Study abroad
Study in Poland
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Poland
Thinking about studying in Poland? The country is in Central Europe, with higher education centred on cities such as Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant. Teaching is often in Polish, so check the language of instruction and any language requirements for each course. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Poland?
Students choose Poland for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in Central Europe. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Computing & Information Technology and Engineering, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Poland means everyday contact with Polish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
- European mobility: as part of the European Union, Poland takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.
Polish universities offer a growing range of English-taught programmes, including in medicine and engineering.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Poland
Students heading to Poland often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Computing & Information Technology
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Transport & Logistics
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Because healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Poland on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Poland
- Jagiellonian UniversityKrakow, Poland
- THE 2026 501–600
- Wroclaw Medical UniversityWroclaw, Poland
- THE 2026 501–600
- University of WarsawWarszawa, Poland
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Poland
Paying for study in Poland can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Poland
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
- European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part
Most scholarships are competitive and have their own eligibility rules, so none can be taken for granted. Read the conditions carefully, apply early and check whether funding covers tuition, living costs or both. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Poland
Many programmes in Poland start around October, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Poland
Before you commit to a course in Poland, work out the full cost of the programme, not just the first year’s tuition. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Poland
Whether you need a visa to study in Poland depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Poland in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Poland
How much you spend while studying in Poland varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Warsaw can differ noticeably from those in Kraków or Wrocław and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Poland
Is Poland a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Poland offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Central Europe and study in Polish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in healthcare, digital technology and infrastructure may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Poland?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, Computing & Information Technology, Engineering and Business & Management. The subjects page for Poland lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Poland?
Many programmes start around October. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Poland?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Poland?
EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Poland.
Are scholarships available for international students in Poland?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Poland?
Warsaw, Kraków and Wrocław are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Poland?
Many courses are taught in Polish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
Free counselling
Not sure where to begin?
Explore your study-abroad options with guidance.