Slovakia has an outstanding international reputation as one of the best countries in Europe for medical education ranking higher for internationally accredited courses.

Each year students from around the world travel to Slovakia to peruse their higher Education the cheap cost of living and the low cost of tuition fees are driving factors that attract many students every year. Slovak institutions of higher education are responsible for advancement of education, and constant development of scientific and technological standards.

Universities and colleges prepare qualified professionals with education in technical, scientific, economic, social and artistic disciplines. At present there are 20 public, 10 private and 3 state universities and colleges in Slovakia. Study programmes are organised on three levels and studies are completed by presenting and defending a thesis or dissertation and taking the State Examination.

Slovakia offers the prestigious opportunity to study and train in the European Union at a fraction of the price you would pay in UK or USA.

You can look forward to a lifestyle to one of which is similar to European countries with the state of the art facilities available for students that are also up to world standards.

You can engage in many sports and extracurricular activities and also enjoy the diverse cuisines that are available at easy reach due to the ample restaurants and diners available.

There are many supermarkets with all the modern facilities making it easier for anyone to quickly settle in Slovakia.

There is ample natural parks and activities that you can participate to live a fulfilling student life yet serine environments suitable for students.

All the above factors contribute to the fact that Slovakia is a hot destination to pursue higher education in medicine.

The education is constructed on a credit system. The credit system follows the rules of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The student’s standard load is expressed by the number of sixty credits per academic year and thirty credits per semester. The school of higher education determines the total number of credits required for due completion of the study in its respective stages.

One academic year may be divided into two semesters or rarely in three trimesters. It begins on 1 September of the current year and ends on 31 August of the next year but however, really it ends in May/June. The teaching process includes various forms of instruction such as lectures, seminars, exercises, laboratory work, projects, practical training, and consultations. The studies are organized within the following study programmes and “stages” (also translated as levels).

Each school must provide at least Stage 1:

The first level of study for a Bachelor degree (bakalár – Bc.) takes usually 3 years, the second level is a Master of Science or Master of Arts (both called as magister – Mgr.), Master of Engineering (inžinier – Ing.), or Medical Doctor degree (doktor – MUDr.) which takes 6 years. The third level is the Doctoral degree which takes a further 2–4 years.

Stage 1: Bachelor study programme; 3–4 years; title: “Bachelor” (bakalár, abbr. “Bc.”)

   Stage 2, or Stage 1 + Stage 2 (Stage 2 lasts 1–3 years):

• Master’s study programme; title: “Master”
• Engineer study programme; title: “Engineer”
• Doctor study programme ; titles:

1. a) in human medicine: “Doctor of Medicine” (MUDr.)
2. b) in veterinary medicine: “Doctor of Veterinary Medicine” (MVDr.)
3. c) in dental medicine: “Doctor of Denatal Medicine” (MDDr.), studying since 2010

Stage 3:

• Doctor and study programme; 3–4 years; titles (placed behind the name):

1. a) Basic title “Philosophiae Doctor” (PhD)
2.      b) in art studies “Doctor Artis” (doktor umenia, abbr. “ArtD.”)
3. c) in Catholic theology “Licentiate of Theology” (licenciát teológie, abbr.”ThLic.”) or

“Doctor of    Theology” (doktor teológie, abbr. “ThDr.”)

• Specialisation studies in medicine

The Act on Schools of Higher Education 2002 distinguishes study programmes at all three stages and with a considerable proportion of the 2nd and 3rd stage. Only these schools are allowed to use the word “university” in their name.

Slovakia offers quality courses in the field of Medicine and Dentistry are currently offered in English for international students. The medical degrees awarded in Slovakia are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), and acknowledged in the European Union.
The applicants wishing to acquire a degree in General Medicine or Dental Medicine must effectively pass their admittance tests. Since the language of instruction is English, applicants should possess a good command of English.

Programme: General Medicine
Degree: General Medicine Doctor (6 years full‑time)
Language: English
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine
About the Programme: Graduates joining first and second level of studies in General medicine gain theoretical knowledge of all pre-clinical and clinical subjects concerning practical knowledge, they learn about therapeutics and clinics methods.   After obligatory practise, postgraduate studies and exams, they gain pre-conditions for the specialisation in respective branches or in medical research. The training is focused on achieving a broader general medical education. The Students train to become physicians and surgeons capable of providing professional medical aid and care aimed at preventive aspects of medicine with a broader general medical education.

