Study in Poland in English
Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for international students looking to pursue higher education in English. This is due to the high quality of academic programs, affordable tuition fees, and the opportunity to obtain a degree recognized across the EU and beyond.
Many Polish universities offer English-taught programs, particularly private institutions such as Lazarski University, Vistula University, SWPS University, as well as leading public universities like the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and others. These programs allow international students to study without the need to learn Polish, making education in Poland especially attractive for young people from all over the world.
The most popular fields of study include Business, Management, Medicine, IT, and International Relations. By studying in English, students not only receive a high-quality education but also gain international connections and experience that are highly valued in the global job market.
Benefits of Studying in Poland in English
Studying in English in Poland offers numerous benefits, making the country an attractive choice for international students.
✔️ Internationally Recognized Degree
Polish universities follow European education standards, and their degrees are recognized not only across the EU but also in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and many others. This provides graduates with the opportunity to work worldwide.
✔️ Affordable Tuition Fees
The average cost of studying in Poland in English is approximately 2500 to 6000 euro per year, which is significantly lower compared to universities in the United States or Western Europe. For example, tuition at Lazarski University is around €3600 per year, while at Vistula University it starts from 2500 euro per year.
✔️ High Quality of Education
Universities such as the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University are ranked among the Top 1000 universities in the world, and their programs meet European Union standards.
✔️ No Polish Language Required
To enroll in English-taught programs, there is no need to know Polish. Students only need to prove their English proficiency at a B2 level through certificates like IELTS, TOEFL, or by passing the university's internal test.
✔️ International Environment
English-taught programs attract students from all over the world. This creates a multicultural environment, allowing students to expand their network and build professional connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
✔️ Work Opportunities During Studies
Students in Poland have the right to work during the academic year and holidays without hourly restrictions if they are under 26 years old. This provides an opportunity not only to cover living expenses and tuition fees but also to gain valuable work experience in an international environment.
Popular English-Taught Programs in Poland
Polish universities offer a wide range of English-taught programs at both the Bachelor's and Master's levels. The most popular fields of study among international students include:
- IT and Computer Science — Highly demanded in both private and public universities. Programs are available at Lazarski University, Warsaw University of Technology, and SWPS University.
- International Business and Management — English-language programs are offered by Lazarski University, Vistula University, and Kozminski University. These programs focus on global business strategies, financial markets, and international trade, providing students with practical skills for a global career.
- Medicine — Particularly popular among students from Asia and Africa. Medical University of Warsaw and Medical University of Gdańsk offer fully English-taught medical programs that meet European standards. Graduates are well-prepared for international medical licensing exams.
- International Relations — Offered at Jagiellonian University, University of Warsaw, and Lazarski University. These programs cover global politics, diplomacy, and international law, preparing students for careers in government and international organizations.
Many programs also provide the opportunity to earn a double degree. For example, at Lazarski University, students can graduate with both a Polish diploma and a British diploma from Coventry University.
Tuition Fees for English-Taught Programs in Poland
One of the main advantages of studying in Poland in English is the affordable tuition fees compared to other European countries, the United States, or the United Kingdom. On average, the cost of English-taught programs in Poland is as follows:
✔️ 2500 – 6000 euro per year for Bachelor's and Master's programs at universities such as Vistula University, Lazarski University, SWPS University, and Collegium Civitas.
✔️ Medical programs are more expensive, ranging from 9000 to 13,000 euro per year, depending on the university (Medical University of Warsaw, Medical University of Gdańsk). These programs are highly respected and follow European standards, making their graduates competitive globally.
✔️ MBA programs and specialized courses at private universities can cost up to 10,000 euro per year, depending on the curriculum and duration of the program. These programs are designed to provide advanced business skills and leadership training for global markets.
Scholarships for International Students
Polish universities and government programs provide a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students who wish to study in English. The main options include:
✔️ Erasmus+ — An exchange program that covers tuition fees and living expenses for one semester or a full academic year at another European university. This program allows students to gain international experience while continuing their studies.
