Poland is a huge country with a vibrant culture, a rich history, and a welcoming attitude toward visitors. Every year, Poland attracts a growing number of students. The country provides world-class education at an inexpensive price, as well as a low cost of living. Poland's higher education has a good reputation, and the country has over 400 institutions, several of which have begun to offer English language programs for overseas students. It provides a diverse range of social and cultural experiences. Those interested in studying in Poland should be aware of the admissions requirements.

Intakes in Poland

There are two main study intakes in Poland, Winter intake and Summer intake.

6 Steps to Studying in Poland in the Winter of 2022-23

To enroll in a university in Poland for the upcoming winter semester, you must first create an action plan. Here is a sample application timeline to help you plan for your studies in Poland.

Step 1: Get started right away...!! January of the year 2022-23

By August, you should have a list of 7-8 universities to which you want to apply. Use university websites to conduct research and take note of available courses, application requirements, and deadlines, among other things.

By September, you should have a good understanding of bank loans and scholarship possibilities for funding your studies.
Do some preliminary research on the many types of lodging alternatives available in Poland on the internet.

Step 2: Take the standardized tests: From February through March 2021-23

• Start your preparation for required standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc depending on the requirements of the course and university.
• Register for GMAT/GRE in the months of June or July, at least before three months of the test date.
• Registration for TOEFL/IELTS should be done at least a month prior to the test date.
• Appear for the required tests in September and plan for buffer time in case you need to reattempt for the test.

Step 3: Now it's time to submit your applications to universities: April 2021-23 to March 2021-23

• Shortlist the universities and prepare for your application. 
• Prepare your statement of purpose by presenting your strengths and goals. Think hard about what makes you unique as a student.
• Request your professors and direct managers for 2 to 3 reference letters. 
• Start preparing your SOP and essays. Give at least a month’s time to arrange and structure these documents accordingly.
• Jut ensure you apply before the deadlines of the universities are near

Step 4: Make a final decision between April and May 2021-23.

• Don’t take much time in replying to college emails. 
• Give yours for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled in the months of January to March.
• Once you get your letter of acceptance, make your decision quickly.
• Depending on the deadline, inform the universities about your final decision.
• You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your seat in the college.

Step 5: Study the Visa and Finance section from June to July 2022-23.

• Search and start applying for external scholarships in Poland(if required).
• Apply for a student loan, after you receive your  Letter of acceptance.
• Collect your paperwork for your student visa. Check requirements of student visa
• Apply for a study visa on time by keeping in the mind the time taken for visa processing.

Step 6: Prepare to leave your native nation between July and August 2022-23.

• Book airline tickets.
• Arrange your International Debit/Credit card.
• Collect all your important documents and their photocopies, to take along with you in Poland.
• Confirm the things from your Pre-departure checklist.

6 Steps to Studying in Poland in February 2023-24

If you plan to enroll in universities in Poland from February 2023-to 24, here is a comprehensive guide for you. Where to begin, when to apply for the February 2021 intake in Poland, and all you need to know about the deadlines for this intake in Poland.

Step 1: February Intake 2023-24 - Start Now!

• Most institutions have a policy of first come first served, so you need to start your application process early. Keep in mind the deadlines for February 2021 intake and start your preparation accordingly.
• Before that, shortlist the colleges and universities in Poland that you are interested in. Do thorough research on the list of colleges in Poland for February 2021 intake and then, see what are the courses available in Poland, see the ones that fit your career goals. Each university in Poland will have its own due dates, so keep that in mind and plan your activities accordingly.

Step 2: Take standardized Exams - June 2023-24 to August 2023-24

• Start your preparation for required standardized tests like IELTS,  TOEFL GMAT, GRE, and SAT, within two months. Take exams according to your university requirements.
• You should sit for your IELTS or TOEFL exam, latest by August 2020, before applying for the colleges.
• Remember that it will take around two weeks for the results of the test to be announced. We recommend you keep a  buffer month, in case you need to reattempt the exam

Step 3: Time for university application: September 2023-24 to November 2023-24

• Look for February Intake colleges in Poland 2023-24, shortlist the colleges and Universities before the due dates for the respective institutes. Prepare your final and complete application. 
• Request your professors or Managers for the 2-3 reference letters for submission.
• Start preparing your Statement of Purpose (SOP). It must present you as a unique student and it should be highlighting your strengths.
• Start all these processes for your documentation at least a month before the due date of the application.
• Most probably February Intake colleges in Poland 2023-24 will have their deadline in the month of December, but you should always be checking the university website for updated deadlines. Apply before the due date.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: November 2023-24 to December 2023-24

• Colleges will send it to the mail after your application is reviewed. Do not delay to reply to them. Give your personal or video interviews as scheduled by the university.
• If you are accepted into the institution, take a quick decision. Reply to them as soon as you make the decision. Some university follows a first come first serve policy, so do not wait for the deadlines to reply.
• You will have to deposit a non-refundable amount, for confirming your seat in the college/university.

Step 5: Apply for a study Visa/Education Loan/scholarship - November 2023-24 to December 2023-24

• As soon as you get the Letter of acceptance, apply for a student’s loan if required, without any delay. Some official procedure takes a long time to process, and the student should always take this into consideration before planning for the timeline.
• Collect all the documents required for your student visa application. Apply for a student visa for Poland in time.
• If required, apply for an external scholarship as well, as soon as you get the confirmation of admission from the college/university in Poland.

Step 6: Tickets and Departure - January 2023-24

• You are almost ready to fly! Book airline tickets. Most of the classes will start in early February, so it is advisable to enter Poland by January and look for accommodations.
• Before flying, collect all the necessary documents such as transcripts and their photocopies.
• Arrange an international Credit / Debit card before leaving your home country, and ensure that you have marked every checkbox in your pre-departure checklist.

Important considerations for Poland's intakes

As an international student, there are a number of things to consider. Here are some of them:

Universities

Check to see if your preferred universities accept international student applications for both semesters. Some universities in Poland do not accept applications for both intakes. As a result, you'll need to do some research into individual universities or programs to see what intakes are available.

Ratio of Acceptance

Because the class size is substantially greater than the spring intake, many students apply for the fall intake. As a result, institutions accept more international student applications in the fall than in the spring.

Job Possibility

Campus recruitment normally happens in the second year, after you've finished three semesters if you're in a fall class and two semesters if you're in a spring class. In the spring semester, there will be further job changes.

Conclusion

Although Winter admission is preferred, you will not lose anything if you apply for the Summer intake. If your preferred course is only offered during the summer, don't hesitate to apply for the summer intake.

There may be no significant variations between these two semesters in terms of the education and research facilities provided by Poland's institutions. Remember to examine the intakes for which admissions are available and make your decision based on that information.