
Jagiellonian University offers a six-year medical program conducted entirely in English. This path is designed to align with both Polish and European teaching standards, providing a comprehensive medical education for students from around the world. The program is structured to build a strong foundation in theoretical sciences before transitioning students into practical clinical training, culminating in a medical degree recognized internationally.
The first three years of the program are dedicated to the theoretical disciplines of medical science. Students engage with fundamental subjects essential for any medical practitioner. The curriculum includes detailed study in correct anatomy, biology with embryology, histology with cytophysiology, and general and organic chemistry. This is supplemented by biochemistry, physiology, biophysics, microbiology, immunology, genetics, pathomorphology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding the complexities of the human body and disease.
From the fourth to the sixth year, the focus shifts to hands-on clinical disciplines. Students delve into the core areas of medical practice. The curriculum covers pediatrics with pediatric surgery, internal diseases, surgery, orthopedics and traumatology, gynecology and obstetrics, and ophthalmology. It also includes specialized areas such as infectious diseases, psychiatry, neurology with neurosurgery, and laryngology. This practical phase ensures students are well-prepared for diverse medical scenarios.
The final years also incorporate a wide range of specialized medical fields. Students receive training in hygiene, radiology, clinical and environmental toxicology, emergency medicine, public health, nuclear medicine, and occupational medicine with occupational diseases. Furthermore, the program includes instruction in clinical immunology and microbiology. A key feature of the curriculum is a specialized Polish language course, specifically designed to prepare students for effective communication with patients in Poland.
This program is managed by the School of Medicine in English (SME), which has been part of the JU Faculty of Medicine since 1994. The school has experienced significant growth and currently educates nearly 700 students. These students come from five different continents and numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, and Norway. The SME offers two distinct medical study programs, both taught entirely in English, catering to a diverse international student body.
The teaching staff at the SME includes highly experienced lecturers from Jagiellonian University alongside visiting professors from the USA, Canada, and Germany. The program's standards are not only based on Polish teaching requirements but also on those adopted in the European Union and the United States. This international alignment is confirmed by accreditations from bodies like the US Department of Education, the Medical Board of California, and Polish organizations such as KRASP, KRAUM, and PAKA.
The quality of education at Jagiellonian University is formally recognized. The university was awarded the scientific category "A" in the discipline of "medical sciences" by the Minister of Education and Science. Additionally, the Faculty of Medicine received the "Crystal Brussels Sprout" award during the II European Economic Congress, recognizing it as one of the best research units in Poland. Detailed program information, including specific subjects per semester and mandatory versus elective courses, is available in the program's curriculum overview.
Upon successful completion of the six-year program, graduates receive a diploma and the professional title of "lekarz" (physician), which is recognized internationally. This recognition allows them to pursue careers globally. Many graduates choose to work and continue their specialized training in countries like Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The skills acquired prepare them for various roles in the health sector.
The medical degree opens doors to numerous employment settings, addressing the growing demand for medical services driven by demographic and civilizational trends. Graduates are prepared to work in:
Public and non-public healthcare facilities
The education sector
Research institutions and R&D centers
Institutions focused on health education counseling and dissemination
For those wishing to continue their education, the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum provides several pathways. Graduates can pursue advanced academic or professional training through:
Doctoral studies, such as at the Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences
Postgraduate studies, including options at the Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education (MCKP CM)
Second-cycle (Master's level) studies in related fields
The medical program in English at Jagiellonian University presents a comprehensive, six-year educational path. It combines theoretical science with extensive clinical training, supported by an international faculty. With accreditations from Polish, European, and US bodies, the program prepares graduates for medical careers both in Poland and abroad, offering a solid foundation for specialization or further academic research.