Poland

Higher Education in Poland

Poland is rich in culture and history. It houses 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you will love Poland for its beautiful forests and impressive mountain ranges, to the idyllic seaside and amazing lakes. Located in central Europe, Poland is a land of castles and modern cities with a history.

Every year thousands of students from across the world attend top universities in the country. It offers international students the opportunity to create new concepts about life. Polish universities are open and hold various events throughout the year, offering opportunities to explore the city, indulge in the culture, and connect with fellow international students from all corners of the globe. It mixes a professional, cosmopolitan life with more vibrant and charming regional cultures.

Poland’s medical schools, in particular, are drawing an increasing number of international students. Many students who have been unable to get into a medical program in their home country choose instead to study medicine in Poland.


Why study in Poland?

Affordable Cost of Living

Poland is a relatively affordable country compared to other European countries. The average cost of living for an international student is EUR 600 per month. Tuition fees for universities in Poland are some of the lowest in Europe. There are so many budget-friendly opportunities for students, either in forms of accommodation or tuition fees.

Quality of Education

Poland offers an opportunity to learn irrespective of the university you wish to attend. It also houses highly specialized universities which enable the formation of outstanding experts from a wide spectrum of fields.  Polish universities place a lot of importance on preparing students for real-life experiences, and its higher education system reflects this commitment. All leading universities in Poland offer high-quality programs taught in English, including medicine, engineering, humanities, business, and finance.

Vibrant Student Life

Poland’s rapid economic growth in the last two decades has made the cultural offerings of Poland comparable to any other European country. each university organizes its own ‘carnival’ called Juwenalia. Your time will be filled with good food, good friends and a lot of vitamin D. The people of Poland are wonderfully warm and welcoming, making international students feel at home. Extraordinary hospitality is deeply rooted in Polish culture.

Post Study Work Visa

Poland offers a 1 Year post study visa for international students who want to stay and work after graduation. On completing the master’s course, a student can apply for and get a temporary residence permit. The student should apply for the Temporary Residence Card immediately upon arrival in Poland.


Quick Facts

Tuition Fees
Public Universities – € 2000 to 4000 PA
MBBS – € 8000 to 15000 PAProgram Duration
Bachelors – 3 to 4 years
Masters – 1 to 2 years
MBBS – 6 years
Post-Study Work Visa
1 Year*Part Time Work
20 Hours per weekLiving Cost
€ 650 – 800 per month (average)

Intakes
September and February


Top 10 Universities in Poland

  • University of Warsaw
  • University of Wroclaw
  • Jagiellonian University
  • Warsaw University of Technology
  • Poznan University of Technology
  • Gdansk University of Technology
  • Lodz University of Technology
  • Medical University of Warsaw
  • Wroclaw Medical University
  • Medical University of Gdansk

What is the admission procedure?

Step 1 – Course Research

Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. Poland is known for its highly specialized courses, including Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Business, Management, Data Science, Human Resource, Medical.

Step 2 – Check Requirements

You must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your GRE/IELTS/TOEFL/GMAT score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.

Step 3 – Procure your Documents

Each course and university requires certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree.

Step 4 – Submit your Application

Create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most universities charge approximately EUR 20 – 200 for applications and some are free.

Step 5 – Accept the Admission Letter.

 

Eligibility 

Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:

Postgraduate eligibility requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant subject
  • 60% in relevant UG degree
  • Average GRE score of 310-320, depending on the university
  • Average GMAT score for business courses
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
  • Work experience, if applicable

Undergraduate eligibility requirements

  • Passed 10+2 exam.
  • Some universities might require students to submit an aptitude test.
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL.

Documents required 

To enroll in a masters degree, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree recognized by Polish universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:

  • Online Application Printout – the application form submitted on the university portal.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency – TOEFL, IELTS, if required.
  • Proof of entrance exam for medical course.
  • Degree Certificate – a recognized bachelor degree
  • CV – updated resume
  • Letter of Motivation – a letter stating your purpose of study in the respective course.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation – a recommendation from professor and work colleague.

Types of Visas

Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in Poland for the duration of the course. You get a national visa that is intended for longer studies. Whereas for short courses, you receive a Schengen visa, which is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended. The following documents required to receive a student visa are:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Academic transcripts
  • A letter of acceptance
  • Statement of Purpose for visa

Long Stay Visa – It is a long-term visa given to students who have a letter of acceptance from a Polish university. The visa must be validated upon arrival in Poland.

Cost of tuition and living expenses

The tuition fees at public universities are set by Polish government and are the same across the country. The fees are much lower as compared to other European countries.

Living expenses for students are relatively lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Switzerland. The average monthly living expenses of a student is around € 600 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books, materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week earning 7 to 15 Euros an hour and travel freely in the countries of the Schengen area.

 Job Opportunities 

A degree in Poland will provide you with a 12 month work permit visa. The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation, especially engineering and medical. The most demanded jobs are Technicians, storekeepers, Engineers, IT specialists, Accountants, economists, Human resources staff.

The top employers recruiting in Poland are:

  • Amazon
  • Salesforce
  • Google
  • Cisco
  • E&Y
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Healthcare
  • Accenture
  • PWC
  • Thomson Reuters

FAQs

Q: Is the MBBS course obtained in Poland recognized globally?

A: Yes, the degree is recognized globally. One needs to write an entrance exam after coming back to India to obtain a license to practice in India. Many universities are approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Q: Is learning Polish language important?

A: It is not mandatory if you are going for an English-taught program. However, the language plays an important in living and securing a job. Although most of them are English speakers, learning the basic language will help you a long way.

Q: Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to courses?

A: Not if you are a native speaker of English. Otherwise, you will need to prove your English language skills through one of these exams. Some universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution.

Q: Will I be allowed to work as an international student in Poland?

A: Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while studying your course for a limited period.

Q: What are the most affordable cities in Poland?

A: Some of the most affordable cities in Poland are Krakow and Gdansk.

Q: Are international students eligible for the scholarship?

A: Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available in Poland for international students, like Erasmus+ and university scholarships.

Q: Can international students get admission to public universities?

A: Yes, anybody can get admission to state-funded universities with relevant experience, and documentation proving the purpose of pursuing the course in the university.

Q: Can I stay in Poland after my studies?

A: Yes, Indian students can stay and look for a job within 1 year after graduation. You must apply for a residence permit, and you will be eligible to search for employment.

Q: Is it difficult to find a job post-graduation?

A: No, it is not difficult, but challenging as it is in any country. Having good professional contacts, knowing the language and seeking the university employability team will help you find the relevant job.

*Post-Study Work Visa policies are subject to change. Please check the official government website for update information.

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