Programme: Dental Medicine
Degree: Dental Medicine Doctor (6 years)
Language: English
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine

About the Programme:
Graduates learn basic therapeutics and preventive methods and become able to provide basic practical treatments. Graduates are able, on the basis of anamnesis and of complex extra‑oral examination, to analyse the origin of the diseases, to apply methods of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention, to treat the diseases concerning dental diseases. Graduates gain knowledge of all pre-clinical and clinical medical branches concerning dental medicine. The programme is recognised by the General Dental Council and Irish Dental Council for registration to practise as a dentist in the UK and Ireland with the opportunity to practically train at the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences which runs clinics for Dental and oral diseases, Dental and Maxillary Orthopaedics, Oral Care and Paediatric Odontology, Orthodontics. The curriculum leads to a master’s degree in Dentistry, which is equivalent to a Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) and forms the basis for specialist education or scientific (PhD) studies.

Postgraduate courses may be taken in the following:
Clinical Biochemistry, Normal and Pathological Physiology, Internal Medicine, Epidemiology, Hygiene, Microbiology, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Otorhinolaryngology, Pharmacology, Dental Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, Neurosciences, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology. Students are awarded the degree of PhD (Philosophiae Doctor).

Living costs vary from region to region and are also dependent on fluctuations in the prices of food, energy and other everyday necessities. But generally the prices of food and sustainable products are very affordable. The standard of living is growing very fast in Slovakia and in some areas of social life it is already on average or above the average of EU countries. In general, the cost of living (utility costs, prices, etc.) in Slovakia is lower than in west European countries like UK, France or Germany.
Tuition Fees
Applicant’s full name must appear on transfer form. The payments listed below should be made by bank transfer in Euros before the deadline indicated

The total annual tuition fee is €10,500.

Upon arriving at UPJS, You will be asked to place a refundable deposit of €500 Euros for loaning University textbooks. This deposit will be returned at the end of the programme once all books have been returned.
Please Note:
• All fees, tuition, and charges are subject to change without notice.
• Tuition fees quoted by the University.
• The fees do not include other expenses such living & travelling cost.
• All students are advised to budget realistically before embarking on a course. Students are also advised to confirm such expenses, including exact tuition fees and methods of payment, directly with the University.

Preparation Course Fee
Enrolling in the preparation course is optional and the course fee is €750.
The payment must be made by bank transfer only to the following bank details:

Please Note:
• Applicant’s full name must appear on the transfer form.
• Payments must be made in the Euros before the deadline indicated in one instalment.

All applicants must complete their high school education, before applying for an undergraduate course.
Postgraduate applicants must have an undergraduate diploma.

They must have secured their preferred funding option (government, loan provider or self-funded). EU applicants can apply for funding with the Slovakian government.

A medical certificate stating that the applicant is in good health from a qualified doctor.
English fluency – If not a first language, the applicant must provide documentation to corroborate their English fluency. If the standard of English of the applicant is not high enough, they must do a 9 month intensive language course before applying.

All applications should be made online. Many applicants find the application forms, tests and interviews required when applying for undergraduate medicine an overwhelming process. This step-by-step guide indicates what you must exactly do to avoid any delays or rejections due to not following the required application procedure. If you find it still hard to follow or have areas you do not understand; we at Masha Consultants are always prepared to guide you through the process.

I. Create a student profile online.
II. Start your application making sure to check your name against your passport.
III. As a part of your application you need to upload supporting documents including:
a) Most recent academic transcript ( with English translation in PDF format)
b) Copy of ID page of your passport
c) If applicable, proof of English language proficiency.
IV. Once submitted; an email confirmation with a copy of your application is sent to you.
V. Your application is assessed by the study board if successful you will receive the offer letter by email.
VI. Accept your offer and pay your deposit and/ or OSHC fees if applicable
VII. You will then receive your CoE for your visa application.
VIII. You will then confirm your visa and book flights to arrive on time for orientation.

Application Deadlines:

The following are deadlines for all programmes for the class starting in the fall of 2015

• May Exam (Early admissions): 01/01/2016 – 31/05/2016

• August Exam (Late admissions): 01/06/2016 – 31/07/2016

Places may be limited in certain programmes.

Under certain circumstances, an applicant who missed the final application deadline, may contact us for special requests in applying to university programmes after registration deadlines but chances of success is rare due to the high demand for places.

