Study in Poland

Poland offers recognised European qualifications, comparatively affordable tuition fees and living costs, and a growing selection of English-taught programmes. It is particularly popular for medicine, engineering, computer science, business and international relations.

Qualifications awarded by accredited Polish universities are generally recognised throughout Europe under the Bologna Process. Recognition outside Europe depends on the destination country, profession and regulatory authority.

Students entering regulated professions—such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture or law—should investigate licensing requirements in the country where they intend to work.

Students can choose from:

• Public universities
• Universities of technology
• Medical universities
• Universities of economics and business
• Agricultural and life-science universities
• Academies of fine arts and music
• Private universities and specialist institutions

Applicants should confirm that both the institution and programme are officially authorised.

The principal qualification levels are:

• First-cycle degree: Usually 3–3.5 years, leading to a Licencjat or Inżynier
• Second-cycle degree: Usually 1.5–2 years, leading to a master’s qualification
• Long-cycle master’s: Normally 4.5–6 years for subjects such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, psychology and law
• Doctorate: Usually three to four years following an appropriate master’s qualification

Popular choices include:

• Medicine and dentistry
• Computer science and artificial intelligence
• Engineering
• Business and management
• Finance and economics
• International relations
• Biotechnology
• Architecture
• Logistics and supply-chain management
• Hospitality and tourism

Universities and Courses

Prominent institutions include:

• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Warsaw University of Technology
• AGH University of Krakow
• Wrocław University of Science and Technology
• Adam Mickiewicz University
• Gdańsk University of Technology
• Medical University of Warsaw
• Poznan University of Medical Sciences
• SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Rankings should be considered alongside accreditation, course quality, clinical or industry placements, location, tuition and graduate outcomes.

Yes. Many institutions offer English-taught bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programmes. English-medium medical, engineering, technology and business courses are especially common.

The availability of English programmes varies by institution and intake.

Polish is not usually required for a fully English-taught programme. However, learning basic Polish can make accommodation, employment, healthcare and everyday administration much easier.

Medical students may need Polish-language training to communicate with patients during clinical placements.

Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate proficiency in the programme’s language of instruction. Under requirements introduced for relevant international applicants in 2025, evidence at no lower than B2 level may be required for admission and student-visa documentation.

The university should confirm which certificates or alternative evidence it accepts. Polish government guidance explains the B2 requirement.

Depending on the institution, accepted evidence may include:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Cambridge English qualifications
• PTE Academic
• An approved B2-level certificate
• Previous education completed in English, where accepted
• A university interview or internal assessment, where permitted

Applicants should not assume that a medium-of-instruction letter will automatically satisfy university and visa requirements.

Admissions

Applicants normally require a secondary-school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued. Other requirements may include:

• Academic transcripts
• Passport
• Language certificate
• Motivation letter
• Application form and fee
• Medical certificate for certain courses
• Entrance examination or interview
• Certified translations
• Apostille or legalisation
• NAWA recognition information, where required

The official Study in Poland admission guidance explains the basic eligibility requirements.

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor’s or equivalent first-cycle qualification. The degree may need to be in a related subject. Universities can also request transcripts, module descriptions, references, a CV, portfolio, entrance examination or interview.

Most international students apply directly through the university’s online admissions portal. Poland does not operate one central application system for every university.

Applicants should follow the institution’s official instructions and avoid sending fees to unverified agents or personal bank accounts.

The main academic year usually begins in October. Many universities accept applications between March and July, although deadlines differ.

Medical universities, competitive programmes and visa applicants should begin 9–12 months in advance. Some institutions also offer a February intake for selected courses.

It depends on the programme. Universities may assess applicants through:

• Academic grades
• Online interviews
• Mathematics or science examinations
• Portfolio reviews
• English-language assessments
• Subject-specific entrance tests

Medicine, dentistry, architecture, art and music frequently have additional selection requirements.

Some foreign certificates and diplomas require formal recognition or confirmation before they can be used for admission.

NAWA operates the SYRENA system for individual recognition statements. Since changes introduced in July 2025, certain first-cycle applicants may need a NAWA recognition statement for their foreign secondary-school certificate unless an exemption applies. The service is generally free. NAWA explains the recognition-statement process.

