Study in Poland

Located right in the middle of continental Europe, Poland could be the ideal place to continue your studies, expand your horizons and open doors in your career

The Polish education system

Poland is starting to reap the rewards of gradual but comprehensive reforms to its education system, with university more accessible than ever to students of different backgrounds.

At higher education level, there are more than 500 universities and institutions, both public and private, covering many fields of study. These include:

• public universities;
• medical universities and colleges;
• universities of technology/polytechnics;
• higher schools of pedagogy;
• music academies;
• agricultural universities;
• universities of economics.

For more information, visit Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Higher Education Institutions .

The higher education system is divided into three categories, as per the Bologna Process, which standardises qualifications in Europe:

• Bachelors (Licencjat). These degrees typically last for three years. BSc or BEng qualifications are known as Inżynier qualifications.
• Masters (Magister). Students have the choice between a five-year Masters programme starting in their first year of university or a supplementary two-year course following a Bachelors degree.
• Doctoral (Doktor) studies typically last for four years and are only open to those who have gained a Masters qualification.

The academic year in Poland is from October through to September.

Entry requirements

Each university and course will have different entry requirements, so make sure you check what is expected of you with your chosen institution before applying. Details of prerequisites for postgraduates are usually listed on university websites by the end of May.

To enrol on any postgraduate programme, however, you will need an undergraduate degree that is legally recognised in Poland, and you must provide proof of recognition to the Polish university by the end of the first term.

Knowledge of Polish is not necessary for most universities in the country, as many courses are offered in English.

Course fees

Full-time education at Polish higher education institutions (HEI) costs nothing for Polish citizens. In addition, it is free for international students in Poland in some cases. For more information, see Study in Poland - Questions and Answers .

For all other international students, course fees are:

• €2,000 per year for Masters courses;
• €3,000 per year for Doctoral and specialist courses.

Course fees differ in private institutions, ranging from €2,000 to €6,000 per year depending on the course and institution.

Funding to study in Poland

International students have access to numerous scholarships offered by the Polish government, through international agreements or under the decision of the minister of science and education. The minister appoints grantees through the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange .

There is also often funding available from specific HEIs, but you will need to make sure you ask your chosen institution what is on offer before applying.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Scholarships, Exchange Programmes and European Programmes .

Polish exchanges and placements

Students attending UK universities can take part in the European Union (EU)'s flagship educational exchange programme Erasmus . The scheme offers work placements, study opportunities and language assistantships, which last from three months to one academic year in EU countries.

Financial support is also available to selected Masters and Doctoral students through the Erasmus Mundus  initiative.

Your university must have a formal agreement with a partner university in Poland. Check that your university is involved in the programme and offers the Erasmus scheme in your subject.

It isn't necessary to have any knowledge of the Polish language, but you can arrange intensive language courses before you go. Speak to the Erasmus coordinator at your university about available opportunities.

Student visas

As an EU citizen, you are permitted to live in any EU country while studying as long as you:

• are studying for more than three months;
• are enrolled at an approved university/other educational institution;
• have sufficient income (from any source) to live without needing income support;
• have comprehensive health insurance cover.

EU/European Economic Area (EEA) students living in Poland for up to three months usually don't require a visa, but check with your local Polish embassy to make sure. After three months you will need to register for a residence permit (Karta Pobytu), which is valid for up to two years. This document is issued by the Department of Citizens Affairs of the local Voivodeship Office.

For more information, see Ministry of Science and Higher Education - Visas .