CAO OFFERS- A Second Chance at First-Class Medicine and Veterinary: Polish Universities Expanding Opportunities for Irish Students
Medical Poland continues to open doors for Irish students who aspire to careers in Medicine, Veterinary medicine, and other health sciences but may have missed out on places at home. Based in Tipperary, Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes has twice visited Medical Poland’s partner universities in Wroclaw and Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Olsztyn, and was very impressed by the world-class facilities and the supportive, student-centred environment. He has since recommended the pathway to his own students, several of whom are already studying in Poland, with others having recently graduated and returned to Ireland to begin their professional careers.
Medical Poland has already helped hundreds of Irish students embark on their studies in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, and Poznań. Partner universities include Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, renowned for its Veterinary Medicine programme, and Collegium Medicum at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Bydgoszcz, which offers Medicine. All degrees are taught and assessed entirely in English, running in parallel with their Polish counterparts. Importantly, Medicine degrees are fully recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland and the UK’s General Medical Council, while Veterinary degrees are recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Beyond Medicine and Veterinary, Medical Poland also represents Polish universities offering Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Nursing through English, giving Irish students a wide choice of career paths. Guidance counsellors, including Conor who have travelled with Medical Poland highlight the exceptional personalised support offered, from guiding students through applications and interview preparation to practical help like airport transfers and discounted hotel accommodation. For many Irish families, this hands-on assistance makes the dream of studying medicine or veterinary abroad not just possible, but a smooth and reassuring journey.
A Tipperary Family’s Journey to Veterinary Medicine in Poland
In the scenic Glen of Aherlow, in West Tipperary, the Barlow family dedicate their days to caring for their Angus pedigree herd under the Gurtavoher prefix. Their deep-rooted passion for cattle inspired brothers Darragh and Cillian to pursue veterinary medicine, a dream shaped by the many vets who visited their farm over the years.
For parents Mariese and John, the idea of their son moving as far away as Poland initially felt daunting. “It was a huge worry to think Darragh was moving so far,” recalls Marie. “But with Medical Poland’s support, we had great peace of mind from the start. They took the pressure off us by guiding us through every stage of the application, handling forms via video calls and emails, and even creating WhatsApp groups for parents and students. That sense of togetherness and security was invaluable during what could have been a very stressful time.”
Now in his fourth year studying Veterinary Medicine at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Darragh is thriving. “The application process was made very simple with guidance from Medical Poland and my attentive Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes,” he explains. “Lecturers are supportive and motivate us to do well. The course is demanding, but there’s still time for sports, societies, and a good social life. My year has around 50 students, of which 35 are Irish — and that strong Irish community even led to the creation of the Wrocław Éire Óg GAA Club.”
For younger brother Cillian, now embarking on his first year, the decision to follow in Darragh’s footsteps was clear. “Listening to my brother’s positive experience gave me confidence. There’s a large Irish presence in Wrocław, so I knew I’d settle in easily. I applied to both Olsztyn and Wrocław through Medical Poland, and the support I received, from mock interviews with feedback to revision materials, really prepared me. I also liked that there’s no requirement for a third language; you can focus fully on the science subjects that matter most.”
Together, the brothers’ story shows the difference having informed Guidance in schools and the support of an organisation like Medical Poland can make, removing stress from the application process, providing reassurance to families, and helping Irish students find their path in world-class Polish universities, where English-taught, EU-recognised degrees open the door to professional careers back home.
Opening Doors for Ireland’s Future Healthcare Professionals
The experience of the Barlow family from Tipperary is echoed by many other Irish families who have found reassurance, support, and opportunity through Medical Poland. With hundreds of Irish students already thriving in Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy programmes in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, Olsztyn and Poznań, Poland has become a trusted destination for those who missed out on places at home but remain determined to follow their vocation.
All degrees are fully taught and assessed in English, delivered to EU standards, and recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, and other European professional bodies. Coupled with affordable tuition, lower living costs, and the strength of an established Irish student community, Poland offers a clear, practical, and inspiring route into medical and health science careers.
Medical Poland’s dedicated team continues to guide students and families step by step from the initial application, through interview preparation, to settling into life abroad, ensuring every student has the chance to realise their dream.
