Medical studies in Kashaw
Slovakia - UPJS

You can lay the foundations for a medical career in the centre of Slovakia

UPJS Kaschau, Slovakia - Medical studies abroad

At a glance

Application deadline

30 July 2025

Admission test

13 August 2025

Costs

6.500€ / semester

Study places

210

Duration

6 years

Language

English

Medical studies in Kashaw: Pavol Jozef Šafarik University

If you are from the Medizinstudium im Ausland but don't want to miss out on quality, practical relevance and EU-wide recognition, then studying medicine in Košice at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJS) in Slovakia is just the thing for you. The medical faculty has been training doctors for more than 70 years - now over 12,000 in total.

The training is conducted entirely in English, is internationally recognised and enables you to work as a doctor in Germany, Austria, Switzerland or any other EU country later on. Particularly attractive: there is no NC and you can even apply with a vocational baccalaureate. What do you need? A good understanding of biology and chemistry, and the willingness to get involved in an exciting life in Slovakia's second largest city.

Applying to study medicine abroad

To the 2025 application

Click here to go to the futuredoctor application portal, where you can apply to study medicine at the Pavol Jozef Šafarik University of Kashaw can apply. Register in the application portal and start your application today.

Further information

Why study medicine in Košice?

UPJS - Pavol Jozef Šafárik University: Profile & Tradition

Pavol Jozef Safarik University (UPJS) is one of the most traditional medical universities in Eastern Europe. Founded in 1948, it bears the name of the Slovakian doctor and scientist Pavol Jozef Šafárik. The university stands for:

  • A success story spanning more than 70 years

  • Over 12,000 trained doctors

  • A clear focus on practical relevance and research

An English-language degree programme has been available since 1992 and today attracts students from over 40 countries. The programme is particularly popular with applicants from Germany and Austria - not least because of EU Directive 2005/36/EC, which guarantees recognition of the degree in all EU countries.

The Faculty of Medicine is located right next to the L. Pasteur University Hospital - one of the most modern medical facilities in the country. This proximity enables a particularly practice-orientated education that familiarises you with everyday clinical practice from the very first semester.

Kosice: Slovakia's second largest city with student flair

Košice is located in the east of Slovakia and has a population of around 240,000. The city is not only the economic, but also the cultural and medical centre of eastern Slovakia. It was named European Capital of Culture in 2013 and impresses with its

  • High quality of life with a low cost of living

  • A large student community - more than 20,000 students

  • Wide range of leisure activities - from parks and museums to outdoor activities

Thanks to the international airport and an excellent railway network, Kaschau is very easy to reach - whether from Vienna, Prague, Budapest or Bratislava. In the city itself, you can easily get around by bus and tram or on foot - ideal for everyday life as a student.

The city also offers modern infrastructure, fast internet, a growing catering scene and many sports facilities. All this makes Košice one of the most interesting places to study in Eastern Europe.

Medical training at European level

The medical degree programme at the UPJS is clearly structured, scientifically sound and highly practice-oriented. You benefit from:

  • Modern equipped laboratories

  • Small group lessons with about 10 students per group

  • Weekly tests to continuously check knowledge

  • Early insights into everyday life at the clinic

Unlike at many German universities, you are not just a student number here, but receive personal support. The close Contact us with professors, doctors and fellow students not only promotes your learning, but also strengthens your clinical and social skills.

You also have the opportunity to take part in international exchange programmes and complete internships in other EU countries.

Study programme & study language

Human Medicine and Dentistry - English-language programmes

At Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, you can choose between two medical degree programmes:

  • Human medicine (6 years, degree: MUDr. - medicinae universae doctor)

  • Dentistry (6 years, degree: MDDr. - medicinae dentalis doctor)

Both programmes are taught entirely in English - this means that you not only complete an internationally compatible course of study, but also learn specialist medical vocabulary in the world's most important language.

English-language degree programmes offer you:

  • Easier access to scientific literature

  • International career options

  • Access to USMLE, PLAB or similar exams

  • A multinational study group with students from over 40 countries

Programme structure, duration of studies & title (MUDr. / MDDr.)

