Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice

Prior to leaving Poland, our graduates are strongly encouraged to authenticate and legalize their diplomas and diploma supplements for use abroad. This involve obtaining an apostille or legalization, and sometimes also authentication by a consulate.

Apostille or legalization?

If your destination country is party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, official documents intended for circulation in such a country should be certified with an apostille.

The full up-to-date list of Hague Convention members is available here: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/status-table/?cid=41.

The competent authority for issuing apostille and legalization certificates for documents issued by higher education institutions in Poland is:

National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)

Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej
40 Polna St. 00-635 Warsaw
website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/apostille-and-legalization
e-mail: apostille@nawa.gov.pl
tel. 48 22 390 35 80 (from 10am to 12pm on weekdays)

Our university offers a 6 months practical training (staż) for our graduates.

Internship is placed in hospitals of Medical University of Silesia. 

To provide the best quality of training the trainees are divided into 2-person groups.

After the training, you receive a certificate of completion which should be send to the Ministry of Health within 3 months. A positive decision of the Minister is equivalent to the fulfillment of the postgraduate internship required in the procedure for obtaining the doctor’s license in Poland. 

The start date of the next edition is September 15, 2025 till March 30, 2026. The admission process starts on June 23, 2025. Please keep checking this website for updates: https://studiapodyplomowe.sum.edu.pl/staze/

Important dates for 2025:

  • June 23 – June 27: application process
  • Till July 4: notification of admission status
  • July 16: deadline for submitting all required documents
  • July 25: deadline for signing the contract
  • August 8: deadline for paying the fee (2 weeks from signing the contract)
  • Around September 5: details on your first meeting with internship coordinator will be sent to your email address
  • September 15: start date of the internship
  • November 30: deadline for choosing the subject of your last 4 weeks of the internship
  • December 24 – January 6: Christmas break
  • March 30, 2026: end date of the internship 

Here’s some more information on practical training:

  • Internship can be done within 2 years of graduating. Meaning, if you graduate in June 2025, you need to complete the whole internship no later than June 2027.
  • The practical training takes 6 months and 2 weeks to complete (due to 2 weeks of Christmas break).
  • The subject of the last 4 weeks of the internship can be chosen by the trainee (from the subjects included in the internship program). You should make your choice within 10 weeks of staż start date.
  • Limit of the number of participants is 20.
  • The fee for internship is 45,000 PLN.
  • The Recruitment Committee will create a ranking list. The order of placing candidates on the ranking list will be determined by the arithmetic average of grades obtained during their studies, and in the case of identical averages for two or more candidates, the date of completion of studies will take precedence, with priority given to those who completed their studies earlier.
  • Only those individuals from the ranking list who have no outstanding obligations, including financial obligations to the University, will be allowed to proceed to the second stage of the recruitment process.
  • The basis for taking up the internship is concluding a contract with SUM. In order for a contract to be prepared, the following requirements have to be fulfilled: obtaining a medical certificate issued by a doctor authorized to conduct preventive examinations that there are no health contradictions for the training, concluding a third party liability insurance and accident insurance for the duration of the training.
  • The payment needs to be made within 2 weeks of signing the contract, but at least 2 weeks before the starting date of the internship. 

Welcome to the dedicated page for our esteemed internarional Alumni! We take immense pride in their achievements and wish to share their inspiring stories with you. This section aims not only to showcase our alumni’s experiences during their time at Medical University of Silesia, but also to highlight the brilliant medical careers they have built after leaving our institution.

Our Alumni are invaluable ambassadors, representing the values and standards of our University across the globe. Their experiences, successes, and contributions to the medical community stand as a testament to the foundation laid by Medical University of Silesia for excellence in the fields of medicine.

We invite you to explore the stories of our alumni and discover how Medical University of Silesia has contributed to their paths to professional success. Let’s celebrate their achievements together and let them serve as inspiration for future generations of students!

If you are our graduate and you wish to share your story, please contact Kasia Magiera at kmagiera@sum.edu.pl

Nabaa Adil Aziz Al Wazen, MD, Graduate of 2023

My Journey at the Medical University of Silesia When I look back at my six years at the Medical University of Silesia, it’s hard to believe how much those years have shaped me. Leaving home at 18 to pursue my dream was both exciting and challenging. I returned at 24, not just as a graduate, but as a doctor.

That journey did so much for my growth—it built my confidence, taught me self-reliance, and gave me the strength to face the world. One of the things I cherish most was the incredible diversity. I met people from different countries and formed friendships that enriched my life. The staff, too, played a huge role in making the experience so special. Many of the doctors were more than just educators—they were mentors, guiding us with kindness and treating us like equals. I never felt unwelcome or out of place, which made it easier to thrive in such a supportive environment. The university’s structure always worked in favor of the students. Whenever we faced challenges, the dean’s office was quick to help. They truly cared about our well-being, which made us feel valued as individuals, not just as students. As my final year approached, I found myself not wanting it to end. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the university, my friends, or the beautiful city of Katowice. Those years were some of the best of my life, and the thought of leaving the good times behind was bittersweet.

Since graduating, I’ve started my internship in Dubai and look forward to earning my board degree. But the memories of Silesia and Katowice, along with the friendships and experiences, will always stay with me. The foundation I built there has given me the confidence to take the next steps in my career, but a part of me will always miss the place where it all began.

Hafiz Muhammad Mahmood Ul Hassan, MD, Graduate of 2014

My journey in medicine began at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, a place that holds countless cherished memories. I still vividly remember my first day, where I met Ms. Ola, an incredibly kind and helpful person who would prove invaluable throughout my time there. Her warmth and support set the tone for the nurturing environment I would experience at the Medical University of Silesia.

The path to becoming a doctor was certainly challenging, with subjects like neuroscience and pathophysiology testing our limits. However, it was during these times that my passion for medicine was truly solidified. I distinctly recall the mix of anxiety and excitement as I awaited my neuroscience results on July 14, 2013—a day that turned out to be one of immense relief and joy, reaffirming my commitment to this demanding yet rewarding field.

Throughout my time at the Medical University of Silesia, I was continually impressed by the dedication and cooperation of the university staff. Their support and guidance were instrumental in my success, especially when grappling with difficult subjects like pathophysiology. It’s no wonder that my own child now aspires to follow in my footsteps at this esteemed institution, knowing the quality of education and support available there.

After earning my M.D. in 2014 from the Medical University of Silesia, I chose to specialize in General Medicine, completing my training through the Norwegian Directorate of Health in 2023. This decision was driven by my passion for providing comprehensive, holistic care to patients, a passion that was nurtured during those challenging yet rewarding days of studying complex subjects like neuroscience and pathophysiology.

To current and future medical students, especially those considering Silesia Medical University, I have some advice: embrace every learning opportunity, stay curious, and always keep the human side of medicine in mind. It doesn’t matter if you have average grades or face challenges along the way—what truly matters is your dedication, professionalism, and love for what you do. Medicine is not just about academic success; it’s about continuous growth, compassion, and commitment to your patients.

So, don’t worry if you face difficulties during your studies or if you don’t always get the top grades. Focus on becoming the best doctor you can be, and remember that your passion and dedication are what will truly make you stand out in your career.

Jennifer Cushman, MD, Graduate of 2012

I had a great experience as a medical student at the Medical University of Silesia. This Medical University provided me a great academic environment to learn and grow as a new physician in training and prepare me for the future in my career in interventional pain management.  I enjoyed my core medicine training as well as my clinical hospital rotations. I also valued the extensive culture and opportunity to learn the Polish language as part of my training program. As a physician resident in NYC, I had the opportunity to communicate to many patients in Polish. I also am grateful to all the mentors and research opportunities provided by the University.

Besides being a current Fellow at an ACGME approved program in pain management currently, I also serve as active elected delegate for the Medical State Society of NY and serve as co-chair of the Legislative Committee of NY Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I was also inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society while a PGY-2 Resident at Montefiore Hospital-Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx NY.

Ian Kurland, MD, Graduate of 2021

As a medical student at the Medical University of Katowice, my journey toward becoming a doctor was both challenging and enlightening. In histology, I was fascinated by the intricate structures of cells and tissues, thanks to the expertise of professors, who made the subject come alive with their passion and deep knowledge.

In physiology, I delved into the mechanisms underlying human body functions, guided by professors who not only explained complex concepts, but also encouraged critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Biochemistry classes were a blend of theory and practical application, led by professors who demystified biochemical processes and their relevance to human health with clarity and enthusiasm.

Anatomy sessions were perhaps the most intense, as we meticulously dissected cadavers under the guidance of experienced mentors, who emphasized precision, respect and the profound responsibility that comes with studying the human body in such detail.

During clinical rotations, I had the privilege of learning from seasoned doctors who generously shared their expertise, clinical wisdom, and compassion. Each patient encounter was a lesson in empathy, communication, and the holistic approach to patient care.

Through it all, my experience at the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, not only equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice medicine, but also instilled in me a deep sense of duty, humility, and reverence for the profession.

Survey for Medical School Graduates

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on your experience at Medical University of Silesia. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve our programs and services for future students. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey:

https://sonda.sum.edu.pl/graduates-survey

 

DEAN’S OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION

Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze

ENGLISH DIVISION DENTISTRY PROGRAM

Head of the Dean's Office