Foreign Medical Professionals in Slovakia: Three Key Takeaways from Official Data
High Interest – Low Success Rate: The Complementary Exam Remains a Significant Barrier
According to official data from Slovakia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, the doplňujúca skúška(complementary exam), which is mandatory for the recognition of foreign medical qualifications, proved extremely challenging in 2023. Out of 41 pharmacists who attempted the exam, only 11 passed—resulting in a success rate of less than 27%. The situation was even worse for dentists: just 45 successful attempts out of 353. Even among doctors, the success rate did not exceed 42%. These numbers point to serious academic and language barriers, inadequate preparation, or a lack of systemic adaptation to the needs of international candidates.
According to official data from Slovakia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, the doplňujúca skúška(complementary exam), which is mandatory for the recognition of foreign medical qualifications, proved extremely challenging in 2023. Out of 41 pharmacists who attempted the exam, only 11 passed—resulting in a success rate of less than 27%. The situation was even worse for dentists: just 45 successful attempts out of 353. Even among doctors, the success rate did not exceed 42%. These numbers point to serious academic and language barriers, inadequate preparation, or a lack of systemic adaptation to the needs of international candidates.
Ukraine – The Main Source of Medical Migration to Slovakia
Between 2022 and 2025, Slovakia accepted 596 temporary healthcare trainees, 541 of whom were Ukrainian citizens. Similarly, the vast majority of diplomas submitted for the doplňujúca skúška (complementary qualification exam) also came from Ukrainians: 230 doctors in 2022, 204 in 2023, and 153 in 2024. Ukraine continues to be the dominant source of qualified medical professionals, particularly due to the war. However, the low number of successful exam attempts highlights that this valuable human resource is not being fully utilized.
The situation of practicing nurses and medical assistants deserves special attention. In 2022, 25 out of 26 candidates passed the exam (a 96% success rate), and in 2023, 121 out of 131 were successful (92% success rate). This is an outstanding result, especially compared to other medical professions. It confirms that with adequate preparation and an accessible diploma recognition process, foreign professionals—especially nurses—can integrate quickly and effectively into Slovakia's healthcare system. This area is already showing progress: between 2022 and 2024, 377 nurses (mostly from Ukraine) had their education recognized. These figures indicate that Slovakia is already making concrete and successful steps in nurse integration. It is crucial to maintain and expand this progress—especially in light of the system’s shortage of more than 2,600 nurses.
Between 2022 and 2025, Slovakia accepted 596 temporary healthcare trainees, 541 of whom were Ukrainian citizens. Similarly, the vast majority of diplomas submitted for the doplňujúca skúška (complementary qualification exam) also came from Ukrainians: 230 doctors in 2022, 204 in 2023, and 153 in 2024. Ukraine continues to be the dominant source of qualified medical professionals, particularly due to the war. However, the low number of successful exam attempts highlights that this valuable human resource is not being fully utilized.
The situation of practicing nurses and medical assistants deserves special attention. In 2022, 25 out of 26 candidates passed the exam (a 96% success rate), and in 2023, 121 out of 131 were successful (92% success rate). This is an outstanding result, especially compared to other medical professions. It confirms that with adequate preparation and an accessible diploma recognition process, foreign professionals—especially nurses—can integrate quickly and effectively into Slovakia's healthcare system. This area is already showing progress: between 2022 and 2024, 377 nurses (mostly from Ukraine) had their education recognized. These figures indicate that Slovakia is already making concrete and successful steps in nurse integration. It is crucial to maintain and expand this progress—especially in light of the system’s shortage of more than 2,600 nurses.
Slovakia Needs Medical Personnel – But Is Not Ready to Accept Them
According to the latest assessment report from the Ministry of Health, Slovakia lacks 1,744 doctors, 2,605 nurses, and 24 dentists (based on data from 2023–2024). However, the barriers to recognizing foreign diplomas and passing the doplňujúca skúška (complementary examination) limit the actual reinforcement of the healthcare system. The problem does not lie in the absence of professionals, but in the inefficiency of the mechanisms for integrating theminto the national healthcare system.
According to the latest assessment report from the Ministry of Health, Slovakia lacks 1,744 doctors, 2,605 nurses, and 24 dentists (based on data from 2023–2024). However, the barriers to recognizing foreign diplomas and passing the doplňujúca skúška (complementary examination) limit the actual reinforcement of the healthcare system. The problem does not lie in the absence of professionals, but in the inefficiency of the mechanisms for integrating theminto the national healthcare system.