The Studium der Humanmedizin lasts 6 years (12 semesters). The first two years consist mainly of pre-clinical studies (e.g. biology, chemistry, anatomy), from the third year onwards the clinical part begins, in which you work directly with patients.

The dentistry degree programme follows a similar structure, but places a stronger focus on the dental medicine from the third year onwards:

  • Tooth preservation & prosthetics

  • Surgery & Orthodontics

  • Dental materials & practice

The degree is a professional doctorate, which is equivalent to a Dr. med. univ. in Austria and a professional doctorate in Germany. You can then start your specialist training straight away.

Study conditions & everyday life

Campus, laboratories & teaching building next to the university hospital

A highlight of studying medicine in Kashaw is the direct location of the teaching building next to the L. Pasteur University Hospital. So you have:

  • Short distances between lecture and clinic

  • early contact with patients

  • Optimum opportunities for observation and practice

This close proximity brings medical theory directly into clinical reality. The campus itself is equipped with modern facilities:

  • High-tech laboratories for biochemistry, anatomy and microbiology

  • Skills labs for practical exercises (e.g. injections, surgical suturing)

  • digitised lecture halls with presentation technology

  • a large, English-language library

As a student, you will benefit from a mix of theory, simulation and clinical experience that will optimally prepare you for medical practice.

Small groups, practical relevance & modern didactics

A major advantage of the UPJS is that you can work in small groups with a maximum of 10 people. This allows you to:

  • ask more questions

  • Work more intensively with lecturers

  • actively participate in lessons

Only the lectures take place with the entire year group. The rest takes place in manageable groups - ideal for developing practical skills. There are also small tests every week. This helps you to study regularly and internalise the material permanently - and reduces stress before big exams.

In addition, simulation patients, role-playing games and interdisciplinary training are used from the first year onwards - a modern concept that is still rare at many German-speaking universities.

Language courses & integration into the Slovakian environment

Although the degree programme is taught in English, you will work with Slovakian-speaking patients in everyday clinical practice. That's why you will learn additional languages in the first two years:

  • Slovak for everyday life

  • Medical vocabulary

  • Simple dialogue with patients

These language courses are compulsory and part of the curriculum. They not only help you to communicate in hospital, but also when shopping, looking for accommodation or in a café.

Admission procedure & test

Admission without NC, but with multiple-choice test

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Kashaw offers fair and transparent admission. You need:

  • no NC

  • No selection interview

  • only the passed entrance test

The admission procedure is therefore performance-based instead of grade-based - ideal for applicants who, for example, have no access to medical studies in Germany due to the NC.

Test content: Biology & Chemistry - 1200 questions, 200 in the test

The entrance test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions:

  • 100 from biology

  • 100 from chemistry

The special feature: You will receive a complete catalogue with 1200 questions (600 per subject) in advance. All exam questions are taken from this catalogue - in other words:

  • No surprises

  • 100 % plannable

  • High potential for success with good preparation

The test is written in English. You have to answer around 70-75 % of the questions correctly to have a good chance of getting a place at university. The failure rate is low - especially with targeted preparation.

Preparation & success with futuredoctor platform

So that you are optimally prepared, futuredoctor:

  • Access to the e-learning platform with all 1200 questions

  • 90+ educational videos in biology and chemistry

  • Digital test simulations for self-monitoring

  • 2 printed books with question-and-answer catalogues

  • Personal counselling & support until the entrance exam

With this support, you can learn systematically, recognise your weaknesses and work on them in a targeted manner. Many applicants pass the test on their first attempt because they start preparing in good time.

Tuition fees for medical studies in Kashaw

An important point for all prospective medical students abroad is the question of tuition fees. The Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice (UPJS) offers a very good price-performance ratio compared to Western European and North American universities.

Cost overview of the study programmes

The current tuition fees (as of 2025) are as follows:

  • Human medicine: approx. €10,500 per academic year

  • Dentistry: also approx. €10,500 per academic year

The fees are generally payable annually and remain stable for the entire duration of the programme.

