Cost of studying in Poland
For many international students, Poland is increasingly becoming an excellent option for obtaining quality higher education at an affordable price. One of the key questions for future applicants is the cost of studying in Poland, which depends on the type of institution, language of instruction, chosen specialty and level of education.
What does the cost of studying in Poland depend on?
The cost of education in Poland varies based on several key factors, including the type of educational institution, language of instruction, chosen specialty, and level of education.
Type of Educational Institution
Public universities in Poland often offer lower tuition fees compared to private institutions, especially for programs taught in Polish. Private universities may provide more flexible admission conditions and a broader selection of English-language programs.
Language of Study
Programs taught in Polish are generally less expensive than those in English. English-language programs are often designed for international students and may offer degrees that enhance opportunities for international careers.
Specialty
Tuition fees vary by specialty. Medical and engineering programs typically have higher costs compared to humanities disciplines like management, marketing, tourism, and sociology.
Level of Education
Bachelor's programs are usually less expensive than master's programs. Tuition fees for master's degrees depend on the university, specialty, language of instruction, and the institution's reputation.
Tuition Fees in Private and Public Universities in Poland
Private Universities: Tuition fees range from 2000 to 6000 euro per year, depending on the program's popularity, language of instruction, and the university's reputation. Prestigious private institutions like Lazarski University or Kozminski University may have higher fees, reflecting the value of their degrees in the job market.
Medical Education: Medical programs are among the most expensive. For instance, English-language programs at the Medical University of Warsaw cost between 10,000 and 14,000 euro per year. In less prestigious private universities, such as Vincent Pol University in Lublin, medical programs range from 4000 to 6000 euro per year.
Public Universities: Tuition fees for programs taught in Polish range from 1500 to 3000 euro per year. English-language programs are more expensive, ranging from 3000 to 5000 euro per year, depending on the specialty and degree level. Tuition fees may also be influenced by the university's location; for example, in major cities like Warsaw and Wrocław, fees may be higher than in Lublin or Poznań.
Financial support options are available to assist International students studying in Poland. For example, every university has its own scholarships for high GPA or sports achievements. The amount of these scholarships varies from 300 to 500 euro per month. In some cases, university authorities give tuition discounts (up to 100%) to the most active and ambitious students, who participate in various activities and university events.
Part-time employment opportunities are another way for students to finance their education and gain valuable work experience. Poland allows international students to work part-time during the academic year and full-time during semester breaks.
There are no limits for working hours a week for international students in Poland, like for example in other EU countries (20 working hours a week). Furthermore, all the students under 26 years old are free to pay any taxes! It means that the minimum wage for a student is around 1100 - 1300 euro for a full-time job.
Cost of Living in Poland
Living in Poland as a student is significantly more affordable compared to other parts of Europe, although expenses may vary depending on location and lifestyle. A key factor influencing monthly costs is the choice of accommodation. Students can opt to live in university dormitories, rent apartments, or share rooms. In larger cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław, the average cost of accommodation ranges from 300 to 400 euro per month, with plenty of private dormitories and rental options available for students.
In smaller cities, such as Lublin or Szczecin, rental costs range from 200 to 300 euro per month, but housing can be harder to find due to lower demand. Dormitories provide a cheaper and more convenient alternative for students. On average, students spend 150 to 200 euro per month on food. As a result, in larger cities, total living expenses for a student can reach 500 to 700 euro per month, while in smaller cities, this amount is approximately 400 to 600 euro per month.
A student monthly public transport pass costs only 12 to 15 euro, which is much more affordable compared to other EU countries. For additional information about the cost of living in Poland, please refer to our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions