We are pleased to inform you that as a result of the project realized by the Student Affairs Department of the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland as part of the Welcome to Poland 2023 program in the period from September 2024 to August 2026, the Service Point for Foreigners – Welcome Centre has been launched at the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
The Welcome to Poland programme is financed by the European Union from the European Fund for Social Development 2021 – 2027 (FERS) as part of the project entitled: „Support for higher education and science institutions in serving foreigners and Poles traveling abroad” (pol: „Wsparcie instytucji szkolnictwa wyższego i nauki w obsłudze osób cudzoziemskich oraz Polek i Polaków wyjeżdżających za granicę”), no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24 (FERS Projects) and implemented by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
The Foreigner Service Point at the Medical University of Silesia is located on the ground floor of the building of the Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice at 12 Medyków street.
The Welcome Centre staff are:
Ms. Kamila Bafia,
Ms. Julia Wojewoda.
The Welcome Centre staff is available at the email address: welcome@sum.edu.pl and by phone: 32 208 8590 from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Welcome Centre staff also provides online consultations via the Teams platform.
Consultations in the winter semester of the academic year 2025/2026 take place on the following days:
Mondays 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Fridays 01:30 pm – 02:30 pm
To attend a consultation, join the meeting via this link and wait in the waiting room to be added to the meeting by a Welcome Centre staff member.
If required, online consultations can also be arranged on days not mentioned above. To do so, contact us by e-mail: welcome@sum.edu.pl.
TRANSPORT
You can move around in Silesia using public transportation – buses and tram. You can buy single tickets from the “Transport GZM” app, bank apps and others. If you use public transportation on a daily basis, it is worth buying a long-term ticket, available only in the “Transport GZM” app. Holders of medium- or long-term tickets in the Transport GZM system, can use the Metrorail for 60 minutes a day, free of charge. Some of the tickets also entitle holders to travel on trains within Silesia. For more information, visit: https://transportgzm.pl/
Other useful apps and websites:
FREE TIME
More ideas: https://www.slaskie.travel/
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
ER | 999 |
Police | 997 |
Fire brigade | 998 |
Emergency from mobile phone | 112 |
CONSULTATIONS AT THE FACULTY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES IN ZABRZE
Dear, Students,
we kindly inform you that on Tuesday (18 November) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Welcome Centre Team will be available in room 412 at the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze (address: plac Traugutta 2).
We cordially invite all students the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze who have questions or need assistance with matters unrelated to their studies, such as legalisation of residence, insurance, medical care and others.
On this day, the Welcome Centre office located at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice (ul. Medyków 12) will be closed, so please contact us by e-mail: welcome@sum.edu.pl.
Another trip for foreign students studying at ŚUM organized by the Welcome Centre office staff, took place on October 18, 2025
The students took a guided walk through the historic district of Katowice – Nikiszowiec. It is a historic workers’ housing district in Katowice, built between 1908 and 1918, known for its unique, patronage architecture designed by the Zillmann brothers. The characteristic layout, based on nine brick blocks, is complemented by the neo-baroque St. Anne’s Church and a complete infrastructure (shops, school, laundry), which made the estate self-sufficient.
The Service Point for Foreigners – Welcome Centre at the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, operates as a part of The Welcome to Poland programme financed by the European Union from the European Fund for Social Development 2021 – 2027 (FERS) as part of the project entitled: „Support for higher education and science institutions in serving foreigners and Poles traveling abroad” (pol: „Wsparcie instytucji szkolnictwa wyższego i nauki w obsłudze osób cudzoziemskich oraz Polek i Polaków wyjeżdżających za granicę”), no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24 (FERS Projects) and implemented by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
On October 17, 2025, the “Welcome Event” was held – an event for newly admitted students.
The event began with a welcome speech by Professor Tomasz Francuz, MD, PhD – Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, and Professor Małgorzata Skucha-Nowak, MD, PhD – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze.
During the event, we presented the most important information package for new students of the University, with the participation of representatives of the University authorities, specialists from the Dean’s Office, representatives of Student Government Association, and Erasmus+ program supervisors. Representatives of the Voivodship Office in Katowice and the Border Patrol were also there to explain the process of legalizing residence and answer students’ question
Dear Students,
as the staff of the Welcome Centre of the Medical University of Silesia, we are pleased to invite you to take part in Welcome Week – a series of events we prepared for new foreign students of our University.
