ERASMUS+ FOR INCOMING STUDENTS

 

Are you interested in other cultures? Do you want to discover the beauty of nature and see monuments up close that you won't find anywhere else in Europe? Then visit the very center of Europe – Poland. However, if you want to experience something unique, head to its north-eastern part: the Podlaskie region.

Podlaskie is one of the most culturally diverse (mainly in terms of nationality, ethnicity, and religion) regions of Poland. Historically, Podlaskie has long been a borderland where various national and ethnic groups (Poles, Belarusians, Russians, Germans, Tatars, and Jews) and religious groups (Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Jews, and Protestants) have left their mark. The capital of Podlaskie is Bialystok – the largest city in north-eastern Poland and the location of our university.

Would you like to study at our university for one or two semesters as part of the Erasmus+ exchange programme?
If the answer is “yes,” you can be sure that we will do our best to make your stay in Bialystok an unforgettable experience!

 

COURSE CATALOGUE

The following document is the official course catalogue at the UMSiB for foreign students participating in the Erasmus+ programme.

• Course Catalogue 2026/2027 (PDF) - download

All courses are available in English. You may choose courses from different fields of study (Cosmetology, Physiotherapy, Emergency Services, or Nursing), provided there is no overlap in the timetable.

ADMISSION

First, contact the international office of your university and follow the application procedure.

In order to be accepted for an Erasmus+ exchange at the University of Medical Sciences in Bialystok (UMSIB), you should provide us with the following necessary information. Documents that must be submitted to the Erasmus+ Office  include:

• Erasmus+ Incoming Student Application Form
• Online Learning Agreement / Learning Agreement

Please note:

Your nomination (made by the international office of your university) must be submitted to the Erasmus+ Office at the University of Medical Sciences in Bialystok:
- for the fall semester (October to January/February) – by June 1
- for the spring semester (February to June/July) – by December 12

Your application (completed by you) must be received by the Erasmus+ Office at the University of Medical Sciences in Bialystok:
- for the fall semester (October to January/February) – by June 20
- for the spring semester (February to June/July) – by December 20

VISA

non-EU students: Please note that it takes some time for non-EU citizens to obtain a visa. To apply, you will need an enrollment letter from us; therefore, please send all application documents to erasmus@wsmed.pl  well ahead of time.

EU students: Students from EU countries do not need a visa to come to Poland but must apply for a residence permit after arrival.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Below is the updated academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic year at UMSIB:

• winter semester: October 2026 to February 2027 (exact dates - to be announced)
• inauguration of the academic year: (exact dates - to be announced)
• winter examination period: January to February 2027 (exact dates - to be announced
• summer semester: February 2027 to July 2027 (exact dates - to be announced)
• summer examination period: June to July 2027 (exact dates - to be announced)

VACATIONS:

• winter holiday: 23 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
• Easter vacation: 25 March 2027 – 30 March 2027

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES:
Based on the Polish calendar, the following dates are official holidays:

• 1 November 2026: All Saints’ Day
• 11 November 2026: Independence Day
• 25 December 2026: Christmas Day.
• 26 December 2026: Boxing Day
• 1 January 2027: New Year’s Day
• 6 January 2027: Epiphany
• 28 March 2027: Easter Sunday
• 29 March 2027: Easter Monday
• 1 May 2027: State Holiday / May Day
• 3 May 2027: Constitution Day
• 27 May 2027: Corpus Christi

 

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE TO BIALYSTOK (2026 Edition)

BEFORE THE TRIP

Take a look at weather websites and analyse the weather in Białystok throughout the year. This will help you decide what clothes to take with you.
Need advice on which apps are worth installing? Want to know where to eat, where to go to an event, or what places to avoid? Contact us by e-mail – we will get back to you on WhatsApp with personalized tips!

HOW TO GET HERE?

Bialystok is approximately 180 km from Warsaw. It is well-connected and can be easily reached by public transport. The journey usually takes between 1 h 30m and 2h 45m.

BY BUS - most convenient from the airport - there are direct bus connections from Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) directly to Bialystok:

• Carriers: Zak Express, FlixBus, and PlusBus.
• Where to buy: you can buy tickets online at zakexpress.pl, flixbus.com, or at the airport bus terminal.
• Journey time: approx. 2h 45m.

BY TRAIN - fastest from Warsaw City Center:

• From Warsaw Chopin Airport: take the SKM train (line S2 or S3) to "Warszawa Centralna" (Warsaw Central) station. The ride takes about 25 minutes. You can also take bus number 175 from the airport to get there
• From Warsaw Central Station: take a direct PKP Intercity train to Bialystok
• Where to buy: check schedules and buy tickets at pkp.pl, portalpasazera.pl, via the KOLEO app or via BILKOM app

ACCOMMODATION

Our university does not have a dormitory. However, we provide assistance in finding private accommodation in a location that suits you and at a competitive price. Please contact our office for a list of verified apartments and assistance with the rental process.

HEALTH INSURANCE

EU STUDENTS: You must bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It entitles you to free medical care in the public health system.

NON-EU STUDENTS: You are required to have private health insurance from your home country for your visa. However, we strongly recommend signing a voluntary insurance agreement with the Polish National Health Fund (NFZ) upon arrival.

• Cost: approx. 60 PLN per month
• Benefit: full access to public healthcare without the need for upfront payments.
• Emergency: in case of any life-threatening emergency, call 112.

LIVING EXPENSES

Living in Poland as a student is relatively affordable compared to other EU countries, though prices vary by city. Due to global economic changes, Bialystok remains one of the more budget-friendly academic centers in Poland.

A student in Bialystok should expect to need approximately 2000–3000 PLN per month (approx. 450–680 EUR) to cover rent, food, and basic expenses.

• Please note: this does not include the one-time refundable deposit for a room, which is usually equal to one month's rent.
• Daily budget: a meal at a student "milk bar" (bar mleczny) costs around 20–30 PLN.

PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS

• CURRENCY: the official currency is the Polish Zloty (PLN). You can pay by card or phone almost everywhere.
• SIM CARD: you must register your SIM card with your passport or ID. You can do this at carrier stores or Żabka convenience stores.
• APPS: we recommend installing "Jakdojade" (for city buses) and "Bolt/Uber" (for taxis).

BUDDY PROGRAM

Incoming students can receive support from tutors (buddies) at UMSiB. A tutor is a local student who provides guidance on university life, helps you navigate the city, and assists with everyday tasks.

USEFUL LINKS

We recommend visiting the following websites:

• www.esn.pl/en – official Erasmus Student Network Poland website
• www.study.gov.pl – official information on studying in Poland
• www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy - official website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Poland
• www.visit.podlaskie.eu/en – learn more about the Podlaskie region
• www.bialystok.pl – official portal of the city of Bialystok
• www.jakdojade.pl – public transport schedules

CONTACT US

Do you have any other questions? Our Erasmus+ Office provides information and support regarding orientation, enrollment, and accommodation. Together with our tutors and buddies, we assist exchange students throughout their entire stay in Bialystok.

 

Do you have any questions? We are ready to assist!

 

ERASMUS+ OFFICE

9 Krakowska Street, room 117
15-875 Bialystok, Poland

open Monday to Friday
8:00 – 16:00

phone: +48 85 745 64 72
e-mail: erasmus@wsmed.pl