Study Abroad: Choosing Poland

Published on May 1, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Pursuing Higher Education in Poland

Pursuing higher education in Poland is increasingly becoming an attractive option for international students seeking academic and cultural diversity. This Central European country, rich in history and traditions, offers a range of academic opportunities through its renowned universities that combine quality education with affordable tuition fees.

Additionally, living in Poland provides the chance to discover a unique heritage and a dynamic European lifestyle, while opening doors to a diverse job market. Whether you’re drawn to sciences, arts, or technology, Poland might just hold the key to your academic and professional future.

University Landscape in Poland: An Overview for Expatriates

The Polish higher education system is built on a solid legal framework and aligns with European standards of the Bologna Process. It includes several types of institutions:

• Public universities (e.g., University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Krakow)
• Private universities (e.g., SWPS University, Vistula University)
• Specialized schools (e.g., Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts)

This institutional landscape allows students to access a wide range of programs, from humanities and social sciences to engineering, medicine, and the arts.

The study levels offered are structured as follows:

Study Level	Duration (in years)	Degree Awarded	Example Fields
Bachelor’s	3-4	Licencjat/Inżynier	Computer Science, Economics, Social Sciences
Master’s (Magister)	1.5-2	Magister	Law, Biotechnology, Management
Doctorate (PhD)	3-4	Doktor	Mathematics, Chemistry, Political Science

Some programs, particularly in medicine, pharmacy, or law, follow an integrated “long cycle” format (up to six years), combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a single program.

For admission, international students must:

• Present a diploma recognized by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
• Provide a language certificate demonstrating a minimum B2 level in the language of instruction (Polish or English)
• Pass, depending on the institution, an entrance exam or specific assessment

Most universities offer programs in English, particularly in technical, economic, and medical fields.

The main advantages of studying in Poland for expatriates are:

• Tuition costs: Fees vary by institution and program. On average, they range from €2,000 to €4,000 per year for English-taught programs in private universities. Public universities often offer reduced fees and, in some cases, free tuition for international students.
• Cost of living: Relatively affordable compared to Western Europe. Student housing, food, and transportation are accessible, allowing for comfortable living on a monthly budget of €400 to €700.
• Scholarships: Numerous scholarships are available through NAWA, Erasmus+, or directly from institutions for high-achieving students or those from specific countries.

Studying in Poland opens real career prospects:

• Polish degrees are recognized throughout Europe.
• Many students find employment in growing sectors (IT, engineering, finance, healthcare).
• Polish universities maintain close ties with local and international companies, facilitating professional integration.

Student life in Poland offers a rich cultural and social experience:

• Associative activities, festivals, sports, and artistic events are omnipresent.
• University cities like Krakow, Warsaw, and Wrocław are known for their vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere for international students.
• Campuses are often modern and well-equipped, with student housing, libraries, laboratories, and coworking spaces.

Notable example: Jagiellonian University offers an internationally recognized master’s in European studies; Wrocław University of Science and Technology stands out in robotics and AI research; Warsaw Medical Academy attracts many international medical students.

Studying in Poland means benefiting from quality education, a multicultural environment, and an open door to Europe and the professional world.

Admission Procedures and Recognition of International Degrees

Admission Procedures and Recognition of International Degrees for Polish Universities

Key Steps for Admission

• Choose the study program and university.
• Check the specific admission requirements for each institution.
• Prepare the required documents, including:
  • Completed application form.
  • Valid passport and ID photos.
  • High school diploma (for Bachelor’s) or university degree (for Master’s).
  • Certified translations of documents if necessary.
  • Proof of language proficiency (English or Polish).
  • CV for graduate programs.
• Submit the application via the online platform or by email.
• Pay any applicable application fees.
• Track the application status and respond to additional requests.

Important Deadlines

• The application period varies by university, generally:
  • Fall: applications start in October.
  • Spring: applications open in February.
• Registration deadline: between 20 and 45 business days depending on the university.
• Admission decision: between 1 and 3 months after submitting the application.

