All of the information below pertains only to English-taught programmes offered by NCU Collegium Medicum. Detailed information concerning individual programmes of study can be found in specially dedicated sections of this website. Click on any of the sections below to see detailed questions and answers.
OFFER
What programmes taught through English do you offer?
NCU Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz currently offers 4 full-time programmes taught fully in English:
- Medicine (6-year programme, uniform Master’s degree level)
- Nursing (3-year programme, Bachelor’s degree level)
- Physiotherapy (5-year programme, uniform Master’s degree level)
- Pharmacy (5.5-year programme, uniform Master’s degree level).
More information: studies in English
How numerous is your English Division and where do students come from?
There are currently over 400 students of our English-taught programmes (as of October 2022). They come from many different countries around the world. The citizenships of our students (from most to least numerous) are currently as follows (in alphabetical order): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Denmark, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Why would you recommend choosing your university?
We are the smallest medical university in Poland, which can actually be considered one of the major advantages. We have two large multidisciplinary university hospitals where our students have their practicals and work placements. The smaller number of students (as compared to bigger universities) makes the student/teacher and student/doctor ratio very beneficial for all participants of the educational process. In other words, there aren’t that many students per one teacher or doctor, which gives a more “cosy” and familial atmosphere. This is especially important with regard to practical classes, during which our students have a much easier access to patients than students of larger universities. Also, the overall atmosphere between students themselves is that of friendliness and mutual support.
Additionally, feedback received from our students often points to the high quality of medical education offered by our experienced teachers, many of whom are accomplished clinicians or researchers. This can be evidenced by the fact that our graduates are highly valued employees of healthcare institutions around the world.
What is a long-cycle (uniform) study programme?
Long-cycle/uniform studies must be fully completed in order to graduate with a degree. In Poland, long-cycle study programmes are offered at the Master’s degree level and it is not possible to divide them into Bachelor’s + complimentary Master’s degree. In other words, you need to pass all years of study in order to graduate with a Master’s degree and you cannot graduate earlier with only a Bachelor’s degree.
For example, if you have a Bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and you want to continue studies to obtain a Master’s degree (e.g. through a complimentary 2-year course), this is not possible. If you apply to the long-cycle Physiotherapy programme, you will have to complete all 5 years of study in order to graduate with a Master’s degree, regardless of the fact that you already hold a Bachelor’s degree.
More information: long-cycle programmes in Poland
Do you offer preparatory courses?
We offer an online preparatory course for new students who gained admission to the first year of studies. Its aim is to make sure that all newly accepted students are more or less at the same level in terms of biology, chemistry and physics when they begin proper studies. The course is non-obligatory and costs PLN 2 000 (two thousand Polish złoty). It takes place in September, before the opening of the academic year on 1 October.
Do you offer Erasmus+ student exchange opportunities?
Yes, our university actively participates in the Erasmus+ student exchange programme. We have signed agreements for places for exchange students with several dozen higher education institutions from different countries. We therefore provide our students with the opportunity to change their surroundings for a period of three to ten months and enjoy the Erasmus+ experience.
More information: Erasmus+ exchange
Do you offer study programmes taught in Polish for international students?
Yes, foreign nationals can apply to study programmes offered by our university in Polish. Admission requirements, fees and procedures are different than in case of studies in English. Also, in order to apply, you need to have a certificate of Polish proficiency (the level depends on the study programme).
More information: studies in Polish for foreigners
Do you offer Polish language courses?
NCU Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz does not offer any courses preparing candidates to obtain an certificate of Polish proficiency. However, the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, to which we are affiliated, offers Polish courses for foreign nationals. The courses are run by the Centre for Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners.
More information: Polish language courses
STUDIES
How is the academic year organised and when does it begin?
Each academic year is divided into two semesters (winter and summer). The winter semester starts in October and ends in mid-February, while the summer semester starts in mid-February and ends in June. Summer holidays last three months - from the beginning of July until the end of September. The official opening of each academic year takes place on 1 October.
More information: organisation of the academic year
What does the study programme include?
Study programmes include theoretical and practical classes, as well as work placements. The theory/practice ratio and amount of work placements depend on the study programme. Classes include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and e-learning. For more detailed information, visit the “Plan of study” section for the study programme in which you are interested.
What are work placements?
Work placements (also called clinical rotations) are an integral part of the study programme. They are mandatory for all students and must be completed in order to graduate. Depending on the study programme, placements can take place during the holiday period or in between classes. Since work placements are included in the curriculum, they are organised by the university, unless you want to complete them outside of the university (e.g. in your home town), which is also possible.
