In February 1997, in order to prepare foreign citizens for admission to higher education institutions of Ukraine, primarily the Poltava State Medical University (PSMU) (former name Ukrainian Medical Stomatological Academy (UMSA)), a separate unit was established - the  Preparatory Department for Foreign Citizens.
 

In December 2018, due to the expansion of functions and forms of providing educational services to foreign citizens coming to study at PSMU for the first time, and according to the decision of the Academic Council of the Academy and the Rector's Order, the Preparatory Department for Foreign Citizens was renamed into the Educational and Research Center for Foreign Citizens` Training.

Since its creation, the unit has been headed by Mrs. Larysa Bohynia, an experienced specialist in teaching the language as a foreign one.  

In the first year of operation (1997-1998 academic year) there were 6 students from three countries. Over the years of its academic activity, more than 1,375 foreigners have been trained for the admission.  The vast majority of graduates (about 80%) continued their studies in basic specialties at our university.

The educational process is provided by the teachers who have from 10 to 30 years` experience working with foreigners at the initial stage.

The Educational and Research Center for Foreign Citizens` Training, as a structural unit of the University, provides training for foreign citizens to master the future specialty.

Candidates who apply for admission to the PSMU Educational and Research Center for Foreign Citizens` Training should provide the following documents: 

• application;
• original invitation;
• a document (original and its copy) on the previously obtained educational (educational-qualification) level, on the basis of which the entry is made;
• academic transcript (original and its copy) to the document on the previously obtained educational (educational-qualification) level, on the basis of which the entry is made (if any);
• a copy of the passport document of a foreigner or a document certifying the identity of the stateless person;
• notarized translation of the passport document (original and its copy);
• health insurance policy, unless otherwise provided by international agreements of Ukraine;
• 8 photos of 35x45mm size. 

Form of study - full-time. Terms of study are determined by the Contracts for the provision of educational services.

Each student is provided with one place in a dormitory for the period of study at the Educational and Research Center for Foreign Citizens` Training.