Evaluation Criteria for International Students

• Academic results obtained in the home country.
• Official recognition of the presented diploma.
• Proficiency in the language of instruction (English or Polish).
• Possible success in a preliminary exam or admission interview.
• Non-discrimination: objective and fair evaluation for all candidates.

Required Language Tests

For programs in English:

• TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.
• Minimum level generally required: B2.

For programs in Polish:

• Proof of Polish proficiency at B2 level.

Language Test	Required Level	Program Type
TOEFL	B2	English-taught courses
IELTS	B2	English-taught courses
Polish Certificate	B2	Polish-taught courses

Recognition of Foreign Degrees

• The diploma must be officially recognized in Poland.
• The process may include:
  • Verification by NAWA (National Agency for Academic Exchange).
  • Equivalence examination for degrees not automatically recognized.
  • Presentation of a validated certificate or recognition attestation.
• Some universities require a preliminary exam if equivalence is not evident.

Organizations Involved in Degree Recognition

• NAWA (Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej): Polish national agency for degree recognition and equivalence.
• ENIC-NARIC: European network for academic recognition information.
• Admissions services of Polish universities.

Practical Tips for International Applicants

• Prepare and translate all documents in advance.
• Contact the admissions office or international office of the university for any specific questions.
• Start the process early, especially if a visa is required.
• Check bilateral agreements between your country and Poland to facilitate degree recognition.
• Regularly track your application status and meet imposed deadlines.

Useful Resources for the Admission Process

• Official university platforms for application submission.
• International student assistance websites.
• Polish embassies and consulates for information on degree recognition.
• Information portals like Education Poland or ENIC-NARIC.

Resource	Main Usefulness
University Admissions Service	Application advice and tracking
NAWA	Degree recognition
ENIC-NARIC	Equivalence information
Embassy/Consulate	Document translation and certification
University Platform	Application submission
Help Portals	General information and assistance

Key Takeaway
Meticulously prepare your application, respect deadlines, verify your degree’s recognition, and don’t hesitate to seek help from specialized organizations to maximize your chances of admission to a Polish university.

Funding and Scholarships for Expatriate Students in Poland

Funding Options for Expatriate Students in Poland

Polish Government Scholarships

The Polish government, via the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), offers scholarships for foreign students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, researchers). These scholarships cover:

• Part-time study or research stays
• Scientific internships and research residencies
• Preparatory courses

Monthly Amounts

Status	Amount (PLN/month)
Students and preparatory course	1800
PhD candidates (scientific internship)	2500
PhD holders	3500

Eligibility Criteria

• Be enrolled in a recognized institution in the home country
• Demonstrate minimum B1 level in the language of instruction (Polish or English)
• Not hold dual Polish citizenship
• Preselection via embassy or partner universities

Application Procedure

• Online form or application at the embassy
• Academic record, motivation letter, recommendation letters, enrollment certificate, passport

Scholarships from Polish Universities

Each university may offer its own scholarships, often based on academic excellence, financial situation, or specific criteria (students with disabilities, rare fields, etc.).

• Amounts vary by institution
• Procedures and criteria specific to each university (often via the institution’s website)
• Possibility to apply for multiple internal and external scholarships

European Programs: Erasmus+

The Erasmus+ program funds part of studies or internships in Poland for students enrolled in a European university.

Monthly Amounts

• Study mobility: between €210 and €310/month depending on home country
• Internship: between €320 and €410/month

Eligibility Criteria

• Be enrolled in an eligible higher education institution
• Selection based on academic record and mobility project
• Possible combination with other aid (under conditions)

Funding from Home Country

Many countries offer scholarships to their nationals for studies abroad:

• National government scholarships (e.g., Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, France)
• Specific aid by field (medicine, engineering, humanities)
• Procedures generally centralized by ministries or national agencies

Scholarships from International Organizations

Organizations like UNESCO, the World Bank, the African Union, or DAAD for African and international students offer scholarships for studies in Poland.

• Criteria: academic excellence, social engagement, professional project
• Amounts and modalities vary widely
• Applications to be submitted online on dedicated platforms

Practical Aspects

Scholarship Combination

It is often possible to combine an Erasmus+ scholarship with a government or university scholarship, provided the rules of each program are respected. However, some scholarships may require exclusive funding.

