Study in Poland

Did you know that Poland has produced 18 Nobel Laureates?

Interestingly, the country has produced Nobel Prize winners in all categories of the award which include physics, medicine, literature, chemistry and peace. In addition, Marie Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist was the first woman to receive the award and also went on to receive it twice (in 1903 and 1911).

All this points to an excellent education system in the country that has been churning out key figures in academics and research.

In addition, university education is free in Poland for Polish citizens. However, international students have to pay tuition, but this is often less than €4,000 for some programs. This makes Poland a favourable European study destination for many international students.

In this detailed guide, we will tell you all about the study experience of international students in Poland by exploring the following topics:

• Study in Cyprus Statistics
• Why Study in Cyprus
• Top Universities to Study in Cyprus 2024
• Affordable Universities and Colleges in Cyprus 2024
• Scholarships in Cyprus
• Grading System in Cyprus
• Eligibility Criteria to Study in Cyprus
• Important Timelines for Study in Cyprus
• Cost of Living and Studying in Cyprus
• Student Life In Cyprus
• Top Jobs in Cyprus for International Students
• Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Poland
• Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Cyprus
• Conclusion

Study in Poland Statistics

Poland is slowly becoming a hub for international students, and this is evident in the number of international students in the country in the last decade. As of the academic year 2022/2023, there are 102,200 international students enrolled in Polish universities which is 9% of the total student population in higher education institutions.

Here is a graphical representation of the international student population in Poland over the last decade.

Business administration has been the most popular programme of study for most students in Poland (around 18.1% of the total number of students). Here are other interesting facts about higher education in Poland.

• International students in Poland have access to over 300 university programmes taught in English
• The number of international students continued to increase even in the COVID years. There were 84,700 students in the academic year 2020/2021 up from 82,200 in 2019/2020
• The increase in international student population in Poland was rapid from 2014 to 2023. (a 94% increase)

Why Study in Poland

The number of international students in Poland is at an all-time high, and all indications point to a continued preference to study in the country. Here are the factors contributing to this new reality in Poland:  

a) Experience Poland’s Quality Education 

Poland’s strong education system has contributed to the country’s production of Nobel laureates in all categories of the award. In addition, Poland’s education system is flexible and allows students to specialize after their first semester of study. This ensures that students focus on their preferred field earlier in their higher education journey.

In addition, since joining the European Union in 2004, the country has had ample benefits for its international student community, such as having programs that are recognized all over Europe.

b) Poland Is Centrally Located in Europe

Located centrally in the European continent, Poland is sometimes referred to as the heart of Europe. The country’s location is strategic for international students because it acts as a gateway to other European countries for work after studies or even simply for travel.

For example, as an international student, you can visit any of the 26 European countries within the Schengen area by air or road for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. 

c) Poland Is Affordable for International Students

While Western European countries have been the traditional favourites for international students on the continent, Poland offers a more affordable option in terms of tuition and living costs.

For example, tuition fees for undergraduate students range from €2,000 to €6,000 for undergraduates and about €4,000 to €12,000 for Masters programmes. The cost of living can start from €345 per month, depending on the city that you live in. 

d) Student Friendly Environment 

Poland offers both a vibrant urban environment and a laid-back countryside that fulfills the needs of every type of student, ensuring you fit right in the country.  

In addition, Poland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes. When you are away from class, you can unwind by visiting places such as the Mazury Lake District, Tatra Mountains, Białowieza National Park, or iconic sites such as the Malbork Castle, Gniezno Cathedral, or the Wieliczka salt mine.

e) Ample Opportunities to Work During and After Studies

Poland offers international students numerous opportunities to work during and after their studies. Global companies such as Google, Microsoft, and IBM have a significant presence in Poland and actively seek international talent.

Graduates from institutions like the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw and the University of Technology and Arts benefit from Poland’s strong overall employment rate for recent graduates, which was 84.7% in December 2022.

While specific employment rates for these universities are not publicly available, their strong reputations and industry connections enhance graduates’ employment prospects.

Poland’s favorable work visa policies further support international students in building successful careers within the country.

Top Universities and Colleges to Study in Poland 2025

QS, lists the top institutions for study in Poland as follows: 

Affordable Universities and Colleges in Poland 2025

Education in Polish universities and colleges is affordable for both Polish and international students. In fact, higher education is free for all Polish-speaking students in government universities and colleges.

