Most Affordable Universities in Poland
Higher education in Poland offers one of the best combinations of European quality and affordable tuition fees. While studying in countries like Germany, France, or the Netherlands can cost tens of thousands of euros per year, Polish universities offer full bachelor's and master's degree programs starting from just 2 500 euro per year in English. Despite the low cost, students receive internationally recognized diplomas, with the option to study in English or Polish, and they have legal access to the job market during and after their studies.
Poland is especially attractive for students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and CIS countries who are looking for a budget-friendly path to European education. Thanks to a wide range of programs, a straightforward application process, and the opportunity to work legally while studying, Poland stands out as one of the top destinations for affordable international education in the EU.
How AcademGo helps you apply to low-cost universities
Choosing an affordable university is just the first step. To avoid mistakes, delays, and extra costs, it's essential to prepare your documents properly, understand visa requirements, and choose a program that fits your goals and budget. That’s where the AcademGo team comes in.
✔️ We evaluate your budget and help select the best universities and programs
✔️ We assist with document preparation, translations, apostille, and writing your motivation letter
✔️ We guide you through the university application and student visa process
✔️ We offer housing options and support with student life adaptation
✔️ We work directly with universities — no hidden fees or third-party agents involved
Our goal is to make your path to studying in Poland simple, fast, and affordable — with expert guidance every step of the way.
How Poland compares to other European countries
In terms of education quality, Poland is on par with countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and France, but it's much more affordable. Here's how Poland stands out:
🎓 In Germany, public universities may offer tuition-free education, but the application process is highly competitive, seats for international students are limited, and you must prove fluency in German and have an Abitur-equivalent qualification. Living expenses are high — from 800 euros per month.
🎓 In the Czech Republic, studying in Czech is free at public universities, but it requires passing tough entrance exams and often completing a full preparatory year. English-taught programs start from 4 000 euros per year.
🎓 In the Netherlands and Austria, English-language programs typically start from 8 000 euros per year, not including mandatory health insurance and high housing costs.
🎓 In Hungary, tuition for international students ranges from 5 000 to 9 000 euros per year, and universities are generally less flexible with admissions from non-EU countries.
In contrast, Polish universities accept students without entrance exams for many programs, offer options in both English and Polish, and provide discounts, scholarships, and support for international applicants. Living expenses are significantly lower — housing starts from 120 euros per month, and food and transportation are also budget-friendly compared to Western Europe.
So if you're aiming for a European degree, international career opportunities, and an affordable education, Poland is clearly one of the best choices in terms of value for money and accessibility.
How affordable is studying in Poland?
Poland offers some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, while maintaining a high standard of education. Many Polish-language programs are state-subsidized, and even English-taught programs are still 2–3 times cheaper than in Western European countries.
On average:
✔️ English-language programs start from 2 500 euros per year
✔️ Polish-language programs start from 1 200 euros per year
It's also important to consider the type of study format:Full-time (on-campus) programs allow you to apply for a student visa and work legally in Poland.Online or remote learning is more affordable but does not grant visa eligibility.Some universities also offer hybrid formats, especially for fields like IT and business.
Thanks to a flexible system of discounts, scholarships, and early application benefits, many students enrolling through AcademGo are able to study in Poland for a truly affordable cost, while earning a high-quality degree recognized across the EU.
What to consider when choosing an affordable university in Poland
When looking for a budget-friendly university in Poland, it’s important to consider more than just the tuition fee. Several other factors directly affect your study experience and career prospects after graduation:
✔️ Language of instruction
Programs in Polish are usually cheaper but require at least B1–B2 level and completion of a language course. English-taught programs are slightly more expensive but allow you to apply right after high school, with no need to know Polish.
✔️ Diploma recognition
Always choose accredited universities whose diplomas are recognized across the EU. You can check official lists from Poland’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW) or work with verified partners like AcademGo to ensure recognition.
✔️ City and cost of living
Studying in cities like Warsaw or Kraków may seem more prestigious, but it’s also more expensive. In cities such as Lublin, Łódź, Bielsko-Biała, Bydgoszcz, or Gdynia, both tuition and living costs are about 30% lower, while the academic quality remains high.
