Study in Poland
Table of Contents
Poland is one of the largest countries in the Eastern Europe. Its size is comparable with Italy and it borders Germany. Poland is a large country with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and welcoming people. Thanks to recent efforts in internationalization, Poland is attracting ever more students from abroad. The country offers world-class education at modest tuition fees and remarkably affordable cost of living. For many of those who choose to study in Poland, the country’s appeal is augmented by its relatively low living costs, which remain below those of most EU members.
Studying In Poland
Poland’s higher education system is divided between publicly funded and private institutions. Both of these types of institution have their own levels of accreditation and subject specializations. You will find 9 of Poland’s universities in the top 1000 of the QS World University Rankings, with the highest ranked being the University of Warsaw. Higher education in Poland has a history dating back nearly 800 years, and the country is home to over 400 institutions – many of which now also offer study programmes in English.
Poland’s higher education system is also known for its specialised technical institutions. They educated tens of thousands of specialists every year in subjects like engineering or computer science.
Reasons To study In Poland
1. Higher education quality
Nowadays Poland has approximately 450 higher education institutions. Some of them are not only national academic centres but the regional ones. Everyone should find here a good place for study regardless of the area candidate is interested in. In Poland there are many specialized universities such as: medical, agricultural, technical, economic, music and fine arts academies. Above that there are lots of private universities but several among them are prestigious and offer study programs in English.
2. Affordable costs of living
It is not a secret that average cost of studying in Poland is even two times lower than in western Europe or Nordic countries. It is because in Poland earnings are generally not as high as there but on the other hand living costs are adequately lower. That’s why Poland can be a perfect place for everyone who would like to study in the European Union (on a good European level) in a reasonable price.
3. Cities full of magic
Poland is a land where west and east meet together. No doubts then that you can find here a mixture of cultures solidify in architecture, art and cuisine. It is also a country with dramatic and wonderful history visible on every corner of the historic cities and on every village path.
4. Vibrant students life
In Poland students life has a long and interesting tradition. It was not only about the common meetings and having fun. For instance during communist era students associations were usually connected with conspiracy. Nevertheless the popular students festivals came from these times and continues today.
General Requirements To Study In Poland
1- Valid passport
2- A short CV
3- Your school certificates and diplomas
4- Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study
5- Confirmation of having funds for studying and living in Poland
6- Health insurance
7- Passport photograph
General Requirments To Apply For The Pland Student Visa
If you are an international student who intends to study in Poland, you may first need to obtain a student visa. In order to study in Poland, you will need to legalize your stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. If you are a citizen of a European Union (EU) country and you would like to stay in Poland for longer than three months, you will need to register your stay in the country. Visas are not required for holders of United Nations “laissez-passer.”
If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to obtain a visa at a Polish consulate in your home country before your arrival in Poland. Once you have arrived in Poland, you will need to apply for a Temporary Stay Card 45 days before your visa expires in order to prolong your stay. Visa approval to access Poland gives right of stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland only.
Requirements:
In order to apply for a student visa in Poland, you will need to submit several documents. These documents include:
1- A filled-in and signed Poland Student Visa Application form
2- Valid passport (must be valid for three months after planned departure from Poland)
3- Official letter of acceptance to a college or university in Poland
4- A short CV
5- Your school certificates and diplomas
6- Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study
7- Confirmation of having the funds for studying and living in Poland
8- Health insurance
9- One passport-sized photo
10- Visa Application Fee, payable by cash/postal order
11- Proof of Accommodation in Poland, if required
12- Transport documentation, such as a rail or air ticket
Accommodation
There are many different options for arranging accommodation in Poland. They vary depending on the city and higher education institution you choose. Many Universities have their own dormitories, which are usually the cheapest option available. However, most students prefer to rent a room in a private apartment.
Students can live in dormitories or they can hire private apartments. Many of them rent rooms in bigger apartments.
Dormitories
Many Polish universities have their own dormitories, which are usually the cheapest accomodation for students. Standard of the dormitories are various, so it is better to check them before the final decision. It’s appropriate to check costs of a particular student house.
Private apartments/rooms in apartments
It is quite common in Poland to rent a room in a bigger apartment. Most of the out-of-town students share flats in this way. The cost varies between cities and it depends greatly on the location of the apartment as well as the size and quality of the room. The monthly rent is usually between EUR 150 and 200. Some landlords may require a deposit of a similar amount. Don’t worry if you don’t have friends to live with. Sharing a flat with locals is an amazing opportunity.
Transportation
The public transportation system in Poland is easy. Depending on the size of the city you can find buses, trams and trolleybuses. Metro is only in Warsaw. Poland is quite advanced when it comes to handicapped transportation.
There are many different bus lines in big cities, connecting every point throughout. In smaller cities, there will be less lines available. Trams are available throughout the day. This service runs from 5am to 1am Sunday through Thursday, and from 5am to 3am at the weekend. It is allowed to carry luggage, bicycles and animals on the metro. Urban rapid rail service SKM is a rapid rail service and runs over two zones. This is also only available in Warsaw.
Tickets are available at newspapers stands, from machines marked with the word “Bilety”. It is often complicated to purchase a ticket onboard, therefore you should buy tickets beforehand. It is possible for students to get discounted tickets.
All public transportation services are readily equipped to handle wheelchairs. Metro validation machines are available by the disabled lifts in the metro stations.
Work during studying
You can help pay for your education by working part-time while you’re studying.
International students have the right to work while studying in Poland as long as they are enrolled in an Institution. Students who are not nationals of EU member countries must also hold a valid residency permit. The right to work applies to all students, including those who are in Poland for the first time, those who are enrolled in the first year of a university program, and those who are enrolled full-time in a language school. you can work 20hrs during studies as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays.
Work during studying
Students from member countries of the European Union may work in Poland without restriction after they graduate. It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful country after you complete your education here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you don’t need a permit to work here. Just make sure your stay permit is in order. You can stay back for further 2-3 years as long as you can prove that you can financially support yourself without seeking any government benefits. Students who obtain a job or accept employment can obtain a Work Permit.