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One of Poland's largest public medical universities, teaching medicine in English since 1996 and home to the Zabrze cardiac-surgery school behind Poland's first heart transplant.
5000+ Students trust us
Poland
Country
Katowice
City
THE World-ranked · EU degree
Ranking & Recognition
English
Medium of instruction
Introduction
A modern faculty building of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
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Recognition & Prestige
The Medical University of Silesia is one of Poland's largest public medical universities, placed in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, with a degree that is automatically recognised across the European Union and a long-standing US-accredited English programme.
THE 1201–1500
THE World University Rankings 2026 (13th in Poland)
EU-wide
degree recognition under EU Directive 2005/36/EC
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
The medical degree is recognised internationally. The Medical University of Silesia is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), accredited by the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA) and the Accreditation Committee of Academic Medical Universities (KAAUM), recognised by the US Department of Education and US state medical boards, and its lekarz (physician) degree is automatically recognised across the EU and EEA; graduates are ECFMG-eligible for the USMLE, and Indian graduates can qualify for practice in India through the NMC screening/exit examination (FMGE, transitioning to NExT).
NMC/MCI
Graduates eligible for Indian licensing via the NMC screening examination (FMGE/NExT)
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; graduates eligible for ECFMG certification and the USMLE
PKA / KAAUM
Accredited by the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA) and the Accreditation Committee of Academic Medical Universities (KAAUM); US Dept of Education recognised
EU
Degree automatically recognised across the EU and EEA under Directive 2005/36/EC
Complete Information About the Medical University of Silesia
Get complete information about the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, including tuition, living costs, admission, EU recognition and the FMGE route for Indian students.
Success stories
Hear directly from students who are studying medicine in Europe with futureMBBS.
Academic Excellence
The Medical University of Silesia offers an English-taught, EU-recognised medical degree with a deep clinical tradition, in one of Poland's largest and most affordable metropolitan areas.
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Know exactly what options exist for your MBBS-abroad success.
How to Apply
Admission to the 6-year English MD at the Medical University of Silesia is by a ranking list based on school-leaving grades, with an oral entrance examination where the certificate does not cover the required subjects. Indian students apply online to the SUM Admissions Office and should hold a valid NEET qualification for future licensing in India. Applications are made directly to the university.
Online applications for the 2026 intakes open on the SUM Admissions portal; SUM offers a Fall intake (European and International tracks) and a Spring intake (International track).
Indian applicants should hold a valid NEET-UG qualification, required by India's NMC for licensing after a foreign medical degree.
Applicants are ranked on school-leaving grades in the required science subjects; an oral entrance examination in English (Biology plus Chemistry or Physics, held remotely) is required where the certificate does not cover them.
Successful applicants confirm their place and pay the fees, then apply for the Polish (EU) student visa and residence documents and prepare to travel to Katowice.
Students complete university and residence registration and any required medical checks before classes begin.
The academic year begins in Katowice (a Spring intake begins the second semester).
Applicants must have completed Class 12 (or equivalent secondary education) with Biology and Chemistry (and ideally Physics) and strong science grades. For Indian students, the NMC requires a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (40% for reserved categories) plus English, and a valid NEET qualification, for licensing in India.
Subjects:
Candidates should be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year, in line with NMC rules for studying medicine abroad.
Selection is by ranking list on school-leaving grades, with an oral entrance exam where required, together with English proficiency. Indian students also need a valid NEET result for future Indian licensing. Applications are made to the SUM Admissions Office.
Ranking List / Entrance Exam
Admission on a ranking list of school-leaving grades; an oral entrance exam in English (Biology plus Chemistry or Physics) is required where the certificate does not cover the required subjects.
English Proficiency
The programme is taught entirely in English; applicants provide an accepted English-proficiency certificate unless previously taught in English.
Admission is decided by the ranking list of grades and, where required, an oral entrance examination in the natural sciences.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ranking list | School-leaving grades in the required science subjects |
| Oral entrance exam | In English (Biology plus Chemistry or Physics), remote via MS Teams, where the certificate does not cover the subjects |
| NEET (Indian students) | Valid NEET-UG qualification for future licensing in India |
To apply, students need to submit essential academic and identification documents:
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Program Structure
The Medical University of Silesia teaches a six-year, 360-ECTS MD that moves from pre-clinical sciences on the Katowice-Ligota campus to full clinical training in the teaching hospitals, offered in a European track and an International track, taught in English and leading to the Polish lekarz (physician) degree, equivalent to an MBBS.
