Pavol Jozef Safarik University
👉 UPJS offers affordable world-class Medicine and Dentistry courses in English
👉 The university is closely related to the Teaching Hospital in Kosice, where students undergo clinical training
👉 Located in Kosice, the second-largest city in Slovakia, which is known for its safety and rich history
Location
Kosice, Slovakia
Courses
Medicine, Dentistry
Tuition
≈ €13,000 per academic year
Graduate Entry
Yes
Entrance Exam
Yes
Living Costs
€900/month
Introduction
Study medicine at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJS) in Košice, Slovakia’s prestigious institution founded in 1959 as the country’s second classical university. Located in Košice, Slovakia’s second-largest city known as the “Metropolis of the East,” UPJS offers exceptional medical education through internationally recognized programs taught entirely in English. With over 15 years of experience in English medical education and more than 7,500 students including hundreds of international graduates, UPJS ranks among Europe’s top educational and scientific institutions. The university uniquely offers graduate entry medicine pathways for students with prior degrees, making it ideal for career changers and mature students. With tuition fees starting at €13,000 annually for medicine and €13,500 for dentistry, plus affordable living costs of €900 monthly, UPJS delivers outstanding value in Central Europe. Students benefit from close integration with Košice Teaching Hospital for clinical training, participation in the EXTASY atherosclerosis research team, and Erasmus+ exchange opportunities. Choose UPJS for world-class medical education in Slovakia’s culturally rich eastern metropolis with excellent career prospects throughout Europe and beyond.
Why Choose Pavol Jozef Safarik University Kosice
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University stands out as an exceptional choice for international medical students seeking quality education, research opportunities, and career advancement in Slovakia’s vibrant eastern metropolis.
Distinctive advantages that set UPJS apart:
- Graduate entry medicine available – Unique opportunity in Slovakia for students with prior bachelor’s degrees to enter accelerated medical pathways, accommodating diverse educational backgrounds
- Prestigious institutional heritage – Slovakia’s second classical university (founded 1959) with distinguished academic reputation and European recognition for educational excellence
- “Metropolis of the East” advantages – Study in Košice, Slovakia’s cultural and economic eastern hub, offering rich history, safety, and dynamic student life unavailable in smaller cities
- Proven English program success – Over 15 years of refined English medical education with hundreds of successful international graduates practicing medicine worldwide
- Research excellence opportunities – Join the EXTASY (Excellent Team for Research into Atherosclerosis) research program, offering students cutting-edge medical research experience
- European mobility through Erasmus+ – Active participation in European exchange programs providing international study opportunities and enhanced career prospects
- Substantial program capacity – 200 annual medicine seats and 35 dentistry positions ensuring better admission opportunities than smaller competitor programs
- Comprehensive clinical training – Close integration with Košice Teaching Hospital providing extensive hands-on medical experience in modern facilities
- Outstanding value proposition – Exceptional medical education at €13,000-13,500 annually with total living costs under €900 monthly in affordable Košice
- Top European ranking – Recognized among Europe’s leading educational and scientific institutions, ensuring international recognition and career opportunities
Choose UPJS for unmatched combination of academic excellence, research opportunities, and exceptional value in Slovakia’s eastern metropolis.
Programs and Courses
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University offers comprehensive medical programs designed to international standards, preparing graduates for successful global medical careers through rigorous academic curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and exceptional clinical training.
Medicine Program (6 years) The General Medicine program spans six years taught entirely in English, following European medical education standards with emphasis on both theoretical foundation and practical clinical application. The program uniquely offers graduate entry pathways for students with relevant bachelor’s degrees, providing accelerated routes for career changers and mature students. With 200 annual seats available, UPJS provides better admission opportunities than many competitor institutions.
Dentistry Program (6 years) The dental medicine program combines comprehensive theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training in modern facilities. With 35 annual seats available, the program prepares students for successful dental careers throughout Europe and internationally.
Research Integration Students can participate in the EXTASY (Excellent Team for Research into Atherosclerosis) research program, gaining valuable experience in cutting-edge cardiovascular disease research. This unique opportunity enhances academic credentials and career prospects in medical research.
Clinical Training Excellence Close integration with Košice Teaching Hospital provides extensive hands-on clinical experience in a modern medical facility. Students gain practical skills through clinical rotations in various medical specialties under expert supervision.
International Opportunities UPJS participates actively in Erasmus+ programs, enabling students to study abroad at partner European universities, enhancing international experience and career prospects.
Recognition and Accreditation All programs are fully accredited and recognized throughout the European Union, WHO, and medical councils worldwide including UK’s GMC.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Pavol Jozef Šafárik University requires meeting specific academic and examination requirements designed to ensure student success in demanding medical programs.
