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If you’ve heard of the beautiful Tatra Mountains or the Masurian Lake District, you probably want to visit Poland. If you are planning a trip for study purposes, then you should also know that Poland has some of the oldest universities in the world.
There are over 400 universities and colleges in Poland which welcome around 1.5 million students annually. Poland is known to be an affordable European country, with a rich history and numerous high-quality university degrees offered in the English language.
Keep on reading to find out all there is to know about the costs of living and tuition fees for international students in Poland.
Find Bachelor’s degrees in Poland
Tuition fees in Poland
At public universities, both Polish and EU/EEA & Switzerland students do not pay tuition fees for degrees taught in the Polish language. All the other study programmes demand tuition from students. In general, costs vary between:
500 – 6,000 EUR/academic year for Bachelor’s degrees
1,000 – 8,000 EUR/academic year for Master’s degrees
Some degrees in Dentistry and Business (especially MBAs) can cost over 15,000 EUR/year. You’ll also pay more if you enrol at private universities.
Although they are few, you can find free programmes in Poland. They are more common at Master’s level and while some of them are free for all international students, other are only free for EU/EEA citizens. As always, our advice is to check if tuition fees apply to students from your country to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Universities in Poland with affordable tuition fees
Warsaw University of Technology
Poznan University of Life Sciences
University of Agriculture in Krakow
University of Opole
Student living costs in Poland
Poland is an affordable European country with a pretty stable economy. Living costs for international students vary between 350 – 550 EUR/month. You can adjust your budget depending on the city or area you wish to study in. Larger cities such as Krakow or Warsaw require between 500 – 850 EUR/month.
Accommodation costs in Poland
Housing is important because it represents around 35% of your total monthly costs of living. International students can find accommodation in university residence halls or private rental apartments, which can also be shared.
Student residence halls: 60 – 150 EUR/month. Great for networking with other students, but the conditions can vary from one residence hall to another.
Rent in a shared flat: 80 – 150 EUR/month. Most popular option among Polish students.
Prices are higher if you want to rent an apartment by yourself, especially in a big city. A one-bedroom apartment in Krakow costs around 300 – 465 EUR/month, while Warsaw has prices of 350 – 650 EUR/month.
Poland students.jpg
Other costs associated with accommodation
When you live in Poland, besides rent you will also have some additional expenses which come from the utilities. The basic ones are electricity, heating, water, and garbage and they have total prices of around 155 EUR/month for an 85 square meters apartment.
An additional expense could also be considered the two months deposit that many of the landlords ask when you move into your rental apartment.
Food costs
Food for an international student usually costs 100 – 150 EUR/month. You can save some money if you choose to buy groceries and shop from cheaper supermarkets. Some of the most common ones are Tesco, Auchan, Carrefour, Leclerc, and Lidl.
You can enjoy dinner in an affordable restaurant for only 5 EUR or pay 23 EUR for a three-course meal in an average restaurant for two. A light drink will cost you only 2 EUR.
Transportation costs
Public transport is the main option for students, who pay 50 EUR for a semester pass, which is available for 6 months. Many Polish cities have nice panoramic views and routes, so you can also walk by foot.
If you enjoy transportation by car, like 18% of the students in Poland, you will pay around 1 EUR/litre of gasoline.
Extra study materials
During your study programme, you will need to purchase books, research magazines, and other study materials. These are, in most cases, necessary and they can be purchased even from some universities. However, you are advised to buy them from book stores with old or used products, in order to save some money.
You can also use the Numbeo website to check out other prices and costs in Poland.
Find Master’s degrees in Poland
Funding & student support
In Poland, you can support yourself financially through scholarships and funding programmes. Here are some of the options you can explore:
Scholarships offered by thePolish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
Erasmus+ programmes
Scholarships on Scholarshipportal.com
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies in Poland.
Now that you know all these things about living expenses in Poland, go ahead and plan your budget so that you’ll have a great study experience in this beautiful country.
Study in Poland
Poland’s extensive history provides international students with a vibrant and culture-rich environment. Despite its painful history, the country has emerged as a popular destination, providing an array of architecture, cuisine and beautiful scenery.
Located in Central Europe, Poland is the perfect place for international students wanting to experience European culture whilst gaining a high quality education.
Why Study in Poland?
Following the Bologna Process, Poland has three levels of study and offers programmes in a wide range of subject areas. Poland’s higher education system is divided between publicly funded and private institutions. Both of these types of institution have their own levels of accreditation and subject specialisations. You will find 9 of Poland’s universities in the top 1000 of the QS World University Rankings, with the highest ranked being the University of Warsaw.
