The Medical University of Lublin is a well-known medical school located in Poland. It is officially regulated and accredited by the Polish Ministry of Education and recognized by various European Union organizations, including the Human Rights Defender Office. The university also holds certification from the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) for its English-language medical program, allowing eligible students to receive Title IV federal student aid.
However, in 2011, the Medical University of Lublin lost its eligibility for Title IV funding. In response, the university entered into an agreement with Hope Medical Institute (HMI), a U.S.-based organization that recruits American students to study medicine in Poland.
From 2010 to 2018, the university—along with its partner, the Medical University of Silesia—worked with HMI to regain access to U.S. federal student aid. This involved a process where students were funneled student/graduates through the NBME (National Board Of Medical Examiners) exam system. This approach was designed to help maintain federal funding, even though the university no longer met Title IV requirements on its own.
During this period, many students reported being required to sign contracts with HMI in order to stay enrolled in the program. These contracts were often described as misleading, and students who questioned or refused to sign were reportedly threatened with expulsion. Despite these concerns, the university’s website continued to present the program in a positive light, without fully disclosing the complexities of its Title IV funding status or contractual obligations.
Key Takeaways:
-
The Medical University of Lublin is accredited in Poland and recognized in the EU.
-
It previously had Title IV funding approval from the U.S. Department of Education.
-
After losing eligibility, the university partnered with Hope Medical Institute to maintain access to U.S. loans.
-
Students reported pressure to sign questionable contracts as part of their enrollment.
-
Transparency concerns remain regarding how the program is marketed to American students.