For more information and late application support, visit:
👉https://medicalpoland.ie
Contact:
Conor Hayes phone no. 0 87 413 8617 Email: conorhayes08@gmail.com
(Guidance Counsellor at The Abbey School in Tipperary Town, currently seconded to the Department of Education’s Support Service for Teachers and School Leaders).
Adam Krawczyk, phone no. 0 87 478 29 49 adam@medicalpoland.ie - (Founder & CEO & Education Expert Medical Poland since 2013)
| Conor Hayes is a Guidance Counsellor at The Abbey School in Tipperary Town but is currently seconded to the Department of Education’s Support Service for Teachers and School Leaders. He has fourteen years Guidance experience having worked extensively in post-primary schools but also in third level settings. |
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Medical Poland's Pre-Course: Your First Step to Success at Ludwik Rydgier's Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun
Master the Basics. Build Confidence. Enter Medical School Prepared
📅 Dates: 22nd – 28th September 2025
-
Recommendation from Prof. Arkadiusz Jawien - Director of the English Division at Collegium Medicum
On behalf of the faculty and administration of the English Division at Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, I extend my formal congratulations on your admission to the Medical Doctor (MD) program for the 2025/2026 academic year.
The commencement of medical studies represents a significant academic transition. To help you prepare for the academic pursuits, I am writing to offer my full and unequivocal endorsement of your participation in the Pre-Medical Preparatory Course, organized by Medical Poland, from September 22nd to September 28th, 2025.
This intensive one-week program is specifically designed to provide a critical foundational overview of core subjects that are paramount to your success in the first year of study. The curriculum will encompass essential introductory material in:
• Anatomy
• Embryology
• Molecular Biology
• General Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
A significant advantage of this course is the inclusion of a practical suturing skills workshop. This session provides an invaluable early introduction to fundamental clinical techniques, fostering manual dexterity and professional confidence.
The strategic benefits of attendance are multifold:
1. Academic Acclimatisation: Early exposure to complex terminologies and concepts will facilitate a smoother transition into the pace and depth of the medical curriculum.
2. Competitive Advantage: Students who participate will enter the first semester with enhanced preparedness, allowing for greater depth of understanding from the outset.
3. Skill Development: The acquisition of basic practical skills before the start of formal classes provides a tangible head start in your clinical training.
4. Cohort Building: The course serves as an excellent forum to establish connections with future peers, fostering a collaborative learning community.
5. Confidence & Motivation: Participation in the course will foster confidence at the very start of your studies and help you approach the demanding medical curriculum with a strong sense of motivation and purpose.
I strongly recommend that all admitted students consider this course a vital investment in their academic and professional development. Participation demonstrates a commendable level of initiative and preparedness that aligns with the values of our institution.
I urge each of you to enrol in this highly beneficial program. We anticipate your arrival and look forward to supporting your journey into the medical profession.
-
Starting your medical studies is an exciting and life-changing step — but it can also feel challenging. Medical Poland's Preparatory Course is designed to give you a head start before your first semester, building your confidence in key subjects and essential practical skills. Over eight intensive days, you'll deepen your understanding of the foundations of medicine and get a taste of what student life at Collegium Medicum will be like
Course Topics:
🔬 Molecular Biology
Explore the molecular mechanisms that sustain life. You'll learn about DNA and RNA structure and function, protein synthesis, and cellular processes, laying a strong foundation for understanding disease at the molecular level — a core element of modern medicine.
👶 Embryology
Study the earliest stages of human development, from fertilization to organ formation. Understanding embryology not only prepares you for anatomy and pathology but also enhances your knowledge of congenital disorders and prenatal health.
🫀 Anatomy
Get a head start on one of the most fundamental subjects in medicine. This introduction will help you learn anatomical terminology, body systems, and basic structural relationships, making the transition into detailed anatomy studies much smoother.
⚛️ Biophysics
Understand the physical principles that underpin biological processes. From biomechanics to fluid dynamics in the circulatory system, biophysics bridges the gap between physics and medicine, helping you interpret diagnostic technologies and treatment methods.
🧪 General Chemistry
Refresh and expand your chemistry knowledge — including chemical bonds, reactions, and the properties of biomolecules — to better understand the biochemical processes you'll study throughout your degree.
