When considering nursing as a field of study, going abroad is an incredible opportunity to broaden your horizons as a health care professional. You will be immersed in high-pressure situations and learn to adapt to a myriad of cultures and personalities.
Poland offers some attractive degree options and the also opportunity to complete your studies in 3 years rather than 4 as in many other countries. The country is also conveniently located in Central Europe and students can easily travel across the EU to explore much more of the world. Here is everything you need to know about studying nursing in Poland.
1. Know the Requirements of Becoming a Nurse in Poland
Poland is part of the EU and a degree obtained here will be valid all across the union. Within Poland itself, there is an aging nursing population and there is a demand for graduates. The nursing degree in Poland is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and takes 3 years to complete. To study nursing in Poland, you will need to complete your secondary education with good grades. The Medical University of Lodz clearly states that your grades need to be above average to be considered.
Your undergraduate degree is completed after 3 years, and thereafter, you will enter what is referred to as your “second cycle” of study. Your master’s studies last another 2 years and will focus on specialties such as oncology nursing, anesthetic, and intensive care nursing, surgical nursing, and more.
All the programs have specific prerequisites which often include certain subjects to have been completed at school. At Nicolaus Copernicus University, they required that you passed Biology, Chemistry, or Physics at the secondary level. A good IELTS or TOEFL result is also required by the Medical University of Lodz.
2. Research Nursing Schools in Poland
When studying nursing in Poland, there are copious amounts of factors that need to be considered when choosing your nursing school. In a country like Poland, it might be difficult to communicate if you do not speak the native language (Polish). Smaller, less metropolitan cities will also offer much more in terms of cultural experiences that are better suited to some individuals.
The Medical University Warsaw has a thriving Health Sciences faculty and an excellent nursing program. As a student here you get to experience Warsaw and its vibrant culture and rich history. Lodz is the country’s third-largest city but has a large population of students. If you choose to study at the Medical University of Lotz you will be more attracted to the student-centered culture that can be found here.
Check Also: Available Programs in Europe for International Students
3. Meet the Prerequisites of Studying Nursing in Poland
There are many nursing degrees offered in Poland that are conducted in English. To study nursing in Poland in English, you will need to prove your English proficiency through any of the accredited standardized English tests. At the Medical University Of Gdańsk, applicants could also be subjected to a further oral exam that will be conducted by the university after registration.
Even though there are courses that are offered in English, it will benefit you greatly to study Polish in addition to your primary subjects. This will allow you to further your practical work in Poland or simply easily converse with patients or fellow students.
4. Know the Tuition Fees
Poland is a first-world country but the costs of living are comparatively lower than that of its neighbors like Germany. When studying nursing in Poland as a foreign national, you will, however, not be able to work. In many cases, working on campus or keeping part-time hours helps students afford their studies. In Poland, you will also not be eligible for any bursaries or scholarships, and you will most likely need to cover your tuition yourself. Nicolaus Copernicus University is part of the Erasmus program which is open to all European nationals and can be a great aid in covering the cost of tuition.
That being said, most courses are still vastly cheaper than in the USA. The quality of education is also great, and your Polish education will open doors to the rest of Europe for job opportunities. At Polonia University in Czestochowa, Bachelor’s degrees cost roughly $3,000 per year. Nicolas Copernicus University on the other hand has a much higher tuition cost at nearly $9,000 per year.
5. Fill Out the Application Form and Prepare Your Application Material
When applying to study nursing in Poland, all your foreign certificates will need to be in English. If it is in another language, you will have to have it translated by an authorized translator. The Medical University of Gdańsk requires an English proficiency level of at least B2. You should attach your IELTS or TOEFL certification along with your application.
Each school has different requirements and you need to carefully comb through all the specifications. WSEI Lublin requires a medical certificate proving that there are no “contraindications” with the degree you intend to peruse. They also require 2 passport photos and proof of an insurance policy that is valid for your duration of stay in Poland.
6. Apply To Nursing Schools in Poland
As part of the EU, the Polish school year starts in the fall. Classes will commence in September or October and you can start applying in the winter of the previous year. Most of the universities follow an online registration process such as the Medical University Of Gdańsk.
7. Once You Get Accepted, Prepare For Student Visa
The EU allows students from its member nations to study across borders with little hassle. EU citizens can study nursing in Poland by simply registering their stay in the country. This can be done at the Voivodship Office that is conveniently located in 16 major cities around the country. This registration is free and simply makes the local authorities aware of your stay that is going to last longer than 90 days.
Students from outside the EU will need to apply for a student visa at the Polish consulate in their home country. Carefully read the instructions on your local consulate website to gather all the necessary documents. This will include an application form, your acceptance form from your university, photos, etc. After arriving in Poland you can apply for a temporary residence card which will cover you for the duration of your studies. This will make traveling between neighboring countries also very easy.
We hope that this article on how to study nursing in Poland was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