What is included in the tuition fees?

The fees cover the following services, among others:

  • Access to laboratories, skills labs and libraries

  • Lessons in small groups with practical support

  • Patient contact from the 1st year onwards

  • Digital learning platforms and online resources

  • Examination fees, test certificates and clinical modules

  • Slovak language courses for medical communication

Payment modalities & notes

As a rule, tuition fees must be paid:

  • annually in one instalment or

  • paid semi-annually in two instalments

The exact method of payment is specified in the UPJS letter of admission. It is important to adhere to the deadlines, as late payment can lead to a delay in enrolment.

Study without NC & with Fachabitur

No numerus clausus required

In contrast to Germany or Austria, you do not need an NC to study medicine in Kaschau. That means:

  • Your A-level grade is not the deciding factor

  • You have realistic chances, even with an average certificate

  • Access is performance-orientated, not bureaucratic

You will be judged solely on your performance in the entrance test - it doesn't get any fairer than that.

Fachabitur recognised - fair access opportunities

Also mit Fachabitur it is possible to study in Kaschau. The only important thing is that:

  • your Fachabi leads to a higher education entrance qualification in Germany

  • you have the scientific basics for the test

Many applicants with a vocational baccalaureate take the opportunity to enter their desired profession via the UPJS - without waiting semesters, without detours.

Application process & documents

Applications are submitted via the futuredoctor application portal. You will receive personalised support - from the initial consultation to final enrolment. You need:

  • Passport copy

  • Certificate translation (in English)

  • Letter of recommendation (optional)

  • Curriculum vitae & letter of motivation (optional)

  • Registration for the entrance test

As soon as you have passed the test, you will receive your official place to study in Kaschau - and can start in the winter semester 2025!

 

Study medicine without NC and with a specialised baccalaureate - Medical studies in Kaschau

Unlike in Germany, the Pavol Jozef Šafarik University in Kashubia allows anyone to study medicine without the need for a degree. NC. This means that your previous grade point average is not relevant. You also have the opportunity to Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur to complete.

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The optimum preparation

E-Learning & App

With the help of our e-learning platform and our learning app, you have the opportunity to prepare for the entrance exam at the UPJS in Kaschau and for your studies flexibly and from anywhere.

The platform contains over 90 learning videos as well as multiple and single-choice questions in biology, chemistry and physics. This allows you to prepare for the admission procedure in Kaschau in a targeted manner! You can also carry out realistic test simulations.

Starting signal

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The city of Kashaw at a glance

With around 240,000 inhabitants, Košice is the second largest city in Slovakia. Voted the capital of culture in 2013, it is located in the east of Slovakia, is crossed by the Hernach River and borders the Slovakian Ore Mountains. Among other things, it is the cultural and economic centre of eastern Slovakia and has an international airport and extensive rail connections.

Interesting facts about Kashaw

Cost overview & savings tips for students

Total costs per month (incl. rent): around €600-800 - a fraction of the cost of living in Vienna or Munich.

Saving tips:

  • Use student discounts (public transport, university canteen, events)

  • WG instead of single flat

  • Shopping at weekly markets or discounter chains (Tesco, Lidl)

  • Public transport instead of your own car

If you plan cleverly, you can live cheaply but comfortably in Kashaw and enjoy all the advantages of a modern university city at the same time.

Become a future doctor with futuredoctor!

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Recognised degree & international career

Your degree in human and Zahnmedizin at the UPJS is fully recognised in all EU countries - in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC. You will receive:

  • as a medical doctor: the title MUDr.

  • as a dentist: the title MDDr.

So you can:

  • Start directly with specialist training in Germany or Austria

  • apply for assistant positions throughout Europe

  • be recognised as a doctor worldwide (with a local examination if necessary)

Whether hospital, research, working abroad or private practice - your degree programme will prepare you for all career paths in the healthcare sector.