Nostrification is a formal procedure that establishes the Polish equivalent of a foreign qualification when automatic recognition or an international agreement does not apply. It is not required for every applicant. Universities, NAWA or professional authorities can advise whether recognition, a NAWA statement or full nostrification is necessary.

Frequently, yes. The requirement depends on the country issuing the document and applicable international agreements.

Documents may also require translation into Polish by a sworn translator. Students should obtain the university and consulate checklists before arranging authentication.

Yes, provided they are properly explained. Employment, professional training, internships, family responsibilities or other meaningful activities can support an application.

The academic choice should still show credible progression from the applicant’s previous education and experience.

Tuition and Scholarships

International tuition commonly falls between €2,000 and €6,000 per year, although the actual amount varies widely.

English-taught medicine and dentistry can cost approximately €11,000–€18,000 or more per year, while some private, specialist or executive programmes may charge higher fees.

Students must obtain a complete written fee schedule directly from the university.

Full-time Polish-language study at public institutions may be tuition-free for Polish citizens and certain foreign nationals with qualifying status.

Most other international students—particularly those studying in English—pay tuition unless they receive a scholarship, exemption or tuition waiver.

Possible sources include:

• NAWA scholarship programmes
• Erasmus+
• University merit scholarships
• Polish government bilateral programmes
• Scholarships from students’ home countries
• Research and doctoral funding
• Tuition discounts offered by individual universities

Eligibility depends on nationality, academic level, subject and the specific scholarship call.

NAWA programmes may include:

• The Banach Scholarship Programme
• Poland My First Choice
• Scholarships under bilateral agreements
• Programmes for researchers and doctoral candidates

Not every programme is open annually or available to every nationality. Students should review current calls on the official NAWA website.

Official guidance indicates that student living costs can begin at approximately PLN 1,500 per month, but this represents a relatively modest minimum.

A more practical budget is often:

• PLN 2,500–3,500 per month in smaller cities
• PLN 3,000–5,000 or more per month in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław or Gdańsk

Lifestyle, rent and accommodation type will significantly affect the total. See the official Study in Poland cost guide.

Options include:

• University dormitories
• Private student residences
• Shared apartments
• Private studios
• Homestays
• Temporary accommodation

Dormitories are normally the least expensive option but have limited availability. Students should apply early.

Student Visas and Residence

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need a visa, although registration requirements can apply to longer stays. Most non-EU students require a Polish national D visa for a course lasting longer than 90 days. Applications are normally submitted through the Polish consulate or authorised visa centre responsible for the applicant’s legal country of residence.

The personalised checklist may include:

• Valid passport
• Visa application form and photographs
• University admission letter
• Evidence of tuition payment
• Academic qualifications
• NAWA recognition statement, where required
• B2 language evidence
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel medical insurance
• Evidence of return-travel funds
• Additional documents requested by the consulate

Applicants should follow the checklist issued by their responsible Polish consulate.

Students must demonstrate enough money for:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Living expenses
• Return travel
• Any accompanying family members

The precise calculation depends on the consulate, course duration, accommodation costs and applicant’s circumstances. Official guidance confirms that student funds must cover tuition, accommodation and living costs. Applicants should therefore use the current consular calculation rather than relying on a single general figure. Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides visa guidance.

Yes. Visa applicants generally require travel medical insurance with the coverage specified by the consulate.

After arrival, students may obtain public NFZ coverage where eligible or purchase suitable private insurance. Students should check whether the policy covers outpatient care, hospital treatment, emergencies and repatriation.

New students should normally:

• Complete university enrolment
• Register their address where required
• Apply for a temporary residence permit if necessary
• Arrange suitable health coverage
• Open a Polish bank account
• Obtain a Polish telephone number
• Keep their passport, visa and university documents secure
• Monitor the expiry dates of all immigration documents

A non-EU student undertaking eligible full-time studies can normally apply for a temporary residence permit for study.

The application should be submitted while the student’s stay remains legal. Applicants generally need proof of enrolment, tuition arrangements, insurance, accommodation and sufficient financial resources. Poland’s immigration portal explains the study permit.

Possibly, but family members do not automatically receive residence or employment rights through an ordinary student visa.

