• High-quality education with degrees recognized across Europe and globally


• Affordable tuition fees and living costs compared to other European countries


• Wide range of English-taught programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels


• Member of the European Union, offering international exposure and mobility opportunities


• Strong academic reputation in fields such as medicine, engineering, IT, business, and economics


• Modern universities with updated facilities and research-focused learning


• No mandatory gap year or foundation program for many study pathways


• High return on investment with strong career prospects in Europe and multinational companies

Student Visa

International students who plan to study in Poland for more than 90 days are required to apply for a National Student Visa (Type D). This visa allows students to enter Poland for long-term academic purposes and is typically valid for up to one year specifically, the validity extends for the duration of the first academic year (up to 365 days). The processing timeline for a Type D visa typically takes 15 to 30 calendar days, though this can extend to 60 days in complex cases or during peak periods such as summer months.

The visa application fee is €80 EUR (approximately 350 PLN, though subject to exchange rate fluctuations) and is non-refundable. To ensure a smooth application process, students are recommended to apply 3 to 4 months before their intended program start date, which allows ample time for processing, potential requests for additional documents, and unforeseen delays.

The visa application process begins with gathering required documents (typically 2-4 weeks), followed by completion of the application through the e-Konsulat system (https://www.e-konsulat.gov.pl/), and submission at the nearest Polish embassy or consulate in your home country. Applications must be submitted no earlier than six months before your planned visit and no later than 15 calendar days before your start date. After a decision is made, passport collection or courier dispatch typically takes 3-7 business days.

After arrival, students must apply for a temporary residence permit for study at the local Voivodeship Office if their study period continues beyond the initial visa validity. For non-EU/EEA students, this is a required step to legalize your stay in Poland. The temporary residence permit is initially issued for 15 months (first year) and can extend up to 2 years for subsequent years of study. EU students, by contrast, do not require a temporary residence permit; they need only register their stay with the local Governor's Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) if staying longer than 90 days.

For short-term courses or language programs lasting less than 90 days, students may apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C), depending on their nationality. These are processed within approximately 15 days.

Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation including proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their stay in Poland (approximately PLN 1,500+ per month for living costs is recommended), valid health insurance certificate, proof of accommodation in Poland, university admission letter, passport copies, and translated documents if originals are not in English or Polish.

Accommodation

Universities in Poland usually offer student dormitories, especially for international students, though availability can be limited due to high demand. Students also have the option to rent private accommodation off-campus. Early application is highly recommended to secure housing before arrival, as dormitory places operate on a "first come, first served" basis.

On-Campus / Student Dormitory Accommodation

University dormitories remain a popular and budget-friendly option for international students, offering a social environment and convenient access to campus facilities. Monthly fees for academic year 2025-2026 range from PLN 480 to PLN 1,100 depending on the dormitory and standard of accommodation.

For example, the University of Warsaw dormitories cost between PLN 480-1,100 per month, while Jagiellonian University's Academic Hotel Centre in Kraków charges approximately PLN 5,000-5,500 per semester (equivalent to PLN 2,500-2,750 per month), with utilities and heating included in the price.

A refundable deposit is typically required upon check-in usually equal to the monthly fee (or two months for certain categories) and is returned in cash or transferred to your bank account within 10 days of checkout if all financial obligations are fulfilled. Common facilities include:

• Furnished rooms


• Shared or private bathrooms


• Shared kitchen facilities


• Internet access


• Laundry facilities

Dormitories are generally located on or near campus, or within easy reach by public transportation. Students planning to live in university accommodation should submit their housing applications as early as possible, as rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Students seeking more independence may choose to live in private apartments or shared flats. Accommodation can be found through major online housing platforms, university housing offices, or local real estate agents. Popular housing platforms include:

• Otodom (Otodom.pl) - The most popular real estate platform in Poland with extensive student-friendly options


• OLX (OLX.pl/nieruchomosci) - Major classifieds platform widely used for accommodation listings


• Facebook - Housing groups and community boards where landlords post available rooms