Please note that work placements are different from what is generally referred to as “internship”. During work placements, you learn practical skills under strict supervision and you are not paid for it. You could consider it as extended practical classes at a clinic. Internships, on the other hand, are more independent, mostly paid, and take place after graduation, which is why the university is not involved in organising them.
Will I get ECTS credits for my classes?
Yes, as a public university we follow all standards and requirements applicable to EU countries. This also includes following the European Credit Transfer System and awarding ECTS credits for completed classes. 60 ECTS credits are the equivalent of a full year of study. Therefore, for our study programmes you can obtain a total of:
- Medicine – 360 ECTS credits (6 years),
- Nursing – 120 ECTS credits (3 years),
- Physiotherapy – 300 ECTS credits (5 years),
- Pharmacy – 330 ECTS credits (5.5 years).
ADMISSIONS
Can international students apply?
Of course! Our English-taught programmes are open to everyone, regardless of their country of birth, education or current residence. Both Polish and international students can apply.
Do I need to know the Polish language or have a Polish certificate to apply?
No, prior knowledge of Polish is not required. Courses in basic Polish are included in the curriculum to make it easier for your to function in your everyday life here in Poland.
Do I need an English proficiency certificate?
Language certificates are not required for the admission process. English proficiency is verified by the Qualification Commission during the admission interview.
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
The major eligibility criterion is holding a secondary school certificate which makes you eligible to apply to any type of university in the country where it was issued. In other words, since all our study programmes are undegraduate, the main criterion for eligibility is succesfully completing secondary education and obtaining the secondary school leaving certificate (or equivalent document) allowing you to apply to universities.
For Medicine in English, there is an additional requirement - the secondary school certificate must include the following subjects: (1) Biology and (2) Chemistry or Physics.
What are the stages of the recruitment process? – international applicants
For Medicine, the admission process includes the following stages:
- Document submission – you submit your application documents; if you don’t submit the required documents, you cannot pass through this stage.
- Document analysis – your documents are processed to see if they meet the criteria (e.g. required grades on your secondary school certificate); if your documents meet all the requirements, you are invited for an admission interview.
- Written test - an online written test in English, consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions; passing the test (min. 50%) is required to go through to the next stage!
- Admission interview – it is carried out by the Qualification Commission; the interview includes questions concerning knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics at the level of secondary school and motivation to study a given programme; it also aims to check the candidate’s proficiency in English.
- Final decision.
For Nursing, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy, the admission process includes the following stages:
- Document submission – you submit your application documents; if you don’t submit the required documents, you cannot pass through this stage.
- Document analysis – your documents are processed to see if they meet the criteria (e.g. required grades on your secondary school certificate); if your documents meet all the requirements, you are invited for an admission interview.
- Admission interview – it is carried out by the Qualification Commission; the interview includes questions concerning knowledge in biology, chemistry and physics at the level of secondary school and motivation to study a given programme; it also aims to check the candidate’s proficiency in English.
- Final decision.
What grades in the required subjects are accepted?
There are no thresholds set for grades that are taken into consideration during the admission process. Our candidates apply from different countries with different education systems and various types of final grades, so there are no specified cut-off grades considered as “acceptable”. What makes a candidate eligible to apply is the fact of having grades in required subjects on the diploma.
What application documents are required?
Documents required in the admission process:
- your upper secondary school leaving certificate or diploma which:
- is validated (legalised) or affixed with apostille,
- gives the right to apply to all types of higher education institutions in the country where it was issued and is equal to the Polish upper secondary school leaving certificate,
- applicable to Medicine only: includes two subjects: (1) Biology and (2) Chemistry or Physics;
- a document confirming your right to apply to all types of higher education institutions in your home country - if this is not stated in your secondary school leaving certificate;
- a valid health certificate confirming your ability to take up studies;
- a certified copy of your passport.
Can I apply if I don’t receive my secondary school certificate before the application deadline?
Yes, in this case you can apply with the so-called statement of provisional results/predicted grades issued by your school. Our candidates are from different countries with different education systems, so we know that final exams are sometimes taken very late or the final school certificates are issued long after graduation. In such cases, the statement of provisional results can be used for the admission process. However, please mind that if you become admitted, you will have to submit the final (official) secondary school certificate. If you fail to do this, we will have to remove you from the list of students.
How do I apply?
You need to register in our online admission system. The system will ask you to create your personal account and submit the required documents. A link to the admission system will be available on this website when the next admission period opens.
