Studying medicine in Slovakia

Advantages of studying medicine in Slovakia

If you're thinking about starting your medical career outside of Germany, it's worth taking a closer look at studying medicine in Slovakia. Here are some of the reasons why a university in Slovakia is the right choice for you.

Admission without numerus clausus - also possible with Fachabitur

Studying medicine in Slovakia is accessible regardless of your A-levels. The Numerus Clausus does not play a role. Instead, selection is based on a written entrance test, which usually consists of multiple-choice questions in biology and chemistry. Applicants with a vocational baccalaureate are also admitted, provided they can prove that they have a university entrance qualification and sufficient knowledge of English.

English-language degree programme with EU-wide recognition

All medical degree programmes are offered entirely in English. The degree "Doctor of General Medicine" (MUDr.) is recognised in all member states of the European Union in accordance with the EU Professional Recognition Directive. This enables a seamless career start in Germany or another EU country. It is also possible to complete clinical traineeships and parts of the practical year in Germany.

Practice-orientated training in small groups

The medical faculties in Slovakia attach great importance to practical training. Early patient contact, clinical case discussions and internships in everyday hospital life are part of the curriculum. Teaching often takes place in small groups, which enables intensive supervision and targeted support.

Favourable cost of living

The cost of living in Slovakia is significantly lower than in Germany. On average, students only need 500 to 700 euros per month for rent, food and leisure activities. Cities such as Košice or Martin are particularly affordable. Tuition fees are also moderate by European standards and range between 9,000 and 10,500 euros per year, depending on the university.

Central location and good accessibility

Thanks to its geographical proximity, Slovakia is particularly attractive for students from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Bratislava is only one hour away from Vienna. Numerous train and bus connections facilitate journeys home and weekend trips to major European cities such as Prague, Budapest or Krakow.

German-speaking community and international atmosphere

The proportion of German-speaking students at Slovakian universities is high. Many applicants from Germany or Austria choose to study in Bratislava, Martin or Košice. The international composition of the student body ensures an open environment and makes it easier to start studying and everyday life in Slovakia.

Wide range of leisure activities in nature and the city

Slovakia offers a high quality of life - both for nature lovers and those interested in culture. The Carpathian Mountains, numerous national parks, river valleys and thermal springs invite you to relax. At the same time, cities such as Bratislava or Košice inspire with their historical charm, cultural offerings and lively gastronomic scene.

At which universities is it possible to study medicine in Slovakia?

If you are in Slovakia Study medicine you can choose from three of the most important medical faculties in the country with a medical degree programme in English without numerus clausus. Here you will find all the important information on location, programme structure, admission and special features.

Comenius University Bratislava - Faculty of Medicine

The Comenius University in Bratislava is the oldest and most renowned university in Slovakia. The medical faculty offers an English-language medical degree programme in human medicine and dentistry. Several hundred international study places are awarded each year.

Admission requirements:

• No numerus clausus (NC)

• Entrance exam: multiple-choice test in biology and chemistry

• Proof of general higher education entrance qualification

• Knowledge of English (language level B2 recommended)

Special features:

• Teaching in modern teaching clinics

• Practical training through early clinical phases

• International student community

• Good connections to Germany, Austria and other EU countries

Location advantage:

• Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is only about an hour away from Vienna

• Numerous leisure, cultural and nightlife options

• Favourable cost of living compared to Western Europe

Jessenius Faculty Martin - Comenius University

The Jessenius Medical Faculty is an independent location of Comenius University focussing on high-quality medical education and research. The Medizinstudium in Martin in English is one of the most recognised in the region.

Admission requirements:

• No NC necessary

• Admission test in biology and chemistry

• University degree with a focus on natural sciences is an advantage

• B2 English level recommended

Special features:

• Study in small groups with individual support

• Innovative and interactive teaching

• Early patient contact and research focus

• Clinical training at Martin University Hospital

Student city Martin:

• Quiet, academic location with historical flair

• Nearby mountains offer leisure activities

• Good connection to Bratislava (approx. 2 hours drive)

Pavol Jozef Šafárik University of Košice - Faculty of Medicine

The medical faculty in Kaschau has been offering an established English-language degree programme in human medicine and dentistry for many years. The university is one of the leading medical universities in Central Eastern Europe.

Admission requirements:

• Entrance exam with multiple-choice questions in biology and chemistry

• No numerus clausus required

• Proof of English language proficiency (min. B2, TOEFL or IELTS recommended)

Study characteristics:

• Directly connected university hospital

• Internationally accredited degree programme

• Wide range of clinical specialities

Study location Košice:

• Slovakia's second largest city with international flair

• Vibrant campus with over 20,000 students

• Numerous cafés, parks, museums and student activities

• Good flight and rail connections

Requirements for studying medicine in Slovakia

To study medicine at the universities in Slovakia presented by us, you do not need an outstanding NC or particularly good grades in science subjects. The decisive factor for the application is an entrance test consisting of multiple-choice questions. The questions deal with topics in the fields of chemistry and biology. Experience from previous internships may also play a role.