However, international students who wish to study in Poland have to pay an amount ranging from €2,000 to €6,000 per year. You can enroll in private institutions of higher learning that offer English-taught programmes. Examples of affordable private universities and colleges in Poland include:

Scholarships in Poland

If you’re looking to reduce the financial costs of studying abroad, getting a scholarship is a good place to start. In Poland international students have access to the following scholarships:

• Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme – This is a government scholarship that is a joint effort of the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to promote the socio-economic advancement of developing countries including Kenya and Nigeria.
• Polish Committee for UNESCO Scholarship Programme – The scholarship is intended for university graduates who plan to study in Poland’s public institutions and conduct scientific research related to UNESCO’s priorities.

However, with tuition fees already amongst the lowest out of any European country, discounts and scholarships for international students are less common from Polish universities and colleges.

Grading System in Poland

Just like most higher learning institutions, you are required to end your course with an examination in Poland. Successful course completion means you must attain a pass mark of at least “satisfactory” in the assessments.

Universities in Poland have different grading scales. However, the most common one ranges from 5 as the highest grade to 2 as the lowest grade. Here is a table representation with the equivalent (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) ECTS grades :

Eligibility Criteria to Study in Poland

If you wish to study in Poland, you’ll have to fulfill the following requirements:

• If enrolling for a Bachelors, you must have qualifications indicating that you are eligible for admission to a higher institution of higher learning in your home country.
• 4 passport-size photographs
• A copy of your passport
• English language proficiency results
• A medical certificate
• If enrolling for Masters, you must have relevant Bachelors qualifications. You’ll also be required to produce extra documents like your CV and  academic reference.

Do you need to speak Polish to study in Poland?

No, you don’t need to speak Polish to study in Poland.

While lectures are conducted in English, knowledge of the Polish language may be useful in the following scenarios:

• When interacting with the locals and getting to know the Polish culture more deeply
• It may also be useful when engaging in a part-time job. Knowing Polish will smoothen work and business relationships
• While it’s not necessary when getting permanent residency, demonstrating basic knowledge of the Polish language can give you an advantage in your application for PR 

If you’re wondering where to learn Polish as an international student, Craydel’s partner universities offer Polish classes alongside your normal studies.

Important Timelines for Study in Poland

Are you anxious about missing the application deadline or wondering about the academic calendar in Poland? Here are key dates and important deadlines to keep in mind during your journey to study in Poland.

Popular Intakes for Study in Poland

The Poland higher education system has two main intakes:

• October Intake
• February/March Intake

The school break months, also known as summer holidays, are in July, August, and September.

When Should You Apply?

A good rule of thumb is to start your application 9 – 12 months before your actual enrollment day. This gives you ample time to take care of the application, student visa, and all other financial and accommodation arrangements.

The dates for application to study in Poland are as follows:

• October Intake – Applications start in February and end in June
• February/March Intake – Applications begin in June and end in September

As of 2024-25 academic year, the student visa for Poland can take upwards of three months due to new requirements by the Polish government for international students to have their academic documents verified in Poland.  Therefore, it is extra important to apply early to secure your spot.

Course Duration for Study in Poland

In Poland, you have the option of studying programmes at every level with course durations ranging from 1 to 6 years as follows:

Cost of Living and Studying in Poland

International students don’t usually have to break the bank to cater for their studies and stay in Poland. It is relatively affordable to study and live in Poland compared to other European countries.

For example, with the cost of living starting from 1,500 PLN per month (€345), you can comfortably reside in the central European country. Here is a breakdown of monthly costs for most students.

Tuition costs are often less than €4,000, but some programmes may reach as high as €12,000 per year.

Craydel’s partner universities in Poland offer English-taught Bachelors and Master’s degrees at an annual tuition fee of approximately €3,500 to €5,000 per year. It’s important to note that the amount varies depending on the institution and the type of course.

Student Life In Poland

If you’re looking to be among the multitude of international students who study in Poland, you may wonder what awaits you in the central European nation. Poland offers endless opportunities not only for study but also for life outside the classroom.

Study and Academics

In Poland, learning is divided into two semesters (winter and summer) that make up an academic year.Each semester lasts 15 weeks, but there are short breaks in between.

For example, the winter semester (October to February) has a 10-day break in December for the Christmas holiday, and the Summer semester (February to June) has a 5-day break in April for the Easter holidays.

It’s important to note that the summer holidays are from July to September.

Climate

Poland’s climate is moderate and has both continental and maritime characteristics.

The winter months are from December to March and are moderately cold. Average temperatures may range from -3°C to 7°C. It’s advisable to dress warm during these months, especially if you come from regions with warmer climates. The summer months are from July to August, with temperatures averaging lows of 13°C and highs of 24°C. You can also expect the most rainfall in July.