Can I apply through a recruitment agency in my country?
You can apply directly or through a recruitment agent for a given country/area – both paths are equally acceptable, so the choice is yours.
Usually, we cooperate with several recruitment agencies who manage applications of candidates from selected countries/areas. If you wish, you can choose to apply through any of those agencies rather than directly to the Centre for Medical Education in English. The list of agencies cooperating with us will be published when admissions to a given academic year open.
Is there an entrance examination? – international candidates
Medicine: There is an online written test in English, followed by an online interview in English. Passing the test (min. 50%) is required to go through to the next stage, that is the interview.
Nursing / Physiotherapy / Pharmacy: There is no entrance text, only an online admission interview in English
Can I get admitted on the basis of university degrees or professional experience that I’ve already achieved?
Additional academic and/or professional experience is treated as an advantage, but it does not constitute the basis for admission. All our English-taught programmes are undergraduate and we must make sure that every candidate has equal chances of being admitted, no matter if they are secondary school leavers or licensed practitioners. A fair assessment can only be made on the basis of a document which every candidate must possess – a secondary school diploma. Post-secondary achievements of our candidates can be evaluated by the Qualification Commission during the later stages of recruitment.
What is the acceptance rate?
In the 2022/23 intake, acceptance rates were as follows:
- Medicine – 49%
- Nursing – 68%
- Physiotherapy – 88%
- Pharmacy – 33% (note: the programme wasn’t launched due to an insufficient number of admitted students).
Are there any application fees?
Yes, the application processing fee of PLN 85 is an integral part of the admission process. If you don’t pay this fee within the specified deadline, your application in the online admission system will be seen as incomplete and the Qualification Commission will not process it. Details on how to pay this fee will be available in your personal account in the admission system.
TRANSFERS
Can I transfer to any of the English-taught programmes?
Currently, transfers are only possible to the following programmes: Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy.
Can I transfer to any year of study?
Generally speaking, transfers from one university to another are not an easy process, especially with regard to higher years of study. Such transfers are more difficult due to many differences in the curricula (plans of study) offered by both universities (your current university and ours). In other words: the higher the year of study, the more difficult it is to transfer. If it is decided that there are too many differences in the curricula, you might be declined or offered to transfer “backwards” (to an earlier year). When a candidate submits their documents, the Qualification Commission analyses them to check for any curricular differences. If there are too many, a transfer is not possible.
When can I transfer?
Transfers are only possible before the beginning of an academic year. Transfers in the middle of an academic year (e.g. to the summer semester) are not possible. The window for applying for a transfer usually opens in late August/early September.
What are the prerequisites for a transfer?
Transfers from other universities are governed by our university’s Study Regulations, which state directly that:
“A student of another university can apply for admission to the University by transfer provided that he/she has met all the requirements arising from the regulations in force at the university in which he/she has studied.”
This means that in order to be transferred:
- you must still be a student of your current university (not a graduate or someone who has dropped out for any reason).
- you must fulfil all requirements (pass all courses) at your current university up to the point of transfer. It is not possible to transfer with a “failed” course and then pass it here after transfer.
On what basis are transfer decisions made?
Transfer decisions are based on comparing the curriculum (course content and plan of study) from your current university and our curriculum to see if they overlap. The more similar they are, the easier it is to transfer. If there are too many curricular differences, a transfer is not possible. In individual cases, it is also possible to transfer with some minor curricular differences, on condition that any missing courses are made up for after the transfer, for an extra fee (based on the number of classes to be taken).
Please mind the possibility to cover curricular differences by doing extra classes only applies to missing courses which can be made up for in a technical sense (= it is feasible due to e.g. a small number of teaching hours to be covered). It doesn’t apply to more intense courses that require many hours of teaching, and it definitely does not apply to courses that you have failed in your previous university (see the point above).
If my transfer is approved, can I apply for a credit transfer/course exemption?
Transfer of credits for classes that you have already completed is possible after you become transferred to our university. However, we cannot tell you in advance whether credit transfer for a specific course is possible. The procedure looks more or less like this:
- you are accepted as our student and receive the plan of study including a list of courses,
- you identify a course which you already had at the previous university, for which you received a positive grade,
- you go to the teacher of that course at our university and ask him/her to exempt you from attending those classes and to accept the grade from the previous university,
- if the teacher agrees, he/she will forward the request to the Dean, and if the Dean agrees as well, then the grade for this specific course will be transferred (=recognized).