✔️ Scholarships and discounts
Many private universities offer discounts for early payment, merit-based scholarships, and financial support for international students. AcademGo helps you find universities with real opportunities to save on costs.
Top 5 Most Affordable Universities in Poland
1. Vincent Pol University (Lublin) A private university focused on practical, career-oriented education. It is well-known for strong programs in medicine, tourism, IT, and sports science. The university offers English-taught degrees, a simplified admission process, and a student-friendly infrastructure. Lublin is also one of the most affordable cities in Poland for student living.
More information in our separated article.
2. University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw (UEHS) A modern university located in the heart of Warsaw, highly popular among international students. It offers English-language programs in business, psychology, international relations, and IT, with a wide selection of master’s degrees. UEHS is known for its flexible tuition discounts, convenient location, and multicultural environment.
More information in our separated article.
3. WSB Universities A network of private universities in major Polish cities such as Poznań, Gdańsk, and Wrocław. These institutions are known for their applied learning approach, strong ties to the job market, and active support for internships. WSB offers programs in both English and Polish, including dual-degree options and partnerships with international companies.
More information in our separated article.
4. Adam Mickiewicz University (Poznań) One of the oldest and most respected public universities in Poland. It ranks high academically and offers a wide range of programs in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. It attracts international students thanks to its research-driven environment, strong academic reputation, and availability of programs in English.
More information in our separated article.
5. Vistula University (Warsaw) One of the most international private universities in Poland. It’s a popular choice for students looking for affordable tuition, flexible learning formats, and programs in business, tourism, IT, and international relations, all available in English or Polish. Vistula has a large population of international students and provides excellent support services for newcomers.
More information in our separated article.
Lowest-Cost Degree Programs in Poland
If you're looking to study in Poland on a tight budget, consider choosing fields and universities with the most affordable tuition fees. Below is a breakdown of typical tuition costs by program type and language of instruction:
🎓 In Polish (lowest tuition rates):
- Pedagogy, tourism, logistics, management, social work – from 1 200 to 2 000 euros per year
- Physiotherapy, nursing, IT – from 2 000 to 2 800 euros per year These programs are commonly available in cities like Lublin, and at universities such as UEHS and WSB.
🎓 In English:
- Business, international relations, tourism, marketing – from 2 500 to 3 500 euros per year
- IT, physiotherapy, logistics – from 3 000 to 4 000 euros per year Such tuition rates are typically offered by Vincent Pol University, UEHS, and WSB Universities.
Programs taught in Polish require at least B1–B2 level proficiency or completion of a language preparation course at the university. English-taught programs are more expensive but do not require knowledge of Polish and are ideal for students applying straight after high school. Many universities also offer discounts of 5% to 15% for early full-year payment or for applications submitted through official partners like AcademGo.
Living and Additional Expenses: How to Stay on Budget
Studying in Poland isn’t just about affordable tuition — it’s also about being able to manage your daily living expenses wisely. Most international students can comfortably live in Poland on a budget of 400 to 600 euros per month, including all essential costs.
The most cost-effective housing option is a university dormitory, where a shared room costs between 200 and 250 euros per month. Most dorms include furniture, a shared kitchen, internet access, and laundry facilities. Renting a private apartment is more expensive — starting from 350 euros per month, but students often split the rent with roommates to save money.
Poland is also one of the most affordable EU countries for food and transport. A full meal at a student cafeteria costs around 4–5 euros, while a monthly student transportation pass ranges from 10 to 15 euros. Annual health insurance starts at 30 euros, and a student visa costs 135 euros.
It’s also worth noting that international students have the right to work legally without hourly limits if they study on a D-type visa or have a residence permit (Karta pobytu). The average student wage is 7 to 8 euros per hour (gross). With part-time work of 30–40 hours per week, students can earn 600 to 800 euros per month, which is usually enough to cover rent, food, and transportation. Many students find jobs in hospitality, logistics, IT, or even within the university campus.
AcademGo supports students not only with admission but also with housing, visa processing, and settling in, so you can focus on what matters most: your studies and future career.
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