Medical or dentistry students who were not accepted for the winter intake can still pursue their education by applying for the spring intake at the three universities in the European Union offering the program. These universities are the Riga Stradins University in Latvia, Pleven University in Bulgaria, and the Medical University of Silesia in Poland. These institutions provide students with a second chance to enroll in their desired program, giving them the opportunity to continue their studies and reach their career goals. We encourage applicants to research each university to find the best fit for their needs and interests. Please contact me at peter.zavacky@medhead.eu if you need any assistance with the Spring intake to European medical Universities.
Spring intake at Latvian medical universities
Studying medicine or dentistry in Latvia can be a highly advantageous decision for students. Firstly, Latvian universities offer high-quality education in the field of medicine. The degrees offered are internationally recognized and the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical training, ensuring students receive hands-on experience in their field. Additionally, studying medicine in Latvia is much more affordable compared to other European countries, making it a cost-effective option for students. Lastly, medical programs in Latvia are taught in English, eliminating language barriers for international students and allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their studies. Overall, Latvia offers a well-rounded and accessible option for students seeking to pursue a medical education.
The following schools do offer Spring intake for international students: Riga Stadinś University in Riga.
Riga Stradins University
Riga Stradins University is offering various study programs such as General medicine, Dentistry, Nursing or Physiotherapy. Thanks to high demand from students, there are seats also offered for the February intake for programs of General medicine and Dental medicine. Unlike other universities, RSU does not perform an entrance exam. All admissions are made based on submitting required documents – the most important is to prove a good knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English language. Language certificates (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or CAE) are accepted as well. The admission period is up to the end of November, where decisions on admission might be received within a few days (usually 7-10 working days). I suggest RSU as an interesting alternative for students, who want to be in the capital (Riga) with vivid student life, live close to campus, and in an international environment.
Spring intake at Polish medical universities
The Medical University of Silesia in Poland may not regularly open its spring intake for various reasons, including limited resources, changes in enrollment policies, or difficulty in accommodating a high volume of applicants. It is possible that the university has decided to prioritize its autumn intake or to temporarily suspend the spring intake in order to better allocate resources and ensure high-quality education for its students. It is recommended to directly contact the university for the most accurate and up-to-date information on its enrollment policies.
The Medical University of Silesia
Spring intake was opened in 2022/23 for European and International program: https://smk.sum.edu.pl/terms-and-procedures-of-admission-2/
International students study programs of General medicine (6 years) and Dental medicine (5 years) in the English language (tuition fees are 6000€ per semester, a total of 12.000€ per one academic year) – please check schedules of Silesian University for GM and DM. It is possible to apply for at least one month before the entrance exam (which is usually at the end of January). There is an oral entrance exam with questions being asked from the following topics: biology, chemistry, and physics on the Polish high school level. Every student may take the entrance exam only once. After completion, everyone will get points based on which they will be / will not be offered place at the University. The deadline in 2022/2023 was 2nd of December 2022, the entrance exam took place in January 2023.
What are the requirements for admission? You need to submit the following documents in the online form:
1. original or notarized copy of high school diploma with apostille / superlegalisation – these documents need to be submitted as originals or notary copy min, days before the oral entrance exam to the University
2. scanned ID/passport photo
3. certificate documenting English language fluency level, receipt of registration fee payment in the amount of 85 PLN
Spring intake at Bulgarian medical universities
Faculty of Medicine, University of Pleven
The Faculty offers a program in General medicine with start in February. There are close application deadlines, as it is necessary to register up to the 1st of October with all translations and documents (which need to be submitted in person at study office / university). Documents might be submitted also later on. Nostrification is mandatory in order to start at University of Pleven
There is an entrance exam for Biology and Chemistry – these tests are organized in December and January. The study program of General medicine has 6 years with 2 years of preclinical studies, 3 years of clinical studies and one year of state clinical practice (internship).
The following documents are required to be submitted for registering for the entrance exam:
1. application form with CV
2. secondary school leaving certificate with marks from biology and chemistry (with an average over 62%) – sworn translation to the Bulgarian language
3. certificate stating that the applicant is eligible for higher education (nostrification)
4. medical certificate not older then 1 month stating that applicant is in good physical and mental condition
5. English certificate
6. 6 passport sized photos
Georgia
Ilia State University
Ilia State University is located in Georgia, which is outside of the European Union, but can be still an interesting choice for students who want to start studies before September Intake. They do offer program of General medicine. ISU MD program is accredited by the National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement which is itself accredited by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME). The program has been listed on the web page of World Directory of Medical Schools and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER).
There are 12 semesters within 6 years of education. Degree awarded is medical doctor. Tuition fees are $ 5300 per one year (2 semesters). You can check the curriculum here: https://iliauni.edu.ge/en/ajax/downloadFile/53203/MD_Programme.pdf
Students applying for Transfer can also apply for february intake.
Requirements:
1. completed secondary school
2. English language certificate (equivalent to B2 level)
3. interview and entrance exam from biology and chemistry
Students need to submit the following documents for application: High school certificate or equivalent, English language certificate
(equivalent to B2 level), Passport and Photo. After submission of the application, students will submit the feedback within 7 working days. Application fee is paid only in case of preliminary acceptance to study program.