As teaching is in English, English language skills are an advantage. The level acquired at school is sufficient for the application.

Good news for all those who don't have A-levels: There are also opportunities in other European countries to Medizinstudium mit Fachabitur to make. Slovakia is one of them!

Studying medicine in Slovakia - content and structure

The medical degree programme in Slovakia lasts six years (12 semesters) and is structured in the same way as the German model - with preclinical and clinical years of study.

Phases of medical studies

• Pre-clinical training (first 3 years): In-depth knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, biochemistry, histology and embryology is taught. There is no classic Physikum examination, but there are regular weekly knowledge checks and credit-based tests (2-5 per subject per semester) to ensure continuous learning.

• Clinic (years 4-6): The transition to clinical training begins with practical units at university hospitals. Practical medical skills are taught in small learning groups (often 8-15 students) in subjects such as internal medicine, Surgery, Gynaecologypaediatrics and others.

• Final year of study: From the sixth year onwards, compulsory internships are planned in a chosen specialist area, such as internal medicine or gynaecology. The degree programme ends with the state examination and the title "Doktor medicíny", which corresponds to the German state examination.

Didactics and form of study

• The curriculum follows the ECTS-based Bologna system, with clearly structured compulsory and elective courses and a maximum of 38 hours of contact teaching per week - consisting of lectures, laboratory courses, seminars and clinical phases.

• It is possible to study part-time, possibly with more semesters and without entitlement to state funding

Costs and financing of medical studies in Slovakia

To give you your Medizinstudium im Ausland finanzieren to be able to realise the full potential of the project, careful consideration must be given to the costs involved.

Tuition fees

• The semester fees for English-language medical degree programmes in Slovakia are between €5,250 and €5,450.

• This corresponds to around €10,500 to €10,900 per academic year and is in the middle of the European price range for a Studying medicine abroad.

Cost of living

• International students can expect total monthly costs of around €400-700, depending on the city and lifestyle.

• Flat or shared room: Student residences from €60/month, one-bedroom flat €300-€350 (incl. utilities), two-bedroom €400-€550

• Food, transport, leisure & insurance: approx. €150-200 for food, €20-30 for monthly travelcard, additional costs approx. €170 per month

• Total budget per month: ~€500-700 is realistic for study locations such as Bratislava, Košice or Martin

Financing options

• Auslands-BAföG: possible throughout the EU - for tuition fees and living costs for students abroad.

• Scholarship programmes: State (e.g. Slovakian National Scholarship Programme) and privately offered funding opportunities.

• Student loans: Repayment usually after graduation and entry into employment.

• Part-time jobs while studying: Another option for support within the framework of statutory regulations.

What you didn't know about Slovakia

• The green heart of Europe: the beautiful landscape of this Central European country has been preserved in nine national parks. Dense, vast forests, clear ice lakes and majestic mountain peaks characterise the landscape of Slovakia and are home to numerous wild animals such as wolves, bears and lynxes.

• Brimsennocken (Slovakian: Bryndzové halušky) is the national dish of Slovakia. It consists of dumplings made from potato dough mixed with a special sheep's cheese. There is even a world championship in cooking and eating Brimsennocken, which attracts numerous Brimsennocken lovers every year in the mountain village of Turecká.

• Slovakia is characterised by a very long history, which begins at the time of the migration of peoples around 400 AD. This is why there are numerous sights and castles to admire in the country today

Applying to study medicine in Slovakia

Studying medicine in Slovakia offers an attractive alternative to studying in Germany - provided you observe the formal requirements and deadlines. The application is the first step towards a place at university and should be submitted early, in a structured and complete manner.

Application process at a glance

Application deadlines:

• The deadlines vary depending on the university, but are typically between May and July. Some universities also accept earlier applications.

• It is essential to research the current deadlines at your chosen university in good time.

Application form:

• Depending on the university, you can apply online, by post or in combination.

• You can find the information on the form directly on the websites of the respective universities.

Required documents

The following documents are usually required:

• Copy of the Abitur certificate or an equivalent university entrance qualification

• Proof of English language skills (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS or school English certificate)

• Letter of motivation (in English)

• Curriculum vitae (in tabular form, in English)

• Copy of the passport

• Medical certificate (in English)

• Vaccination certificate or health certificate, if applicable

Admission test

• An entrance test in biology and chemistry (multiple choice, in English) is required to study medicine in Slovakia.

• The test examines basic school knowledge from the upper school.

• Preparation courses or online materials are offered by many agencies and are recommended.

Important to know

• No numerus clausus required - your chances depend primarily on your test results and the quality of your application documents.

• Fachabitur is sufficient if the university recognises it and you pass the entrance test.

• The programme usually starts in the winter semester (September/October).