Medical Studies Abroad 2026: A Complete Guide for Polish Candidates
It’s October, and the admissions results for Polish medical universities have just been released, and your name isn’t on the accepted list. This year, over 4,000 applicants competed for 300 spots in the medical program at the Medical University of Warsaw. You feel disappointed, but a thought lingers in your mind: what if I tried abroad? Your classmate got into medicine in Bologna for €500 annual tuition. A friend from an older year is studying at Semmelweis University in Budapest. Another acquaintance just started pre-med at an American university.
The truth is, Polish high school graduates now have more options than ever before when it comes to medical studies. There are several paths (from Italy to the UK to the United States), and each has its own advantages, disadvantages, costs, and requirements. In this guide, I will provide a comprehensive overview of all major options, compare costs and requirements, and help you choose the path that best suits your situation.
Whether you dream of a degree from one of Europe’s oldest universities, a prestigious Medical School in America, or a pragmatic solution in Central Europe, you’ll find information here to help you make an informed decision. Because deciding where to study medicine is one of the most important choices in your life (and it’s worth making with a complete picture).
Why Do Polish Students Choose Medical Studies Abroad?
Before we delve into specific countries, it’s worth understanding why more and more Polish high school graduates are considering medical studies outside of Poland. The reasons vary:
1. Competition in Poland is brutal. Admissions to medical programs in Poland are among the most competitive in Europe. Admission thresholds at the best medical universities (Medical University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medical University of Gdańsk) regularly exceed 95% of the maximum possible points on the Polish high school leaving exam. One bad day on the exam, and you’re left out.
2. English-language medical programs in Europe. Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and other countries offer medical programs taught entirely in English. For a Polish high school graduate with good English, this is a viable alternative (without the need to learn a new language from scratch).
3. Lower costs than you might think. Studying in Italy at public universities costs between 150 and 4,000 EUR annually. German public universities have tuition fees of 0-300 EUR per semester. Even Hungary and the Czech Republic, though more expensive, are cheaper than private medical universities in Poland.
4. Diploma recognition in the EU. A medical degree from a university in any EU/EEA country is recognized in Poland (and vice versa) under Directive 2005/36/EC. You can return to Poland, pass the LEK (Final Medical Examination), and work as a doctor (without diploma nostrification).
5. International perspective. Studying abroad offers something the Polish system cannot: an international network of contacts, language proficiency, clinical experience in a different healthcare system, and flexibility in choosing the country where you wish to practice.
If you’re just starting to consider studying abroad, our comprehensive guide to studying abroad will help you with the first steps.
Italy: IMAT and Six-Year Programs for a Fraction of the Cost
Italy is probably the best value for money in European medical education. Public universities offer six-year “Medicine and Surgery” programs taught entirely in English, with tuition fees dependent on family income (ranging from zero to a maximum of 4,000 EUR per year).
Entrance Exam: IMAT
The sole entrance exam for English-language medical programs at Italian public universities is the IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test). Format: 60 multiple-choice questions, 100 minutes. Sections: logic and general knowledge (10 questions), biology (23), chemistry (15), physics and mathematics (12). Scoring: +1.5 for a correct answer, -0.4 for an incorrect answer, 0 for no answer. Maximum score: 90 points.
A detailed description of the exam, preparation strategies, and admission thresholds for individual universities can be found in our complete guide to the IMAT 2026 exam.
Universities
The main universities offering IMAT programs include Sapienza University of Rome, University of Bologna, Milano Statale, University of Padua, University of Pavia, University of Naples Federico II, University of Bari, University of Turin, and University of Messina. Each has a different character, admission thresholds, and living costs.
Costs
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (public universities) | 150-4,000 EUR (ISEE system) |
| Living Costs (monthly) | 500-1,300 EUR (depending on city) |
| Total Cost for 6 years | ~40,000-90,000 EUR |
| IMAT Fee | ~130 EUR |
Who is this path for?
Ideal for a Polish high school graduate with a strong foundation in biology and chemistry, ready to supplement organic chemistry, with English at a B2+ level, and a budget that doesn’t allow for the UK or USA. The Polish high school leaving exam is accepted. Read about how the Polish Matura translates to studying abroad.
United Kingdom: UCAT, Prestige, and High Costs
The United Kingdom boasts some of the oldest and highest-ranked medical schools in the world (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh). The medical program typically lasts 5-6 years (5 years is standard, 6 years for programs with an “intercalated year”) and culminates in an MBBS or MBChB degree.
Entrance Exams: UCAT
The primary entrance exam for medicine in the UK is the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) – an aptitude test assessing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision making, and situational judgment. It lasts 120 minutes and consists of 233 questions. UCAT does not test scientific knowledge; it assesses cognitive abilities and the skill of processing information quickly.
Previously, many universities also required the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test), but the BMAT was withdrawn after the 2023 session. As of 2024, the UCAT is the only standard entrance test for medicine in the UK (although Oxford and Cambridge use additional proprietary tests and interviews).
Application Process: UCAS
You apply through the central UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) system. You can choose a maximum of 4 medical programs (out of 5 available choices in UCAS). The application includes:
- UCAT scores
- Personal Statement (motivational essay)
- Teacher references
- Matura results (predicted or final)
- Admissions interviews (MMI – Multiple Mini Interviews) at selected universities
The process is highly competitive. The acceptance rate for medicine in the UK is approximately 8-12% for domestic candidates, and even lower for international applicants.
You can find more about applying to the UK in our guide to studying in the United Kingdom.
Costs
| Category | UK/EU Students (post-Brexit) | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | 9,250 GBP (UK home students) | 38,000-58,000 GBP |
| Living Costs (annually) | 12,000-15,000 GBP | 12,000-18,000 GBP |
| Total Cost for 5-6 years | ~105,000-135,000 GBP | ~250,000-450,000 GBP |
Important post-Brexit note: Since Brexit, Polish students are treated as international students in the UK, which means tuition fees for medicine are 38,000-58,000 GBP annually. This drastically changes the calculation. If you don’t have a scholarship, the UK is one of the most expensive options. Check out available scholarships for studying in Europe, although most UK scholarships are for domestic students.
Who is this path for?
For candidates with excellent English (C1+), high Matura results, readiness for a highly competitive admissions process, and (post-Brexit) a solid budget or a chance at a scholarship. The prestige of a British medical degree is unquestionable, but the price is high.
USA: Pre-Med, MCAT, and Medical School
The American path to a medical degree is the longest and most expensive of the options described, but also (undoubtedly) leads to the best-paid and most prestigious medical career in the world.
Structure: 4 + 4 Years
In the USA, there are no six-year medical programs “straight after high school” (with exceptions, see BS/MD programs). The standard path looks like this:
- 4 years undergraduate (bachelor’s degree). You study any major, but you must complete the required “pre-med” courses: biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, sociology.
- MCAT. You take the entrance exam (7.5 hours, 4 sections, score range 472-528).
- 4 years Medical School. Medical studies (2 years of basic sciences + 2 years of clinical rotations), culminating in an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree.
- Residency: 3-7 years of specialization (depending on the specialty).
A detailed description of the MCAT exam can be found in our complete guide to the MCAT.
Entrance Exam: MCAT
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is arguably the most challenging entrance exam for medical studies in the world. It lasts 7.5 hours, has 4 sections (Chemical and Physical Foundations, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations), and requires knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology, plus the ability to analyze academic texts in English.
Costs
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (4 years) | 80,000-320,000 USD |
| Medical School Tuition (4 years) | 160,000-350,000 USD |
| Living Costs (8+ years) | 120,000-200,000+ USD |
| MCAT Fee | ~340 USD |
| Total Costs for 8+ years | ~360,000-870,000 USD |
Yes, you read that correctly. The total cost of medical education in the USA can exceed 800,000 USD. The average debt for a Medical School graduate is over 200,000 USD. But (and this is a big “but”) physician salaries in the USA range from 250,000-600,000+ USD annually after residency, depending on the specialty. In the long run, the investment pays off.
The application process for studying in the USA is complex. If you are considering it, read our complete guide to applying for studies in the USA.
Who is this path for?
For the most ambitious and patient. It requires 8+ years of education (vs. 6 in Europe), excellent English, very high academic results, a rich extracurricular CV, and (realistically) significant financial resources or a willingness to incur substantial debt. But the final outcome (an MD degree from an American medical school) is a passport to some of the highest-paying positions in global medicine.
Germany: High Quality, Low Tuition, Language Barrier
Germany has the third-largest medical education system in Europe and offers some of the best medical programs on the continent (essentially for free).
Entrance Exam: TMS (Medizinertest)
Admissions to medicine in Germany are managed through the central Hochschulstart system (the equivalent of Poland’s IRK) and are based on:
- Abitur/Matura. Your Matura results (converted to the German scale) are the main criterion.
- TMS (Test für Medizinische Studiengänge). An optional aptitude test that can improve your chances. It lasts approximately 5 hours and assesses scientific and logical reasoning.