🪡 Surgical Suturing Skills
Gain hands-on experience in basic surgical techniques. Under expert guidance, you'll practice suturing methods, improving your manual dexterity and introducing you to the precision required in clinical settings.
Benefits of Attending the Pre-Course
Academic Head Start: Begin your studies already familiar with key concepts, making the first semester less overwhelming.
Stronger Fundamentals: Reinforce science knowledge that underpins all areas of medicine.
Practical Confidence: Early exposure to clinical skills, like suturing, helps you adapt quickly to hands-on classes.
Smooth Transition to University Life: Get to know your future classmates, campus environment, and teaching style before the academic year starts.
Better Time Management: Learn how to balance theory and practical learning effectively from the outset.
Motivation & Mindset: Start your studies with momentum, enthusiasm, and a clear sense of purpose.
Timetable
| Date | 10:00-11:30 | 12:00-13:20 |
| 22-23 Sept. | Anatomy | Molecular Biology |
| 24-25 Sept. | Anatomy | General Chemistry |
| 26-27 Sept. | Embryology | Biophysics |
| 28 Sept. | Surgical Suturing | MCQ Test + Ceremony |
On Tuesday, the 23rd of September at 15:30 , there will be an additional lecture from Dr. Jaroslaw Nuszkiewicz, an Assistant Professor at the University. The lecture will last 90 minutes and is titled " From molecules to practice: introduction to medical biochemistry and laboratory skills "
Reserve Your Spot
If you are an accepted student for Medicine at Collegium Medicum starting in October 2025, you already have your place secured.
If you are interested in attending the Pre-Course, please email support@medicalpoland.ie and voice your interest.
💰 Course Fee: € 290
Payment Details
Medical Poland Sp. z o. o.
IBAN: PL26 1020 1475 0000 8302 0339 5282
BIC/SWIFT: BPKOPLPW; Bank: PKO Bank Polski
Bank address: Stary Port Street 1-3, Postcode: 85-068, Bydgoszcz, Poland
Company Address: ul. Smoleńska 53, Postcode: 85-871, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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At the moment Bialystok University is ranked somewhere between 1000-1200 ("THE" ranking).
That makes it 6th result in Poland overall. However, in terms of the Teaching category, it is classified as the 2nd position. Also, 2nd place when it comes to gender proportions (76 vs 24).
Do not miss the July deadlines for some of the Polish public universities!
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Introduction:
The countdown to the Leaving Certificate is on, and the pressure is building. But hey, don't let stress steal the spotlight from your success! In this blog post, we'll share tips to help both students and their parents navigate the pre-exam stress and turn it into an opportunity for growth. Get ready to discover empowering strategies that will leave you feeling confident, capable, and ready to conquer the Leaving Certificate in Ireland!
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Medical Poland worked with University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn to bring Veterinary Medicine programme in English to international students. The university will offer over 30 places in 2023.
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VET & Guidance Counsellor, parent and student trip
to visit veterinary schools in Poland
11-14 (12-15) April 2023
_moreNo more limits to university medical & veterinary education: Polish universities make a record number of offers to Irish applicants
Thousands of students aspiring to become doctors and vets are looking further afield for their education, as local institutions keep offering many places to overseas students. Poland’s 650-year experience in higher education and competitive living costs make it an increasingly attractive education destination for many.
_moreCAO OFFERS- A Second Chance at First-Class Medicine and Veterinary: Polish Universities Expanding Opportunities for Irish Students
Medical Poland continues to open doors for Irish students who aspire to careers in Medicine, Veterinary medicine, and other health sciences but may have missed out on places at home. Based in Tipperary, Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes has twice visited Medical Poland’s partner universities in Wroclaw and Bydgoszcz, Poznań and Olsztyn, and was very impressed by the world-class facilities and the supportive, student-centred environment. He has since recommended the pathway to his own students, several of whom are already studying in Poland, with others having recently graduated and returned to Ireland to begin their professional careers.
