SURVEY OF FOREIGN MEDICAL STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

In the first quarter of 2025, at the request of the Medical University of Gdansk, we conducted a survey of international medical students and graduates in Poland as part of the IntMedPOL25 project (Foreign Medical Graduates in the Polish Labor Market).

 

What do the survey results show? In medical fields, primarily medicine, the largest numbers of students come from Norway (14% of the study sample), Ireland (13%), and India (12%).

 

According to over half of the respondents, Polish culture and customs differ significantly from those in their home countries. These contrasts are most strongly felt and emphasized by students from African countries and North Americans. On the other hand, Americans and Canadians adapted very easily to the conditions in our country and our medical schools – 68% said it was easy. Among these students, the majority were also of Polish descent and knowledge of the Polish language before starting their studies.

 

International medical students and graduates most appreciate Poland's public transportation (78% rated it good or very good), the natural environment (76% positive), safety in public places (75% positive), and the opportunity to travel – including abroad (71% positive).

 

Foreign medical graduates are generally reluctant to stay and work in the Polish healthcare system. Primarily due to insufficient language skills and the generally perceived working environment and conditions. Interestingly, the lowest percentage of students planning to return to their home country following graduation is among students from Africa and Asia, the majority of whom plan to move to a third country.

 

The results of our study, along with issues related to the shortage of medical personnel in the Polish labor market, were discussed during the IntMedPOL25 conference at the Medical University of Gdansk, which took place on April 7th, 2025.