Fall and Spring Intakes at Polish Universities
Did you miss the September deadline? You don't have to wait a whole year to start your studies. In Poland, universities offer two admission windows: the main Fall Intake (October) and the Spring Intake (February).
If you are late for the first one, you can save time and start your education this winter. In this guide, we explain the difference between the intakes, the deadlines, and which universities accept students in February.
What’s the Difference Between Fall and Spring Intakes?
The main difference isn't just the date on the calendar—it is about availability and competition.
The Fall Intake is the start of the standard academic year. It is when 90% of students begin their journey. During this time, every university and every study program is open—from Medicine and Psychology to Fine Arts. However, this also means competition is at its peak, and visa centers are overcrowded.
The Spring Intake (often called the Winter Intake) is smaller and more focused. It usually begins in February or March. Not all universities participate, and medical schools are almost always closed during this time. However, for students interested in Business, IT, Engineering, or Hospitality, this is a fantastic opportunity to fast-track their education.
The Fall Intake (October Start)
Best for: Recent high school graduates who want the full "freshman" experience.
This is the classic path. If you choose the October intake, you get the widest choice of programs. Dormitories are empty and waiting for new residents, and universities organize massive orientation events to welcome first-year students.
The Main Challenge: The bureaucratic pressure in summer is enormous. Thousands of students from India, Turkey, and Central Asia are applying for visas at the same time. If you apply to the university late (in August), there is a high risk you won't get your visa in time for the first day of classes.
- When to apply: Ideally between January and May.
- Deadline: Usually mid-July for non-EU citizens.
The Spring Intake (March Start)
Best for: Students who want to save time or missed the summer deadline.
Many students think that starting in winter means they will be "behind" everyone else. This is a myth. If you start in February, you simply finish your degree 6 months earlier than those who wait for the next October. You don't lose a year; you actually gain time.
Why choose Spring Intake?
✅ Stress-free Visa Process: Consulates are quiet in winter. You can often get a visa appointment within days, not months.
✅ Smaller Groups: Classes tend to be smaller, meaning professors can give you more individual attention.
✅ Flexible Transfer: It is often easier to transfer credits if you have already studied at another university.
The choice is limited. You likely won't find Medical or Dentistry programs open. The Spring intake is dominated by private universities (like Vistula, WSB Merito) and technical universities offering Engineering Master's degrees.
When and How to Apply
The application process for both fall and spring intakes is nearly the same, but the timelines and processing speed differ.
Application periods:
- Fall intake: from April to August (sometimes until mid-September)
- Spring intake: from October to December (sometimes extended until late January)
Required documents:
✔️ High school diploma or university degree with apostille
✔️ Official translation into Polish or English
✔️ Language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or internal university test)
✔️ Motivation letter, photo, and passport copy
All documents can be submitted online or through AcademGo, which guides you through the entire process — including visa appointment booking. You can find more info about required documents in our dedicated article.
Applying for the spring intake is often faster, as embassy queues are shorter in winter, making it easier to schedule appointments and obtain a visa on time.
Universities with Spring Intake in Poland
VIZJA University (UEHS)
This university offers spring and fall admissions for both bachelor’s and master’s programs. Popular English-taught majors include Psychology, International Relations, and IT. Applications are submitted online, and the visa invitation letter is issued within 2–5 days. Learn more about this university in our dedicated article.
Vistula University (Warsaw)
A highly international university that accepts students for the spring semester in Business, Tourism, IT, and Finance. All programs are available in English. Students benefit from discounts, fast admission, and strong support. Learn more in our dedicated article.
WSB Universities
A private university network with campuses in Poznań, Wrocław, and other cities. Spring intake is open for programs in Logistics, IT, and Finance. Courses are available in English, including hybrid formats, internships, and double degree options. Full details in our dedicated article.
Vincent Pol University (Lublin)
This university opens spring admissions for Physiotherapy, Tourism, and Sport Science. Programs are practice-oriented and taught in English. The application process is simple, and studies begin in February. More info available in our dedicated article.
Admission Timeline
The most common mistake students make is underestimating the time needed for paperwork. Even for the "easier" Spring intake, you need about 2-3 months to prepare your Apostille, sworn translations, and visa documents.
- To start in February: You should start the process in October or November. By January, most admission offices close their doors.
- To start in October: You should start collecting documents in early Spring.
Summary
You don't need to waste a gap year sitting at home. If you missed the October intake, the Spring intake is a smart, strategic move to get your degree faster and avoid the summer visa queues.
Ready to apply? The AcademGo team can check which programs are still open for you right now. Let's get your application started before the winter deadline passes!
Frequently Asked Questions