• Welcome Event
October 17th (Friday), 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Auditorium B in the Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne im. prof. K. Gibińskiego ŚUM (ul. Medyków 14)
During the event we will present the most important package of information for the new students of the University, with the involvement of the representatives of ŚUM Authorities, the specialists from the Dean’s Office, the representatives of the Students’ Government and Erasmus+ programme supervisors. The meeting will be accompanied by refreshments – sweet and salty snacks.
• Guided trip to Nikiszowiec
October 18th (Saturday), 10:45 am – 01:00 pm
Meeting point: Kościół pw. św. Anny w Katowicach (plac Wyzwolenia 21, Katowice)
REGISTER HERE
There’s a limit of available tickets!
• Guided tour with the Welcome Centre staff around Katowice
October 20th (Monday), 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Meeting point: ul. Medyków 12, Katowice
Register here
We’ll show you around the most important places in Katowice – the Voivodeship Office, the City Hall, National Health Fund Office, etc.
• Integration meeting: Your first experiences in Poland
October 21st (Tuesday), 02:00 pm – 03:00 pm
Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, room 204 (ul. Medyków 18, Katowice)
Register here
The purpose of this meeting is to help students integrate and get to know each other and the Welcome Centre staff. During the meeting, we will talk about your first impressions of Poland and the Medical University of Silesia. We will try to answer questions you may have about life in Poland.
• Guided tour with the Welcome Centre staff around Zabrze and Katowice
October 23rd (Thursday), 11:00 am – 02:00 pm
Meeting point: ul. Jordana 19, Zabrze
Register here
We’ll show you around the most important places in Zabrze and Katowice – the Voivodeship Office, the City Hall, National Health Fund Office, etc.
WE WHOLEHEARTEDLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND ALL THE EVENTS.
Welcome Centre Team
TRIP INFORMATION
Dear Students,
On 31st of May the first Welcome Centre field trip to Guido Coal Mine in Zabrze will take place. We kindly ask you to take a responsible approach to the submitted application and to attend the trip. Students who have submitted their application for the trip will receive an email with additional information on Thursday (May 29th).
The first trip for foreign students studying at ŚUM organized by the Welcome Centre office staff, took place on May 31, 2025.
Students took an underground mining walk in Guido Mine in Zabrze. The trip began with a descent in a special elevator (in Silesia called “shola”) 320m underground. During the walk, students learned about the history of mining technology development from the end of the 19th century to the present day. They also had the opportunity to see mining machines and ride an electric suspended railway.
The Service Point for Foreigners – Welcome Centre at the Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, operates as a part of The Welcome to Poland programme financed by the European Union from the European Fund for Social Development 2021 – 2027 (FERS) as part of the project entitled: „Support for higher education and science institutions in serving foreigners and Poles traveling abroad” (pol: „Wsparcie instytucji szkolnictwa wyższego i nauki w obsłudze osób cudzoziemskich oraz Polek i Polaków wyjeżdżających za granicę”), no. FERS.01.05.IP.08-0003/24 (FERS Projects) and implemented by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
Dear Students,
we kindly inform you that the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Silesian Voivodeship Office in Katowice has announced that an Information Saturday will be held on 26.04.2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Department (16 Damrota Street in Katowice).
During the Information Saturday you can:
Service during the event will be conducted only by prior appointment made through the online booking system www.bezkolejki.eu/suw4.
Appointment dates for the following days are available daily at 08:00 a.m.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM PAGE
Source: https://www.katowice.uw.gov.pl/usluga/cudzoziemcy/aktualnosci
WELCOME EVENT
We would like to cordially invite you to our Welcome Event – a greeting and introductory meeting for newly arrived foreign students. The event will take place on April 9th, 2025 from 8:00 to 10:00 am in the classroom no 109 of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, at 18 Medyków St.
We encourage you to submit applications electronically to the following email addresses.
The application can be found in the DOCUMENTS section.