- Admissions interviews. Some universities conduct their own selection procedures.
Language: Here’s the Catch
The vast majority of medical programs in Germany are taught in German. The required level is a minimum of C1 (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4 certificate). There are a few English-language programs (e.g., at private universities like Asklepios Campus Hamburg), but they are expensive and scarce.
For a Polish high school graduate, this means you’ll need 1-2 years of intensive German language study (from B1 to C1) before starting your studies, or you must already have a high level of German proficiency (e.g., from a bilingual class or DSD).
Costs
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (public universities) | 0-300 EUR/semester (administrative fee only) |
| Living Costs (monthly) | 900-1,400 EUR (depending on city) |
| Total Cost for 6 years + Studienkolleg | ~70,000-120,000 EUR |
Recognition of the Polish Matura
The Polish Matura is recognized in Germany, but not directly. You must go through a results conversion procedure (uni-assist) and, in many cases, complete a one-year preparatory course called Studienkolleg. This is an additional year, but Studienkolleg is usually free.
Who is this path for?
For candidates with good or very good German (or a willingness to undertake one to two years of intensive language study) who are seeking free medical education at universities with an excellent reputation. Germany is a well-known path among Polish students. Many Poles study medicine in Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, or Freiburg.
Hungary: Semmelweis and English-Language Programs
Hungary, specifically Semmelweis University in Budapest, is one of the most popular destinations for Polish medical students abroad. Semmelweis has offered a full six-year medical program in English since 1983 (making it one of the longest-running English-language programs in Central Europe).
Universities
| University | City | English Program |
|---|---|---|
| Semmelweis University | Budapest | Yes (since 1983) |
| University of Pécs | Pécs | Yes |
| University of Szeged | Szeged | Yes |
| University of Debrecen | Debrecen | Yes |
Admissions
Admissions to Semmelweis and other Hungarian universities do not require a central exam like the IMAT. Instead:
- You submit your application directly to the university
- You take an entrance exam organized by the university (biology, chemistry, sometimes physics – format depends on the university)
- Some universities accept advanced Matura results in biology and chemistry
- At Semmelweis, there is a written exam + an admissions interview
Costs
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Tuition (English program) | 16,000-19,200 EUR |
| Living Costs (monthly) | 600-900 EUR |
| Total Cost for 6 years | ~140,000-170,000 EUR |
Tuition fees in Hungary are significantly higher than in Italy (where you pay 150-4,000 EUR at a public university), but still lower than in the UK or USA. Budapest, however, is one of the more affordable cities to live in Central Europe.
Who is this path for?
For candidates who value proximity to Poland (Budapest is a 5-hour drive from Krakow), an English-language program without the need for a specialized exam like IMAT/UCAT, and are willing to pay higher tuition fees than in Italy. Semmelweis has an excellent reputation in Poland and a large community of Polish alumni.
Czech Republic and Slovakia: Close, Familiar, Practical
The Czech Republic and Slovakia are traditional destinations for Polish medical students. Their geographical, cultural, and linguistic proximity (Slavic language kinship) makes them natural choices.
Czech Republic
Charles University in Prague is the most prestigious medical university in the Czech Republic. It offers English-language medical programs at its three Prague faculties. Masaryk University in Brno and Palacky University in Olomouc offer similar programs.
- Tuition: ~11,000-15,500 EUR/year (English programs)
- Admissions: Entrance exam organized by the university (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Duration: 6 years
- Living Costs: 600-900 EUR/month (Prague more expensive, Brno cheaper)
Slovakia
Comenius University in Bratislava offers English-language medical programs. Bratislava is just an hour’s drive from Vienna, providing access to two job markets.
- Tuition: ~9,000-12,000 EUR/year (English programs)
- Admissions: Entrance exam in biology and chemistry
- Duration: 6 years
- Living Costs: 500-800 EUR/month
Who is this path for?
For candidates seeking a pragmatic solution: close to home, in a culturally similar environment, with a recognized EU diploma. Czech and Slovak programs have a good reputation among Polish doctors and employers. Costs are higher than in Italy but lower than in Hungary.
