Jagiellonian University in Kraków
The Jagiellonian University in Kraków (Uniwersytet Jagielloński, UJ) is the oldest university in Poland and one of the most prestigious in Central Europe, founded in 1364. Today, the university comprises 15 faculties offering programs in law, international relations, medicine, natural sciences, and humanities. In 2024, UJ ranked 304th in the QS World University Rankings, consistently placing among the top universities in Poland. The university is involved in over 600 international partnerships, actively promotes academic mobility (including Erasmus+), and offers a wide selection of programs in both English and Polish for international students.
UJ is especially valued for its blend of academic tradition and modern educational practices. Key advantages include the largest academic library in Poland (with over 6 million volumes), more than 300 student organizations, modern infrastructure, and campuses located in the heart of Kraków. The university’s mission is to educate well-rounded, responsible professionals capable of addressing global challenges. Located in Poland’s cultural capital, with excellent public transport, Jagiellonian University offers a study experience that is both prestigious and convenient.
Popular Programs and Faculties
The Jagiellonian University (UJ) offers a wide range of academic programs that are highly popular among international students. Below are some of the most in-demand programs available in English and Polish:
English-Taught Programs:
✔️ International Relations and Area Studies (IRAS) – A 3-year bachelor’s program focused on international relations and regional studies. Students explore the political, economic, and cultural dimensions of global processes.
✔️ Global and Development Studies – A bachelor’s program addressing global development issues, including economy, politics, and ecology. Graduates are prepared to work in international organizations and NGOs.
✔️ MD Program in English – A 6-year medical program aligned with European education standards. Graduates earn an MD degree, enabling them to pursue medical practice in various countries.
Polish-Taught Programs:
✔️ Law (Prawo) – A 5- or 6-year program preparing students for legal careers. It includes Polish and international law, as well as practical training.
✔️ Psychology (Psychologia) – A 5-year master’s program covering various branches of psychology and offering hands-on skills for work in the mental health field.
✔️ Philology (Filologia) – A program focused on studying languages and literatures, including English, German, French, and others.
UJ also offers Polish language courses for international students who wish to improve their language skills before or during their studies.
International Programs and Dual Degree Opportunities
The Jagiellonian University actively fosters international collaboration, offering students exceptional opportunities to study in a multicultural academic environment. UJ participates in major global initiatives such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, and provides dual degree programs, allowing students to study at two universities and graduate with two diplomas.
One of the most prestigious programs is IMESS (International Masters in Economy, State and Society), offered in partnership with University College London (UCL) and other leading European universities. Students study in two countries and receive degrees from both UCL and the Jagiellonian University. Specializations include politics, economics, culture, and international relations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Other dual degree programs include the European Studies Double Degree, offered in cooperation with the University of Strasbourg (France), and International Relations and Public Diplomacy, developed in partnership with the University of Siena (Italy). These English-taught master’s programs are designed to prepare students for careers in international organizations, diplomacy, and transnational governance.
Tuition Fees at Jagiellonian University
Tuition at the Jagiellonian University varies depending on the program, language of instruction, and level of study. Below are the current rates for the 2024/2025 academic year for international students:
English-Taught Programs:
✔️ MD Program in English (Medicine) – 15,500 euros per year A prestigious 6-year program based on the American model. Graduates earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Entirely taught in English.
✔️ International Relations and Area Studies (Bachelor’s) – 4500 euros per year Focused on global politics, international organizations, and regional studies.
✔️ Global and Development Studies (Bachelor’s) – 4500 euros per year An interdisciplinary program covering sustainable development, ecology, and social policy.
✔️ International Security and Development (Master’s) – 4500 euros per year A two-year program exploring global security, geopolitics, and strategic governance.
✔️ European Studies (Master’s) – 4400 euros per year Focuses on European politics, culture, and institutional processes.
Polish-Taught Programs:
✔️ For international students enrolling in Polish-language programs, tuition ranges from 2000 to 3000 euros per year (approx. 9000–14,000 PLN), depending on the faculty.
✔️ Holders of a Karta Polaka or a C1-level Polish certificate may study for free.
A registration fee (opłata rekrutacyjna) of 85 PLN (~20 euros) is required upon submitting your application via the IRK system.
Scholarships for International Students
The Jagiellonian University offers a variety of financial aid options to make education more accessible for international students. Below are the main types of scholarships and eligibility for free tuition.
✔️ Rector’s Scholarship Awarded to students with strong academic performance, including high grades, scientific engagement, participation in olympiads and conferences. The amount depends on faculty-level competition and budget.
