Record recruitment for medicine in Poland: Up to 49 applicants for one place

Polish universities have experienced a record-breaking recruitment cycle for medical studies, with some programs seeing as many as 49 applicants vying for just one place. This year marked a significant increase in the number of institutions offering medical degrees, with 39 universities participating for the first time, including programs at non-medical institutions.

The most intense competition was observed in medical programs at universities not traditionally focused on medicine. For instance, the University of Kalisz reported 2,933 candidates for 60 medical study places, averaging nearly 49 applicants per spot. Similarly, the University of Jan Długosz in Częstochowa had 42 candidates competing for each medical position.

Several medical universities also reported historic numbers. Lublin Medical University saw 16,593 candidates apply, a nearly 67% increase from the previous year. While its medical program had 4,789 applicants for 330 places, dentistry proved even more competitive with over 22 applicants per index. Pomeranian Medical University noted a twofold increase in applications, and Medical University of Białystok also saw a substantial rise.

This record enrollment is partly attributed to a "double cohort" of high school graduates, meaning more students than usual were eligible to apply. The Ministry of Health increased admission limits nationwide, adding over 200 medical study places. Despite the high demand, cutoff scores for admission remained stringent, with some universities requiring candidates to achieve nearly perfect scores on their entrance exams.