Why Study in Poland

About Poland:

Poland is a large country with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and welcoming people. It is a fascinating country that serves as the geographical and cultural crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe. Located at the centre of the Northern European plain, Poland has been a nation of survivors since the foundation of the first Polish state more than 1000 years ago. Through its turbulent history, its people have managed to maintain their identity, and today, the country enjoys a crucial position as the largest of the former Eastern European states and one of the most populous members of the European Union. With a population of almost 39 million people, Poland is one of the most populous countries in Europe.

Poland is attracting an increasing number of international students every year. The country offers world-class education at modest tuition fees and a low cost of living. Located in Central Europe, Poland borders on Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city is a modern, exciting hub with many universities offering a wide range of courses. Other major university cities include Cracow, Poznan, Lodz, and Wroclaw.

Why Study in Poland:

1. Quality Education: There are more than 500 universities in Poland, most of which are within the private sector. The country prides itself on having produced many notable university alumni, including the first-ever woman to win a Nobel Prize, Marie Curie, and the famous astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. 14 universities in Poland feature in the QS World University Rankings of 2019. 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 as of 2019.

2. Low Cost of Education: Compared to other European countries, international students coming to Poland are required to pay extremely low tuition fees, which are typically in the range of US$2,230-4,180 per year at public universities in Poland. Fees at private universities in Poland, will be slightly higher; depending on your course and the institution, the fees could be up to US$6,600 a year. Note that there are relatively few scholarships available for foreign students, so it is likely that you will need to cover your costs. However, it may be worth checking with the universities to which you are applying, to see whether any funding opportunities are available.

3. Work Part-Time: As an international student, you can work part-time in Poland. You can work for up to 20 hours a week.

4. European Union Visa: As an international student, you will get Schengen Visa and therefore get access to all the Schengen countries.

5. Post-Study Work Visa: An international student will be eligible for 6 months post-study work visa in Poland.

6. Access to the European Union: A Polish degree will be recognized across all the countries in the European Union, thereby giving you access to the job market in Europe.

7. Low Cost of Living: As a student, you can get by in Poland by spending around 450-500 Euros a month as your living expenses.

Education System in Poland

The Polish higher education system has been divided into three stages, which are: Bachelor (Licencjat, Inżynier), Master (Magister), and Doctor (Doktor). This system applies to all fields of education except Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Dentistry, which are based on a two-stage system (Master and Doctor).

• Quality assurance: The Polish State Accreditation Committee oversees monitoring and controlling educational standards in Polish institutions of higher education. The Committee is cooperating with accreditation offices in other countries. For more information see: www.pka.edu.pl

• Recognition of diplomas: All the regulations regarding the validation of diplomas, and a list of countries which have signed an agreement of mutual recognition of diplomas with Poland, are available on the webpage of the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).

• The Academic Year: The academic year is divided into two parts: the fall semester (October-mid February), and the spring semester (February-June). Each of them ends with the examination period. Teaching is given in the form of lectures, classes, seminars, laboratory classes, and discussion groups.

• Bologna Declaration: Both public and private universities follow the objectives and the standards set by the Bologna process. Therefore, degrees earned in Poland are internationally recognized. Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration aiming to create the European Area of Higher Education. Institutions of higher education in Poland have implemented the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). They are also engaged in the international exchange of students, based on individual school activity and programs like SOCRATES/Erasmus. The Diploma Supplement facilitates international recognition of completed education and acquired qualifications.

Types of Degrees in Poland

Bachelor (BA, Licencjat): Obtained following the completion of 3-3.5 year-long vocational/technical college studies

Bachelor (BSc, Inżynier): Obtained following the completion of 3.5-4 year-long college studies in technical sciences, agriculture, and economy.

Master (MA, MSc, Magister): Equivalent degrees: Master of Art, Master Engineer, Master Engineer Architect, qualified physician, dental surgeon, or veterinarian. Granted following the completion of 5-6 year long uniform university studies. The MSc may also be obtained following the completion of 2-2.5 years-long supplementary master’s degree studies which may be taken by persons with a college diploma.