Every student is considered as an individual case, so it is impossible to make a credit transfer decision before a transfer. Credit transfer is not possible if there are any substantial differences in the syllabi (descriptions) of the courses. Sometimes teachers exempt a student from attending classes, but he/she has to take the final examination – it all depends on the teacher and the type of course. Also, being exempted from some of the courses (on the basis of the credit transfer) does not allow to shorten the duration of studies or reduce the amount of tuition fee – you would still have to study all years of the programme, only with fewer classes to attend.
FEES & EXPENSES
How much are tuition fees for English-taught programmes?
Tuition fees for study programmes in English are currently as follows:
- Medicine – PLN 29 000 per semester (twenty-nine thousand Polish zloty); there are 12 semesters in total;
- Nursing – PLN 17 000 per semester (seventeen thousand Polish zloty); there are 6 semesters in total;
- Physiotherapy – PLN 16 000 per semester (sixteen thousand Polish zloty); there are 10 semesters in total;
- Pharmacy – PLN 17 000 per semester (seventeen thousand Polish zloty); there are 11 semesters in total;
In order to check the fees in your currency, you can use a currency converter.
Does the university offer scholarships to international students of English-taught programmes?
No, currently we do not offer scholarships or any other forms of financial aid to students of our English-taught programmes. This applies to everyone, regardless of their citizenship. All students, both Polish and international, pay the same amount of tuition fee.
What is the payment schedule for tuition fees?
Payments are made per semester in advance (before the semester begins):
- for the winter semester – by 30 September of a given academic year;
- for the summer semester – by 15 February of a given academic year.
What is the cost of university accommodation?
The rent for rooms at Student House no. 3 is currently as follows:
- single room - PLN 1150 / month;
- double room - PLN 850 / month / person.
More information: accommodation
What other study-related expenses are there?
Apart from tuition fees, the following expenses should be taken into account:
- obligatory third-party liability insurance – about PLN 40,
- student ID card – PLN 22,
- accommodation – prices vary greatly depending on the type and standard of accommodation (student house vs private landlords),
- public transport – PLN 54 for a monthly ticket for all public transport,
- costs of everyday living.
What is the average cost of living in Poland?
The cost of living can vary considerably depending on a student’s lifestyle. We could say that a very average cost of living (excluding the fee for dormitory or other accommodation) is about PLN 50 per day, which gives about PLN 1500 per month. There’s a nice overview of prices available at the website of the National Agency for Academic Exchange: everyday expenses in Poland
Will my tuition fee be refunded if I don’t commence my studies?
Tuition fees are paid before the beginning of each semester. This also applies to the first semester, for which the fee must be paid by 30 September. If you become admitted and pay the tuition fee for the first semester, but you cannot arrive to begin your studies due to not being granted a visa, we will refund the full amount of fee paid by you.
CAMPUS & ACCOMMODATION
Where is the university located?
NCU Collegium Medicum is a public medical university located in Bydgoszcz, Poland. It cooperates with two university hospitals, also located in Bydgoszcz. Teaching classes, hospital departments and administration offices are in Bydgoszcz. They can be physically located in different parts of the city, so it is advisable to always check the address on the website before arriving or sending mail.
Since 2004, the school has been affiliated to the Nicolaus Copernicus University, whose main campus is located in Toruń, Poland.
Where do classes take place?
The buildings of our university are located in various parts of the beautiful city of Bydgoszcz. Most of them are grouped into two major campuses situated in the heart of the city. Classes can also be held within university hospital facilities. At the beginning of each academic year, our students receive a list of teaching departments where they will have classes, together with their addresses.
Does the University offer accommodation for students?
Yes, the university offers rooms in three student houses (dormitories) located in the city. Student House no. 1 is the furthest from the centre of the city, so international students rarely stay there. Student House no. 2 is in the very centre of the city, but it is mostly occupied by Polish students (international too, but not so many). Student House no. 3 is dedicated to international students. It is also located in the centre, next to University Hospital no. 1 in which students have a lot of classes. Also, the English Division office is located inside Student House no. 3.
More information: Student House no. 3
Are there any apartments for rent for students in Bydgoszcz?
Yes, students can find accommodation in apartments or rooms for rent offered by private landlords. The university does not assist students with any matters related to private accommodation. Private housing offers can be found in online markets and social media forums, or through housing agencies.
STUDENT LIFE
As a university, we are not involved in our students’ employment outside of the university. The university does not prevent students from having a job – it is the students’ decision what to do in their free time when they have no classes. However, please mind that the plans of study can sometimes be packed tight, especially at the beginning of studies. Our study programmes are full-time, which means that classes are held on weekdays and can sometimes take up most of the day.
