Study in Poland

Requirements vary by university and programme, but applicants normally need:

Bachelor's programmes

• Secondary-school certificate giving access to university education
• Academic transcripts
• Passport
• Proof of the language of instruction, normally at least B2
• Certified translations, where required
• Recognition statement or confirmation of the foreign qualification, when applicable
• Entrance examination or interview for certain programmes

Master's programmes

• Relevant bachelor's degree
• Degree transcript
• Passport
• CV and motivation letter
• Proof of language proficiency, normally at least B2
• Academic or professional references where required
• Recognition of the previous qualification, if requested

Medical, dentistry, architecture and arts programmes may have additional subject, portfolio, examination or interview requirements.

Foreign qualification recognition information can be obtained through NAWA's online SYRENA system.

EU/EEA citizens do not normally require a student visa, although they must register an extended stay in Poland.

Non-EU/EEA students normally require a Polish national Type D student visa. Common supporting documents include:

• Valid passport
• University admission or enrolment letter
• Proof of tuition payment, when required
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Accommodation confirmation
• Valid health insurance
• Proof of at least B2 proficiency in the language of study
• Previous educational documents and their required legalisation or recognition

After arriving in Poland, students staying beyond their visa validity should apply for a temporary residence permit before the visa expires. Requirements can differ by nationality and consular jurisdiction.

Poland has public and private universities offering English-taught bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes. The following institutions are particularly well known among international applicants; however, popular does not mean that every programme is equally suitable or recognised in every country.

Leading comprehensive universities

• University of Warsaw (Warsaw): international relations, political science, economics, law, psychology, computer science and humanities; strong access to employers, internships and international organisations
• Jagiellonian University (Kraków): medicine, law, biotechnology, international relations, humanities and life sciences; founded in 1364, one of Europe's oldest universities
• Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznań): languages, social sciences, international relations, natural sciences and humanities
• University of Wrocław (Wrocław): international relations, law, economics, biotechnology, chemistry and social sciences
• University of Łódź (Łódź): business, economics, finance, international relations, law and social sciences, with numerous English-taught courses
• Nicolaus Copernicus University (Toruń): science, economics, humanities, pharmacy, medicine and English studies

Engineering and technology universities

• Warsaw University of Technology (Warsaw): computer science, civil engineering, architecture, aerospace, electronics and mechanical engineering
• AGH University of Krakow (Kraków): computer science, artificial intelligence, mining, materials science, electronics and energy engineering
• Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Wrocław): computer science, architecture, electrical, mechanical and telecommunications engineering
• Gdańsk University of Technology (Gdańsk): architecture, civil engineering, electronics, IT, environmental engineering and management
• Poznań University of Technology (Poznań): robotics, automation, computing, telecommunications and mechanical engineering
• Silesian University of Technology (Gliwice): engineering, automation, energy, architecture, computer science and transport

Business and economics universities

• SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Warsaw): economics, finance, international business, management and data analysis
• Kozminski University (Warsaw, private): business, finance, management, economics and law
• Poznań University of Economics and Business (Poznań): economics, finance, international business, management and supply chain studies

Medical universities

• Medical University of Warsaw (Warsaw): English-language Medicine and Dentistry; admission may involve science-subject requirements or a competency examination
• Poznań University of Medical Sciences (Poznań): considerable experience delivering medical education in English
• Medical University of Gdańsk (Gdańsk): six-year English Medicine programme; a highly internationalised medical institution
• Medical University of Łódź (Łódź): established English division attracting applicants from Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East
• Wrocław Medical University (Wrocław): Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Public Health with clinical teaching facilities

Other medical options include the Medical University of Lublin, Medical University of Białystok and Medical University of Silesia.

Notable private universities

• SWPS University: psychology, social sciences, design and management
• Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology: IT, computer science and digital media
• Vistula University: business, economics, international relations and hospitality
• Lazarski University: law, business, economics and international relations
• Collegium Civitas: international relations, sociology, security and communication

Private institutions can provide flexible admissions and broad English-language provision, but applicants should carefully verify accreditation, programme quality, tuition fees and qualification recognition.

Poland remains relatively affordable, although Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk and other major cities generally cost more.

The official study portal indicates that basic student expenses may begin at around PLN 1,500 – 2,000 per month, but students renting private accommodation should prepare a more realistic budget of approximately PLN 2,500 – 4,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Typical expenses include:

• University dormitory or private accommodation
• Food and household expenses
• Transportation
• Health insurance
• Telephone and internet
• Books and personal expenses

Scholarship opportunities may be available through:

• The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
• Erasmus+
• Bilateral government agreements
• Individual Polish universities
• Merit-based university awards
• The Stefan Banach NAWA Programme for eligible master's applicants

Eligibility, included benefits and deadlines differ between programmes.

Edu Consultancy can assist international students with:

• Initial eligibility assessment
• University and programme selection
• Application preparation and submission
• Review and recognition of academic documents
• Motivation letter and CV preparation
• Scholarship guidance
• Student-visa documentation
• Accommodation and pre-departure arrangements
• Post-arrival guidance

Poland can be an excellent choice for students seeking a recognised European education at a competitive cost. Applicants should begin early because document recognition, legalisation, university admission and visa processing can take several months.