The reason most people come
Two subjects, and nothing else
Biology and Chemistry. No physics, no maths, no interview, no IELTS. Two hundred questions decide whether you become a doctor, and we give you the official question bank free.
The food
Central European, filling, and very cheap
Slovak food is pork, potatoes, cabbage, flour dumplings and sheep cheese. The national dish is bryndzové halušky — potato dumplings with salty sheep's cheese and bacon — alongside kapustnica sauerkraut soup, segedínsky guláš, vyprážaný syr (deep-fried cheese, the cheap-restaurant staple) and lokše potato flatbreads.
Groceries at Lidl, Tesco or Kaufland come to about €180–280 a month. An inexpensive lunch is €7–11, a casual dinner €10–18, a cappuccino around €3.10 and a draught beer about €2.50.
For Muslim students this is the honest part: Košice has a Muslim community, largely international students, and prayer happens in community premises rather than a purpose-built mosque — Slovakia has historically had none. Halal meat is obtainable but you will identify two or three trusted sources rather than shopping freely. ⛔ Do not assume an Indian or kebab restaurant is halal; ask about the supplier.
Cooking halal is entirely manageable. Eating spontaneous certified-halal meals across the city is not — plan for that before you commit six years.
