Poland

Country snapshot

• Capital: Warsaw

• Language: Polish (many programmes in English)

• Dial code: +48

• Currency: Polish Złoty (PLN)

• Main intakes: October (winter semester) and February (summer semester)

Why study in Poland?

You’ll find reputable universities, modern labs, and practical, industry-linked teaching—especially in engineering, IT, business, medicine, and architecture. Living costs are lower than many Western European countries, and travel across the EU is easy.

Key benefits

• Affordable tuition and cost of living

• Wide range of English-taught programmes

• Strong STEM and medical faculties

• Safe, student-friendly cities with rich history

• Central European location with excellent travel links

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion that meets programme prerequisites

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree (minimum GPA/grade varies by programme)

• Language: English test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Duolingo) for English-taught courses; Polish test/Preparatory course for Polish-taught tracks

• Programme-specific: Entrance exams/interviews (medicine, architecture), portfolios (arts/design), or work experience (MBA)

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Completed application form + application fee (if applicable)

• Academic transcripts & certificates (with official translations/legalisation if required)

• Proof of language proficiency

• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where relevant)

• Passport-size photos

• Financial evidence for tuition and living costs

Visa & residence (overview for non-EU/EEA)

• Receive an offer/acceptance and pay any required deposit

• Apply for a national student visa (Type D) with admission proof, financial means, insurance, and accommodation details

• After arrival, apply for a temporary residence permit (karta pobytu) for the duration of studies

• Work during studies: Part-time work is generally permitted for full-time students; many universities also offer on-campus roles

• After studies: Graduates may apply for a temporary residence permit to seek work/start a business, with pathways to long-term stays once employed (check current rules)

Costs (guide numbers)

(Actual figures vary by university, city, and programme.)

• Tuition – Undergraduate: ~€2,000 – €6,000 per year (PLN ~9,000 – 28,000)

• Tuition – Postgraduate: ~€2,500 – €7,500+ per year (programme-dependent; medicine higher)

• Living expenses: ~€500 – €900 per month (accommodation, food, transport, insurance; Warsaw/Kraków on the higher end)

• Health insurance: required (cost depends on plan)

• Books & supplies: ~€200 – €400 per year

Top universities (examples)

• University of Warsaw

• Jagiellonian University (Kraków)

• Warsaw University of Technology

• AGH University of Krakow (Science & Technology)

• Wrocław University of Science and Technology

• Gdańsk University of Technology

• Poznań University of Economics and Business

• Medical University of Warsaw / Medical University of Gdańsk

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• University entrance/merit awards and tuition discounts

• Governmental or regional scholarships (programme- and country-specific)

• Faculty/department bursaries; research/teaching assistantships (postgrad)

• Early-payment or alumni reductions (institution-dependent)

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (language, prerequisites, intake, deadlines)

2. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations/legalisation, SOP, references, language test, CV/portfolio if needed)

3. Submit applications via university portals; track decisions

4. Accept offer and pay deposit; request official acceptance/visa letters

5. Apply for the Type D student visa; arrange insurance and accommodation

6. Travel to Poland; complete city registration and karta pobytu residence formalities

7. Attend enrolment and orientation; activate student services and transport passes