The first higher education institution in Poland, now called Jagiellonian University, was founded 1364. It is one of the world’s oldest existing universities, and is ranked in the top 500 of the QS rankings. Poland’s higher education institutions are most noted for their offerings in fine arts, music and drama. You will also find a wide variety of technical schools in a variety of disciplines.
About Poland
Sharing a border with Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Belarus, Poland is a fantastic country. It boasts vast landscapes and geographical features such as the Carpathian Mountains and the Sudetes. With a population of almost 39 million people, Poland is one of the most populous countries in Europe.
While it continues to progress, the country’s past continues to be one of its defining features. Many tourists travel to Poland to visit the historical Holocaust sites and concentration camps, where over 70% of all persecuted Jewish people were imprisoned during World War II. The country is now progressive and prides itself in being a religiously and culturally diverse, promoting creativity and intellectual thought.
StudyLink recommends
Costs of Studying and Living in Poland
Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN) as its currency.
Higher education in Poland is free for Polish citizens. If you would also like to study for free, you must sit the same entrance exams as Polish students, and study a course taught in Polish. If you cannot fulfil this criteria, you will be expected to pay tuition fees. At a public institution, you can expect to pay between PLN 8,539 and PLN 16,000 per year. At a private institution, tuition fees will be higher, up to PLN 25,300. There are not a great deal of scholarships available to international students, so you should not rely on funding help. However, it might be worth checking with your institution of choice, as they may offer funding.
Living costs will depend on where you choose to live and the lifestyle you choose to lead. It is recommended that you allow at least PLN 2,500 per month for living costs. If you choose to live in university accommodation this will be cheaper than living in a privately rented apartment. To help with your living costs, you may be able to get a part time job. If you are from an EU/EEA country, you will be able to work with no extra permissions. If you are from any other country, your employer may need to apply for a work permit if you wish to work. You should not rely on a job to finance your studies as an international student.
Another living cost that international students need to consider is health insurance. If you are an EHIC holder, you will not need to purchase health insurance. If you present your EHIC, you should be able to get healthcare for free, the same as Polish citizens. If you are from an EU country and do not hold an EHIC, this is something you should apply for before you go to Poland. Countries such as the UK, Sweden and Slovakia also have an agreement with the Polish government that their citizens will be able to get access to free healthcare in the country – your country’s embassy will be able to provide information regarding this.
If you are from any other country, you will need to purchase health insurance that is valid for your stay in Poland. This can be done either before you leave your home country, or as soon as you arrive in Poland. If you do not purchase health insurance, you will have to pay for any medical treatment you receive, which will be very expensive.
Visas
If you are from an EU/EEA country, you will not need to apply for a student visa in order to study in Poland. You will need to apply for a temporary residence permit to cover the duration of your stay. This can be obtained at your local Voivodeship Office.
If you are from any other country, you will need to apply for a visa to travel to Poland. This visa is only valid for three months however, so you will then need to obtain a temporary residence permit to cover the duration of your studies. In order to apply for a visa, you will need to go to the Polish embassy or consulate in your home country.
If you require any further assistance or guidance with this process, contact your chosen institution.mit for temporary residence.
Language
The official language of Poland is Polish. The country also has one regional recognised language of Kashubian, as well as many other minority languages being spoken.
It is extremely common for universities to offer courses at all levels in English. If your native language is not English, you may have to prove your proficiency to be accepted onto your course. If you do not meet the required standards, your university will probably offer English language courses to help you improve. You will be able to access more information about the specific requirements if you contact your university.
It is always recommended that even if you are studying in English, you make an effort to learn as much of the Polish language as possible. Communicating with the locals and other international students is a great way to practice. This is a skill that will look fantastic on your CV/resume, and could be extremely helpful if you wish to gain employment during or after your studies!
Cities
Warsaw
The capital city of Poland, Warsaw is home to almost 1.8 million people. It is one of the wealthiest capital cities in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as being an alpha global city and a major tourist destination. The historical old town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, and was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world before the bombings of World War II.
Located in Warsaw are many reputable institutions of higher education. You will find Warsaw University of Technology, one of the largest technology schools in Europe. The Warsaw School of Economics, the oldest university of economics in the country.
Wrocław
The history of Wrocław dates back over a thousand years, and is a mixing pot of many religions and cultures. The city has played host to many events over the years, and was a European City of Culture in 2016. In 2018, Wrocław was awarded the title of European Best Destination, illustrating that it really would be the perfect place for any international student to live and study in.
