Study in Poland

Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe and an increasingly popular destination for international students. Local universities offer a good return on investment, with affordable study programmes and accommodation costs. Add in the low living expenses and you have a formula for (financial) success.

Which universities to attend in Poland?

The following are the best Polish universities that offer English-taught degrees:

• University of Wroclaw
• Warsaw University of Technology
• Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
• Wroclaw Medical University
• University of Warsaw

What is it like to study in Poland?

You should integrate quickly into the Polish academic and social life since you won't be the only foreign student. Over 65,000 internationals enrol at one of the universities in Poland every year. You'll have plenty of opportunities to chat, discover other cultures, and have fun at local parties.

The education system is based on the Bologna principles, so there are no surprises here. Most Bachelors take 3 years to complete, while most Masters take 1 or 2 years. Of course, there are exceptions (e.g. some Medicine, Engineering programmes).

What to study in Poland?

Out of the various academic courses available in Poland, these are some of the most popular among international students:

• Information Technology degrees in Poland 
• Business degrees in Poland 
• Social Science degrees in Poland 
• Law degrees in Poland 
• Engineering degrees in Poland 

Why Study in Poland?

5 Reasons to study in Poland:

1. Tradition

Poland’s tradition of academic education goes back to 1364 when King Casimir the Great established the Cracow Academy, known today as the Jagiellonian University. The Cracow Academy, being one of the oldest in the world, took after academies in Bologna and Padua, and was the second university in Central Europe after Prague.

2. Modernity

Today, the Polish higher education system is developing rapidly. Poland holds fourth place in Europe (after the United Kingdom, Germany and France) in terms of the number of people enrolled in higher education. The total student population at over 400 university-level schools is almost one and a half million. Each year almost half a million young people begin their education at universities and colleges. The Polish university-level schools offer over 200 high-quality types of study as an integral part of the European Higher Education Area. Most schools offer courses in foreign languages.

3. Bologna Process

Poland plays an active part in the Bologna Process. Owing to the introduction of three-stage education modelled on Bachelor/Master/Doctoral studies as well as the European Credit Transfer System, both Polish students and international students studying in Poland stay fully mobile and can continue their education elsewhere in the European Union without any problems. Within just the Erasmus Program that has been going on for over 20 years now, over 43,000 foreign students have come to study in Poland while almost 100,000 students from Poland have taken part of their education in another country within the European Union. Foreign students coming to Poland can expect the most attractive and diversified education opportunities meeting high European standards. They can study medicine, biotechnology or engineering, but also art and business and many other subjects. The diploma awarded to them upon graduation is recognised not only Europe-wide but also in most countries of the world.

4. High quality of education

The Polish higher education system is well-developed. The quality of the education provided is monitored and regularly evaluated. The main Polish institutions in charge of quality assurance in higher education are the Polish Accreditation Committee, the General Council of Higher Education and the Conference of Rectors of the Academic Schools in Poland. There are over 5,000 courses available in Poland and each of them has had to gain the Polish Accreditation Committee’s approval. Among them there are a number of fields of study that have received the grade: of excellent. The list of excellent fields of study is available at the Polish Accreditation Committee website: http://www.pka.edu.pl/?q=en/oceny.

5. Competitive costs of living and studying

Compared to other EU countries, the tuition fees in Poland are really competitive and the costs of living are a fraction of what a foreign student would have to spend in other European cities.

Find out more and apply

How to apply

Each university in Poland has its own admission system on its website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some documents you might need to submit during your university application:

• A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
• A transcript/record of your previous courses
• A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
• Your CV
• Testing scores
• Evidence of scholarship or funding
• Letters of recommendation (2 or 3)
• Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Polish university

Take preparation courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-MBA, pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Poland, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

To study in Poland, you’ll need to provide proof of your English language proficiency. The certificates generally accepted by Polish universities are:

• PTE Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• IELTS Academic
• C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Still, you should always check your university’s website to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Living in Poland

Let's take a closer look at tuition fees, living costs, and the student life in Poland:

Tuition fees

Public universities in Poland implement the following tuition fee structure:

• 0 EUR/year for EU/EEA students if they enrol in Polish-taught degrees
• 500–6,000 EUR/year for Bachelor's programmes
• 1,000–8,000 EUR/year for Master's programmes

Some courses, like MBAs or Dentistry might cost as much as 15,000 EUR per academic year.

Tuition fees are usually even higher at private universities, but you can also find lower-cost degrees.

Living costs in Poland

The average living expenses in most Polish cities are around 350–550 EUR per month. In larger cities, like Krakow or Warsaw, students will need between 500 and 850 EUR.

Accommodation

There are many different options for arranging student accommodation in Poland. They vary depending on the city and higher education institution you choose.

Many Polish higher education institutions (HEIs) have their own dormitories, which are usually the cheapest option available. However, most Polish students prefer to rent a room in a private apartment.

• student residence halls: 60–150 EUR/month

• rent in a private flat: 80–150 EUR/month plus the utilities bill (100–150 EUR)

Health insurance

Healthcare in Poland is available for students from EU/EEA countries, provided that they hold valid medical insurance in the national insurance system of their country. A valid passport, student identity card or doctoral student identity card and a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles its holder to medical care free of charge in Poland.

Non-EU/EEA students need to get a private healthcare insurance plan.

Other monthly living expenses

• food and groceries: 100–150 EUR/month
• transport: 50 EUR for a semester pass, valid for 6 months
• books and study materials: 20–50 EUR/month

• social events and entertainment: 30–70 EUR/month

Life in Poland

Climate

Poland has a moderate climate with both maritime and continental elements. The weather tends to be changeable and unpredictable. You can count on many sunny days and many rainy days and don’t be surprised when the summer turns out to be quite hot or quite rainy.

Winters are usually cold, with temperatures well below freezing, and more or less snowy. If you come from a warmer climate, make sure you have proper clothing.

Student Card

The student card is the size of a credit card, but it can change your life. Not only does it confirm your student status and allow access to libraries and other HEI facilities, but it also entitles you to all kinds of student discounts, the most important of them being a 50% discount on public transport (saving you up to 15 EUR every month).

Transportation

Most Polish cities have well-developed networks of public transport. Depending on the city, they include buses, trams, trolleybuses, trains and underground trains. It is usually a good idea to buy a monthly or semester pass, as it’s hard to avoid public transport.

Even if you manage to find accommodation close to the university, its separate faculties or facilities may not be within walking distance.

Leisure

There is a wide range of leisure activities available in Poland. Whatever you enjoy, you’ll probably find it here! Those who like to be active can use one of the well-equipped sports facilities or explore beautiful Polish landscapes while cycling, hiking, horse-riding, sailing, canoeing, ballooning or in any other way they want.

Those who like sightseeing should visit the churches, castles, museums and many other attractions. The culture-oriented students can choose between many theatres and galleries as well as philharmonics, concerts and music clubs. There are also a number of interesting festivals organised throughout the year.

Working

To be able to study in Poland, non-EU/EEA citizens must demonstrate that they possess sufficient means to cover the costs of living in Poland. Still, some students may wish to combine studies with work.

In this case, non-EU/EEA students who stay in Poland with a visa generally need to apply for a work permit, which is granted only if no EU citizens can fill the position.

About Poland

Poland is one of the largest countries in the Eastern Europe. Its size is comparable with Italy and it borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. It has a population of over 38 million people, which makes it the sixth most populated member of the European Union. Living in Poland is living in the heart of Europe. You drive only a few hours and you can be in another country.

The Baltic Sea, the Masurian Lake District, the Tatra Mountains, vibrant cities, lovely towns, picturesque villages - in Poland everything is at hand! Natural, cultural and historical diversity is remarkable and unique. Warsaw – the capital, a financial and political centre, Cracow - full of Polish history with wonderful monuments or Gdansk where you can taste not only the city life but also relax on the beach.

Great (north) Poland was founded in 966. The tribes of southern Poland then formed Little Poland. Poland merged with Lithuania by royal marriage in 1386. The Polish-Lithuanian state reached the peak of its power between the 14th and 16th centuries, scoring military successes against the (Germanic) Knights of the Teutonic Order, the Russians, and the Ottoman Turks.

The lack of a strong monarchy enabled Russia, Prussia, and Austria to carry out the first partition of the country in 1772, a second in 1792, and a third in 1795. For more than a century thereafter, there was no Polish state. The Polish people revolted against foreign dominance throughout the 19th century. Poland was formally reconstituted in 1918.

In 1939, at the beginning of World War II, a German-Soviet agreement divided Poland between the USSR and Germany. The Polish government-in-exile was replaced with the Communist-dominated Polish Committee of National Liberation by the Soviet Union in 1944. A new constitution in 1952 made Poland a “people's democracy” of the Soviet type. In 1955, Poland became a member of the Warsaw Treaty Organization, with its foreign policy identical to that of the USSR.

After the fall of communism, in 1991, the first fully free parliamentary election since World War II resulted in representation for 29 political parties. In 1999, Poland became part of NATO, along with the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Poland is one of the fastest growing economies, being the 6th largest economy in the European Union and the 21st in the world. It is worth mentioning that Poland is the only EU member state that showed a positive GDP during the recent economic crisis.

Poland is a member of the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the United Nations (UN), and more.

Universities, colleges and schools in Poland

Bydgoszcz 

University of Silesia in Katowice

Chorzów 

University of Silesia in Katowice

Czestochowa 

• Polonia University in Czestochowa 
• Czestochowa University of Technology 

Gdansk 

• Gdansk University of Technology 
• University of Gdansk 

Gliwice 

Silesian University of Technology

Katowice

• Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Katowice 
• University of Silesia in Katowice 
• University of Economics in Katowice 

Kazimierza Wielka 

Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport 

Kraków 

• Jagiellonian University 
• EIT InnoEnergy Master School 
• Cracow University of Technology 
• Cracow University of Economics 
• European Public Health Master 
• University of Agriculture in Krakow 
• AGH University of Science & Technology 

Lublin 

• Maria Curie-Sklodowska University 
• Lublin University of Technology 
• University of Economics and Innovation in Lublin 
• John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin 

Lódz 

• University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz 
• University of Lodz 
• Lodz University of Technology 
• Medical University of Lodz 

Olsztyn

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

Opole 

University of Opole

Poznan 

• Poznan University of Life Sciences 
• Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan 
• Poznan University of Technology 
• Poznan University of Economics and Business 

Sopot 

Sopot University of Applied Sciences

Sosnowiec 

University of Silesia in Katowice

Szczecin 

West Pomeranian Business School 

Toru´n 

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun

Warsaw 

• European Academy of Diplomacy 
• EIT Food
• Vistula University 
• Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw 
• Swiss School Of Business and Management 
• Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) 
• Warsaw School of Computer Science 
• ESCP Business School 
• Kozminski University 
• SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities 
• Warsaw University of Life Sciences 
• Warsaw University of Technology 
• Lazarski University 
• University of Warsaw 

Wroclaw 

• Academy of Fine Arts in Wroclaw 
• University of Wroclaw 
• Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences 
• Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
• Faculty of Medicine 
• Wroclaw University of Economics 

Student visas for Poland

..But, well, you see, our army of scientist monkeys didn't finish the student visa research for Poland yet!

Don't worry, everything is ok. We're on it, and we're doing all we can to make your search for the right international degree in Poland a little easier and more enjoyable.

Still, you can always beat us to the punch and:

• Check if you really need a student visa. Usually, if you are an EU-national and want to study in another EU country, you won't need a visa. Some other non-EU countries may also be exempt from an entry visa, at least for an initial duration;
• Start accessing the websites of the embassy and consulate, in order to get a general picture of the whole "visa-application" thing;
• Check the deadlines and figure out how much time you'll have to wait for your visa. You wouldn't want miss studying abroad from this silly mistake of bad planning;
• Go on a scavenger hunt and collect all the documents you will need. Remember, you can find the list on the embassy's website;
• Start saving up money, as some applications might require you to have proof of minimum funds;
• Brush up on your English skills. Even if this is not always a visa requirement, it will help you a lot to succeed during your university studies.

All in all, what else can we say but: good luck and never forget to have fun during your studies!

Thanks and good luck!

Work while studying in Poland

Working Time Regulations in Poland

Time is money, we all know that. Polish law regulates the working time for everyone legally employed in Poland. What does it look like in practice and how many hours a week are you allowed to work?

According to the Polish law, a standard working week is 40 hours within 5 working days, which amounts to 8 hours on average per day and is considered a full-time employment in most workplaces. Moreover, there is a set of obligatory days off, which in 2018 amount to 13 days.

Work While Studying

You can help pay for your education by working part-time while you’re studying.

International students have the right to work while studying in Poland as long as they are enrolled in an Institution. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must also hold a valid residency permit. The right to work applies to all students, including those who are in Poland for the first time, those who are enrolled in the first year of a university program, and those who are enrolled full-time in a language school.

20 hours work permitted during studies as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays.

Full time work is permitted for Residence Card holders.

Work After Graduation

Students from member countries of the European Union may work in Poland without restriction after they graduate. It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful country after you complete your education here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you don’t need a permit to work here. Just make sure your stay permit is in order. You can stay back for further 2-3 years as long as you can prove that you can financially support yourself without seeking any government benefits. Students who obtain a job or accept employment can obtain a Work Permit.

How to Apply to a Bachelor Master's in Poland

If you've decided to study for a Bachelor Master's degree at a university in Poland, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Poland?

To apply to a university in Poland you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

• birth certificate;
• recent photos;
• your passport or national identity card;
• one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
• copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
• academic transcripts;
• letter of intent;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in Poland so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.

Application deadlines for Poland

The deadlines for applying to a Master's in Poland are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.

To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.