Poland is situated in the center of Europe and ranks as one the largest and most populous countries in the European region – ninth largest in Europe by area, and sixth in the European Union (EU) in terms of population. Poland over the years has enjoyed strong economic growth especially since joining the EU sometime in 2004. Infact, during the economic crisis of 2009, Poland was the only European nation at the time to report economic growth.Even in these times, Polish universities charge low tuition for international students.
Poland has a rich history that dates back to a thousand years ago, plus an amazing cultural heritage. This excellence and heritage includes long standing traditions in the higher education sector, with the very first institution in Poland established sometime in the 14th century. At this moment, Poland is rapidly becoming a very popular study abroad destination, with more than 72,000 international students coming over to study there in 2017/18.
For international students who choose to study in Poland, one of the country’s greatest appeal is its relatively low living costs, especially when compared to those of EU member countries. As noted earlier,university fees are low and cheap, typically will not go beyond US$4,180 at public universities, and US$6,600 at private ones.
Application to study in Poland
Polish university education typically lasts for three years at undergraduate (bachelor’s) level and one and a half or two years if you’re pursuing masters. For you to apply for a masters program, you’ll need to provide concrete proof of having successfully completed the other levels of studies, plus proof of English language proficiency (unless you are not a native English speaker). Some programs will also require that you sit an entrance exam or present a proper collection of work. There is also the opportunity to study in Polish, in which case you’ll either be required to submit proof of proficiency in the language or take part in a year-long language preparatory course.
Student Visas to study in Poland
Students who hail from the EU do not require a visa to study on low tuition in Poland. However, the moment you arrive in the country, EU citizens will need to apply for a temporary residence permit while International students from non-EU countries will be requested to obtain a student visa before arrival. When you arrive, you will also have to apply for a residence permit, which will last for a maximum period of three years. For more assistance and information please contact the Polish embassy in your country or visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
Fees and funding
So tertiary education in Poland is free for Polish citizens. But if you would like to benefit from this provision as well, you will need to sit and pass the same entrance exams as Polish students and study a program taught in the Polish language. If you can’t, then you’ll be required to pay tuition fees, which are in the range of US$2,230-4,180 per year at public institutions in Poland. Also note that tuition at private universities in Poland will be slightly higher; usually dependent on your course and the institution, the fees could go up to US$6,600 a year. In recent times, universities across Poland have put a stop to charging these tuition fees in full upfront,so that these fees do not become a burden for international students.Please note that there are very few scholarships available for international students, so it’s likely that you’ll have to cover your own expenses. However, there is nothing wrong with checking with the universities to which you are applying, to see whether any funding opportunities are available.
Living costs
The costs of living in Poland are relatively affordable, although in many cases the amount of money you need will vary depending on your how you spend and the city you’re based in. You will need at least 2,500 PLN (~US$650) per month in order to cover living costs, including accommodation. Please note that accommodation in student halls of residence is way cheaper at around 250-340 PLN (~US$60-90) per month for a shared room, and roughly 430-640 PLN (~US$110-160) for a single room. Although, a shared rented flat could go around 640 to 850 PLN (~US$160-220) monthly, while a very small one-room single apartment could begin from 1,280 PLN (~US$330). Just research some more to get exact figures.
Do note that health insurance is compulsory for all students for the period of your stay in Poland. Students who hail from the EU are entitled to free or discounted health care if they can present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while it’s recommended that non-EU students buy health insurance either before or as soon as possible after their arrival in Poland.
List of Low Tuition Universities
University of Warsaw
Jagiellonian University
Warsaw University of Technology
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WRUST)
University of Wroclaw
University of Warsaw
University of Warsaw which was founded in the year 1816 is the largest university in Poland. It has employed over 6000 staff including 3100 academic staff. The university of Warsaw offers bachelors, masters and PhD programs in the fields of Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Natural Sciences etc. The university which was founded which was founded as a Royal University on November 1816, when the partitions of Poland separated from Warsaw from the oldest university in Krakow.
Tuition fees
2000 to 4000 Euros per year
How to apply for admission
Submit your application online
Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University which is also refered to as University of Krakow is a research university located in Krakow, Poland. The university was founded in 1364 by Casimir III the great ad is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest in Central Europe. Jagiellonian University has produced notable alumni, like Astronomer Nicholas Copanicus, poet Jan Kochanowski, Polish King John III Sobieski, chemist Karol Olszewski etc.
Tuition fees
3000 to 11,000 Euros per year
How to apply for admission
Submit your application online
Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw University of Technology, usually referred to as Politechnika Warszawska in Polish language, is one of the largest universities in central Europe. It has about 2500 staff and 36,156 students who enroll for studies in about 19 faculties in fields of science and technology. The university has produced many notable alums who make up the highest percentage of polish managers and executives.
Tuition fees
2000 to 4000 Euros per year
How to apply for admission
Submit your application online
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WRUST)
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology is a technological university situated in Wroclaw Poland. The university has its infrastructures and buildings spread throughout the city, while its main facilities are gathered in a central location close to Plac Grunwaldzki alongside the Oder river. Wroclaw University of Science and Technology has been named by Huffington post UK in top 15 of World’s Most Beautiful Universities Rankings.
Tuition fees
2000 to 4000 Euros per year
How to apply for admission
Submit your application online