Degrees you may be interested in studying in Poland
Agriculture
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Science
Finance
Food Science
Graphic Design
History
Horticulture
Hospitality
International Business
International Relations
Journalism
Law
Marketing
Mathematics
Medicine
Photography
Physics
Political Science
Sociology
Masters you may be interested in studying in Poland
Agriculture
Biology
Business Management
Chemistry
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Science
Finance
Food Science
Graphic Design
History
Horticulture
Hospitality
International Business
International Relations
Journalism
Law
MBA
Study in Poland: A Guide for International Students02 Jan 2020
STUDY ABROAD IN POLAND
Do you like diverse nature, cities steeped in history and delicious comfort food after a long exam season? If you answered yes to these three questions, and are looking to study somewhere in Europe – there is a perfect solution for you: Study in Poland!
Poland’s tradition of academic education goes back to 1364 when King Casimir the Great realised how important it was to have a class of educated people. Thus, Krakow Academy, today known as Jagiellonian University, was established.
Today, Poland has over 450 HEIs (Higher Education institutions) to choose from and being a member of the Socrates-Erasmus network, Poland has slowly built a reputation for students looking to get an unforgettable study experience and an internationally recognized degree.
There were 72 743 foreign students from 170 countries studying in Poland last year and the numbers grow steadily.
Read on to discover what exactly makes Poland a good choice for a study destination.
Find a program
Want to study in Poland? Find & compare programs
Search
Poland – Quick facts & figures
Capital
Warsaw
Language
Polish
Population
38.4 million
Area Size
312,679 km²
International students
46,000
Academic Year
October – June
Currency
Złoty (PLN)
Calling Code
+48
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1)
Old Town Warsaw
More about Poland
For many students, the cost is one of the main worries when looking to study abroad. After all, one has to take into account books, transportation, and tuition. Here is where Poland comes into play! While Polish universities follow the Bologna study standards and offer top-notch education, the cost is reasonably low compared to the alternative.
Tuition fees start from less than 1700 EUR per year. But the low costs do not apply only to the tuition. Despite having one of the fastest-growing European economies, Poland still has relatively low prices.
And as a student you have a lot to think of: a shared flat in the city center will cost you around 110-170 USD, a room in a student dormitory around 100 USD?
Still wondering if you can afford it? The public transportation is cheap and offers a discount for students, and during the warmer months, you can use public bikes which are almost free of charge. What a dream for the cost wary!
But we know that studying is more than worrying about exams and looking at the price tags. Living in Poland, you can find ways to relax and unwind, regardless of where you find yourself. Even universities understand the importance of relaxing. Every year, each university organizes its own carnival called Juwenalia. During Juwenalia, all classes are canceled so that everybody has time to party.
With 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Poland, a rich history spanning over centuries, and a bustling nightlife, Poland will surely transform your study time into an unforgettable experience.
Lastly, finding friends will be a piece of cake! Hospitality is deeply rooted in Polish culture. Expect every casual invitation for dinner to end up as a three-course feast. Polish grandmas will always find a reason to feed you more and Poles won’t hesitate to offer you their flat for a night if you run into problems. The Polish people regard history as an important part of their identity and the locals will gladly tell you breath-taking stories about their hometown, instantly becoming a free and attractive tour guide.
No matter where you find yourself, from bustling cities to quaint little villages, your stay in Poland will always be comfortable and interesting.
Poland is a geographically diverse country and has a climate to match. With its moderate climate, Poland offers both maritime and continental elements. This means you can expect many sunny days but many rainy days as well and don’t be surprised when the summer turns out to be quite hot or quite rainy. Winters in Poland are normally very cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, and with a lot of snowy days. Perfect for cosy study sessions but if you come from a warmer climate, make sure you bring appropriate clothes!
Learn more about studying abroad in Poland:
Education System
Want to learn about how the higher education system works in Poland? Both public and private universities follow the objectives and the standards set by the Bologna process.
Learn more
Student Visas
Do you need a visa to enter Poland to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizen status.
Learn more
Housing & Living Costs
Housing and cost of living in Poland are relatively cheap, especially when compared with other countries in Europe.
Learn more
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees for degree programs in Poland vary but education for international students is still far lower than in many other European countries.
Learn more
Language & Culture
Poland is a country rich in history and culture. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!
Learn more
Application Process
Entry requirements in Poland vary from university to university. Here you can find more information about the application process for both EU and non-EU citizens.
Learn more
Programs
Ready to look at education in Poland? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Poland today!
