WhatsApp: +48 729 308 990How to Apply to an International University in Poland in 2022
18 Feb 2022
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Poland is a wild country! Few countries in Europe have such a long history of resistance groups, fighters, and real-life Phoenixes who rise from the ashes to become stronger.
It's no wonder that Poland has become one of the most popular locations for international students globally, given its culture and solidarity with everyone who enters their country, as well as its low living costs and a large number of universities.
We created a simple guide for you to follow in order to make the shift and application process go more smoothly.
1. Universities in Poland to consider for your study
In comparison to the rest of Europe, Polish universities are extremely affordable. The following are a few of the best:
- University of Wroclaw
- Warsaw University of Technology
- Medical University of Lodz
- Cracow University of Economics
- Poznan University of Economics and Business
- University of Gdansk
2. Get ready to apply
The VISA should be your primary worry. Because Poland is a member of the European Union, EU/EEA students are not required to obtain a VISA. Meanwhile, non-EU/EEA students should familiarise themselves with the situation and begin compiling the appropriate documents and scheduling appointments as soon as feasible.
Consulates and embassies will handle your paperwork, and the website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will help you with your Polish VISA if there are questions or you don’t understand the instructions.
Also, check if you qualify for a scholarship in Poland. There are quite a few, so it’s worth a shot to see if you can receive one of them.
3. How can I apply for a Master's degree in Poland?
To apply for a study program in Poland, go to the university's website and follow the instructions there. In contrast to other nations, Poland does not have a centralized website where you may fill out a general application and send it to several universities. Because you'll have to work for it, the rewards will be even sweeter.
You can check the StudyInPoland.info website, where you can find frequently asked questions, information about life in Poland, and other things you should consider before moving there. Also, they have a list of featured universities on their homepage, so you could easily find phone numbers, programs, e-mails, and information about each of them.
4. Language requirements for applying to a Polish university
Given that both your VISA application and your Master's program application paperwork demand confirmation of your English language skills, you should devote time and effort to passing one of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- C1 Advanced
5. Required application documents
General application documents
There is a list of minimum requirements that all students have to meet in order to get into a Master’s program. This list includes:
- a matriculation certificate or equivalent document
- a Bachelor's diploma
- an English proficiency test
Also, the most common admission documents required by Polish universities are:
- undergraduate diploma or an official replacement (issued by the university)
- CV with the details about the school and professional career (optional)
- one academic reference and one personal reference
- filled-in application form
- 4 passport-size photographs
- copy of the ID
- proof of English language proficiency (unless your previous degree was taught in English)
- the medical certificate with no contraindication for studying
- proof of paying the admission fee
Specific entry requirements
If you opt for a Master’s program in the department of Arts, Physical Education, Teaching, Medical or Technical universities, you will have to take an additional aptitude test.
Also, depending on the program, other documents might include:
- certified secondary school certificate or an official replacement issued by the candidate's high school
- a supplement to the undergraduate diploma or a copy of your Bachelor’s thesis
6. University application deadlines in Poland
In most cases, the academic year at Polish universities consists of 2 semesters of 15 weeks each.
- Beginning of October: Fall semester starts
- Mid-February: Fall semester ends
- Mid-February: Spring semester starts
- End of June: Spring semester ends
- Beginning of July – end of September: summer vacation
As far as application deadlines are concerned, they vary from university to university. Here are some common deadlines:
- Application deadlines for EU/EEA students: mid-September (the latest)
- Non-EU/EEA students: mid-July to mid-August (the latest)
7. Final steps after receiving the university acceptance letter
Firstly: Woohoo! You got in!
Secondly: Let’s make a shortlist of things you should prepare and the errands you need to run once you get there.
- As an EU/EEA student, you won’t need a VISA, but no matter what country you come from, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit, as your Master’s degree will surely be longer than three months.
- Don’t forget to call your university’s International Relations Office and get more information on the more practical aspects, like coming to Poland, medical care and insurances, your driving license, and more.
- If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, for the VISA you’ll need (or at least it's highly recommended) to get medical insurance in your home country or immediately after you arrive. If you don’t have this covered, you will have to pay every health service you will get and that will rack your bill to a substantial sum.
- For EU/EEA students: you’re not off the hook: get your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or else you won’t be eligible for free health insurance.