Each family member must qualify for an appropriate visa or residence basis. Requirements depend on nationality, relationship, finances, accommodation and the student’s immigration status.

Working During and After Study

Eligible full-time students holding an appropriate Polish student visa or temporary residence permit can generally work without obtaining a separate work permit.

Poland does not normally impose a fixed student-hours limit comparable to some other countries. However, the student must maintain legal status and make satisfactory academic progress. Not every visa or residence category permits employment, so individual status must be checked.

This is not advisable. Finding employment can take time, and many jobs require Polish- language ability.

Students should have sufficient funding for tuition and living expenses before travelling. Part-time income should be considered supplementary.

Yes. Many programmes include mandatory or optional internships. The university and employer should confirm whether an internship agreement, insurance or additional immigration documentation is required.

Paid and unpaid internships are subject to different legal arrangements.

Eligible graduates of Polish universities can apply for a temporary residence permit to seek employment or establish a business.

This graduate permit is generally granted once and can be valid for up to nine months. It does not guarantee employment, and the application must be submitted while the graduate is legally resident. The official immigration portal explains the graduate route.

Graduates of full-time programmes at Polish higher education institutions may qualify to work without a separate work permit, provided they hold a residence status that permits employment.

Graduates must still ensure that both their residence and employment arrangements remain legal.

No. Studying in Poland does not guarantee permanent residence.

A graduate normally needs to move to an eligible employment, business or other residence category. For long-term EU resident status, periods spent in Poland for study are generally counted differently from periods based on full employment or other qualifying residence.

Practical Questions

A valid Polish national visa or residence permit generally permits short visits to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to applicable conditions.

It does not provide permission to work or undertake long-term study in another country.

Poland is generally considered a manageable study destination. Students should nevertheless follow normal safety precautions, protect important documents and remain alert to accommodation, employment and visa fraud. International students should also learn how to contact local emergency services and their university’s international office.

Yes. Several Polish medical universities offer English-taught medical and dental programmes.

Admission commonly considers biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics results and may include an examination or interview. Students should verify:

• Programme accreditation
• Clinical-training language
• Total tuition for the entire course
• Internship arrangements
• Licensing requirements in their intended country of practice

Transfers may be possible, but acceptance and credit recognition are determined by the receiving university.

The institution will review transcripts, module descriptions, contact hours, learning outcomes and previous clinical or practical training. Credit transfer should never be assumed before receiving written confirmation.

Yes, but changing institution or programme may affect the student’s visa, residence permit, scholarship and tuition arrangements.

Students should consult both universities and the relevant immigration authority before making the change.

The written decision should explain the reason and available review or appeal procedure. A student may be able to:

• Request reconsideration within the stated deadline
• Correct the identified problem
• Submit a new application
• Defer admission to a later intake

Submitting the same evidence again without addressing the refusal reason is unlikely to help.

Common mistakes include:

• Applying to an unrecognised institution
• Using the wrong admission or visa documents
• Ignoring the B2 language requirement
• Applying too late for qualification recognition
• Providing inconsistent financial evidence
• Underestimating living costs
• Paying tuition to an unverified account
• Assuming that admission guarantees a visa
• Relying entirely on part-time employment
• Selecting a programme without checking career recognition

Students should obtain written confirmation of:

• The institution’s official status
• Programme accreditation
• Qualification awarded
• Total annual tuition and additional charges
• Refund policy following a visa refusal
• Teaching language
• Course location
• Internship or clinical-placement arrangements
• Payment deadlines and official bank details

IEC Edu Consultancy can assist students with:

• Initial eligibility assessment
• Course and university selection
• Application-document preparation
• Qualification-recognition guidance
• Admission applications
• Scholarship guidance
• Visa-document preparation
• Accommodation support
• Pre-departure planning
• Post-arrival guidance

Admission, scholarship and visa decisions remain exclusively with the relevant universities, scholarship authorities and Polish government bodies.

Information reviewed in August 2026. Admission rules, tuition fees, scholarship calls, visa requirements and immigration regulations can change. Applicants should verify their circumstances with their chosen university, NAWA, the relevant Polish consulate and Poland’s official immigration authorities before applying.