Please Note: Education documents must be legalized, recommended Notary Public, please contact Sharon Stone via www.notableservices.co.uk

Documents required for registration are as follows:

1. Electronic Application Form (AIS2) to be filled

2. School Leaving Certificate

3. Transcripts of high school (where marks are mentioned) and secondary school certificates verifying successful completion of General Biology and General Chemistry

4. CV, /Personal Statement in English

5. ID, Copy of passport

6. 3 passport sized pictures with a white background (3×4 cm)

7. Health Certificate from a hospital or GP (speak to us for a sample)

8. Copy of advanced level grades

9. Motivation letter

10. For NON EU students, Certificate proving the knowledge of the English language; (TOEFL, IELTS, B2 Level or 6 Band)

11. Application fee of 40 EUR direct to University account, non-refundable (please speak to us for University account details)

The acceptance letter will be necessary for Non-EU students to secure their visa.
There are three possible outcomes of your application to medial school are:
• Acceptance
• Rejection
• Spot on the Wait List.
Normally, medical schools have to make more offers than they have spots available in their class to fill each class. This works in your favour. For example: If a school has 200 spots to fill for that year, they may have to extend 250 or 300 offers

Once your chosen institution has received all your documentation and funding information, they will send an official “Letter of acceptance”.

After this, you can pay your first part of the tuition fees, register at the institution and prepare for your first semester.

Masha Consultants have achieved an exceptional reputation for securing medicine transfer and dentistry transfer places for transfer students.
Medical universities in Slovakia transfer students based on severe health problems, adverse personal or financial circumstances even though they follow the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). They consider year group numbers of existing medical students and dental students, clinical and academic experience obtained by the applicant to date in comparison to their course. We have been able to overcome these obstacles of transfer entry and is in a position to guarantee entry to its students into the highest academic year possible.We have transferred many students from European medical universities and international medical universities into the next academic year of their medical degree or dental degree.

The General Medical Council (GMC) is responsible for providing GMC registration for doctors, required in order to practice medicine in the UK. Please follow the link:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/about/contacts/. Information regarding registration for doctors is
The recognition of degrees of the 1st and the 2nd level (Bachelor and Master) issued by foreign higher education institutions (of Member States or other states except for the states with which there exist a bilateral treaty) falls within the competence of the appropriate higher education institution in Slovakia which provides the same or similar study programme. If the contents of the studies are only partly identical, the higher education institution may invite the applicant to take additional examinations or to complete and defend his/her Bachelor thesis, diploma thesis, examina rigorosa or dissertation thesis. In case that there is no higher education institution to carry out the study programmes identical or related to those stated in the submitted certificate in Slovakia, the recognition of equivalence is issued by the Centre for Recognition of Diplomas, Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport. The diplomas issued by a foreign higher education institution or other authorised bodies of the state that has concluded an agreement with the Slovak Republic on mutual recognition of diplomas are equivalent with those issued by a higher education institution in the Slovak Republic, provided that these credentials are covered by the agreement.

The living cost in Slovakia is relatively low compared to other European Countries. There is affordable student accommodation within the campus in university dormitories also private accommodation is not very high compared to Central and Western Europe. There is a good and affordable public transportation system and many supermarkets in cities around Slovakia, which have been built in last few years. Wherever you choose to live there are ample numbers of supermarkets, shops and convenient stores scattered with quick access also, food and leisure facilities. Many Students are particularly attracted to the above as well as the world class graduate studies they can get in Slovakia and the popularity keeps growing each year.

Roughly calculated; a student needs around €475 per month as living expenses to live comfortably well.   The below table provides the average prices for 2015 an estimating the monthly living costs for Slovakia students (in euro’s). These figures only serve as guideline and cannot be seen as binding. With the equitable tuition fees, Slovakia is a highly attractive destination for international students.

The National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic is intended to support mobility of foreign students, PhD students, university teachers and researchers to stay at Slovak universities and research institutions.

Accommodation in the Dormitory

Most universities and institutions offer housing in campus dormitories. The rooms are furnished with beds, tables, and wardrobes. Bathrooms are generally shared between two rooms, or between all the rooms on each floor. The standard of these may differ. Usually rooms housing 2 – 3 students are standard, but rooms for a single student are also available. Each dormitory has its own dining hall or buffet, where meals are available for lower prices and generally provided throughout the academic year. Normally rooms have internet access and there are launderettes in dormitories.

Some halls have their own gymnasiums, swimming pools, fitness centres, etc. The price of accommodation in a dormitory varies from 67€ – 90€ per month averagely for a small dormitory room.

