University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski) is the largest and one of the oldest universities in Poland, founded in 1816. It is located in the heart of Warsaw, with its main campus at Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28, known for its elegant architecture and historical buildings dating back to the 17th century. The university is home to over 50,000 students, including more than 3,700 international students, and offers a wide range of programs in both Polish and English.
The university's popularity among international students is driven by its high-quality education, recognized worldwide. In 2025, the University of Warsaw ranked 258th in the QS World University Rankings and was named the top university in Poland. According to the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025, it placed in the 601–800 global band. The university’s mission is to provide access to knowledge and shape intellectual leaders guided by reason.
Thanks to its central location in Warsaw, students benefit from a well-developed public transport network that includes buses, trams, metro lines, and commuter trains, making it easy to navigate the city.
Faculties and Study Programs at the University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw offers over 100 programs in English, covering a wide range of disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and STEM fields. Among international students, the following faculties are especially popular:
✔️ Faculty of Economic Sciences – Offers programs in Economics, International Business, and Finance. English-taught courses at the bachelor's and master's levels include International Economics, Finance and Accounting, and Quantitative Finance.
✔️ Faculty of Political Science and International Studies – One of the top faculties in Eastern Europe, offering English-language programs such as International Relations, European Politics, and Global Studies.
✔️ Faculty of Law and Administration – Focuses on Polish and European law. Highly regarded English-language programs include American Law and International Legal Studies, offered in cooperation with U.S. universities.
✔️ Faculty of Psychology – Offers an English-language Psychology program based on EU academic standards, ideal for students aiming for an international career in mental health and behavioral science.
✔️ Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics, and Mechanics (MIM UW) – One of the strongest technical faculties in Poland. Offers programs such as Data Science, Computer Science, and Mathematics, including both English-taught bachelor's and master's degrees.
✔️ Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology, and the Faculty of Oriental Studies – Provide unique opportunities to study cultures, languages, and global trends, with programs like Cultural Studies and International Area Studies in English.
The university offers programs in both Polish and English. Duration depends on the level of study: bachelor's programs typically last 3 years, master’s programs 2 years, and PhD programs up to 4 years.
The University of Warsaw is deeply engaged in international education initiatives. Students can participate in Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange programs with partner universities around the world, allowing them to gain international academic experience and broaden their global perspective.
International Programs and Dual Degrees
The University of Warsaw actively develops international partnerships and offers students the opportunity to earn dual degrees in collaboration with prestigious universities abroad. Currently, the university runs over 20 joint programs with international partners.
Examples of Dual Degree Programs:
✔️ Global MBA – This unique program allows students to study in four countries: Germany, Poland, South Korea, and the USA. Graduates receive two master's degrees: a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida and a European diploma from the University of Warsaw and Cologne University of Applied Sciences.
✔️ Bachelor's in Social and Public Policy – This program offers a dual degree track in partnership with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, ranked 57th in the QS World University Rankings. Students receive degrees from both institutions.
✔️ MERGED (Master in Global Environment and Development) – A two-year master’s program jointly run with the University of Copenhagen and the University of Milan, as part of the 4EU+ Alliance. The first year takes place in Copenhagen, and the second year is completed in Warsaw or Milan, depending on the chosen specialization.
In addition to these, the University of Warsaw participates in various academic exchange programs, including Erasmus+, providing students with opportunities to study at partner institutions worldwide.
Tuition Fees at the University of Warsaw
The cost of studying at the University of Warsaw depends on the faculty, program, and language of instruction. International students pay tuition in euros for English-taught programs and in Polish złoty for Polish-taught programs. Below are the estimated fees for the 2024/2025 academic year:
English-Taught Programs
✔️ Bachelor’s programs:
- International Relations – 3600 euros per year
- International Business – 4200 euros per year
- Psychology – 22 000 PLN per year
✔️ Master’s programs:
- International Relations – 3600 euros per year
- Global MBA – 2100 euros per semester
- Humanities – 6000 euros per year
Polish-Taught Programs
✔️ Bachelor’s programs:
- Management – 11 000 PLN per year
- Law (5-year program) – 10 000 PLN per year
- Psychology – 8 000 PLN per year
✔️ Master’s programs:
- Social Sciences – 9 000 PLN per year
- Philology and Culture – 8 500 PLN per year
Scholarships for International Students
International students at the University of Warsaw can apply for various forms of financial support, including both internal university scholarships and government-funded programs:
Rector’s Scholarship
Awarded for outstanding academic achievements, participation in conferences, competitions, and scientific or athletic activities.
Social Scholarship
Available to students with low income or challenging life circumstances, such as the loss of a breadwinner or being part of a large family.
Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
Granted based on official medical documentation confirming a disability status.
One-Time Financial Aid (Zapomoga)
Provided in case of unexpected life difficulties, such as illness, the death of a close family member, or emergencies.
Government and external programs
Including NAWA scholarships (e.g. the Banach and Stefan Banach Scholarship Programmes), the Kalinowski Program for students from Belarus, and other initiatives that support academic mobility.
Free Education at the University of Warsaw
Certain categories of students are eligible for free education in Polish-taught programs at public universities in Poland, including the University of Warsaw:
✔️ Holders of the Karta Polaka (Polish Card) – Study under the same conditions as Polish citizens, with free tuition for programs in Polish and access to all forms of state scholarship support.