Student Dormitory 1 and 2 dsligota@sum.edu.pl
Student Dormitory 3 and 4 bursa@sum.edu.pl – dedicated to students of the English-language program
Student Dormitory 1, 3 and 5 dszabrze@sum.edu.pl
Student Dormitory dssosnowiec@sum.edu.pl
Student Dormitory 1 and 2 dsligota@sum.edu.pl
Student Dormitory 3 and 4 bursa@sum.edu.pl – dedicated to students of the English-language program
Student Dormitory 1, 3 and 5 dszabrze@sum.edu.pl
The Katowice-Ligota campus is home to the Student Dormitory Complex of the Silesian Medical University in Katowice. It consists of 4 dormitories:
Student Dormitory No. 1 and 2 which are located at Medyków 12a and 12b street.
They are mainly inhabited by students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Faculty of Health Sciences. The dormitories contain residential segments, and each segment consists of two double rooms with a shared bathroom.
Student Dormitory No. 1 has 128 rooms. The bathrooms in the segments are equipped with a shower, washbasin and toilet. All rooms are of a higher standard. In addition, there are public toilets on each floor’s corridor. Each room has Internet access. Students can use: quiet study rooms, common room, laundry room, drying room, kitchen and parking lot. On the ground floor, two rooms with a kitchen and bathroom have been prepared for students with disabilities.
Student Dormitory No. 2 has 128 rooms. Bathrooms in the segments are equipped with a shower, washbasin and toilet (18 segments with a washbasin and bathtub). The rooms are of a basic and higher standard. In addition, there are public toilets on each floor’s corridor. Each room has Internet access. Students can use: quiet study rooms, common room, laundry room, drying room, kitchen and parking lot.
In accordance with the Order of the Rector of SUM, the price list is as follows:
Higher standard rooms (Student Dormitory No. 1 and 2):
Place in a double room (10.22 m2) – PLN 522.00 per person, one person in a room – PLN 1,044.00 Place in a double room (15.56 m2) – PLN 719.00 per person, one person in a room – PLN 1,438.00 Basic standard rooms (Student Dormitory No. 2):
Place in a double room (10.22 m2) – PLN 445.00 per person, one person in a room – PLN 649.00 Place in a double room (15.56 m2) – PLN 501.00 per person, one person in a room – PLN 788.00
Student Dormitories No. 3 and 4 are located at Medyków 24 and 26 street.
Student Dormitory No. 3 has 112 single rooms. Each room has a kitchenette, and a bathroom equipped with a washbasin, shower or bathtub and toilet. Each room has Internet access.
Student Dormitory No. 4 has 98 single rooms. Each room has a kitchenette, and a bathroom equipped with a washbasin, shower and toilet. Each room has Internet access.
In addition, students of these dormitories can use: quiet study rooms, a laundry room and parking lot.
In accordance with the Order of the Rector of SUM, the price list is as follows:
Higher standard rooms:
A place in a 21 m² room – PLN 1,344.00 per person
A place in a 27 m² room – PLN 1,460.00 per person
Basic standard rooms:
A place in a 21 m² room – PLN 1,136.00 per person
A place in a 27 m² room – PLN 1,228.00 per person
Students applying for a place in a dormitory should submit an appropriate application by the date and place set by the Dean’s Office.
Contact:
Student Dormitory No. 1 – Medyków 12A street, 40-752 Katowice tel. (32) 208 8582
Student Dormitory No. 2 – Medyków 12B street, 40-752 Katowice tel. (32) 208 8582
Student Dormitory No. 3 – Medyków 24 street, 40-752 Katowice tel. (32) 208 8570
Student Dormitory No. 4 – Medyków 26 street, 40-752 Katowice tel. (32) 208 8570
Student Dormitory No. 1 (tel. (32) 275-50-37) is located on the campus of the university in Zabrze-Rokitnica at Jordana 19 street. It has 89 rooms with internet access grouped into 39 segments. There are 2 or 3 rooms and a sanitary facility in each segment. Kitchens are publicly available and there are 2 on each floor. Students of medicine, dentistry (including those studying in English) and emergency medical services from the Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze as well as public health and dietetics from the Faculty of Public Health in Bytom live in the dormitory no 1. There are 2 laundry rooms, 4 quiet study rooms, and a TV room in the dormitory building.
The dormitory building also houses the Foreign Languages Department and the Physical Education Department (Faculty of Adopted Physical Activity and Sports).