Many universities provide information about their dormitories on their websites. If you wish to study in the Slovak Republic outside the framework of bilateral agreements or exchange programmes, you cannot be guaranteed a place in a dormitory of residence, due to the limited capacity of individual dorms. If the student is interested in living in a dormitory, he/she should contact the university at least few months before commencing his/her studies or before the start of the academic year.

Other Possibilities of Housing

Easiest way (except for staying in a hotel) is to rent a private apartment. In such cases, it is recommended to sign a lease with your future landlord defining precisely the terms and conditions of the stay in the apartment. The apartments should be provided with basic pots, dishes, linens, etc. Most apartments have washing machines, but automatic dryers are not used

Approximate Living cost in Slovakia

The figures given above are approximates only, can be vary slightly as per individual choice

The university and students alike normally aims to ensure that time at the School is not just about studying but is also as enjoyable as possible. The Unions organises entertainment and funds many student societies covering a wide range of interests. These societies add a huge amount to students’ experience in Slovakia. The variety of societies and activities change with the interests and initiative of each new group of students.

There are many restaurants and other quirky places ready to serve you the best of Slovakia. You can choose from simple refreshment stands offering fast foods, cosy bageteries, snack bars and sandwich shops or various types of restaurants in Slovakia offering Slovakia food. Pizzerias and Chinese restaurants are quite popular, but there are many classic restaurants offering a high variety of Slovakia food. Vegetarian restaurants and wine bars are also available. Cafés, bars, tea rooms and sweet shops are very frequent as they are popular meeting places

Sport activities are practiced widely in Slovakia, many of them on a professional level. Among the most popular are ice hockey, football, tennis, handball, basketball, volleyball, white-water slalom or athletics. Slovakia is a country of sports and recreation. Slovak mountain ranges are dissected by thousands of kilometres of tourist paths and tracks. They belong among the best designated ones in Europe. Other sports and recreation in Slovakia includes, balloon flights, paintball, archery, climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping, small aircrafts flight and parachuting It is not surprising why more and more students choose Slovakia as their destination for higher education studies every year with all Slovakia has to offer for the young and young at heart.

The Slovak Republic is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders with Austria, he Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Hungary. Mountains, lowlands, valleys, akes, cave formations, forests and meadows provide many examples of Slovakia’s year-round natural beauty. The Carpathian Arc, a range of mountains stretching across the north, takes up almost a half of the country. The south and east of the country lie in the lowlands, an important agricultural area in Slovakia.

The climate is relatively continental with virtually no extremes below minimal -20°C (-4°F) or above maximal +37°C . In summer, the temperatures may rise up to +32°C in the warmer regions of Bratislava and Southern Slovakia. Slovakia has nine national parks, majestic peaks, deep valleys and mysterious arroyos and large forests which are full of life. Crystal clear glacial lakes, blue surfaces of water reservoirs and peaceful lowland rivers are a paradise for birds. The natural travertine formations created by volcanic activity adds on the unbelievable diversity in such a small area.

Slovakia is a developed Central European country boasting a developed modern infrastructure. The rail networks are well built. Divided into motorways and expressways, there is a good highway connectivity and the river Danube is used both by passenger, cargo and freight ships with good connections to any destination.

Local Transport

The public transport system in towns is quite reliable. A network of public transport – usually buses (in Bratislava and Košice also a network of trams and trolleybuses) covers most of the towns. Operating hours are from 5:00 to 23:00. After 23:00 there are a few night bus lines. Every town is responsible for running its own public transport (“mestská hromadná doprava” in Slovak, abbr. MHD).

Features

Public transport is the most extensively used means of transportation in towns. Timetables can be found at every stop and in Public transport stands. Tickets are usually not sold on buses. In such cases they can be bought at newsstands, automatic ticket dispensers, some bus stations or public transport kiosks. However, it is reliant on on the particular town, check it upon arrival. Tickets vary from town to town. If you stay longer in a certain town and you are sure to use public transport more often than once a day, it is advisable to buy travel pass, for example 30, 90 or 365-day passes. To get a pass (30, 60 or 365-day passes) you need a recent photograph (3 × 3.5 cm), your ID card and a completed application form. It is always helpful to consult with local people. Children and students travel for reduced fares (ask for details as conditions may vary from town to town).

There are time-tickets (you can change means of transport within a given period) or single-use tickets (every time you change means of transport, you use a new ticket). Fare depends also on tariff zones given by the town area. There are usually also tickets valid for several days upon validation after entering the vehicle. You must also have a ticket for large pieces of luggage and animals.