Tax Implications

Most study scholarships are not taxable in Poland, but it is advisable to check the tax legislation of the home country to avoid double taxation or declarative obligations.

Examples and Testimonials

“I received the NAWA scholarship for a research stay in Warsaw. Thanks to the funding, I could focus on my doctoral project without financial worries, participate in conferences, and expand my international academic network.”

— Sarah, French PhD candidate

“Thanks to Erasmus+, I studied a semester in Krakow. The scholarship covered my housing and part of my living expenses. This experience was decisive for my career and cultural openness.”

— Mehdi, Moroccan engineering student

Key Takeaways

Expatriate students have a wide range of funding options for studying in Poland: government, university, European, national, and international scholarships. Successful application depends on thorough preparation, meeting deadlines, and actively seeking opportunities suited to one’s profile.

Continuing Education and Online Programs for Expatriates

Expatriates in Poland have multiple continuing education options, with a growing emphasis on online programs for greater flexibility.

Main Polish Universities Offering Distance Courses:

• University of Warsaw: Online courses for all levels, focused on communication and immersion.
• Jagiellonian University (Krakow) and GLOSSA: Programs on the e-polish.eu platform, individual or group lessons, personalized pedagogy.
• Business Schools: Distance MBA, often in English, with modules adapted for international professionals.

University or School	Recognized Discipline	Language of Instruction	Format
University of Warsaw	Sciences, Languages, Computer Science	Polish, English	100% online, hybrid
Jagiellonian University	Humanities, Social Sciences	Polish, English	100% online
GLOSSA	Polish Language	Polish, English	100% online, in-person
Business Schools	MBA, Management, Finance	English	100% online

Popular Disciplines:

• Languages (Polish, English)
• Computer Science and Data Science
• Management, Economics, MBA
• Social Sciences and International Relations

International Platforms Collaborating with Poland:

• Erasmus+: Mobility and online training, joint university projects.
• Coursera, edX: Partnerships with Polish universities for certificates or micro-degrees.
• e-polish.eu: Specialized courses in Polish language, interactive materials.

Admission Requirements:

• Previous level diploma (high school or equivalent for Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s for Master’s).
• Academic record and, sometimes, motivation letter or interview.
• Required language level (B2 or higher in English or Polish depending on the program).
• For some programs, professional experience recommended but not mandatory.

Costs:

• European students often benefit from reduced fees or free tuition for certain university programs.
• Online programs and MBAs vary: from €500 to €2,500 per year for university degrees; private or specialized courses may cost between €15 and €50 per session.
• Scholarship opportunities via Erasmus+ or internal programs.

Specific Advantages for Expatriates:

• Flexible schedules and remote access.
• Wide choice of disciplines in English.
• European recognition of Polish degrees (LMD system).
• Access to international communities and local professional networks.

Unique Cultural Aspects of the Polish Education System:

• Collaborative and communicative approach: numerous group projects, debates, and intercultural exchanges.
• Openness to foreigners: integration facilitated by book clubs, multicultural events, and language meetups.
• Focus on Polish history and culture: personal enrichment, understanding of local social and professional codes.

Summary of Online Options for Expatriates:

• Mobile apps and specialized platforms (Duolingo, Babbel, Talkpal, e-polish.eu)
• University distance courses (sciences, management, languages)
• Professional training (business, aviation, IT)
• Learning communities and forums (Polyglot Club, Meetup)

Example Access Pathway:

1. Choose a program on a platform like Think Poland or Erasmus+.
2. Prepare the application and prove language level.
3. Enroll and access online resources, benefit from personalized support.
4. Participate in events and workshops for cultural integration.

Advantages for the Expatriate:

• Flexibility and adaptation to professional or family life
• International degree recognition
• Opportunity to network and immerse in local culture
• Competitive pricing and available scholarships
• Access to interactive and multicultural pedagogy

Training Option	Key Advantage
University online courses	Flexibility, international access
Collaborative platforms	Experience sharing, networking
Professional training	Adapted to local market
Workshops and clubs	Cultural integration, practice