The Faculty of Medicine of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJŠ LF) is a prominent public medical faculty located in Košice, Eastern Slovakia. It was established in 1948 and is the main institution for medical education and research in the eastern part of the country.
UPJŠ LF is highly internationalized, offering its core medical programs in both Slovak and English languages, and is a popular destination for international students from around the world.
Type: Public University Faculty (Integrated with Pavol Jozef Šafárik University).
Affiliation: Constituent Faculty of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice.
Recognition: All programs are nationally and internationally recognized, adhering to EU directives for the medical profession.
Established: 1948.
UPJŠ LF operates from its campus in Košice, integrated with the region's largest hospital network.
Location: The main academic buildings and Dean's office are located in Košice, Slovakia.
Campus Vibe: The campus is dedicated to medical education, featuring modern pre-clinical institutes and direct integration with the clinical environment.
Infrastructure & Facilities:
Academic Blocks: Features modern lecture halls, seminar rooms, and dedicated practical teaching facilities for both Slovak and English programs.
Institutes: Houses various specialized institutes for basic medical sciences, advanced research labs, and a state-of-the-art simulation center.
Residential Life: The university generally provides dormitory accommodation options for students.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The faculty's core clinical training is conducted in the largest hospital in Eastern Slovakia.
Flagship Hospital: Clinical training takes place predominantly at the University Hospital L. Pasteur Košice (UNLP), which is a major hospital network in Eastern Slovakia.
Scale & Services: UNLP functions as a major multi-specialty, tertiary care referral center for the entire Eastern Slovakia region.
Capacity: Over 1,400+ beds.
Educational Engine: Clinical years (Years 4-6) involve compulsory clinical rotations across UNLP departments, providing highly diverse and intensive hands-on experience in a sophisticated medical environment.
State University Affordability
Tuition fees for the English program are paid annually by international students, while the Slovak program is free for eligible students.
Disclaimer: Fees are charged per academic year and must be paid in advance. Always verify the precise, current tuition fee directly from the official UPJŠ LF website for the English program.
Accommodation: The university offers options in its student dormitories for enrolled students, which is typically the most budget-friendly option.
Amenities: Dormitories provide basic student housing and shared facilities.
Cost: Dormitory fees are low, often ranging from €100 - €250 per month. Košice generally offers a slightly lower cost of living than the capital, Bratislava.
Getting Admitted (English Program): Admission is highly competitive and is based on performance in the faculty's Entrance Examination.
Language Requirement: No Slovak proficiency is required for the English program. Applicants must be proficient in English.
Selection Criteria: Selection is based on:
Entrance Examination: A mandatory written test (usually multiple-choice) covering Biology and Chemistry. The exam is conducted in Košice and often in several international locations.
Academic Qualification: Completion of secondary school (high school) with a focus on science subjects.
Application Process: Application is submitted directly to UPJŠ LF, usually online, with a mandatory application fee.
Career Path: Graduates receive the degree of Doctor of General Medicine (MUDr.), which is fully recognized across the EU/EEA.
Post-Graduation: Graduates can immediately apply for practical training and residency (specialization) programs in Slovakia or pursue opportunities across Europe, North America, or other regions.
Internship/Training: Clinical training is integrated into the 6-year curriculum.
Employment: Graduates are highly valued globally.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus