There are 72 743 foreign students from 170 countries studying in Poland, over 6 950 more than a year ago (over 10% increase) in the academic year 2017/2018. Foreign students currently make up 5.63% of the total number of students in the country (ten years ago the figure was only 0.71%, in the academic year 2016/2017 - 4.88%). The upward trend has been maintained since 2005, i.e. since the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP) and Perspektywy Education Foundation launched the long-term “Study in Poland” program.

Internationalization up

The 5.63 percent increase in the internationalisation ratio is owing to an increase in the number of foreign students studying at Polish universities, as well as a decline in the overall number of students in Poland. In the academic year 2017/18, Poland had 1 291 870 students, a decrease of about 57k from the previous year. Year after year, their number decreases.

Ukrainian and Belarusian students make up the majority of students at Polish universities. During the 2017-2018 academic year, 37 829 Ukrainians and 6044 Belarusians studied in Poland. The number of students from these nations has increased yet again. It stems from a shared culture, proximity, and Poland's EU membership, among other factors. The most significant factors for them are a large offer, a diverse choice of courses and programmes, and a high-quality teaching staff.

Education of high quality is also a criterion that other nationalities consider while deciding to study in Poland. Among them are students from India, who are ranked third among foreign students in Poland (2987), and students from Spain (1889). The number of Swedes (1160) and Norwegians (1466) who opt to study medicine in Poland is decreasing. Students from Turkey (1807), the Czech Republic (1448), and Germany are increasingly flocking to Poland (1257).

The number of students from Asia, such as Taiwan, has increased (853). Universities in Poland are increasingly paying attention to the Chinese education industry. Thousands of young people from this country study abroad every year. Although Poland only has 1164 visits, there is a developing tendency (increase of 211 students compared to the previous year). Kazakhstan (796), Azerbaijan (479), Nepal (404), Thailand (216), Bangladesh (214), and Tajikistan (214) are among the growing number of students (187). Students from Europe, on the other hand, continue to make up the majority of students in Polish universities. Increased promotional operations and an appealing educational offer on non-European markets, particularly in Asia, are required in this situation.

The number of students from the United States has remained constant from the previous academic year. 768 Americans are currently studying in Poland, but the number of Canadians has risen (393). At Polish universities, a modest number of students from South America and Africa are enrolled.

Markets with potential

When it comes to students from India, there is a strong growing tendency. There are currently 2987 Indian students studying in Poland, an increase of 849 students from the previous year. It was not such a dramatic increase when compared to the academic year 2016/2017, when it reached 138 percent. Due to India's fast growing population and a lack of spots in Indian higher education institutions, students are increasingly considering studying overseas, notably in Poland.

Kazakhstan is another potential future market for Polish colleges. In the academic year 2017/18, 796 students from Poland were enrolled. Year after year, their number continues to rise. Education is extremely important to Kazakhs. They are on the lookout for new opportunities to study abroad or participate in student exchange programmes. As a result, our universities will be able to recruit more Kazakhstani students.

the global context

Over 5 million students study in nations other than their own. Asia accounts for more than half of all overseas students (the majority is from China, India and Korea). The majority of international students study in OECD nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. These countries are home to more than half of all overseas students in the world. Foreign students have been flocking to Chinese institutions in recent years. They are growing at a rapid rate and are presenting more and more exciting offers.