✔️ Social Scholarship Granted to students whose family income falls below a defined threshold. Applicants must submit financial and household documents. The scholarship may help cover living and meal expenses.
✔️ One-Time Financial Aid (Zapomoga) Provided to students facing serious life difficulties such as illness, loss of a family member, or natural disasters. Requests are submitted directly through the student office.
Free Education at Jagiellonian University
Certain international students are eligible for tuition-free study in Polish-language programs at public universities in Poland, including UJ. This right applies to individuals who:
✔️ Hold a Karta Polaka (Polish Card)
✔️ Have permanent residence in Poland or long-term EU resident status
✔️ Possess a state certificate of Polish language proficiency at level C1 or higher
✔️ Have refugee status or humanitarian protection
✔️ Are citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland (including their family members)
In these cases, students can study for free in Polish-taught programs, receive full access to student support services, and apply for university housing.
Admission to Jagiellonian University
Admission to the Jagiellonian University for international students involves several key steps:
Required Documents
✔️ Personal application form – A completed form with a photo, available for download from the IRK system after receiving the "Qualified" status
✔️ Educational document – High school diploma or equivalent confirming eligibility for university studies
✔️ Apostille or legalization – Required for documents issued outside of Poland
✔️ Certified translation – If documents are not in the language of instruction, a sworn translation into Polish or English is required
✔️ Language certificate – Proof of language proficiency (Polish or English) as required by the chosen program
✔️ Insurance – Proof of valid health insurance covering the entire study period
✔️ Additional documents – May be required depending on the program (e.g., a medical certificate)
A complete list of required documents and detailed requirements is available on the university’s official website.
Application Deadlines at Jagiellonian University
Applications are submitted via the IRK online system and follow several phases. For English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs, the main intake begins in March (e.g., March 4–18). For Polish-taught programs, applications typically open between May and July, with additional rounds possible in August.
How to Apply to Jagiellonian University
Create an account in the IRK system – Register in the IRK online application system and fill in your personal information.
Choose a program – Review the list of available study programs and select the one that suits your interests.
Submit your application – Complete the online application form for the selected program and upload all required documents.
Pay the application fee – Make the payment of 100 PLN within the given deadline.
Participate in an interview or exam – If required by the program, attend an interview or entrance exam.
Wait for the results – Check the status of your application in the IRK system on the announced dates.
Enrollment – If accepted, submit the original documents and complete the final enrollment process.
Language Requirements for Admission
To apply for English-taught programs, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency at B2 level or higher. The university accepts the following official international certificates:
✔️ IELTS Academic – minimum 5.5
✔️ TOEFL iBT – minimum 72
✔️ TOEFL ITP – minimum 543
✔️ Cambridge English – B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency
UJ also accepts IB and A-level diplomas, as well as documents confirming that the previous level of education was completed entirely in English. In some cases, proof of language proficiency may also be accepted via internal tests or interviews, if permitted by the program.
For Polish-taught programs, applicants must demonstrate Polish language skills at B1 or B2 level, depending on the specific program. Accepted proof includes:
✔️ A state certificate of Polish as a foreign language
✔️ A diploma from a Polish school or university
✔️ Completion of a Polish preparatory course at a Polish university
Some programs may require applicants to upload a language certificate during the initial application phase in the IRK system.
Internships and Career Opportunities After Graduation
Students at the Jagiellonian University have access to internship opportunities both in Poland and abroad. For example, the Institute of European Studies offers mandatory internships in NGOs, government bodies, and private organizations, lasting 150 to 240 hours, with ECTS credit recognition. The university is also an active participant in the Erasmus+ program, enabling students to complete internships in companies across more than 30 European countries.
To support students in entering the job market, UJ runs a Career Services Office that assists with job searches, organizes career fairs, and hosts meetings with employers. It also publishes up-to-date job listings, including internship offers from international corporations. According to university data, UJ graduates successfully find employment in fields such as education, research, diplomacy, international business, and non-profit organizations, both in Poland and internationally.
Campus and Student Life
The Jagiellonian University boasts a modern infrastructure spread across multiple campuses in Kraków. Lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries are located throughout the city, with the Third Campus standing out as home to the natural sciences faculties and advanced research centers. Students have access to sports halls, training facilities, and various clubs, while the university library is considered one of the largest in Poland.
Student housing includes dormitories with more than 3,000 spots, offering affordable accommodation starting from 420 PLN (~95 euros per month) for a shared double room. Student life is vibrant and well-supported: learners engage in academic, cultural, and sports clubs, student government, and volunteer initiatives. The university fosters a creative, inclusive environment, encouraging both social integration and personal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