How Can Slovakia Better Integrate Foreign Healthcare Professionals into Its Healthcare System
Some steps have already been implemented:
Temporary licensing (tzv. dočasná odborná stáž) has allowed more than 500 specialists from Ukraine to work in the healthcare system since 2022.
The diploma recognition process has been partially moved into the digital environment, but it remains fragmented.
However, for the full integration of specialists, especially in the context of a growing personnel shortage, it is necessary to go further.
Temporary licensing (tzv. dočasná odborná stáž) has allowed more than 500 specialists from Ukraine to work in the healthcare system since 2022.
The diploma recognition process has been partially moved into the digital environment, but it remains fragmented.
However, for the full integration of specialists, especially in the context of a growing personnel shortage, it is necessary to go further.
Preparatory Programs for the Supplementary Exam — A Strategically Important Resource
One of the main reasons for the low success rate in passing the exam is the insufficient preparation of foreign medical professionals. The lack of comprehensive support before the exam is particularly noticeable.
What could help:
Some of these solutions are already partially implemented through private sector initiatives. For example, the educational platform Med-Integro, focused on the comfortable and fast integration of foreign medical professionals, already offers language courses and study modules for exam preparation. The company also plans to expand the system’s capabilities with exam simulations, video error analyses, and expert support. This promising direction could become the foundation for partnerships with universities and public institutions.
One of the main reasons for the low success rate in passing the exam is the insufficient preparation of foreign medical professionals. The lack of comprehensive support before the exam is particularly noticeable.
What could help:
- an intensive course in Slovak medical language,
- webinars on the exam structure,
- adapted study materials with a focus on local specifics,
- mock tests and oral exam training with feedback.
Some of these solutions are already partially implemented through private sector initiatives. For example, the educational platform Med-Integro, focused on the comfortable and fast integration of foreign medical professionals, already offers language courses and study modules for exam preparation. The company also plans to expand the system’s capabilities with exam simulations, video error analyses, and expert support. This promising direction could become the foundation for partnerships with universities and public institutions.
Appointment of Integration Coordinators at Medical Institutions
Appointed coordinators (e.g., mentori pre integráciu) can assist foreign healthcare professionals with their adaptation — from handling administrative procedures to integrating into the workplace team. This practice helps reduce staff turnover and accelerates professional adaptation.
Appointed coordinators (e.g., mentori pre integráciu) can assist foreign healthcare professionals with their adaptation — from handling administrative procedures to integrating into the workplace team. This practice helps reduce staff turnover and accelerates professional adaptation.
Introduction of "Bridge Programs" — Clinical Courses Before the Exam
Such programs (lasting 3–6 months), which include clinical practice and language support, are already successfully used in Germany. They serve as a natural bridge between diploma recognition and passing the qualifying exam, allowing foreign professionals not only to study theory, but also to gain hands-on experience in real clinical settings under supervision.
Such programs (lasting 3–6 months), which include clinical practice and language support, are already successfully used in Germany. They serve as a natural bridge between diploma recognition and passing the qualifying exam, allowing foreign professionals not only to study theory, but also to gain hands-on experience in real clinical settings under supervision.
Time to Join Forces
In the context of a growing shortage of medical personnel, Slovakia cannot afford to lose qualified professionals due to bureaucratic and language barriers. We believe that a sustainable solution lies in strong partnerships between public institutions, medical education providers, and the private sector. The Med-Integro platform is open to collaboration with ministries, hospitals, and universities to jointly develop effective preparatory programs.
If you are a foreign healthcare professional preparing to work in Slovakia, you may find the Med-Integro platform helpful. It offers language courses, learning modules, and practical formats for preparing for the doplňujúca skúška(complementary exam). Soon, the platform plans to launch new services — including webinars, mock tests, and oral training sessions with feedback. All of this can become a valuable addition to your preparation, helping you feel more confident and supported as you move toward your goal.
If you are a foreign healthcare professional preparing to work in Slovakia, you may find the Med-Integro platform helpful. It offers language courses, learning modules, and practical formats for preparing for the doplňujúca skúška(complementary exam). Soon, the platform plans to launch new services — including webinars, mock tests, and oral training sessions with feedback. All of this can become a valuable addition to your preparation, helping you feel more confident and supported as you move toward your goal.