Study in Poland

Poland is one of the most sought-after destinations for education due to the following reasons:

• Top-notch quality of education - Poland universities for international students, take part in international student exchange programmes, as well as bilateral agreements and special exchange initiatives conducted by specific institutions. All these activities help to strengthen links between Polish and international higher education institutions. The number of Polish higher education institutions (HEIs) given an Erasmus University Charter arrives at 200, and Polish student mobility is steadily increasing. 
• Academic tradition of Poland - Polish academic traditions date back to the 14th century and some of Europe’s ancient universities are housed here. For example — The Jagiellonian University of Cracow was founded in 1364. Polish scientists such as Nicholas Copernicus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie are globally renowned and revered.
• Education system in Poland - Polish universities are a vital component of the European educational landscape, providing top-notch education. All prestigious institutions provide English-language programmes in medicine, humanities, engineering, commerce and finance. Poland participates actively in the Bolonia Process. The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) enables students to be adaptable and pursue their education abroad.

The Polish higher education system is now categorised into three stages, which took effect for the 2007–2008 academic year:

• Bachelor (Licencjat, Inżynier)
• Master (Magister)
• Doctor (Doktor)

Except for medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, psychology, law and pharmacy, which continue to use a two-stage system (Master and Doctor), this system applies to all educational professions.

• Competitive costs of studying and living - Tuition fees in Poland are quite competitive compared to other EU nations, and living expenses are just a portion of what an international student would incur in other European cities.

The major intakes in Poland are - summer intake and winter intake.

• Summer intake: It starts in February and ends in July or August
• Winter intake: It starts in September or October and ends in February or March.

The following list includes some of the most well-liked academic courses in Poland (as reported by international students):

• Business and management degrees
• Computer sciences and information technology degrees
• Social Science degrees
• Law degrees 
• Engineering and technology degrees

Some of the other most preferred courses for international students are:

• Agriculture and forestry
• Education and training
• Applied science
• Environmental science and earth science
• Language and culture
• Journalism and media
• Arts, design and architecture

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Poland has around 500 universities, most of which are in the private sector. As per the QS EECA University Rankings 2019, 23 Polish universities were ranked in the top 300 list, while 14 Polish universities were included in the QS World University Rankings (2019).

The following are some of the best Polish universities:

• University of Wroclaw
• Warsaw University of Science and Technology (WRUST)
• Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
• Wroclaw Medical University
• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Warsaw University of Economics
• Warsaw University of Business

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In Poland, the “Bologna Process” is implemented at all the universities. Polish universities offer their students various areas of studies from finance, economics and social sciences to medical and technical specialties.

Here are the listed types of studies and their respective duration and semesters:

Apart from that, there is another non-degree programme called “Zerówka”, which is a 9-month preparatory course for aspiring students. It encompasses Polish language classes along with other subjects. The course participants are rewarded with a certificate, after completing the level of Polish proficiency. 

In addition to that, to upskill their English language skills, students also have the option to enrol for English preparatory school, a 9-month course. This aids in entering into a degree programme once the course is completed.

To study in Poland, an applicant needs to provide proof of proficiency in the English language. Polish universities accept the following certificates:

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

Still, a student must also check the university’s website to ensure the actual requirements.

Pursuing full-time education in the Polish language at the state HEIs is free for Polish students as well as foreigners, who begin their studies in Poland under rules that apply to Polish citizens. The list includes the citizens of the EU/EEA and students who possess the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).

All other international students are required to pay tuition fees that are listed as follows:

• For first, second and long-cycle education: EUR 2,000 per year
• For vocational courses and apprenticeships: EUR 3,000 per year
• For an annual preparatory Poland language course to commence studies in Polish: EUR 2,000 per year

Both public and private HEIs set their fees. The school and study programme will determine the annual tuition expenses, which might vary from EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000. The annual cost of MBA programmes is between EUR 8,000 and EUR 12,000.