Comparing All Paths: Summary Table
| Criterion | Italy | UK | USA | Germany | Hungary | Czech Republic/Slovakia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 years | 5-6 years | 8+ years (4+4) | 6 years (+1 Studienkolleg) | 6 years | 6 years |
| Entrance Exam | IMAT | UCAT | MCAT (after 4 years undergrad) | TMS (optional) | University exam | University exam |
| Language of Study | English | English | English | German (mainly) | English | English |
| Annual Tuition | 150-4,000 EUR | 38,000-58,000 GBP (international) | 40,000-90,000 USD/year | 0-300 EUR | 16,000-19,200 EUR | 9,000-15,500 EUR |
| Total Cost | ~40,000-90,000 EUR | ~250,000-450,000 GBP | ~360,000-870,000 USD | ~70,000-120,000 EUR | ~140,000-170,000 EUR | ~100,000-150,000 EUR |
| EU Recognition | Automatic | Requires nostrification (post-Brexit) | Requires nostrification | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Competitiveness | Medium | Very High | Very High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Polish Students | Growing number | Limited | Few | Large community | Large community | Large community |
Medical Diploma Recognition: What You Need to Know
A key question every aspiring doctor studying abroad asks themselves: will my diploma be recognized?
In the European Union
Directive 2005/36/EC (with subsequent amendments) ensures automatic recognition of medical qualifications between EU/EEA countries. This means that a medical degree from Italy, Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, or Slovakia is automatically recognized in Poland. You only need to:
- Submit documents to the Regional Medical Chamber
- Pass the LEK (Final Medical Examination) if you wish to work in the Polish system
- Obtain a license to practice
The process is bureaucratic but does not require diploma nostrification. Your diploma is simply recognized.
United Kingdom (post-Brexit)
After Brexit, the UK is no longer covered by automatic recognition within the EU. To work as a doctor in the UK with a degree from another country, you must go through GMC (General Medical Council) registration and pass the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exams or obtain recognition through other pathways. The process is longer than in the EU but feasible.
USA
A medical degree from a foreign university does not directly entitle you to practice in the USA. You must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination – 3 stages) exams and complete residency in the USA. The process is long and competitive but not impossible. Thousands of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) work in the USA.
Returning to Poland with a Non-EU Diploma
If your diploma is from outside the EU (e.g., from the USA), you must undergo a diploma nostrification procedure in Poland, which includes verification of the curriculum and any supplementary exams.
Matura Requirements: What You Need to Pass in Poland
Each path has different requirements regarding the Polish Matura. Here’s an overview:
| Path | Required/Recommended Advanced Matura Subjects |
|---|---|
| Italy (IMAT) | Advanced Biology, Chemistry. Physics helpful. Matura results do not contribute to IMAT scoring, but a passed Matura is required. |
| UK (UCAT) | Advanced Biology and Chemistry (required by most universities). Matura results must be high (converted to A-levels system). |
| USA (pre-med) | Broad range. Universities take a holistic view. High Matura average, SAT. Advanced Biology and Chemistry are an advantage. The SAT exam is required by most universities. |
| Germany | Matura converted to the German scale. The higher the results, the better. Advanced Biology and Chemistry required. |
| Hungary | Advanced Biology and Chemistry. Some universities accept Matura results, others require a separate exam. |
| Czech Republic/Slovakia | Advanced Biology and Chemistry. University entrance exam. |
You can read more about converting the Polish Matura to foreign systems in our article on the Polish Matura and studying abroad.
Career Prospects: Where Will You Earn the Most?
There’s no denying it – future earnings are one of the deciding factors. Here’s an approximate comparison of physician salaries in various countries (post-specialization, gross annual values):
| Country | Physician Earnings (approximate, post-specialization) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 250,000-600,000+ USD | Highest in the world, but after 8+ years of education and significant debt |
| UK | 80,000-150,000+ GBP | Consultant level, NHS + private practice |
| Germany | 70,000-200,000+ EUR | Depends on specialty and sector (hospital vs. private practice) |
| Italy | 40,000-100,000+ EUR | Lower than in Northern Europe, but growing |
| Poland | 150,000-500,000+ PLN (35,000-115,000 EUR) | Growing, especially in surgical specialties |
| Hungary | 30,000-70,000 EUR | Lower, many doctors emigrate to Western EU countries |
Key observation: a degree from any EU country allows you to work in any other EU country. So, even if you complete your studies in Italy, you can work in Germany, Ireland, or Scandinavia (where earnings are higher). This is one of the biggest advantages of the European medical path.
How to Choose the Best Path for You?