• Pepe Housing - Verified listings specifically curated for international students in major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław


• Spacja - Dedicated student housing portal


• Erasmus Dorm (erasmusdorm.com/en) - Specialized accommodation for Erasmus and international exchange students


• Pokój Studenta Wawa - Affordable student rooms in Warsaw offering budget-friendly options starting from PLN 1,600+ per month

Room in Shared Apartment (most popular and affordable for students):

• General range: PLN 800-1,500 per month


• Warsaw: PLN 1,000-2,500 per month (city center: 1,500-2,500; outskirts: 1,000-1,800)


• Kraków: PLN 1,200-1,500 per month (city center: 1,200-1,500; outskirts: 800-1,300)


• Wrocław: PLN 900-1,700 per month (city center: 1,200-1,700; outskirts: 900-1,600)


• Utilities (electricity, water, heating): PLN 200-400 per month


• Internet: PLN 50-70 per month

Studio Apartment (private, but higher cost):

• General range: PLN 1,800-2,800 per month


• Warsaw: PLN 3,000-4,500 per month (city center: 3,800-4,500; outskirts: 3,000-3,500)


• Kraków: PLN 2,500-3,500 per month (city center: 3,000-3,500; outskirts: 2,500-3,000)


• Wrocław: PLN 2,000-3,200 per month (city center: 2,900-3,200; outskirts: 2,000-2,500)


• Utilities: PLN 300-500 per month


• Internet: PLN 50-70 per month

Rental prices vary significantly by city, with Warsaw being the most expensive at 25-30% above average prices, followed by Kraków (10-15% premium), while Wrocław hovers around the national average and smaller university towns can be 20-30% cheaper.

Overall, living costs in Poland remain substantially more affordable compared to many other European countries. Most private rentals require one month's rent as a refundable deposit. It is advisable to use trusted housing platforms that offer verified listings and secure payment systems to avoid scams.

Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) After Arrival

Upon settling into your accommodation, international students are required to register their address with the local Voivodeship Office (Urząd Wojewódzki) to obtain a temporary residence permit a requirement for all foreign students planning to stay longer than 3 months. As of 2026, the application process has been fully digitalized through a new online MOS system accessible via login.gov.pl. To apply, you must:

• Create a user account in the new MOS system


• Log in and complete the appropriate residence permit application form


• Provide confirmation from your educational institution (they will receive a link to electronically sign and submit the required annex)


• Submit your application while legally in Poland (e.g., during your visa validity period)

The temporary residence permit (evidenced by a Temporary Residence Card - TRC) is typically issued for 15 months for the first year of study and can extend up to 2 years for subsequent years (or 2 years from the start if you participate in European Union student mobility programs). 

Important note: Once you submit your application for a temporary residence permit while legally staying in Poland, your stay is considered legal until a final decision is issued by the competent voivode, even if your initial visa expires during processing. Processing times are currently substantial, with the Temporary Residence Card typically taking 8-10 months to issue due to high application volumes. Personal appearance for fingerprinting at the voivodeship office is mandatory to complete the application. The application fee is PLN 440.

Part-Time Work

International students in Poland enrolled in full-time degree programs can work without a separate work permit. However, important work hour restrictions apply and have recently become stricter as of 2025-2026.

Work Hour Limitations

• During the academic year (September-June): Maximum 20 hours per week


• During summer holidays (July-September): Full-time work (up to 40 hours per week) is permitted

Work Permit Restrictions:

As of 2026, Poland has implemented stricter employment regulations that significantly affect how students can work.

• Work contracts cannot be below 10 hours per week (25% of full-time work)


• Contracts of 10-20 hours per week receive work permits with only 1-year validity


• Half-time (20 hours) or full-time contracts receive work permits valid for up to 3 years


• Multiple short-hour contracts are no longer a workaround for meeting eligibility requirements

This reform targets those who previously juggled multiple low-hour contracts. Employers must verify job authenticity and will be blacklisted if offering fraudulent positions.

