In this article
- Why Choose Poland for Your Higher Education?
- The Best Polish Universities
- English-Taught Programs Available
- Costs: Poland’s Biggest Advantage
- Visas and Admission for International Students
- Student Life in Poland
Why Choose Poland for Your Higher Education?
Poland is one of the least known yet most attractive study destinations in Central Europe. An EU member since 2004, it offers universities of steadily rising quality, a cost of living among the lowest in Western Europe, a lively student scene and a central location that makes traveling across Europe easy.
With more than 450,000 international students each year, a figure that is rising fast, Poland is establishing itself as a serious international study destination, especially as Polish universities offer more and more programs taught in English.
The Best Polish Universities
Research Universities (IDUB Members)
In 2019, Poland launched the IDUB program (Initiative of Excellence: Research University) to raise 10 of its best universities to international standing. They include:
- University of Warsaw (UW): the largest and most prestigious university in Poland, strong in social sciences, languages and law
- Jagiellonian University (Krakow): the oldest university in Poland (1364), excellent in medicine, law and the humanities
- AGH University of Science and Technology (Krakow): a leading name in engineering, mining and computer science
- Warsaw University of Technology: excellence in engineering and tech
- Poznan University of Technology: strong in engineering and management
For English-Taught Programs
Kozminski University (Warsaw) is particularly well regarded for its English-taught programs in international business and management, and holds several international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA, a rare triple accreditation).
English-Taught Programs Available
The number of programs taught entirely in English in Poland has grown considerably:
- Medicine and dentistry: Poland is a very popular destination for studying medicine in English, at a far lower cost than in the UK or France. Jagiellonian University, the Medical University of Warsaw and Lodz Medical University all offer MD programs in English.
- Engineering and IT: English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at most of the major technical universities
- Business and economics: many MBA and Master’s programs in English
- Humanities and law: a growing range of programs, particularly in Warsaw and Krakow
Costs: Poland’s Biggest Advantage
Tuition Fees
- Polish-taught programs for EU students: often free (same status as local students)
- English-taught programs for EU students: €1,500–4,000 per year
- English-taught programs for non-EU students: €2,000–6,000 per year
- English-taught medicine programs: €10,000–15,000 per year (cheaper than in almost every Western European country)
Monthly Cost of Living
- Warsaw: €700–1,100 per month (including €250–450 for accommodation)
- Krakow: €600–950 per month
- Wroclaw, Lodz, Poznan: €550–850 per month
By comparison, the same standard of living in Paris or London would cost two to three times as much.
Visas and Admission for International Students
For EU/EEA Citizens
No visa is required. You can study freely in Poland with your national ID card or passport. If you stay longer than 3 months, you will need to register with the local municipal office (Urząd Gminy).
For Non-EU Nationals
You will need a Polish national visa (type D) or a residence permit for study purposes (for stays longer than 3 months). Your university admission letter is the key document in your application. Poland is one of the easiest countries in Europe in which to obtain a student visa, with short processing times and simplified procedures.
Student Life in Poland
Student life in Poland is very lively, with active student associations (Samorząd studencki), sports clubs, student cultural festivals and a thriving music and arts scene in the big cities. Krakow and Warsaw in particular have a vibrant nightlife that fits a student budget.
Poland’s international community is growing fast: you will meet many students from Ukraine, Belarus, India and elsewhere in Asia, as well as an ever-larger Erasmus community.
Learning Polish: Essential or Optional?
If you are on an English-taught program, you do not need Polish for your studies. That said, learning the basics, even if only passively, makes daily life much easier, and Poles greatly appreciate foreigners making the effort. Universities often offer Polish classes for free or at a reduced price.
Conclusion
Poland offers exceptional value for money for higher education in Europe, with well-regarded research universities, an unbeatable cost of living and an often underestimated quality of student life. It is a particularly attractive option for medicine, engineering and business programs. YourDreamSchool supports you with your applications to Polish universities and with planning your move to Poland.
Further Reading
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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