Pavol Jozef Safarik University
Faculty of Medicine

History and Facts

• The University is located in the beautiful and historic city of Košice in Eastern Slovakia. In terms of size and importance, Košice ranks second after the Slovak capital, Bratislava.
• 1959 - The University was established as the second University in Slovakia. UPJS is named after an outstanding character in Slovak history, Pavol Jozef Safarik (1795 - 1861), a scientist, poet, linguist, ethnographer, archaeologist and educator.
• At present the UPJS consists of four faculties: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Public Administration.
• Unlike other Central European Universities, English-language instruction is not new to UPJS, as the University has a 15-year history teaching the art and science of medicine in English to International students.

University Advantages

• UPJS offers two English degree programs, one in General Medicine and another in Dental Medicine. Both courses have duration of six years.
• Tuition at UPJS is roughly half the price of comparable programs in the UK, and a third less than English language Medicine programs offered in other Central European Countries.
• Vocational training is based on the latest knowledge in medical science and students are given the possibility to achieve the background for scientific activity as well.
• Students at UPJS acquire specialized knowledge in theoretical, pre clinical and clinical subjects through lectures, seminars clerkships, specialized practice and consultations.
• The University is a member of the European University Association (EUA) allowing graduates to obtain a medical doctor degree recognizable within the EU.
• UPJS has intensive activities in the field of education, research, international relationships and service to public.
• The Faculty of Medicine has several significant partners, such as Faculty Hospital of L. Pasteur in Košice and six other medical facilities. Students therefore are given the opportunity of practical education in clinical disciplines, as the last year of study is concerned with practical training.
• The Faculty of Medicine at Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Košice co-operates closely with many significant Universities and Institutions within Europe.

Courses Offered

The Faculty of Medicine provides University Studies for International Students in two medical branches:

• A six year degree in General Medicine
• A six year degree in Dental Medicine

Both programmes are taught exclusively in English. The last years of study are concerned with practical training in hospitals and health care institutes. The study is completed by the state examinations before the Board of the Faculty Experts. Graduates are awarded the academic title 'Doctor of General Medicine' (MD) or 'Doctor of Dental Medicine' (D.M.D.).

From the academic year 2001/2002 in line with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) the credit system was implemented. That system enables access to courses within EU countries. The ECTS stimulates mobility by allowing students to study abroad, yet still having full academic recognition at the host university. It also creates curriculum transparency further improving the recognition of degrees. In those professions where the conditions of education in Slovakia are identical with those in the European Union, which have already been recognized (medical and dental doctors), the member states of the European Union are obliged to accept the diplomas issued in Slovakia, irrespective of the language of instruction.

In general, the study programme follows the basic outline below:

Six-Year General Medicine Degree Programme

The six-year programme at UPJS is held in Košice, Slovakia, over six academic years*. Each academic year is divided into two semesters with a substantial winter and summer break.

Graduate of General Medicine gets theoretical information from all preclinical and clinical subjects. As regards practical knowledge, he/she learns therapeutics and clinics methods. He/She acquires qualification for specializing in respective branches or in medical research. For a brief overview please see curriculum.

* Students prepare for, and take, obligatory state exams after the completion of their6th year.

Six-Year Dentistry Degree Programme

The six-year programme at UPJS is held in Košice, Slovakia, over six academic years*. Each academic year is divided into two semesters with a substantial winter and summer break.

Graduate of Dental Medicine gets theoretical knowledge from all preclinical medical branches. As regards dental medicine, graduate learns basic therapeutics and preventive methods and he/she is able to provide basic practical treatments. Graduate is able, on the basis of an anamnesis and complex extra-oral examination, to analyze the origin of diseases, to apply methods of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, to treat dental diseases. For a brief overview please see curriculum.

Application Requirements for Initial Application

• Completed UPJS Košice application form
• A 12 year proof of Secondary Education. High School Certificate and grades - (a copy signed by a notary)
• Proof of payment of application and registration for the exams fee. [Early Admissions €165 (01.01.08 - 30.04.08) and Late Admissions €180 (01.05.08 - 31.07.08). If a student wishes to apply to three Universities then he/she could pay the amount of €195]
• A' levels are not required as it is an International programme. Nevertheless it is advisable that the students follow courses in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in their school, as that would allow them to do better in their exams.
• There is no English Requirement, as the student is requested to pass the Examination which is in English. If the applicant passes the exam successfully it is a proof of English literacy.
• Once the student has passed the exams and has been accepted then she/he is required to submit additional papers.

Application Procedure

• Submission of application form and supporting documents
• Enroll into the Premedical Preparation Course (optional). It is a nine week Prep course that is offered twice a year and it is held in the Slovak Republic, Israel and Ireland. It is designed to help students master the basic concepts in the Life Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics), so that they are prepared to pass the Examination. The course is for those who a) lack prerequisite skills in the Life Sciences b) failed one or more entrance exams c) want to refresh their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Fees for the Prep Course is €2,700 (education only)
• Pass the Entrance Examination. Students that have a BSc degree in Life Sciences may be exempt from the Entrance Exam requirement, depending on each individual case. The exam is in English and questions are in 'multiple choice' and/or 'fill in the blanks' form. Answers must be given in English. Students have approximately 2 hours to complete each exam.
• After passing the Entrance Exam and being accepted to the University, the student is requested to send additional documentation [a) Completed Medical Report Form in English, b) Copy of passport, c) 4 ID size photographs, d) CV, e) Proof of Passing the Entrance Exams or proof of exemption from the examination], and pay €500 Registration Fee (due September 1st 2008).

Tuition Fees

• Tuition fees are calculated per academic year and cover the cost of education only. Students are required to pay a one-time registration fee to secure their place at UPJS. The tuition fee per academic year is US$8.500 for General Medicine and US$9.000 for Dental Medicine for September 2008 Intake. Per year the tuition fees vary, nevertheless, tuition fees will be fixed for all years of study according to the valid fees of the year of registration.

Cost of Living

The Slovak crown is tied to the Euro; fluctuation is limited to + or - 15%. Slovakia intends to adopt the Euro in 2009.

Costs per month	€
Accommodation in student dorm	115
Course material, books	15
Food and drink	150
Total costs per month*	280

*Excluding clothing and personal needs.

• The University provides students with accommodation in the University's dormitories in single rooms for €115 per month (price includes water and heating but excludes electricity). Rooms include a cooker, table, refrigerator and optionally a phone and Internet connection. The dormitories are located approximately 400 to 500 meters from campus. In the dormitories, there is a central kitchen and dining room where it is possible to order dinner. Part of the kitchen is reserved for buffet meals. It is also possible to rent an apartment in the city.