Top-ranked universities
Institutions such as the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University and Warsaw University of Technology are globally recognised.
Guide to studying in Poland
Studying in Poland as an international student
A complete guide to studying at Polish universities: tuition and living costs, top institutions, the most in-demand courses, scholarships, and work and residency options after graduation — together with the Ibtiaath office, which handles your file from shortlist to offer letter and travel.
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400+
Universities and colleges
38 million
People live in Poland
€2,000
Lowest annual public university tuition
2
Main intakes per year
About Poland
Get to know Poland before you choose it
Poland is a growing hub for international education, offering affordable tuition, high-quality programmes and a vibrant student life. Its rich history, cultural diversity and rapidly expanding economy make it an attractive destination for students worldwide.
Sitting at the heart of Europe as a member of the European Union, Poland issues qualifications aligned with European standards, and its student cities combine historic architecture with modern infrastructure at a lower cost than most European destinations.
Country at a glance
- Official language
- Polish
- Official currency
- Polish Złoty — PLN
- Population
- Approximately 38 million
- Universities and colleges
- More than 400 higher education institutions
Why Poland
Why do students choose to study in Poland?
Poland pairs academic quality with a cost of study that stays within reach. Here is why it stands out.
Academic flexibility
Programmes across STEM, business, the arts and the medical fields.
A diverse student community
Large numbers of international students from Europe, Asia and Africa create an open environment that is easy to settle into.
Career growth and internships
A growing economy with multinational companies offering internships to students.
English-taught programmes
Many programmes — especially in technical and business fields — are taught entirely in English, so you can start without speaking Polish.
Pathway to work permits
Graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to work in Poland after finishing their studies.
Life in Poland
What does student life look like?
Lively student cities and a reasonable cost of living make life outside the lecture hall just as rewarding as the degree itself.
Top student cities
Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk and Poznań — each with its own character and cost of living.
Campus life
Student organisations, cultural clubs and sports teams enrich your experience beyond lectures.
Culture
A vibrant cultural scene of music, art and historic architecture in cities that go back centuries.
Transport
Modern public transport including trams, buses and trains, with student concessions.
Housing
Options include university dormitories, shared apartments and private rentals.
Costs
How much does it cost to study in Poland?
Estimated figures in euros; they vary by university, course, city and year of application.
| Type of institution | Approximate tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Public universities | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| Private universities | €6,000 – €12,000 |
Monthly living costs
Accommodation
€200 – €400
Food and utilities
€150 – €300
Transport and miscellaneous
€50 – €100
Estimated monthly total€400 – €800
Note: these are estimates, and living in Warsaw or Kraków costs more than in smaller cities. Visa and residence permit applications require proof of funds covering your tuition and living costs, and we confirm the amount in force at the time your file is submitted.
Top universities
Poland's leading universities
Poland is home to institutions that go back centuries; these are the best known among international students.
University of Warsaw
University of Warsaw
Warsaw
Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University
Kraków
Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw
Adam Mickiewicz University
Adam Mickiewicz University
Poznań
AGH University of Science & Technology
AGH University of Science & Technology
Kraków
Wrocław University of Science & Technology
Wrocław University of Science & Technology
Wrocław
University of Gdańsk
University of Gdańsk
Gdańsk
Alongside these, Poland has hundreds of other recognised public and private institutions, some of which may suit your grades and budget better. We shortlist the ones that match your file and your field.
Courses
The most popular courses
Polish universities offer a wide variety of programmes; these are the most popular among international students.
- Medicine and health sciences
- Engineering and IT
- Business and economics
- Social sciences and humanities
- Environmental studies
- International relations and law
Fields with the widest English-taught offering
- Engineering and IT
- Business and economics
- Medicine and health sciences
- International relations
Scholarships
Scholarships and financial aid for studying in Poland
Scholarships are funded by the government, universities and private organisations. They are competitive and never guaranteed, but we shortlist the realistic options and prepare your file for them.
University scholarships
Many universities offer merit-based and need-based aid, ranging from partial fee discounts to full scholarships.
Government scholarships
State funding for international students, the best known of it run by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
Private scholarships
Awards offered by foundations, companies and NGOs, some of them tied to a specific field or nationality.
Assistantships
Teaching and research positions for graduate students, combining a monthly income with academic experience.
Tips that improve your chances
- Start applying early — scholarship rounds close months before the semester begins.
- Write a personal statement that clearly links your studies to your career plan.
- Check that you meet every eligibility criterion before submitting.
- Back your file with strong grades, work experience and volunteering.
After graduation
Career and residency pathways
Studying in Poland can be the first step towards a career in Europe, not just a degree.
Internships and part-time work
Students can work during their studies under the residence permit issued for study, alongside internship opportunities at companies.
Post-study work
Graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay in Poland and look for employment after finishing their course.
Long-term residency
Options are available through work, family sponsorship or starting a business.
The residency pathway in short
- 01
Study and build experience
Use the internships and part-time work allowed during your studies to build experience inside the Polish job market.
- 02
Apply for a post-study permit
A temporary residence permit lets you stay and look for work in your field after graduating.
- 03
Move to long-term residency
Once settled in a job, long-term residency routes open up through work, family or entrepreneurship.
Polish residency and migration rules change from year to year, and the final decision rests with the Polish authorities. The above is a general overview of the pathway, not migration advice.
In short
Poland: a European education within reach
Poland is an emerging destination for international education, with affordable tuition fees and a high standard of academic programmes. Its historic cities, growing economy and welcoming student environment make it appealing for students on a budget — especially as many programmes are taught in English, particularly in technical and business fields. Poland suits students looking for a cost-effective education while experiencing rich European culture and real opportunities for professional development.
FAQ
Student questions about studying in Poland
How much does it cost to study in Poland?
Are there programmes taught in English in Poland?
Can I work while studying in Poland?
Are Polish degrees recognised internationally?
Do I need IELTS to study in Poland?
When does the academic year start in Poland?
Can I stay in Poland after graduating?
What does Ibtiaath do for my Poland application?
Start your Poland file today
Send your file and get your Polish university shortlist
Download the Ibtiaath app and open the university admissions section — we review your file and shortlist universities in Poland that match your grades and budget, then follow the application through to the offer letter.
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