Can I pay tuition fees in installments?

For the first year, usually no. To receive the official Acceptance Letter required for your visa application, most universities require full payment of the first year's tuition. This also proves to the consul that you are a serious student. However, starting from your second year, you can easily switch to a semester or monthly payment plan to manage your budget better.

Can international students work in Poland to cover expenses?

Yes. Full-time students have the legal right to work in Poland without any additional work permit. Many students work in delivery, hospitality, or IT support, earning between 7 euro and 9 euro per hour. This is usually enough to cover your monthly accommodation and food costs.

How much money do I need to show for the Student Visa?

To get your visa, you must prove you have enough funds for your stay. You typically need to show:✅ The cost of accommodation for 12 months. ✅ About 2500 euro – 3000 euro for living expenses. ✅ The cost of a return ticket to your home country. We will help you calculate the exact amount needed for your bank statement to avoid visa refusal.

What's the difference in fees between public and private universities?

The difference in tuition fees between public and private universities in Poland is significant. In public universities, tuition for programs in Polish starts at 1500–2000 euro per year, particularly for humanities and economics courses. Programs in English cost, on average, from 2000 euro per year.In private universities, tuition fees are similar, starting at 1800–2500 euro per year for programs in Polish and from 2500–3500 euro per year for programs in English, depending on the university’s prestige and the field of study. Private universities often offer more flexible admission requirements and modern international programs.

Are grants or discounts available?

Yes, students can take advantage of grants and discounts to reduce the cost of studying in Poland. Polish universities offer:- Academic scholarships – awarded for high GPAs (above 4.5 out of 5) in both public and private universities.- Social scholarships – available for students with low family income or challenging life circumstances.- Grants and exchange programs, such as NAWA and Erasmus+, which cover part or all of the tuition and living expenses.Some universities and partnering IT companies also offer partial grants or discounts for talented students and internship participants.

Cost of Studying in Poland for International Students

Poland remains one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, but "affordable" does not mean free. Many international students underestimate the real costs of living in Warsaw or Krakow.

How much money do you really need to move to Poland?

In this guide, we break down every expense: from tuition fees at top universities to the price of a loaf of bread. We will help you plan your budget realistically so you don't run out of money halfway through the semester.

Tuition Fees at Public and Private Universities

The cost of education depends heavily on your choice of university and language of instruction.

1. Public Universities

While education is free for Polish citizens (and some EU nationals), international students usually pay tuition fees. However, they are still much lower than in Western Europe.

Average Fees: 2000 – 4000 euro per year.
Popular Programs: Engineering, International Relations, Journalism.
Competitive Admission: High GPA is required.

2. Private Universities

Private schools in Poland are very popular among international students because they are more flexible and career-oriented.

Average Fees: 1200 – 3500 euro per year.
Top Choices: Vistula University, WSB Merito, SWPS.
Admission: Easier entry, focused on practical skills.

What Does the Cost Depend On?

Before checking the exact prices, remember that the final amount depends on four factors:

Type of Institution

Public universities are often cheaper but have strict admission rules. Private universities (like Vistula or WSB) offer flexible entry and practical English programs.

Language of Study

Programs in Polish are generally cheaper. English tracks usually cost more but open doors to international careers.

Specialty

Medical and Engineering degrees are the most expensive options. Humanities like Business, Marketing, or Tourism are much more affordable.

Level of Education

Master's degrees typically cost more than Bachelor's programs, especially at top-ranked universities.

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown

To get a Student Visa, you need to show proof of funds, but how much do you actually spend day-to-day? Here is the reality of student life in Poland.

☑️ Accommodation

Housing will be your single largest expense. While public university dormitories are the cheapest option (150 euro – 250 euro per month), they are extremely hard to book due to limited spots. Most international students choose private dormitories or rent a room in a shared flat, which typically costs between 350 euro and 600 euro per month depending on the standard. If you prefer total privacy in a studio apartment, be prepared to budget over 600 euro.

☑️ Food, Transport & Daily Needs

Poland is famous for affordable food. A student typically spends 200 euro – 300 euro per month on groceries, especially if shopping at discount supermarkets like Biedronka or Lidl. Public transport is also a bargain: a monthly student ticketcovering all trams, buses, and metro lines costs only 12 euro (thanks to the 50% student discount).

☑️ Lifestyle & Extras

A high-speed mobile internet plan costs around 7 euro – 10 euro, and a standard gym membership is usually 20 euro – 30 euro. Overall, living in Poland allows you to maintain a comfortable European lifestyle for a fraction of the cost compared to France or Germany.

Total Budget for Your First Year

So, how much money should you prepare in total? To help you plan, we have calculated a realistic "Comfort Budget"for a student entering a private university in the current academic year.

Here is exactly where your money goes:

Tuition Fees (~2500 euro)
This is the average cost for a year at a popular private university. Note that you usually don't have to pay the full amount at once — most universities allow you to pay by semester or even monthly.
Accommodation (~400 euro per month)
Rent is your regular monthly expense. However, for this yearly budget calculation, we count it for the full academic year (~4000 euro total). Don't forget that for the first month, you will also need to pay a refundable deposit (kaucja).

Reducing Your Costs with Scholarships and Discounts

Is it possible to lower this amount? Absolutely. While full government grants are hard to get, you can easily qualify for University Discounts. Many private universities offer special "Early Bird" promotions — if you submit your documents early (usually in spring), you can save between 100 euro and 300 euro on your first year tuition.

Once you start your studies, your performance matters. Almost every Polish university offers a Rector’s Scholarship for the best students. If you finish your first year with a high GPA (usually average grade over 4.5), the university can waive part of your tuition fee or pay you a monthly stipend.

Additionally, remember that international students in Poland have the legal right to work without a permit. Most students cover their daily living expenses by working part-time during weekends or evenings.

Reducing Your Costs with Scholarships and Discounts

Hidden Costs Nobody Tells You About

Most agencies only talk about tuition fees. At AcademGo, we want you to be prepared for everything. Watch out for these extra costs:

✔️ Application Fee (Opłata rekrutacyjna) - Every university charges a non-refundable fee to process your documents. The cost typically ranges from 20 euro to 250 euro per university.

✔️ Sworn Translations (Tłumacz przysięgły) - Your documents must be translated by a Polish sworn translator. Regular translations are not accepted. Be ready to pay around 30 euro per page.

✔️ Apostille - Legalizing your high school diploma in your home country before coming to Poland is a mandatory step that carries its own administrative costs.

✔️ Health Insurance (NFZ) - Mandatory state insurance gives you access to free healthcare and costs about 15 euro per month.

Save Money and Time with AcademGo

Planning a budget is hard, but dealing with paperwork is harder. One mistake in your translation or visa application can cost you the admission fee and months of waiting.

Why apply with us?

We know the most affordable universities that still offer high-quality European diplomas.
We handle Sworn Translations and Legalization for you.

Frequently Asked Questions