Scholarship opportunities

Poland provides scholarships to students through the universities, various organisations and the government. These are open to foreign students from EU member states, non-EU nations, and students of Polish descent, including applicants with disabilities. The country's characteristics are distinct due to the large number of universities that provide scholarships and their constant availability.

Some of the scholarships within bilateral agreements:

• Scholarships for citizens from developing countries
• Visegrad Scholarship Programme
• CEEPUS Exchange Programme
• Fulbright Programme
• Eastern Partnership and Post-Soviet Countries Scholarships

An international student will require a student visa to study in Poland unless he/she is a citizen of an EU country. Other than that, a D-type visa will be required by other international students, which allows them to stay in Poland for one year and continue study. Hence, a student must apply for a temporary residence permit before the expiration of the visa, in case the student wishes to stay longer.

Documents required while applying for a Polish type D visa:

• A Poland student visa application form that is completed and signed
• A valid passport (which must be valid for 3 months, after the planned departure from Poland)
• CV/Resume
• Official letter of acceptance from any university in Poland
• School certificates and diplomas
• Proof of proficiency in the English language
• Health insurance documents 
• Evidence to prove sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies
• One passport-size photo
• Accommodation proof in Poland
• Transport documentation, such as air ticket

So, to study in Poland, you need a valid ID and travel papers, and apart from that, a proof of residency (which you may register with the Voivodeship (Provincial) Office). You may only stay in Poland for a year with a type D visa; if you want to stay longer — for example, if you're enrolled in a three-year bachelor’s degree in Poland for international students — you must apply for a temporary residence card.

You can apply for a permit by visiting your local Voivodeship Office. You will need to submit:

• An application form
• Documents of identity
• Proof of your education
• Documents of health insurance
• Proof that you have sufficient funds

The initial permit will be valid for 15 months, but it can be renewed for up to three years, but no more than the duration of studies. One can only apply if he/she is a lawful resident in Poland and the visa has not expired.

There are no restrictions on working with a Polish type D student visa. International students can work in Poland without needing a work permit, provided they have a valid residence permit.

An aspirant must be mindful that if working long hours harms the grades, one may find it harder to renew the residence permit.

• Accommodation - In Poland, there are several choices for setting up student housing. Depending on the city and university you select, they may vary. The most affordable choice is often found in the dorms owned by the several Polish HEIs. But the majority of Polish students would rather rent a room in a private residence.
• Transportation - Public transportation systems are well-established in the majority of Polish cities. They include trams, buses, trolleybuses, trains and subterranean trains, depending on the city. Since it is difficult to avoid public transportation, purchasing a monthly or semester pass is typically a smart option.
• Availability of student cards - Though tiny compared to a credit card, the student card can transform your life. It not only validates your enrolment as a student and grants you access to libraries and other HEI resources, but it also gives you access to a variety of student discounts, the most significant of which is a 50% reduction on public transportation (which may save you up to 15 EUR each month).
• Climate and leisure - Poland has a mild climate that combines coastal and continental features. The weather is uncertain and unpredictable. Cycling, hiking, horseback riding, sailing, canoeing, and ballooning are some of the many recreational activities offered in Poland for individuals who want to stay active throughout their stay.

Ready to study in Poland?

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1. What does a student need to enrol in a Polish University?

To be eligible, all overseas candidates must have a matriculation certificate or comparable document, as well as have a command of English (at least at an intermediate level).

Additional aptitude tests may be administered by some university departments, including those in the arts, physical education, medical, and technical fields, as well as those that prepare students for teaching.

Poland has made international acceptance of Polish degrees simpler by approving the Lisbon Convention on acceptance of Degrees in 2004.

2. What is the duration of the work permit for an international student?

The students are given a part-time work permit only if they are enrolled in a full-time study program and have a valid residence permit to work in Poland. Additionally, with this work permit, an international student can work as many hours as they choose during school breaks (able to work full-time). This permit will be valid for the duration of the studies.