Medical Poland has already helped hundreds of Irish students embark on their studies in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, and Poznań. Partner universities include Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, renowned for its Veterinary Medicine programme, and Collegium Medicum at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Bydgoszcz, which offers Medicine. All degrees are taught and assessed entirely in English, running in parallel with their Polish counterparts. Importantly, Medicine degrees are fully recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland and the UK’s General Medical Council, while Veterinary degrees are recognised by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Beyond Medicine and Veterinary, Medical Poland also represents Polish universities offering Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Nursing through English, giving Irish students a wide choice of career paths. Guidance counsellors, including Conor who have travelled with Medical Poland highlight the exceptional personalised support offered, from guiding students through applications and interview preparation to practical help like airport transfers and discounted hotel accommodation. For many Irish families, this hands-on assistance makes the dream of studying medicine or veterinary abroad not just possible, but a smooth and reassuring journey.
A Tipperary Family’s Journey to Veterinary Medicine in Poland
In the scenic Glen of Aherlow, in West Tipperary, the Barlow family dedicate their days to caring for their Angus pedigree herd under the Gurtavoher prefix. Their deep-rooted passion for cattle inspired brothers Darragh and Cillian to pursue veterinary medicine, a dream shaped by the many vets who visited their farm over the years.
For parents Mariese and John, the idea of their son moving as far away as Poland initially felt daunting. “It was a huge worry to think Darragh was moving so far,” recalls Marie. “But with Medical Poland’s support, we had great peace of mind from the start. They took the pressure off us by guiding us through every stage of the application, handling forms via video calls and emails, and even creating WhatsApp groups for parents and students. That sense of togetherness and security was invaluable during what could have been a very stressful time.”
Now in his fourth year studying Veterinary Medicine at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Darragh is thriving. “The application process was made very simple with guidance from Medical Poland and my attentive Guidance Counsellor, Conor Hayes,” he explains. “Lecturers are supportive and motivate us to do well. The course is demanding, but there’s still time for sports, societies, and a good social life. My year has around 50 students, of which 35 are Irish — and that strong Irish community even led to the creation of the Wrocław Éire Óg GAA Club.”
For younger brother Cillian, now embarking on his first year, the decision to follow in Darragh’s footsteps was clear. “Listening to my brother’s positive experience gave me confidence. There’s a large Irish presence in Wrocław, so I knew I’d settle in easily. I applied to both Olsztyn and Wrocław through Medical Poland, and the support I received, from mock interviews with feedback to revision materials, really prepared me. I also liked that there’s no requirement for a third language; you can focus fully on the science subjects that matter most.”
Together, the brothers’ story shows the difference having informed Guidance in schools and the support of an organisation like Medical Poland can make, removing stress from the application process, providing reassurance to families, and helping Irish students find their path in world-class Polish universities, where English-taught, EU-recognised degrees open the door to professional careers back home.
Opening Doors for Ireland’s Future Healthcare Professionals
The experience of the Barlow family from Tipperary is echoed by many other Irish families who have found reassurance, support, and opportunity through Medical Poland. With hundreds of Irish students already thriving in Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy programmes in cities such as Wrocław, Bydgoszcz, Olsztyn and Poznań, Poland has become a trusted destination for those who missed out on places at home but remain determined to follow their vocation.
All degrees are fully taught and assessed in English, delivered to EU standards, and recognised by the Medical Council of Ireland, the Veterinary Council of Ireland, and other European professional bodies. Coupled with affordable tuition, lower living costs, and the strength of an established Irish student community, Poland offers a clear, practical, and inspiring route into medical and health science careers.
Medical Poland’s dedicated team continues to guide students and families step by step from the initial application, through interview preparation, to settling into life abroad, ensuring every student has the chance to realise their dream.
For more information and late application support, visit:
👉https://medicalpoland.ie
Contact:
Conor Hayes phone no. 0 87 413 8617 Email: conorhayes08@gmail.com
(Guidance Counsellor at The Abbey School in Tipperary Town, currently seconded to the Department of Education’s Support Service for Teachers and School Leaders).
Adam Krawczyk, phone no. 0 87 478 29 49 adam@medicalpoland.ie - (Founder & CEO & Education Expert Medical Poland since 2013)
| Conor Hayes is a Guidance Counsellor at The Abbey School in Tipperary Town but is currently seconded to the Department of Education’s Support Service for Teachers and School Leaders. He has fourteen years Guidance experience having worked extensively in post-primary schools but also in third level settings. |
