- Poland has over 400 universities and welcomes over 50,000 international students each year.
- Cost of education and living in Poland is significantly lower than other European countries.
- Scholarships and exchange programs are available to study in Poland.
- Poland is part of the Schengen area and hence students need to apply for a Schengen student visa to study here.
Poland is one of the most accessible European countries with a long tradition of Academic excellence. Notable alumni from Poland include Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and renowned astronomer, Nicolaus Copernicus. Read on to find out more about why you should consider studying in Poland and how to go about it.
Poland is a popular destination not only for tourist but also for students. There are over one and a half million students enrolled in higher education courses in Poland. The country is home to some of the top educational institutes in the world and is steeped in history and culture. Thus it offers students an all-around educational experience. Krakow and Warsaw are amongst the most popular Polish cities for people who want to study in Poland.
Foreign Students in Poland – A Country-wise List
The number of students heading to Poland for their higher education has been increasing steadily. In 2015, the country welcomed 46000 international students. By 2016, this number had increased to 57000. This marks an increase of 23%. International students account for approximately 4% of the entire student population in Poland.
Ukrainians account for the maximum number of international students in Poland. They are followed by the Belarusians, Norwegians, Spanish, and Swedes. A small percentage of people from Asia, Africa and North, Central and South America also come here to study in the country.
| Country | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Ukraine | 31000 |
| Belarus | 4600 |
| Norway | 1581 |
| Spain | 1407 |
| Sweden | 1291 |
Why Study in Poland?
If you’re thinking of studying in Poland, here are a few reasons why it is a good decision.
Renowned Universities
Poland has over 450 Higher Education institutions. This is not a new development as academics have been given a priority in Poland since the 14th century. Some of the oldest universities in Europe like the Jagiellonian University of Cracow are located in Poland.
Polish universities offer a number of specialized courses in science and technology as well as film and music for international students. When it comes to choosing a university to study in Poland, the top three universities are the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University in Krakow and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
Top Universities in Poland
| SL NO | QS World University Rank (2018) | Rank in Poland | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 411 | 1 | University of Warsaw |
| 2 | 801 | 2 | AGH University of Science and Technology |
| 3 | 461 | 2 | Jagiellonian University |
| 4 | 601 | 2 | Warsaw University of Technology |
| 5 | 801 | 5 | Adam Mickiewicz University |
| 6 | 801 | 5 | Gdańsk University of Technology |
| 7 | 801 | 5 | Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń |
| 8 | 801 | 5 | The University of Silesia in Katowice |
| 9 | 801 | 5 | University of Wrocław |
| 10 | 801 | 10 | University of Gdańsk |
| 11 | 801 | 10 | University of Łódź |
| 12 | 1001 | 10 | Łodz University of Technology |
Affordable Education
Tuition fees in Poland are relatively lower than tuition fees in other European countries. In private universities, fees can range from EUR 1500 to EUR 3000. In addition, the cost of living in Poland is comparatively low. One can easily get a room in a dormitory for EUR 100 or a shared flat for around the same amount.
When it comes to moving around the city, students can get a monthly pass for public transport for around EUR 25. In the summer months, public bikes can be used for a very nominal fee. Eating out and entertainment is also not very expensive for people who study in Poland. International students may also take up part-time work while they are enrolled in a Polish university to help fund their education.
The Socrates–Erasmus Program
Poland has been part of the Socrates–Erasmus Program since 1998. Over 300 Universities in Poland participate in this program. This can be described as a type of exchange program for students. If a student belongs to a country that is also part of this program, he or she might not need a visa to study in Poland.
Scholarships
In addition to affordable tuition fees Poland also offers a number of different types of financial aid for students. Each year a number of scholarships are awarded to international students who want to study in Poland. The easiest way to find out which scholarships you may be eligible for is to visit the nearest Polish consulate.
Location
Another reason to choose Poland is its location. Poland was once considered the gateway to Eastern Europe. The country shares its 3.5 thousand km long border with Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. It also has a 770km long coastline along the Baltic Sea.
For students, this translates to a great way to see other parts of Europe during the university breaks. Poland is also part of the Schengen region and hence students can travel to other Schengen countries freely from here.
Visa Requirements for International Students in Poland
International students need to apply for a Schengen student visa to permit them to live and study in Poland. Applying for this visa is fairly straightforward. The form is available online and can be submitted at the nearest Polish consulate along with two recent, passport photographs and supporting documents. The documents required include:
- Covering Letter
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Enrollment
- Approval letter from University
- Proof of having sufficient financial means of living in Poland
- Travel insurance
- Proof of accommodation arrangements
- Proof of Civil Status
- Copy of school certificates and diplomas
In most cases, a visa to study in Poland is processed and issued within 1 month or a maximum of 3 months. If the course is more than 3 months long, students may have to apply for a residence permit once they reach Poland.
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