Study in Poland
Poland is a great country in which to study. Here, you will find a wide selection of courses you can take at low cost. Polish universities are eager to welcome foreign students, while Polish cities not only offer suitable conditions for studying but also boast plenty of attractions.
Polish education has a long and impressive academic tradition with its roots going back as far as the Middle Ages! Jagiellonian University in Kraków was founded in the 14th century and is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Today we are proud to offer education on a par with the European standards.
In almost every big city, there are public and private schools offering third level education. Course availability is rich and the schools are continuously expanding their offerings to suit the market demand. Polish diplomas are recognized in the European Union (EU) and worldwide, and in countries like the USA, Canada and Australia. Studying in Poland gives you a solid education and a better chance to find a good job in the EU and beyond!
The high quality of Polish education can be seen in the fact that many Polish scientists have built international careers. Did you know that the first full face transplant in the USA was done by a team of surgeons lead by a Polish doctor, Maria Siemionow who graduated from Poznan Medical Academy?
If you choose to study in Poland, you can apply for a Polish Government Scholarship. There are also a lot of other ways to lower the cost of your college fees.
Q: What do I need to enroll?
A: To qualify all international applicants must first meet the minimum requirements for entry into higher education in their own country, have a matriculation certificate or equivalent document; command of English (at least on an intermediate level) is also required.
Some departments of the arts, physical education, departments preparing students for the teaching profession, medical and technical universities may organize additional aptitude tests.
Since Poland ratified the Lisbon Convention on Recognition of Degrees in 2004 recognition of Polish diplomas has become easier inter-nationally.
For information on diploma recognition please visit www.buwiwm.edu.pl
Q: Studying in Poland: How much does it cost?
A: In Poland full-time education at state institutions of higher education is free for Polish citiziens. It is also free for foreigners who commence studies in at state HEIs on terms applicable to Polish citizens. All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees of no less than a PLN equivalent of:
-
around EUR 2000 per year for professional higher study, master’s and postgraduate master’s courses;
-
around EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate and specialist courses and scientific, artistic, specialist and habilitation internships;
-
around EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships;
-
around EUR 2000 per year for a language course, including a course preparing for study in Polish.
In justified cases the Rector of the HEI may, at the student’s request, reduce the tuition fee or waive it altogether.
Why study in Poland
The huge wave of Polish migration to the UK after the accession of the country into the EU back in 2004 has been well documented. But over the past few years, the traffic between the two nations has become increasingly two-way, with a reported rise in the number of Brits moving to the Eastern European country. Some of these are students, drawn to the country for its low tuition fees and similarly low cost of living.
-
There are over 400 courses offered in English in Poland, many of which are at undergraduate level.
-
In particular, the country’s medical schools are attracting an increasing number of overseas students who have been unable to get into a medical training programme in their own country. However, while many medical courses are conducted in English, Polish language skills are likely to become necessary by the time students begin consultations with patients.
-
Like many other EU countries, Poland offers inexpensive or even free tuition to EU students. But the cost of living is much lower than Western or Northern Europe, meaning the total cost of a university education can be significantly less.
-
Poland has some well-respected universities, although on an international scale, it is perhaps unsurprising it fails to make the same type of impact on international rankings as universities in the US, the UK and Western Europe. The University of Warsaw (335th in the 2014–15 QS World University Rankings) and Jagiellonian University (371st) are among the country’s most highly respected institutions.
Entry and visa regulations
EU/EEA students do not need a visa to study in Poland.
-
Students must register with the local administrative office if they intend to stay more than 90 days — at that time proof of public healthcare insurance (a European Healthcare Insurance Card will suffice) and enough funds to cover their stay in Poland must be provided.
-
Prospective students should apply directly to their chosen institution. Deadlines for admissions vary, but in most cases require students to apply in the spring for an autumn intake. The exception is medicine, where applications are usually required around one year in advance of the course start date.
Funding your study
Fees vary wildly among institutions, with some offering free tuition for EU students and others charging a fee.
-
The University of Warsaw, for example, charges between £1,300 and £2,500 per year for its English language courses. Generally, most courses cost substantially less than in the UK, although medicine courses are a notable exception with fees of around £10,000 per year.
-
Students of EU/EEA countries are eligible to work in Poland without a work permit but finding work without Polish language skills could be difficult. Even for those who do secure employment, wages are low and student jobs typically pay the equivalent of around £2 per hour. Many foreign students therefore return to their home country to work during summer breaks.
-
Most universities provide some type of student accommodation, although demand is high due to the cost, which can be as low as £80 per month for a shared room. Contact your university as soon as you have an acceptance letter if you wish to pursue university housing. Many students living in shared apartments or houses, with costs ranging from £100–£200 per month depending on location.
The cost of living in Poland is among the lowest in the European Union. Typical costs (GBP, March 2015) include:
-
Apartment rent, 1 bedroom: £179 - £245 per month
-
Meal, inexpensive restaurant: £3.15
-
Meal at McDonalds: £2.97
-
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught): £1.05
-
Imported beer (0.33 litre bottle): £1.22
-
Cappuccino: £1.24
-
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 litre bottle): £0.65
-
Water (0.33 litre bottle): £0.50
-
Loaf of bread: £0.45
-
Cigarettes: £2.45
-
One-way ticket local transport: £0.52
-
Cinema ticket: £3.85
Health and safety
-
Poland is a relatively safe country in comparison to other EU member states. European Commission data from earlier this year showed that in particular, violent crimes were decreasing in Poland. It also singled out Poland as one of the countries in which the fall in crime had been most noticeable since 2006.
-
In larger cities such as Warsaw, however, street crime can be a problem so keep your wits about you.
-
Students are eligible to access the healthcare system in Poland using their European Healthcare Insurance Card so long as they use public rather than private healthcare providers. Those operating under the public health system can be identified by their use of the NFZ logo. Generally the standard of care is adequate, though services may be limited in rural areas. Most GP and hospital treatment is free, although