✔️ NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange) — Provides scholarships for Master's and Ph.D. students, as well as funding for preparatory courses (Zerówka). This initiative aims to support talented students from around the world who choose Poland as their study destination.
✔️ University Scholarships — Many universities, such as Lazarski University, Vistula University, and Kozminski University, offer their own academic scholarships for top-performing students. For example:
- At Lazarski University, students with a high GPA can receive up to a 30% discount on tuition fees.
- At Vistula University, scholarships are available for students who actively participate in scientific and community projects.
✔️ Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries — Some universities provide discounts and grants for students from CIS countries, Asia, and Africa. These scholarships aim to make education in Poland more accessible to talented students from emerging economies.
✔️ Tuition Discounts — Many private universities offer early application discounts or merit-based scholarships for students with outstanding academic achievements.
Thanks to these financial support options, studying in Poland in English is not only affordable but also highly accessible, making it an even more attractive choice for international students.
Admission Process to Poland
Applying to a Polish university for an English-taught program is quite straightforward, especially at private institutions like Lazarski University, Vistula University, or SWPS University, where there are no entrance exams. The admission process includes several key steps:
Choose a Program and University: Visit the university's official website to select the English-taught program that interests you and familiarize yourself with the admission requirements.
Prepare the Required Documents: To apply for an English-language program at a Polish university, you will need the following documents:
- High School Diploma or Bachelor's Degree (for Master's programs) — in some cases, nostrification may be required for countries outside the OECD or EU.
- English Proficiency Certificate — accepted exams include IELTS (minimum score of 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum score of 79), Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE), PTE Academic (minimum score of 59), or the university's internal test.
- Motivation Letter — some universities require a statement explaining why you chose this program.
- Recommendation Letters (if required by the university).
- Passport Copy — must be valid for at least 18 months.
Submit Your Application: Applications are submitted online through the university's application portal. After completing the application, you need to pay the registration fee, which is typically around €50 to €100.
Take the Internal Test (if there is no international certificate): If you do not have an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, many universities offer the option to take an internal English exam. This test can be conducted on-campus or online, making it convenient for international applicants.
Receive the Letter of Acceptance: If all documents meet the university's requirements, you will receive an Acceptance Letter, which is necessary to apply for a student visa.
Apply for a Student Visa and Arrive in Poland: Based on the Letter of Acceptance, you can apply for a Type D Student Visa, which grants the right to reside in Poland for the duration of your studies. Once the visa is approved, you are ready to begin your journey in Poland.
Employment Opportunities After Graduation
One of the major advantages of studying in Poland in English is the high chance of employment both within Poland and abroad. Polish universities actively support students in this direction by offering internships, exchange programs, and career counseling.
Internships and Practical Training During Studies
✔️ Most Polish universities, especially Vistula University, Lazarski University, and Kozminski University, include mandatory or optional internships and practical training in their study programs.
✔️ Universities often collaborate with international companies such as CitiBank, PWC, Deloitte, and IBM, giving students the opportunity to gain work experience during their studies.
✔️ Through the Erasmus+ program, students can complete international internships at European companies, which significantly enhances their resumes and simplifies the job search after graduation.
Work Opportunities During Studies
✔️ In Poland, international students are allowed to work without any hourly restrictions if they are under 26 years old. This is a unique opportunity within the EU, where work hours are usually limited for international students.
✔️ The average wage for students in Poland is approximately 7–10 euro per hour, allowing them to earn around 800–1000 euro per month. This amount is usually enough to cover living expenses and partially pay for tuition.
✔️ Most students find work in fields like IT, marketing, retail, hospitality, and even the financial sector.
Employment Prospects After Graduation
Poland is one of the leaders in the EU in creating job opportunities for young professionals. Many graduates choose to stay and work in Poland after completing their studies, thanks to the simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit.
✔️ Graduates of English-taught programs are highly sought after in international companies, the IT sector, banking, services, and logistics.
✔️ Poland is among the top three EU countries with the lowest unemployment rate for graduates.
✔️ International graduates can extend their visa for 9 months to search for a job (Graduates Visa), and after securing employment, they can apply for a Blue Card, which allows for long-term residence in the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