Wage Information and Common Jobs:

The Polish minimum wage (as of 2024) is PLN 4,300 gross per month for full-time work, with part-time wages calculated proportionally. Students working part-time typically earn between PLN 20-35 per hour depending on the job type and individual skills. Common student jobs include roles in hospitality and restaurants, retail and customer service, logistics, tutoring (especially English language), and university-related positions. Polish employers are generally flexible with student schedules, offering convenient shifts that accommodate academic commitments.

Part-time work helps students gain valuable international work experience in a professional multicultural environment while supporting living expenses. After graduation, graduates have the opportunity to work without time restrictions.

Living Cost in Poland

Living in Poland as a student is significantly more affordable than many Western European countries. A monthly budget of PLN 2,500-3,500 (excluding tuition) allows for comfortable living with room for social activities. Students on tighter budgets can manage on PLN 2,000-2,500, though this requires careful planning and leaves limited room for unexpected expenses. If cooking at home regularly, students can reduce food costs to approximately PLN 600-800 per month.

1. Primary & Secondary Schools

Primary and secondary education in Poland is provided by public, private, and international schools. Compulsory education lasts 9 years, followed by upper secondary education lasting 3-4 additional years. Students completing secondary school receive qualifications such as the Matura a nationally standardized examination that is required for admission to Polish universities and is also recognized across Europe. The Matura covers core subjects (Polish language, mathematics, and a foreign language) plus elective subjects depending on the chosen specialization, with both written and oral examination components.

For students seeking an alternative to the traditional Polish Matura, several international schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which is globally recognized and accepted by Polish universities as equivalent to the Matura. The IB programme includes the Theory of Knowledge course, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components, providing a more comprehensive assessment than traditional national exams.

Tuition fees at international and private secondary schools vary considerably depending on location and program type. British International School Gdańsk charges approximately PLN 3,650 monthly (€876/month or €10,512 annually) for secondary students in grades 9-12, with additional resource fees of PLN 2,500 per child and various discounts available for families with multiple children. 

Thames British School Warsaw, one of Poland's most prestigious international schools, charges PLN 98,000 annually (approximately €23,333) for IB Diploma or A-Levels in the final years (Year 12-13), PLN 93,800 for IGCSE students (Year 10-11), and PLN 88,300 for lower secondary (Year 7-9).

Additional charges include a PLN 4,000 refundable deposit and a PLN 4,000 non-refundable registration fee per child, though various discounts apply (5% Early Bird, 10% for siblings, 5% for advance payment). Open Future High School in Warsaw charges PLN 31,500 annually for secondary programs, while the International School of Poznań charges approximately PLN 27,700 per year.

In general, tuition fees at international and private secondary schools typically range from EUR 6,000-EUR 18,000 per year, though premium schools in Warsaw can exceed this range. An important alternative for families seeking international education at lower cost is Polish bilingual schools or TTO schools (Tweetalig onderwijs), which are substantially less expensive than full international schools while still offering significant English-language instruction.

2. Language Programs

Poland offers comprehensive Polish and English language programs for international students who need to meet academic language requirements. Polish proficiency can be demonstrated through recognized language certificates (particularly C1-level Polish for free tuition at some universities), while English-taught programs commonly accept IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent standardized tests.

English Language Preparatory Programs are widely available at Polish universities specifically designed to prepare international students for degree-level study. Moderna University in Warsaw offers a prominent one-year intensive English course consisting of 700 hours of full-time instruction with an entry fee of €200 and annual tuition of €2,900.

The curriculum covers all aspects of English language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing), is structured from beginner to advanced levels, features experienced ESL instructors, incorporates interactive learning methodologies with multimedia resources, provides cultural immersion through workshops and guest lectures, and culminates in a certificate of completion.

Notably, Moderna provides a free two-month Polish language course to all first-year students admitted after completing the English preparation program, facilitating transition to studies and cultural adaptation. Similarly, Lazarski University in Warsaw offers a one-year English preparatory course with 700+ hours of instruction designed for foreign students preparing for university studies in Poland, with flexible scheduling and multiple entry levels from A0/A1 to B2 proficiency.