Total Duration:
6 Years (360 ECTS)
Degree:
MD / lekarz (physician — equivalent to MBBS)
Years 1–3
The first three years cover the basic and disease sciences on the Katowice-Ligota campus, through lectures, seminars and laboratory work, with early clinical skills and Polish for patient contact:
Years 4–5
The clinical years are based in the university teaching hospitals, with rotations across the major specialties and the strong cardiology and cardiac-surgery base of the Silesian centres:
Year 6
The final year is a clinical, near-internship year across the core disciplines, preparing students for the final diploma examination and for licensing exams such as the FMGE, USMLE or the Polish LEK:
Clinical training takes place across the Medical University of Silesia's six public teaching hospitals — four in Katowice and two in Zabrze — including the University Clinical Center prof. K. Gibiński, the Upper Silesian Medical Centre prof. Leszek Giec, and the world-renowned Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze. An indicative pattern:
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Years 1–3 | Pre-clinical sciences, clinical skills and early patient contact on the Katowice-Ligota campus |
| Years 4–5 | Rotations in internal medicine, surgery, cardiology, paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology in the teaching hospitals |
| Year 6 | Final clinical year across the core disciplines, with electives and the diploma examination |
Get the full curriculum
Download a free brochure to see detailed subjects, the course structure and everything you need to plan your studies.
Legacy
The Medical University of Silesia has been at the centre of Polish cardiac surgery, nephrology and occupational medicine, home to some of the country's most celebrated doctors.
The cardiac surgeon who, in Zabrze in 1985, performed the first successful human heart transplant in Poland. He built the department that became the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases, transforming cardiac surgery in the country, and later served as Poland's Minister of Health.
A cardiac and transplant surgeon and long-time director of the Silesian Centre for Heart Diseases in Zabrze, and a member of the 1985 team behind Poland's first heart transplant. A pioneer of heart and lung transplantation, he also served as the country's Minister of Health.
One of Poland's greatest nephrologists and endocrinologists, who studied and worked at the Silesian Medical Academy, founded and led its Department of Nephrology, and served as Rector from 1982 to 1984. A member of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
A distinguished internist and gastroenterologist at the Silesian Medical Academy and a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences. A founder of modern Polish gastroenterology, he is honoured in the name of the University Clinical Center prof. K. Gibiński in Katowice.
A microbiologist and immunologist associated with the Silesian Medical Academy, known for work on a typhoid vaccine and on bacteriophage therapy. His research contributed to Poland's strong tradition in medical microbiology and phage medicine.
A pioneer of Polish hygiene and occupational medicine and the first Rector of the Medical Academy of Silesia when it was founded in 1948. He shaped the young school's focus on the health of Poland's industrial Silesian population.
The Medical University of Silesia is led by Rector Professor Tomasz Szczepański, a paediatric haematologist and oncologist. Teaching is delivered by experienced physicians, surgeons and scientists across the university's six teaching hospitals, including the internationally renowned cardiac-surgery and transplantation teams in Zabrze, preparing students for the FMGE, NExT, USMLE and EU practice.
Experienced physicians and surgeons
One of Poland's largest medical faculties
World-renowned cardiac-surgery school in Zabrze
Six public teaching hospitals
English programme since 1996
US-accredited history
Clinical supervision during rotations
International student community
About University
Get all information about the Medical University of Silesia in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can study medicine at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice.
Role in medicine
Get all information about the Medical University of Silesia in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can study medicine at the Medical University of Silesia.
Cost of living
Katowice and the Upper Silesian metropolis are more affordable than Warsaw or Kraków, while still offering EU-standard student life. Here is the approximate monthly breakdown for an Indian student.
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (dormitory / shared flat) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Food | ₹16,000 – ₹22,000 |
| Transportation | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
| Other Expenses (Utilities, Internet, Leisure) | ₹8,000 – ₹14,000 |
Average monthly living cost
₹42,000 – ₹72,000
Housing
The Medical University of Silesia offers student dormitories near its campuses, and many international students also rent private flats across Katowice and the wider Silesian metropolis.
The Medical University of Silesia runs student dormitories (Domy Studenta) near its campuses in Katowice-Ligota, Zabrze, Sosnowiec and Bytom, giving international students secure, affordable housing close to lectures and the teaching hospitals.
