Is it real that you don't pay school fees for higher education in Poland? Yes and no, no. Although full-time education at public universities is usually free of charge for Polish residents, it is not always free for foreign students. Read on to find out whether you're qualifying for free university education in Poland!

As a general rule, all non-Polish students are paid a fee for their degree courses in Poland. However, certain foreign nationals are entitled to launch a programme of study on the same conditions as Polish nationals (i.e. free of charge). Full-time degree programmes at public colleges are free of charge for:

• Holders of a legitimate Pole Card (Karta Polaka)
• Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland and members of their families who live in Poland
• Holders of a permanent residence permit or long-stay EU residence permit
• Holders of a Polish State Credential as a foreign language (C1 level or above)
• Holders of temporary residency permits given for family reunification
• Citizens who were received refugee status in Poland
• Persons awarded temporary protection or subsidiary protection in Poland
• Relatives of Polish citizens: their family, children or parents who reside in Poland

Holders of the Pole Card and citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland can choose whether to enrol at a university on the same terms as Polish nationals or as foreign nationals. Many who prefer the latter choice are, of course, expected to pay school fees, but do not compete with Polish nationals for university positions.

Notice that many Polish public universities still deliver certain school-based degree programmes (usually taught in foreign languages, e.g. International Psychology Studies at the University of Warsaw)-all students accepted to these programmes, including Polish citizens, are expected to pay for any classes they take.

You will not be free from tuition costs if you do not fit into one of the groups mentioned above. It should be noted, however, that the cost of studying at Polish public universities is typically considerably lower than in Western European countries and, depending on the curriculum and the university, may differ between EUR 600 and EUR 6 000 per academic year during the first and second cycles of studies.

Consider that you also may be qualified for scholarships granted to foreign students based on bilateral agreements or enrol in programmes aimed at students who study Polish abroad and wish to pursue higher education in Poland.