General English language program costs range from €200-€450 per week, varying by intensity and provider:

• Intensive English courses: €420/week for 25-30 hours


• General English programs: €250-€350/week for 20 hours


• Business English: €350-€400/week for 25 hours


• Exam preparation (IELTS/TOEFL): €300-€450/week for 20-25 hours


• Private lessons: €25-€40 per hour

Polish language programs are also available, ranging from €200-€400 per week for intensive study. Universities offer free preparatory Polish language courses to admitted international students for example, Moderna University and other institutions provide free 2-month Polish courses to first-year students. Some universities offer advantages for those demonstrating high Polish proficiency; for instance, students holding a C1-level Polish certificate from the State Board for Certification of Polish as a Foreign Language are eligible for tuition-free full-time studies at some universities like the University of Silesia.

Program duration flexibility accommodates various student needs: short-term courses (2-8 weeks), intensive programs (3-6 months), standard preparatory courses (9-12 months), and comprehensive one-year intensive programs (700+ hours). Completion of preparatory programs typically enables admission to Bachelor's or Master's degree programs at partner universities.

3. Vocational & Professional Education

Vocational education in Poland focuses on practical skills and workforce readiness, particularly in technical and applied fields. The Polish VET system comprises secondary-level vocational education (3-4 years) and post-secondary vocational programs (2-3 years), with programs leading to professional diplomas and providing pathways to higher education through applied universities.

Tuition fees for vocational education are generally very affordable. Public vocational schools are free or charge minimal fees for Polish and EU/EEA citizens, while private vocational programs typically range from EUR 3,000-EUR 8,000 per year. This makes Poland an exceptionally cost-effective option for technical skills training compared to Western European alternatives. Common VET program fields include:

• Engineering and technical trades (plumbing, electrical, mechanical, construction)


• Healthcare (nursing assistants, medical technicians)


• Hospitality and tourism management


• Business and administrative services


• ICT and digital skills


• Creative industries

VET programs emphasize practical, hands-on training aligned with current industry needs, providing graduates with immediately employable skills. Importantly, vocational diplomas create multiple pathways: direct entry into the workforce, advancement to better positions through experience, or bridge pathways to pursue higher education at applied universities (Universities of Applied Sciences) or traditional research universities. This flexibility is valued by students uncertain of their initial educational direction.

4. Foundation / Preparatory Programs

Preparatory programs help international students meet academic and language requirements for university study in Poland. These programs usually last 6-12 months and include subject-based preparation and language training. Foundation programs are specifically designed for students whose secondary education systems differ significantly from Poland's or whose language proficiency requires development before enrolling in degree-level coursework.

Fees for foundation/preparatory programs are among the most affordable in Europe, typically ranging from EUR 3,000-EUR 7,000 per year. This affordability makes Poland an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality pre-university preparation at reasonable cost. Typical program content includes:

• Intensive English or Polish language instruction (30+ hours per week)


• Academic writing and study skills specific to Polish universities


• Subject-based preparation (mathematics, sciences, humanities, business)


• Cultural orientation and social adaptation support


• Preparation for Polish university entrance examinations


• Academic credits that may transfer upon degree program enrollment

Upon successful completion, students typically gain direct admission to Bachelor's programs at the host university or other institutions, with some programs offering academic credits that reduce the time required for degree completion. Foundation programs significantly improve university entrance exam performance and provide essential transition support from secondary education to university-level academic expectations.

5. Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor)

Bachelor's degrees in Poland generally take 3-4 years and are offered by public and private universities. Many programs are available in English, and degrees are recognized throughout the European Union and internationally.

The Polish higher education system offers a distinctive cost advantage: EU/EEA and Swiss citizens pay no tuition fees for degree programs taught in Polish at public universities, while non-EU students and those enrolling in English-taught programs face institutional fees. Non-EU/EEA students tuition fee will be €2,000-€6,000 per year typical range