Dormitory rooms are furnished, usually single or twin rooms in shared units with kitchens and common areas, internet and laundry, and are among the most economical housing in the region.
University dormitory places are cheaper than private rent, and a private or shared room in Katowice typically costs around PLN 1,200–2,000 per month (roughly ₹27,000–₹45,000), lower than in Warsaw or Kraków.
First-year international students are encouraged to apply for a dormitory place on arrival, which keeps them close to fellow students and eases the move to a new country and climate.
Dormitory places are requested through the university's student services after admission; because demand is high, students should apply for a room as soon as they accept their offer.
Students who prefer more comfort or independence can choose privately operated student residences, or rent or share a private flat. Both options cost noticeably more than the university halls, and students organise this independently as the university does not arrange private housing.
Katowice sits at the centre of the Upper Silesian conurbation, Poland's largest urban area, with an extensive tram, bus and rail network and discounted student passes, so students can live across the metropolis and reach the campuses easily.
Katowice has cold, snowy winters, so students should budget for warm clothing and heating, a real adjustment for students from most parts of India.
Need accommodation details?
Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.
Food & Dining
Indian and vegetarian food is easily available in restaurants, grocery stores and student kitchens across Katowice and the Upper Silesian metropolis.
Katowice has a strong student food scene, including cheap 'milk bar' (bar mleczny) canteens and the restaurants around the Rynek and Mariacka Street, with vegetarian and vegan options widely available.
Location
Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach), ul. Poniatowskiego 15, 40-055 Katowice, Poland (with campuses also in Zabrze, Sosnowiec and Bytom)
Nearest Airport
Katowice Airport (KTW), about 30 km from the city; Kraków Airport (KRK) is around 1.5 hours away, with flights from India via Gulf and European hubs
Local Transport
The Upper Silesian metropolis has an extensive tram, bus and rail network with discounted student passes, and fast rail links to Kraków, Warsaw and the rest of Poland
Your Roadmap to Success
Graduates earn the Polish lekarz (physician) degree, equivalent to an MBBS. Because it is listed in EU Directive 2005/36/EC, the degree is automatically recognised across all EU and EEA member states, so graduates can seek to practise throughout Europe without a further recognition examination.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Practising in India
To practise medicine in India after graduating from the Medical University of Silesia, Indian students follow the licensing pathway set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Because SUM is a WDOMS-listed, English-taught six-year programme, it meets the NMC's core criteria, and students should qualify NEET-UG before joining.
Step 1
Graduates must clear the qualifying examination that licenses foreign medical graduates to practise in India. At present this is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which the NMC plans to replace with the National Exit Test (NExT).
Step 2
After qualifying, students complete the required one-year Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) in India, which builds hands-on experience in Indian clinical settings under the NMC's framework.
Step 3
The final step is registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the relevant State Medical Council. Once registered, the graduate holds a full licence to practise medicine in India.
Student Life Style
Life at the Medical University of Silesia combines a demanding English-taught medical course with life in Katowice, the heart of Poland's largest metropolis, and an established international student community.
A building of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
Wawel Royal Castle and cathedral above the Vistula river in Poland
A historic red-brick castle in northern Poland
Scholarship & Financial
Honest note first: fee-paying international medicine at the Medical University of Silesia has limited scholarship support, so families should plan as fully self-funded, though a couple of external routes exist.
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) runs Polish government scholarship programmes for international students and researchers; these are competitive and mostly aimed at specific countries, agreements and postgraduate study rather than fee-paying English-programme MD students, but they are the main national scheme to explore.
Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience at the Medical University of Silesia.
4.4
121 reviews
Compare
Compare the Medical University of Silesia with a leading Indian medical college.
Quick Comparison:
Medical University of Silesia vs CMC Vellore
| University | Medical University of SilesiaKatowice, Poland | CMC VelloreTamil Nadu, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public | Private (minority) |
| Medium | English | English |
| Course Duration | 6 years (MD / lekarz) | 5.5 years (MBBS) |
| Tuition (per year) | ~₹14.75 lakh (65,500 PLN) | ~₹3–4 lakh |
| Admission | Ranking list + oral entrance exam where required | NEET-UG |
| Recognition | WDOMS; EU-wide (Directive 2005/36/EC); NMC-eligible via FMGE/NExT | NMC-recognised |
| Global Ranking | THE World-ranked (2026); English programme since 1996 | Not in QS top 500 |
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FAQ
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