Student House No. 3 (reception – tel. (32) 271 35 37; administration – tel. (32) 275 59 79) in Zabrze is located at M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 42 street. It has 81 rooms with internet access. There are 2 sanitary facilities and 2 public kitchens in each corridor.
In Dormitory No. 3 there is a PEAN room used by the students of our university to organize various events, and a room for music practice.
Student House No. 5 (reception – tel. (32) 271 49 59; administration – tel. (32) 275 59 79) in Zabrze is located at M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 44 street. It has 80 rooms with internet access. There are 2 sanitary facilities and 2 public kitchens in each corridor.
Additionally:
Contact:
Zabrze-Rokitnica Faculty of Medical Sciences
Administration of Student Dormitory No. 1 – Jordana 19 street, tel. (32) 275 50 37
Zabrze Faculty of Medical Sciences
The Student House in Sosnowiec, situated on Ostrogórska 30 street, consists of two four-story buildings, which include:
The rooms have unlimited access to the Internet.
The residents of the Dormitory have the opportunity to use bed linen (duvet covers, pillowcases, sheets, duvets, pillows). Bed linen is changed once a month.
RENT FEES IN SOSNOWIEC DS (DORMITORY) FOR SUM STUDENTS
Single room – PLN 680.00
Double room – PLN 400.00 per person
Rent payments are due between the 1st and the 10th of each month.
OTHER GUEST ROOMS IN SOSNOWIEC DS
Places not used by SUM students / free rooms/ are intended for rent.
PRICES FOR USING FREE ROOMS IN DS SOSNOWIEC FOR ŚUM STUDENTS (1/30 of the monthly fee)
A day for 1 person – PLN 22.67
1 month for 1 person (single room) – PLN 680.00
1 month for 1 person (double room) – PLN 400.00
PRICES FOR USING FREE ROOMS IN DS SOSNOWIEC / for individuals or organized groups / VAT 8% /
Day for 1 person – PLN 64.80 (gross)
1 week – PLN 318.60 (gross)
4 weeks – PLN 1274.40 (gross)
Rooms should be booked by phone:
32 364 13 22 – Dormitory Manager
32 364 13 10 – Dormitory Administration or at: dssosnowiec@sum.edu.pl
Contact:
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec
Manager: tel. (32) 364 1321 tel./fax (32) 364 1310
Student Dormitory ul. Ostrogórska 30 41-200 Sosnowiec
LEGALISATION OF RESIDENCE
LEGALISATION OF STAY
Immediately after arriving in Poland, it is worth taking care of legalisation of your stay as soon as possible.
To do this, you should submit an appropriate application with attachments to the Silesian Voivodeship Office in Katowice.
Depending on your country of residence, you will find appropriate instructions below.
Remember that you can count on the Welcome Centre’s assistance at every stage of the residency legalization process. If you need help or have additional questions, please contact us.
Registration of residence of a EU citizen
WHOM DOES IT CONCERN?
If you are:
you are obliged to register your stay if you are staying in Poland for a period exceeding 90 days.
WHEN TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION?
The application should be submitted no later than the day following the expiry of 90 days from the date of entry into the territory of the Republic of Poland.
WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED?
In order to register EU citizen’s residence, the following documents should be submitted:
!!!IMPORTANT!!!
The submitted documents cannot be older than 30 days. Prepare copies of documents (legible photocopies, not photos) before approaching the desk, remember to show the original. The documents are submitted in Polish or with a sworn translation into Polish.
WHERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?
The applications should be submitted in person to the Department of Foreigners’ Affairs in the Silesian Voivodeship Office in Katowice.
Please note: You have to book an appointment at the Voivodeship Office. The Office is currently working on booking system. Visit the Voivodeship Office website to see the current appointment booking process – https://www.katowice.uw.gov.pl/usluga/cudzoziemcy/aktualnosci.
SOURCE
https://www.katowice.uw.gov.pl/usluga/cudzoziemcy/rejestracja-pobytu-obywatela-ue
Students from outside the EU/EFTA countries
Temporary residence permit
WHOM DOES IT CONCERN?
Temporary residence permit may be applied for by a foreigner who intends to stay in Poland for longer than 90 days and needs to legalize their stay in order to work, study, reunite with family or for other justified reasons.
WHEN TO SUBMIT THE APPLICATION?
The application must be submitted no later than on the last day of legal stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland.
WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED?
If you are applying for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of taking up or continuing full-time: first-degree studies, second-degree studies or uniform master’s studies or training at a doctoral school, you must submit the following documents:
Documents needed to get your passport stamped (formal requirements):
A stamp duty receipt will also be needed to initiate proceedings.
Documents necessary to grant a residence permit:
!!!IMPORTANT!!!
The submitted documents cannot be older than 30 days. Prepare copies of documents (legible photocopies, not photos) before approaching the desk, remember to show the original. The documents are submitted in Polish or with a sworn translation into Polish.
WHERE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION?
The applications should be submitted in person to the Department of Foreigners’ Affairs in the Silesian Voivodeship Office in Katowice.
Please note: You have to book an appointment at the Voivodeship Office. The Office is currently working on booking system. Visit the Voivodeship Office website to see the current appointment booking process – https://www.katowice.uw.gov.pl/usluga/cudzoziemcy/aktualnosci.
SOURCE
MEDICAL CARE
National Health Fund insurance
Based on the Act of 27 August 2004 on healthcare services financed from public funds persons meeting certain requirements specified in the above mentioned Act are entitled for compulsory or voluntary health insurance in Poland.
If you are residing on the territory of Poland and are not entitled to use common healthcare services you can acquire the right to use healthcare services financed from public funds based on voluntary health insurance.
In order to conclude an agreement for voluntary health insurance please contact regional branch of National Health Fund (NFZ) to file an appropriate application and get familiar with detail terms for this procedure like required documents/statements, charges, premiums, etc.
Contact information of National Health Fund branch for Silesia region can be found at https://www.nfz-katowice.pl/index.php/kontakt/kontakt-z-nami.
To book a visit to a General Practitioner (GP/Family Doctor), you need to register at one of NFZ clinics, preferably near your residence. You should present your ID/passport and PESEL. If you need an appointment with a specialist, you must visit a GP to obtain a referral.
The National Medical Rescue System provides aid in the event of an emergency. To call an ambulance, dial 999, accessible throughout the country, or a general emergency number 112. You can also go directly to the emergency department (SOR) in the nearest hospital.
Psychological Support
Psychological Support Point of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice
Read details for Psychological Support Point in Katowice-Ligota HERE: WSPARCIE PSYCHOLOGICZNE – https://student.sum.edu.pl
USEFUL PHRASES
Courtesy phrases
Dzień dobry – Good morning
Dobry wieczór – Good evening
Do widzenia – Goodbye
Dziękuję – Thank you
Proszę – Please/Here you are
Przepraszam – Sorry
Cześć – Hello
Transport
pociąg – train
dworzec kolejowy – railway station
autobus – bus
dworzec autobusowy – bus station
przystanek autobusowy – bus stop
tramwaj – tram
przystanek tramwajowy – tram stop
bilet – ticket
kasownik – validator
samolot – plane
lotnisko – airport
rower – bicycle
Everyday life in the city
bankomat – ATM
kantor – exchange office
cena – price
sklep spożywczy – grocery shop
piekarnia – bakery
księgarnia – bookstore
otwarte – open
zamknięte – closed
usługi – services
fryzjer – hair dresser
pokój – room
mieszkanie – flat
akademik – student dormitory/residence hall
apteka – pharmacy/chemist’s
dentysta – dentist
kino – cinema
szkoła – school
wyjście – exit
wejście – entry
policja – police
szpital – hospital
SOR (szpitalny oddział ratunkowy) – hospital emergency department
straż pożarna – fire brigade
Academic life
studenci – students
studia – study programmes
studia pierwszego stopnia (licencjackie) – first cycle studies (Bachelor’s)
studia drugiego stopnia (magisterskie) – second cycle studies (Master’s)
studia trzeciego stopnia (doktoranckie) – third cycle studies (Doctoral)
studia podyplomowe – postgraduate studies
rekrutacja – admissions
stypendium – scholarship
wydział – faculty
instytut – institute
dziekan – dean
dziekanat – dean’s office
wykładowca – lecturer
badacz – researcher
kolokwium, zaliczenie – test
egzamin – exam
sesja egzaminacyjna – exam period
kampus – campus
nauka – science
lektoraty, kursy językowe – language courses
biblioteka – library
książka – book