There isn’t one “best” path. Everything depends on your situation. Here are questions to help you make a decision:
1. What is your budget?
- Limited → Italy or Germany
- Medium → Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Hungary
- High → UK or USA
2. What language do you know?
- English B2+ → Italy (IMAT), Hungary, Czech Republic
- English C1+ → UK, USA
- German C1 → Germany
3. How important is prestige to you?
- Highest prestige → USA (Harvard, Johns Hopkins) or UK (Oxford, Cambridge)
- Very good prestige → Germany (Heidelberg, Charité), Italy (University of Bologna, Sapienza University)
- Solid prestige → Hungary (Semmelweis), Czech Republic (Charles University)
4. How long do you want to study?
- 6 years → Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany
- 8+ years → USA
5. Where do you want to work after graduation?
- Poland → any EU path (automatic recognition)
- USA → American path (easiest, but not the only option)
- Anywhere in the EU → any EU path
If you need help making this decision, contact the College Council team. We help Polish high school graduates choose and navigate the application process for medical studies abroad. You can also schedule a consultation via Okiro.io.
How to Prepare Your Application: Practical Steps
Regardless of the path you choose, here are universal steps you should take:
1. Start Early (10th Grade)
- Choose your Matura subjects: advanced biology and advanced chemistry are the absolute minimum
- Start intensive English language learning if you don’t have a B2+ level
- Research options and narrow your choice to 2-3 countries
2. Take Required Exams (11th Grade)
- Advanced Matura in biology and chemistry
- IELTS or TOEFL (if required)
- IMAT (September) / UCAT (July-October) / SAT (for USA) – depending on the path
- For test preparation, we recommend Prepclass.io
3. Prepare Documents
- Personal Statement (for UK, USA, Hungary)
- Certified translations of certificates
- Language certificates
- Academic portfolio
4. Submit Applications
- Universitaly (Italy) – July-August
- UCAS (UK) – by October 15th (medicine has an earlier deadline!)
- Common App (USA) – by January 1st (most universities)
- Directly to the university (Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany)
5. Plan Your Finances
- Check scholarships for studying in Europe
- Research the ISEE system (Italy). It can reduce your tuition fees to zero.
- Consider student loans (especially in the UK and USA)
- Plan living costs for the first few months
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work in Poland after studying medicine abroad?
Yes. A diploma from an EU/EEA country is automatically recognized in Poland under Directive 2005/36/EC. You must pass the LEK (Final Medical Examination) and obtain a license to practice from the Regional Medical Chamber. Non-EU diplomas require nostrification.
Which medical studies abroad are the cheapest?
The cheapest options are studies in Italy at public universities (150-4,000 EUR/year) and in Germany (0-300 EUR/semester). Both countries offer high-quality education.
Is IMAT easier than MCAT?
Yes. IMAT lasts 100 minutes and has 60 questions. MCAT lasts 7.5 hours and requires significantly deeper knowledge. However, they lead to different educational systems – IMAT is a direct entry to a 6-year medical program, while MCAT is an exam taken after 4 years of undergraduate study.
Do I need to know the local language to study medicine abroad?
It depends on the country. Italy, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia offer programs in English. Germany requires C1 German. Knowledge of the local language will be useful for clinical rotations.
What is the total cost of the cheapest medical studies abroad?
Italy: 40,000-80,000 EUR for 6 years (tuition + living costs). Germany: 70,000-120,000 EUR for 6-7 years (with zero tuition). This is less than one year of medicine in the USA.
Is Semmelweis University in Budapest a good choice?
Yes, Semmelweis is a solid university with an English program since 1983. It has a good reputation in Poland, many Polish alumni, but tuition fees are higher (16,000-19,200 EUR/year).
When should I start preparing for medical studies abroad?
Optimally in 10th grade – this allows time to choose a path, prepare for exams, improve English proficiency, and gather documents. The absolute minimum is 11th grade.
Is it worth applying to several countries simultaneously?
Yes, this is a sensible strategy. The deadlines for IMAT (Italy), Semmelweis (Hungary), and Charles University (Czech Republic) do not overlap, so you can apply concurrently.
Summary: Medical Studies Abroad is a Realistic Option
Medical studies abroad are not a dream reserved for the elite. It is a realistic and accessible path for Polish high school graduates with good results and determination. From Italian public universities with zero tuition fees, through pragmatic programs in Hungary and the Czech Republic, to prestigious medical schools in the UK and USA – there are many options, and each leads to a recognized medical degree.
The key is early planning, a conscious choice of path, and consistent preparation. You don’t need perfect scores on every exam. You need a well-thought-out strategy and a willingness to work hard.
If this guide has helped you see that medical studies abroad are within your reach, that’s great. Now it’s time to take action. Choose 2-3 paths that suit you best, start preparing for the relevant exams, and (if you need support) contact the College Council team. We assist Polish candidates for medical studies abroad at every stage (from choosing a path to matriculation).
Your dream of a white coat doesn’t have to be realized only in Poland. The world is open, and you have more options than you think.