Doktor (Ph.D., Doktor): A degree awarded to those who pass the doctoral exam and successfully defend a dissertation. To qualify for the academic degree of doctor one must hold a master or equivalent degree.

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, and departments preparing students for the teaching profession, medical and technical universities may organize additional aptitude tests.

Visa Application: Non-EU/EEA students need to arrive in Poland with a student’s visa obtained at a Polish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. It is important to remember that visas are granted for a maximum of three months. To extend the stay in Poland, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit for a specified period in the Voivodeship office 45 days before the visa expiration date. For further assistance, students are strongly urged to contact the International Relations Office of their university.

Health Insurance: Medical care in Poland is not free of charge. Health insurance is mandatory for all students for the entire duration of their stay in Poland. The students from non-EU/EEA countries are recommended to buy medical insurance in their home country or immediately after they arrive in Poland. Otherwise, students are required to pay for any health service they get. Foreign students are also advised to purchase third-party liability insurance and accident insurance.

IELTS: A lot of Universities in Poland do not require students to give the IELTS. However, a few universities do require the IELTS to prove English language proficiency. There students are advised to check the application requirements for each program on the respective University’s website.

GMAT/GRE: Some universities will ask for these exams for certain programs. Students should check on the university website for information on the application requirements.

Tuition Fees: Full-time studies in the Polish language at the state Higher Education Institutions are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens. These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).

All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:

• EUR 2000 per year for first, second and long cycle studies,
• EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate, and medical postgraduate internships as well as scientific, arts, specialist, and post-doctoral internships,
• EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships,
• EUR 2000 per year for an annual preparatory Polish language course to commence studies in Polish

Fees at public and non-public are established by the institution itself. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program. For MBA programs the cost is about EUR 8000-12,000 per year.

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.

Rent in a shared flat: 80 – 150 EUR/month.

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.

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.

Travel 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 on foot.

Poland offers scholarships to students through the government, various foundations, and the universities themselves. They are available to students of Polish origin including disabled applicants as well as to international students both from within the EU itself and from countries outside the EU. The high number of institutions that offer scholarships and their fluid availability makes the situation in the country unique

How to get a scholarship: Foreign students who hold a Card of a Pole will qualify for some scholarships. Other foreign students living in Poland on a temporary residence permit or a visa are not eligible unless they or their family members fulfil the required provisions of Polish law. Students must pursue study at an academic level in Poland. But first, students must complete a second-level education and have a leaving certificate for entrance into a university institution. Equivalent leaving certificate or diploma does not automatically qualify the students to apply for a scholarship. Nostrification must be followed to establish the authenticity of certificates or diplomas by issuing countries and compliance with Polish law.

Post Study Work Visa for Poland

Foreigners from the EU, Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland, and Switzerland can work in Poland without a work permit or establish their own business. Foreigners who do not come from EEA countries need to apply for a work permit. It is important to know that you cannot apply for a work permit. Only your future employer can do it.

Stay in Poland for less than 3 months does not require any additional permits. Work permits are issued by a local voivode. It is issued for a fixed period, however no more than 3 years and may be extended.

Work While Studying: As a student studying at a Polish University, you can work part-time for 20 hours a week.

Summer Internship: Three-month-long academic holidays are a great opportunity to earn extra money and get some work experience. Admittedly, all full-time students can work all year long without a permit, but it is a good idea to find a job or an internship especially during the holidays.

Work after Graduation: As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you do not need a permit to work here. Just make sure your stay permit is in order. You can stay back for further 2-3 years if 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.

Job Opportunities in Poland 

There are plenty of job opportunities available in Poland for International students. Many US companies have invested huge sums of money in Poland. Companies such as Amazon, United Technologies Corp., Lear Corp., IBM Corp, McDonald’s Corp., Citigroup, CVC Capital Partners, Tenneco, and the General Electric Company hire many students in Poland.

List of Universities in Poland 

• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Warsaw University of Technology
• Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
• University of Wroclaw
• Bialystok University of Technology
• Vistula University
• University of Lodz
• Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan
• Gdansk University of Technology
• Lodz University of Technology
• Nicolas Copernicus University
• Cracow University of Technology
• Poznan University of Technology
• University of Gdansk