Also, we cannot get involved in assisting students in finding employment or other sources of financing. Our students are of course free to work (e.g. part-time), but they do it independently of the university.
What can I do in Bydgoszcz?
Bydgoszcz is the 8th largest city in Poland and the capital of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Region. It has around 340 thousand inhabitants, about 10% of whom are students. The city has a lot to offer to both residents and visitors, whose mobility is facilitated by an airport located just 2 miles from the city centre and a well-developed public transport system.
More information: official tourist guide to Bydgoszcz
Are there any student associations at the university?
Yes, there are several students organisations functioning at the university which you can join. Some of them are devoted mostly to research projects, while others focus on socialising and assisting students with university-related matters. Our students are also members of international or national associations (only for students from a given country).
More information: student associations
VISA
Do I need a visa to study at your university?
There are actually two types of documents that could be referred to as “visa”: (1) a visa to enter Poland or (2) a visa to stay in Poland as a student (=residence permit):
- A visa allowing you to enter Poland – this is something that you have to arrange by yourself. Once you get admitted to the university, you will receive a Congratulation Letter, which you can submit at the visa office in order to prove that your stay in Poland will be connected with studies. Other than that, we do not get involved in the visa procedures.
- A temporary residence permit – official permission to stay here in Bydgoszcz, which you apply for after arrival, at the local voivodeship office, before your current legal status expires (i.e. before your visa or residence card expires). If you become admitted and arrive for studies, we will inform you how to obtain your residence permit.
Can the university help me obtain my visa?
This might actually be a bit problematic. As a university, we are considered by embassies as a “third party”, which means that we shouldn’t (sometimes even aren’t allowed to) get involved in a student’s visa procedures. We are only authorised to do the following things:
- issue documents, which you can submit at the visa office: Congratulations Letter – confirming your admission to the university; Confirmation of Student Status – a more detailed document with information about your study programme, fees paid, etc.;
- write a request to the visa office asking to speed up the visa process (this works only with some embassies);
- provide the embassy with information about the student (only if we are contacted by the embassy).
AFTER GRADUATION
Is the university internationally accredited?
The university holds accreditations of Polish institutions which in turn sign cooperation agreements with other countries concerning international recognition of accreditation decisions.
Our programmes currently hold several accreditations issued by:
- the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA): Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Laboratory Medicine;
- the Accreditation Committee of Polish University Medical Schools (KAAUM): Medicine;
- the National Accreditation Committee for Nursing and Midwifery Schools (KRASzPiP): Nursing.
Our university is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools developed through a partnership between the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). Listing in the World Directory does not denote accreditation, but it does mean that we are a medical school providing a complete program of instruction leading to a basic medical qualification (higher education diploma and the title of lekarz, equivalent to M.D.) and therefore permitting the holder to obtain a license to practice as a medical doctor.
More information: accreditations, affiliations and recognition
What kind of diploma will I get when I graduate?
Once you graduate, you will receive a higher education diploma at the Bachelor’s or Master’s degree level (depending on the study programme). Since Poland is a member of the European Union (and the European Higher Education Area – EHEA), the diplomas that we award are consistent with the standards and requirements followed by EU countries. The diplomas, together with diploma supplements, include all the most important information about your studies, such as subjects, grades (and grading system), work placements, ECTS credits, and suchlike.
Will my university diploma be recognised abroad and give me the right to practice the profession?
This depends on the country’s internal regulations concerning the recognition of higher education diplomas. The university cannot guarantee whether your diploma will be recognised in a given country without additional diploma verification procedures. Your diploma might automatically give you the right to practice in some countries, while in others it might be subjected to additional diploma recognition procedures. Depending on the target country, a diploma recognition procedure might involve: going through an administrative verification process (you submit the diploma together with requested documents and wait for a formal decision), taking an exam or a skills test, or completing a supplementary course.
Graduates of our English-taught programmes receive diplomas which allow them to practice medical professions which are regulated in most countries. Every country has its own rules and laws governing regulated professions, including the right to practice in a given country on the basis of a degree obtained abroad. The university offers education leading to a given degree certified by a higher education diploma. The diploma opens the door to a graduate’s professional career, but does not have to automatically give them the right to practice. If you wish to pursue professional career in a country other than Poland, you should first check the regulations on the recognition of Polish medical diplomas in the country of your choice.
