Study in Poland
Over 900 English-taught degrees, and the right to work
Poland is Central Europe's largest study destination, with more than 900 English-taught programmes across 144 institutions and university cities that stretch from Warsaw and Krakow to Gdansk on the Baltic coast.
Overview
Why study in Poland?
Poland is Central Europe's largest study destination, with more than 900 English-taught programmes across 144 institutions and university cities that stretch from Warsaw and Krakow to Gdansk on the Baltic coast. It is also the most affordable choice in the region: overall prices sit at roughly 70 percent of the EU average, and food is cheaper still at about 13 percent below it. Students hold a temporary residence permit whose card grants access to the labour market, so no separate work permit is needed, and national unemployment is under 3 percent. Winters are milder than further north, and the Polish academic year opens in October rather than September. One point to weigh honestly: Poland heats extensively with coal, so air quality in Krakow and Gliwice is measurably poorer than in coastal Gdansk or Olsztyn, which matters if you have asthma or a respiratory condition.
Quick facts
Everything you need to know at a glance.
- Language of instruction
- Polish
- Avg monthly cost
- $850 / month (approx.)
- English test
- IELTS 5.5–6.0 overall, depending on programme
- Top student cities
- Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz
- Currency
- PLN
Where students go
Top student cities
From the capital to quieter university towns — where our Poland students actually enrol.
Warsaw3 universities · 120 programmes
Krakow3 universities · 63 programmes
Wroclaw1 university · 31 programmes
Lodz1 university · 16 programmes
Gdansk1 university · 17 programmes
City photographs from Wikimedia Commons · Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, Gdansk
Before you travel
Student visa
Get your student visa with a simple and transparent process.
To study a full degree in Poland you apply for a temporary residence permit for the purpose of study, evidenced by a residence card (karta pobytu). You must show funds set in zloty and currently fixed at more than 776 PLN per month, calculated after the cost of your accommodation is deducted - so plan on that amount clear of your rent, not instead of it - plus the cost of the return journey, which for India falls at the upper end of the 200 to 2,500 PLN range.
Read the full guidance
Current costs are a visa fee of EUR 80, stamp duty of 340 PLN on the permit and 100 PLN for the residence card, and you must hold Polish public health insurance or travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000. A bank statement, a part-time salary reference or a letter of sponsorship is accepted as evidence of funds. The first permit is normally issued for 15 months, so a bachelor's or master's degree will need at least one renewal partway through, and a complete application should be decided within 60 days.
- 1Apply to a universitySecure your admission offer
- 2Prepare your documentsWe check every page with you
- 3Submit the applicationLodged with the consulate or online
- 4Receive your permitTravel with your study permit in hand
Documents we prepare with you
- Valid passport
- Admission letter
- Proof of funds
- Academic certificates
- Passport photos
While you study
Work while studying
Earn, gain experience and build your future.
- While you study, your residence card carries an access to the labour market annotation, which means you may work in Poland without holding a separate work permit.
- Poland does not apply the 20-hour weekly cap that several neighbouring countries impose on students, though you should confirm the exact conditions noted on your own card with the Office for Foreigners.
More on working here
- After graduating you can apply for a further temporary residence permit to look for work or to set up a business.
- One realistic caveat: Polish is the working language of most of the economy, so graduate roles in English are concentrated in the multinational, IT, shared-services and tourism sectors, which are strongest in Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw.
Work today, build tomorrow
Our counsellors explain the hours, permits and paperwork before you land.
Programmes
Top programmes in Poland
Popular programs from our catalogue — Empire Overseas Education verified ones carry a verified badge
SciencesVerified
EngineeringVerified
Automatic Control and Robotics
AGH University of Krakow
- Master
- 1.5 years
- EUR 2,700/semester
- IELTS 5.5
TechnologyVerified
Institutions
Top universities in Poland
Institutions we can apply to on your behalf.
Poland
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions about studying in Poland.