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As Poland faces a demographic decline, higher education institutions seek new strategies to attract international students. With the global education market becoming increasingly competitive, Polish universities must innovate. The Medical University of Silesia in Katowice (SUM) has taken significant steps to streamline processes for international candidates.
In 2023, SUM launched the Q24 system, enhancing the registration experience for international students. In August of this year, SUM integrated TransferMate to process their international students’ payments.
What does the Integration mean?
With TransferMate integrated, the institution and students benefit from fast, secure, and affordable international payments, eliminating the steep banking fees and lengthy processing times that have long been a barrier for students abroad. For instance, an enrolment fee of €20 is credited instantly to the university’s account, free from the excessive charges that could previously reach up to €50.
“Payment issues at Polish universities have so far been a significant barrier for international students. With TransferMate, this process has become much simpler and more affordable,” said Adrian Petruk, Customer Support Manager at Q24.
Why integrate with TransferMate now?
Data from the Educational Foundation “Perspektywy” and the Central Statistical Office (GUS) show a growing trend in international student numbers in Poland, underlining the importance of continual improvement in the sector.
In 2022, approximately 89,420 international students were studying in Poland; by 2023, this number rose to 92,000. Many of these students hail from countries like Ukraine (37,000 in 2022), Belarus (9,500), India (4,300), and Spain (2,800), with international students now representing 8 percent of Poland’s total student population.
In response to this rising demand, the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice has made a concerted effort to improve the experience for students applying from abroad.
“Medical University of Silesia in Katowice introduced these changes in response to the growing number of international students choosing Poland as their study destination,” says Monika Góral, Coordinator of the English-Language Recruitment Section at SUM, adding, “Thanks to the TransferMate payment solution implemented by Q24.software, transfer costs for international students have been significantly reduced. I believe this is another step towards simplifying the recruitment process for international students, which in itself is already a major challenge.”
With solutions like TransferMate and Q24 in place, the Medical University of Silesia is positioning itself as a strong contender in the global education market. By reducing financial barriers and enhancing the student experience, the university is better equipped to attract talented students worldwide, ensuring a brighter, more competitive future.
To learn more about how TransferMate can you help you upgrade your international student payment process, contact our education team today.