Academic Prerequisites:
- High school diploma with strong performance in Biology and Chemistry
- Strong academic record demonstrating aptitude for medical studies
- Academic transcripts certified and translated into Slovak/English
- Graduate entry applicants need relevant bachelor’s degree for accelerated pathways
Entrance Examinations:
- Combined Biology and Chemistry exam – Comprehensive multiple-choice test covering high school level concepts in both subjects
- English proficiency requirement – IELTS 6.0, TOEFL equivalent, or satisfactory performance on university’s English assessment
- Interview assessment may be required for final candidate evaluation
Application Timeline: Application period: June to August annually Application deadline: June 30th for fall semester Entrance examinations: August-September Academic year commences: September
Seat Availability:
- Medicine: 200 seats annually (competitive selection)
- Dentistry: 35 seats annually (highly competitive)
Graduate Entry Pathways: Students with relevant bachelor’s degrees can apply for graduate entry routes, offering accelerated pathways into medical careers. This unique option makes UPJS particularly attractive for career changers and mature students.
Early application strongly recommended due to competitive selection process.
Costs & Fees
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University offers exceptional value with transparent, affordable pricing significantly below Western European medical education costs.
Annual Tuition Fees:
- General Medicine: €13,000 per year (6 years total: €78,000)
- Dentistry: €13,500 per year (6 years total: €81,000)
Living Expenses (Monthly):
- Accommodation: €450 (dormitory or private housing)
- Utilities: €200
- Food & groceries: €250
- Transportation: €50
- Personal expenses: €150
- Total monthly cost: €900
Additional Costs:
- Application fee: €100-150
- Medical insurance: €300 annually
- Books and materials: €400 per year
- Entrance exam fee: €100
Accommodation Options: University dormitories provide furnished double rooms with modern amenities near campus. Private rental options available at competitive rates in Košice’s affordable housing market.
Value Comparison: Total 6-year medical degree costs approximately €82,000-86,000 including living expenses – exceptional value compared to Western European alternatives costing €150,000+.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply via our contact form here:
Career Prospects
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities worldwide, with degrees that provide access to medical practice across Europe and internationally, backed by strong institutional reputation and active alumni networks.
Employment Excellence:
- 95%+ employment rate within 12 months of graduation
- Strong international recognition enabling practice in over 50 countries worldwide
- Active alumni network across Europe, UK, and international markets
- Average starting salary: €35,000-55,000 annually in EU countries
- Specialty training access throughout European Union and beyond
Global Practice Recognition: UPJS degrees are recognized worldwide through WHO listing and EU accreditation. Graduates can practice medicine immediately throughout European Union member states. UK practice available through GMC registration with established pathways. US/Canada practice possible through USMLE/MCCEE examinations with strong institutional preparation support.
Research Career Pathways: Participation in EXTASY research programs and other faculty research initiatives provides valuable experience for graduates interested in academic medicine and research careers. University’s European ranking enhances research collaboration opportunities.
Graduate Entry Advantages: Students entering through graduate pathways bring valuable prior experience, often leading to enhanced career prospects and leadership opportunities in medical practice.
Continuing Education: University maintains active alumni networks and continuing medical education programs supporting career development throughout graduates’ professional lives.
FAQ
International students need a high school diploma with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry, must pass a combined Biology and Chemistry entrance exam, and demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
Yes, UPJS uniquely offers graduate entry pathways for students with relevant bachelor's degrees, providing accelerated routes into medical careers for career changers and mature students.
Yes, all UPJS medical degrees are fully recognized by WHO, EU, and medical councils worldwide including UK's GMC. Graduates can practice throughout Europe immediately and in other countries after licensing examinations.
Tuition fees are €10,500 per year for medicine and €11,000 for dentistry. Total living costs average €900 monthly including accommodation, food, and personal expenses in affordable Košice.
Košice is Slovakia's second-largest city, known as the "Metropolis of the East" with rich history, cultural attractions, safety, and vibrant student life. It offers urban amenities while maintaining affordable living costs.
Applications must be submitted by June 30th for September intake. Entrance exams are conducted in August-September, and early application is strongly recommended due to competitive selection.
Students can participate in the EXTASY (Excellent Team for Research into Atherosclerosis) research program and other faculty research initiatives, gaining valuable experience in medical research.
Yes, UPJS actively participates in Erasmus+ programs, enabling students to study abroad at partner European universities for enhanced international experience.
UPJS accepts 200 students annually for medicine and 35 for dentistry. The substantial medicine intake provides better admission opportunities than many competitor institutions.
Students train at Košice Teaching Hospital, which is closely integrated with the university, providing extensive hands-on clinical experience in modern medical facilities across various specialties.
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