. Graduates also practise in the UK (subject to GMC registration), Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and other countries.
Is the MCAT required to study medicine in Poland?
No. None of the Polish medical universities require the MCAT. Most require an entrance examination in biology and chemistry, but some universities (such as Medical University of Silesia) do not require any entrance exam at all.
Can I study medicine in English in Poland?
Yes. All major Polish medical universities offer 6-year MD programmes taught entirely in English. These are specifically designed for international students. Polish-language programmes also exist and are considerably cheaper, but require C1-level Polish and are primarily for Polish nationals and students with Polish language proficiency.
Do international medical students need a residence permit?
Yes. Non-EU students staying in Poland for more than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study. This covers the duration of the programme and includes the right to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week). EU students do not need a residence permit but should register their residence.
What are the living costs for medical students in Poland?
Average living costs range from €600 to €800 per month in major student cities (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw). In smaller cities they are lower. University dormitories cost €100–€250 per month. Over the full 6 years, living costs total approximately €40,000–€55,000.
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