Culture

Poland’s culture goes back thousands of years ago with influences from the Germanic people, the Soviets, the Romans, the Celtic, and Slavic and Baltic tribes. As a result, it’s very rich and varied.

Today the country is home to 17 UNESCO world heritage sites which attract plenty of tourists every year.

Most Polish people are Catholics, so Christmas and Easter are important holidays in the country. Be sure to try out popular tantalizing Polish delicacies like Pierogi, Flaki, Bigos, Tatar, Silesian Kluski, and Racuchy.

Poland also has a vibrant music scene. Did you know that you can attend one of Europe’s top 10 summer Music festivals right in Poland?

Yes, the Poland Rock Festival previously known as Woodstock Festival Poland, held in August in the town of Czaplinek is regarded as one of the largest music festivals in Europe, and it is absolutely free! While there, you’ll get to see top international and local artists live on stage.

Who says you need to have cash to have fun in Poland?

Top Jobs in Poland for International Students

Most students wonder whether they can study and work at the same time in Poland, this is absolutely possible. In fact, you don’t need a work permit at all if you’re a full-time student on a student visa. In Poland, you can work up to 20 hours in a week during school terms and full-time during school breaks.

In addition, the minimum pay in Poland is 4,300 PLN per month (€991) as of July 1, 2024. This is sufficient to cover your day-to-day needs as a student living in Poland.

If you’re wondering where you can find jobs as a student in Poland, the career office in your university may be a suitable place to start. You can also find work on online job boards such as LinkedIn, Pracuj.pl, and Praca.pl, which are suited for students.

Most of these jobs usually don’t require knowing the Polish Language especially when you work in the capital of Warsaw or for an international company. However, learning a bit of Polish may help you fit better in the job market.

Here are jobs that you can find on-campus and off-campus in Poland.

On-Campus Jobs in Poland

Here are jobs that you can find inside the premises of your university.

• Library assistant
• Campus cafe worker
• Student ambassador
• Research assistant
• Teaching assistant

Off-Campus Jobs in Poland

Here are jobs that you can find outside the premises of your university.

• Warehouse worker
• Sales agent
• Customer support specialist
• Waiter
• Delivery rider
• Receptionist
• Web and mobile developers
• Digital marketing specialists

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Poland

According to regulations from the Office For Foreigners, it’s possible to work in Poland after your studies. In fact, you don’t need a work permit if you were enrolled in a full-time programme.

The only requirement is that you should get a temporary residence permit. It is offered once and is valid for 9 months. With this permit, you are free to find employment or conduct business. To get the permit you’ll need to fulfill the following conditions:

• Have medical insurance
• Prove that you have sufficient funds needed to stay in Poland and also enough money to return to your country
• Have a physical address in Poland
• Submit your application to the province governor in person immediately after graduation

Once you find a job, your employer can apply for a work permit for you to remain in Poland. This permit is usually issued for up to one year and can be renewed.

Permanent Residency (PR) After Study in Poland

Has Poland grown on you, and are you now wondering whether you can continue living in the country indefinitely?

The simple answer is Yes!

The common pathway for international students is as follows:

1. First, you graduate from a Polish university having undergone full-time studies
2. The next step is getting a temporary residence permit to look for work
3. After securing a job and staying in Poland on a short-term residence permit for a certain duration, you can now apply for permanent residency, which is issued indefinitely but requires a renewal of your residence card every 10 years.

While there is no prescribed rule on how many years you have to reside in Poland before applying for a PR, it is believed that one must wait for at least 5 years before applying in order to have a higher chance of success.

To apply for permanent residency in Poland, you’ll need to fulfill the following criteria regulated by the Polish Act on Foreigners and managed by the Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki):

• You must prove that you have a stable income
• You must submit the application in person together with other documents like the photocopy of your passport, 4 recent passport photographs, and proof of payment of stamp duty
• You must pay stamp duty of 640 PLN needed to get PR in Poland

After the Voivode reviews your application and decides to grant permanent residency, you will have to pay a 100 PLN issuing fee for a residence card.

Conclusion

The number of international students flocking to Poland every year shows that Poland is quickly becoming a popular study destination. Its affordable tuition and living costs also contribute to its rising popularity among international students. In addition, the country’s central and strategic location exposes students to various benefits that Europe has to offer.

If you want to take advantage of all these benefits and more, contact Craydel to help you land an offer from a reputable institution of higher learning in the country. We will ensure that you have a seamless application process as you plan to study in Poland.