Slovakia is a safe country in Europe. Slovakia is a peaceful country and Living in Slovakia is very safe not any more unsafe than any other EU country. It was the 24th safest country of the world in 2009 (20th in 2008 and 17th in 2007) according to the Global Peace Index. Slovak people are usually very generous and accommodating.

The University Campus has its own security standby for any student in need. Furthermore, students will be provided with the necessary security information. CCTV cameras everywhere and the police normally do regular rounds.

However, students are advised to take care of their possession and not leave things unattended as this may attract unnecessary attention especially in public places where valuables can be stolen. As in any country suspicious activities can be reported to police.

There are no student loan facilities available for Slovakia, but there may be private companies who provide the loans with following facilities:
Note: Students are strongly advised to investigate on these loans at their own risk as private companies may charge very high interest rates.

Private Lender – Student loans to pay tuition fees and living costs rent, bills, and any other costs associated with your studies, while you are at university.

Budgeting help: Depending on the loan amount, you can choose how you want to receive student loan funds: monthly or a lump-sum payment. Some lenders assist with budgeting Future Finance by issuing the living expense portion of loan funds over a number of months to help you manage spending throughout the academic year.

Some lenders may also provide, reduced interest rate after graduation and loan repayment holidays

Students must apply for Long-term Visa which falls under category “D” Please refer below.

Schengen visa

Slovakia is part of the Schengen Area – territory of 23 countries of the European Union + 2 associated countries of the European Economic Area, which agreed on the abolition of border controls between themselves and on common visa regulations.

By applying for Slovak Visa, a foreigner applies for so-called Schengen Visa which allows him/her to travel inside of the Schengen Area without any restrictions. Schengen Visa holders do not need additional special visa for Slovakia.

Visa types

Which type of visa the foreigner needs depends on the length and purpose of the stay in Slovakia. There are 4 types:

Schengen visa type A = Airport transit visa

Schengen visa type B = Transit visa

Schengen visa type C = Entry visa

Long-term visa D

Long-term visa D (Residence visa, Student visa or Business visa)

Long term visa can be given for the purpose of granting a residence permit in the Slovak Republic or for the purpose of fulfilling obligations arising from international agreements or where it is in the interest of the Slovak Republic.

With this visa the foreigner is allowed to stay on the territory of Slovakia during the period of its validity and it allows him/her to travel accross Schengen countries, but the duration of the stay cannot exceed 90 days in any period of 6 months.

Citizens of which countries need visa to Slovakia?

Citizens of the following countries need visa to Slovakia: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea (North), Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Midway Islands, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Christopher and NevisnoSaint Helena and Dependencies, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, São Tomé and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

For up to 90 days of stay, there are no Slovakia visa requirements for US citizens (USA), Australians, Canadians or UK citizens.

Students can gain Long term visa can be given for the purpose of granting a residence permit in the Slovak Republic or for the purpose of fulfilling obligations arising from international agreements or where it is in the interest of the Slovak Republic.

With this visa the foreigner is allowed to stay on the territory of Slovakia during the period of its validity and it allows him/her to travel across Schengen countries, but the duration of the stay cannot exceed 90 days in any period of 6 months.

Foreigners who are not duly insured can take out contractual health insurance on the territory of the Slovak

For entitlement to medical treatment on the basis of health insurance in another Member State (EU, EEA, Switzerland), an EU/EEA national must present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to the health care provider. (EHIC shall be issued at your request by a health insurance company to which you pay health insurance premiums.) In such a case, the treatment of an EU/EEA national will be covered by a Slovak health insurance company in the same amount as to a Slovak national, provided the relevant physician has concluded a contract with at least one health insurance company.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals are entitled to health care under the same conditions as the nationals of the Slovak Republic. Under the Slovak Constitution every individual – a citizen or a foreigner – staying in Slovakia has a right to be provided with the necessary health care. Everyone also has a right to choose their own health care provider.

International Students (also PhD Students)

An international student, coming to Slovakia to study within a programme arising from an international treaty that is binding for the Slovak Republic is subject to statutory health insurance, the Slovak Republic being the payer of such insurance. The student will submit the necessary documents certifying his/her study at a higher education institution in the Slovak Republic, its international status — proved by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. Other international students have to be insured privately. Additional Individual Health Insurance.

Please follow the link for more information on the European Health Insurance Card if you are an EU or EEA Student

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcareabroad/EHIC/Pages/about-the-ehic.aspx