✔️ Foreigners with Polish language proficiency at C1 level, confirmed by the official State Certificate of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language (Państwowy Certyfikat) – May also study tuition-free if applying to Polish-language programs.
These students are eligible for free full-time studies within the state-funded seat limits, and also have the right to apply for student housing and university benefits.
Admission to the University of Warsaw
Applying to the University of Warsaw requires careful compliance with all procedures and submission of the necessary documents. Below are the main steps and requirements for applicants:
Required Documents:
✔️ Application form – A printed and signed application downloaded from the IRK online recruitment system.
✔️ Educational document – The original or certified copy of a high school diploma or higher education degree that entitles you to apply to a university.
✔️ Transcript of records – A list of grades and subjects completed at your previous educational institution.
✔️ Language certificate – Proof of language proficiency in line with the requirements of the chosen program (Polish or English).
✔️ Proof of registration fee payment – A receipt confirming payment of the application fee.
✔️ Medical certificate – If required, confirmation that there are no health contraindications for studying in the selected program.
✔️ Passport copy – Personal data page and visa (if applicable).
✔️ Photograph – A color, passport-style photo that meets university specifications.
✔️ Additional documents – Depending on the program, you may also need to submit a portfolio, motivation letter, or other materials.
How to Apply to the University of Warsaw
Carefully following all steps and requirements will increase your chances of successful admission to the University of Warsaw.
Online registration: Create an account in the IRK online system (irk.uw.edu.pl), choose your program, and fill in your personal information.
Payment of the application fee: Make the payment according to the instructions provided on the website.
Qualification process: Fulfill the requirements of your selected program, which may include entrance exams or submission of additional materials.
Check your results: Track your application status through the IRK system.
Submit original documents: If accepted, you must submit the original versions of all required documents within the specified timeframe.
Language Requirements for Admission
To apply to the University of Warsaw, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, whether it is English or Polish.
English-Taught Programs
Applicants for English-language programs must present an official certificate confirming their English proficiency at a minimum B2 level (CEFR). The university accepts the following exams:
✔️ IELTS Academic – from 5.5 to 6.5, depending on the program
✔️ TOEFL iBT – from 72 to 94
✔️ Cambridge English: • B2 First (minimum grade B) • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (minimum grade C)
✔️ PTE Academic – minimum 59
❌ Duolingo English Test – not accepted
❌ TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator – not accepted
If the applicant has completed their previous level of education entirely in English (school or university), they may be exempted from submitting a certificate, subject to the decision of the admissions committee. In some cases, an internal university language test may also be offered.
Polish-Taught Programs
Applicants for programs taught in Polish must confirm proficiency at minimum B2 level. Accepted forms of proof include:
✔️ Państwowy Certyfikat (State Certificate of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language) at B2 level or higher
✔️ A high school diploma or university degree confirming that prior education was conducted in Polish
✔️ In some cases, the university may allow an internal language test or completion of a Polish preparatory course in Poland
Students with C1-level Polish (confirmed by the state certificate) are eligible for tuition-free education under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
Application Deadlines
Application deadlines at the University of Warsaw depend on the program level, language of instruction, and faculty. The main admission round for English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs starts in early June and continues until mid-July, with results announced at the end of July. Successful applicants must submit original documents by early August. The academic year officially begins in October. For example, the International Relations program accepts registrations from June 3 to July 12, with the document submission deadline set for August 2.
For Polish-taught programs, registration usually opens in late May or early June and closes in early July. After evaluation, admitted students are required to submit original documents in mid or late July, and studies also begin in October. Some programs in Polish may offer a second or third round of admissions if seats remain unfilled.
Faculties such as medicine, law, and arts may follow individual timelines, so it is recommended to check the specific program pages. International students from visa-required countries should apply as early as possible to complete all visa procedures on time. Additionally, selected master’s programs offer spring intake, with applications typically open from November to December of the preceding year.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
As one of Poland’s top academic institutions, the University of Warsaw provides graduates with a solid foundation for a successful career. According to recent data, 90% of graduates find employment within one year after completing their studies.
The university actively supports students in their professional development through its Career Services Office, which offers career counseling, training sessions, and access to job listings. This structured support helps students transition smoothly into the job market. Located in Warsaw, a city where 64.8% of the population holds higher education degrees (Eurostat), the university offers graduates access to a dynamic labor market with extensive opportunities for professional advancement.
Campus and Student Life in Warsaw
The University of Warsaw has three main campuses in the capital: the Main Campus in the historic city center, the Ochota Campus for natural sciences, and the Służewiec Campus, home to the Faculty of Management. All university buildings are equipped with modern lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries. A highlight is the University Library, which features a rooftop botanical garden. Beyond Warsaw, the university also operates the European Centre for Geological Education in Chęciny — a unique research facility located in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.
Student accommodation includes seven dormitories with a total capacity of up to 2,700 residents. The dorms are fully equipped with kitchens, laundry rooms, and computer labs. Monthly rent ranges from 480 to 1100 PLN, depending on the type of room. Students may also rent apartments in the city through university-recommended housing services.
Campus life is vibrant and diverse. There are dozens of student clubs, a Volunteer Center, and frequent cultural and sports events. The university also promotes physical activity through SWFiS (Sports and Physical Education Center) and encourages student involvement in local and academic initiatives such as festivals, forums, and volunteer projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