Practice-orientated training & modern equipment

The medical faculty in Kashaw relies on a:

  • Tightly timed curriculum with weekly tests

  • Small group lessons instead of a mass university

  • Close connection to the clinic - right next door

From the first year of study, you will come into contact with real patients - a big difference to many German-speaking universities. The equipment includes:

  • High-end laboratories

  • Simulation centres

  • Modern library

  • Digital teaching platforms

You study with top-level tools that prepare you perfectly for the clinic, practice and exams.

Young, lively city with a high quality of life

With over 20,000 students, Košice is a real student centre. The atmosphere is young, dynamic and international. You will find:

  • Cafés, clubs & restaurants with student prices

  • Sports programmes, yoga, crossfit, university sports

  • Outdoor paradises such as the Sivec mountain or Ružín reservoir

Košice was voted "Best European City of Sports" in 2016 - no wonder, given the range of leisure activities on offer. At the same time, the city is safe, green and well organised - the ideal place to study and live medicine.

Frequently asked questions

FAQs about studying medicine in Slovakia

The Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, founded in 1948, has a long tradition in medical education and is one of the best universities in Slovakia. The Faculty of Medicine is internationally recognised and has been offering an English-language degree course in human medicine since 1992. The modern campus and proximity to the university hospital enable a practical and high-quality education.

The university offers degree programmes in human/dental medicine. These are taught entirely in English. The human medicine programme lasts six years and ends with the degree MUDr. (medicinae universae doctor), comparable to the Dr. med. univ. in Austria. The dentistry degree programme lasts five years and concludes with the title MDDr. (medicinae dentalis doctor). Both degrees are fully recognised in Germany, Austria and other EU countries and entitle the holder to specialist training in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC

The medical degree programme lasts six years (twelve semesters) and follows a structured curriculum that includes both theoretical and practical training. In each semester, students must collect 30 ECTS points by passing examinations in various subjects. Teaching takes place in small groups, which enables close supervision by professors and doctors. Lectures are held jointly for all students in a year group. In the first two years, international students also learn Slovakian to help them find their way in everyday life and in the clinical environment.

The entrance exam consists of a multiple-choice test with 200 questions, 100 of which are from biology and 100 from chemistry. These questions are based on a catalogue of 1,200 possible questions that are provided in advance. futuredoctor offers comprehensive support in preparing for the exam through access to an e-learning platform, learning videos and sample entrance tests. A letter of motivation is also required.

No, the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice does not require a numerus clausus. Your previous grade point average (NC) is irrelevant for admission. In addition, you can also enter Košice with a vocational baccalaureate. Study medicinewhich makes authorisation easier than in other countries.

futuredoctor provides you with comprehensive support in preparing for the entrance exam and the entire application process. We offer tutoring and access to an e-learning platform with learning videos and test simulations as well as personalised support in writing your letter of motivation. We guide you through all the steps of your application right up to the start of your studies and help you to create the best conditions for the entrance exam.

The tuition fees for studying medicine in Košice are €6,500 per semester for human medicine and €6,750 per semester for dentistry. The cost of living in Košice is low compared to other European cities. You should budget around €300 to €400 per month for living costs excluding rent. A one-room flat costs around €300 to €400, while rooms in shared flats are between €200 and €300.

Košice is a dynamic and culturally rich city in the east of Slovakia. With around 240,000 inhabitants and over 20,000 students, it offers a lively student scene. The city was named European Capital of Culture in 2013 and offers numerous historical sights, parks and leisure opportunities. Košice is known for its affordable cost of living and a wide range of bars, restaurants and outdoor activities.

Medical studies at Pavol Jozef Safarik University are internationally recognised, particularly in the EU in accordance with EU Directive 2005/36/EC. Graduates can continue their specialist training in Germany, Austria and other EU countries. The MUDr. or MDDr. degree offers a wide range of career opportunities in medicine worldwide and enables you to work as a doctor in many countries.

To apply to study medicine at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, please use the futuredoctor Bewerbungsportal. We offer free advice on the application process, degree programmes and tuition fees. We organise the entrance exams and support you with every step of your application right up to the start of your studies.

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