Learn more
LAST UPDATE:
02 JAN 2020
You might also be interested in:
LAST UPDATED: 1/2/2020
Tuition Fees & Scholarships in Poland
While education in Poland is free for Polish students, don’t worry, the prices of education for international students is still far lower than in many other European countries. If you are an EU/EEA student you are not required to pay tuition fees for courses taught in Polish but you compete with Polish students for admission spots. If you are not from an EU country, studying in Poland requires you …
STUDY ABROAD IN POLAND
Read more
LAST UPDATED: 1/2/2020
The Higher Education System in Poland
Poland has a long and proud tradition of keeping educational institutions going, at times despite prohibition. Did you know about the Polish Flying University? In the late 1800s, when universities were heavily controlled and only admitted men; Polish scholars began a brave underground movement in which courses were taught in secret. To avoid authorities, these meetings were held in private homes t …
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.
What is it like to study in Poland?
You should integrate quickly in 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
Universities to attend in Poland
The following are the best Polish universities that offer English-taught degrees:
University of Warsaw
Jagiellonian University
Warsaw University of Technology
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
AGH University of Science and Technology
Why Study in Poland?
5 Reasons to study in Poland:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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: excellent. The list of excellent fields of study is available at the Polish Accreditation Committee website: http://www.pka.edu.pl/?q=en/oceny. - 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
For the essential information about studying in Poland and applying for higher education programmes, visit the Go-Poland website.
Practical Information
Each university in Poland has its own admission system on their 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
this kind 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.
Poland is a great country to study in. You will find a wide range of courses at very competitive prices. Our universities are prepared to accept foreign students, and the university cities offer not only a good learning environment, but also plenty of other attractions.
Our country has a great tradition of education. The oldest Polish university – the Jagiellonian University in Krakow – was founded in the 14th century and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. And so our higher education has its roots in the Middle Ages!
Aditionally today our education can be considered according to European standards. In almost every big city there are public and private universities – thanks to this our educational offer is very vast and rich. We are constantly adapting and enriching it. Diplomas gained in our country are recognized in other EU countries. They can be also more and more easily nostrified in the US, Canada and Australia. Studies in Poland will help you to increase your chances of getting a good job in the European Union and anywhere else!
The high standard of our universities is evidenced by the number of Polish scientists who have made a career around the world. Did you know that the first almost total face transplant in the United States was carried out by a team of surgeons under the direction of a Polish woman, Dr. Maria Siemionow, a graduate of the Medical University in Poznań?
Choosing to study in Poland, you have a chance to get a scholarship from the Polish government, and there are many other opportunities to reduce the cost of studying in our country.
Requirements
If you want to come to study in Poland, you must meet certain requirements. But no worries! They are no more complicated than those in your country, and here Think Poland agents will do everything to help you. First, you need to have graduated from a school that allows you to start college. Secondly, you should legalize your stay in Poland for the duration of your studies. Thirdly, you need to take care of your health and safety. Finally, depending on the language of instruction during your studies, you will need a certificate attesting your language knowledge at a sufficient level, especially if you would like to study in Polish.
Health and safety
In addition, when coming to Poland for studies, you need a medical certificate stating the absence of contraindications for undertaking studies at the chosen program. Connected to this is also a requirement that you are insured during your stay in Poland. As the medical care in Poland is not free of charge, you should get yourself an insurance policy in case of illness or accident for your whole period of stay in Poland. If you are a citizen of the EU and have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can make free use of Polish medical care . But if you do not have such card or you are not an EU citizen, you can subscribe to the National Health Fund for about 40 PLN per month. Citizens of the UK, Sweden and Slovakia, on the basis of bilateral agreements, can benefit from Polish medical care free of charge, and students from the Czech Republic can use it in case of a sudden illness or accident. If you have any doubt as to the choice of insurance for the duration of your stay in Poland, do not hesitate to contact for help one of Think Poland agents. That’s what we are here for
Find the studies for you
List of schools
| SWPS University | SEE DETAILS |
| Warsaw University | SEE DETAILS |
| Poznań University of Technology Department of Political Science and International Relations | SEE DETAILS |
| Warsaw School of Economics | SEE DETAILS |
| Kozminski University | SEE DETAILS |
| Lazarski University | SEE DETAILS |
| Vistula University | SEE DETAILS |
| Warsaw University of Technology | SEE DETAILS |
| Medical University of Warsaw | SEE DETAILS |
| University of Wroclaw | SEE DETAILS |
| Wroclaw University of Science and Technology | SEE DETAILS |
| Wroclaw University of Economics | SEE DETAILS |
| School of Form in Poznan | SEE DETAILS |
| Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun | SEE DETAILS |
| Collegium Medicum of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Bydgoszcz | SEE DETAILS |
| Vincent Pol University in Lublin | SEE DETAILS |
| University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow | SEE DETAILS |
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