Study Medicine in Košice, Slovakia – Pavol Jozef Šafárik University

An Ideal Destination for International Medical Students

The Faculty of Medicine at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice is one of the most popular and highly respected options for international students from all over the world—including from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia—who are looking to study general medicine or dentistry entirely in English.

Founded in 1948, the university has a strong academic tradition, modern teaching facilities, and a long-standing reputation for quality medical education. The medical faculty has been offering English-language degree programs since 1992.

Degree Programmes Available

• Human Medicine: 6 years (12 semesters), ends with the degree MUDr. (Doctor of General Medicine), fully equivalent to the Austrian Dr. med. univ.
• Dentistry: 5 years (10 semesters), ends with the degree MDDr. (Doctor of Dental Medicine)

Both degrees are fully recognized throughout the EU, including in Germany, Austria, and many other countries, in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

Advantages of Studying in Košice

• Taught entirely in English – ideal for international students
• No Numerus Clausus (NC) – your GPA doesn’t matter
• Accessible for students with a vocational or specialized baccalaureate
• Hands-on practical training in small groups (approx. 10 students per group)
• Affordable living costs and tuition fees
• Strong international student community and support network

Academic Structure

• Students must earn 30 ECTS credits per semester by passing exams and practicals
• Structured, full-time curriculum with weekly quizzes to track progress
• Slovak language classes in the first two years to prepare for clinical rotations and everyday life
• Clinical practice takes place in university hospitals with modern facilities
• Opportunities for semester exchanges with partner universities abroad

Entrance Exam – How to Apply

To get accepted, applicants must pass an entrance exam in Biology and Chemistry:

• Format: Multiple-choice test
• 200 questions total: 100 in Biology + 100 in Chemistry
• Based on a fixed catalogue of 1,200 questions (600 per subject), provided in advance

Preparation support includes:

• Official question banks
• Learning videos
• Two preparation books
• Mock entrance exams
• Personal coaching and guidance for motivational letter and application

No e-learning platform is required – all essential materials are provided and explained personally.

The City of Košice at a Glance

• Second-largest city in Slovakia with around 240,000 inhabitants
• Voted European Capital of Culture in 2013
• Known for its historic Old Town, modern infrastructure, and vibrant student life
• Home to over 20,000 students – young, international, and active atmosphere
• Best European City of Sport 2016

Living in Košice

• Monthly living costs (excluding rent): €300–€400
• Rent for a room in a shared flat: €200–€300
• Rent for a one-room apartment: €300–€400
• Affordable restaurants, bars, and entertainment options
• Direct flights via Košice International Airport + strong rail links

Leisure & Outdoor Activities

• Surrounded by parks, hiking trails, caves, and lakes
• Ružín Reservoir offers swimming, kayaking, and other water sports
• Sivec Mountain: scenic hiking destination
• Botanical Garden: 4,000+ plant species on the Red Mountain
• Košice Zoo: largest zoo in Central Europe, with over 100 species, including Hutsul horses