Poland: Tuition fees & cost of living
by Oleksandr P
Studying in Poland offers international students a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and outstanding higher education institutions. Located in the heart of Europe, this country offers a wide range of English-taught degree programmes at a fraction of the cost found in other European countries.
Read on to learn more about tuition fees, living expenses, and potential scholarships to start your study abroad adventure!
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For Bachelor’s degrees, students can expect to pay between €1,500 and €5,000 annually. For Master’s degrees, the average fees range from €2,000 to €6,000 per year.
While the cost of tuition in Poland can vary depending on the course and institution, the fees are generally affordable compared to many European nations.
The good news is that, in most cases, tuition fees are the same for non-EU and EU students.
It is also noteworthy that in some institutions, such as Jagiellonian University, if a student fails a module, the subsequent year’s tuition fees for that same course will be higher.
Here is a brief overview of the tuition fees at several universities in Poland:
| University | Tuition fees for Bachelors per year | Tuition fees for Masters per year |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (UAM) |
€500 to €1,000 for EU and non-EU students |
€500 to €1,000 for EU and non-EU students |
| Cracow University of Technology | €3,500 to €5,000 for EU and non-EU students | €3,500 to €5,000 for EU and non-EU students |
| Jagiellonian University | Ca. €4,000 | Ca. €4,000 |
| Poznan University of Technology | Ca. €3,400 | Ca. €4,300 |
| Silesian University of Technology | Ca. €5,000 | €3,500 to €5,000 for EU and non-EU students |
| University of Gdansk | Ca. €2,000 | Ca. €2,000, some tuition-free options exist |
| University in Lodz | Ca. €2,500 | Ca. €2,500 |
| University of Warsaw | €1,500 to €5,000, some tuition-free options exist | €1,000 to €6,000, some tuition-free options exist |
| University of Wroclaw | Ca. €2,300 for Eu students, €4,000 for non-EU | €1,000 to €2,500 for Eu students, €3,000 to €4,000 for non-EU |
| Warsaw University of Technology | €1,500 to €3,000 for Eu students, €4,000 to €8,000 for non-EU | €0 to €2,500 for Eu students, €4,000 to €9,000 for non-EU |
| Wrocaw University of Science and Technology | €3,000 for EU and non-EU students | €4,000 for EU and non-EU students |
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Tuition fees in Poland are typically due before the semester begins. For a winter semester intake, this deadline is usually the beginning of October, while for a summer semester, the cut-off is in March.
Some universities, such as the University of Warsaw, allow students to pay their tuition in instalments, while others might require one single payment for the total sum once the student enrolls.
Additionally, some universities, such as Wrocaw University of Science and Technology and the University of Warsaw, have a refund policy in case you need to cancel your application.
50業子 Tip: Non-EU students are advised to pay for at least one semester before applying for their visa, as this could improve their chances of obtaining the visa on time. Since 2019, international students need to show that they have enough funds to stay in Poland for 1 year. That’s why paying more than the minimum in advance can potentially speed up the process, as it helps to convince the embassy officials that you have the necessary funds.
Application deadlines vary by university, but students can generally apply until mid-June or early July for a September start.
Public universities typically operate on an “admissions waves system”, with these applications opening from April. If any spots remain, additional admission waves may occur until the course is full. During each process, all applicants are assessed together, including the students that already were on the waitlist.
Private universities offer more flexibility, often accepting applications from January to September, with some even offering mid-semester admissions.
As always, it is a good idea to check the dates on the university’s official website or contact the university admissions office.
Application fees in Poland, also referred to as “recruitment fees” or “admission fees”, range from €20 to €50 per programme applied to, regardless of whether the programmes are at the same university or in different institutions.
These fees are typically non-refundable, although there might be exceptions in case of visa refusal or other specific cases — check with your university of choice before applying.
Study in Poland: Find Bachelors & Masters now
Yes, studying for free is possible at public universities if you study full-time in Polish and belong to one of the following groups:
Polish students,
EU/EEA students,
Students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).
And what about studying in English? The short answer is Yes! Long one — that depends.
Some part-time or English-taught programmes may also be free-of-charge for all EU and non-EU students, and this is decided on a university-by-university basis.
Remember, though, that even if you have to pay tuition, studying in Poland will likely still be more affordable than going to a different country, and the quality of education is often equally good or even better (depending on the university and course).
Additionally, you can look into scholarships if the potential costs concern you.
Yes, several scholarships are available for international students studying in Poland.
These include:
The Government of Poland runs a programme of scholarships for the Polish diaspora. These are addressed to foreigners of Polish origin that want to start their university in Poland.
NAWA - The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, has created the for 2024/2025. Its aim is to promote socio-economic progress of developing countries by supporting students to pursue their second-degree studies in Polish or in English in the field of engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, exact sciences, and life sciences.
Erasmus Mundus scholarships for joint master’s degrees;
Additionally, you can also consider taking a student loan.
Living costs in Poland are generally lower than in many other European countries. Monthly living expenses for students, including food, housing, transport, and entertainment, can range from €450 to €1000. This, of course, depends largely on your needs, lifestyle, and spending habits.
Additionally, expenses vary quite significantly between cities. Major cities, such as Warsaw, Krakow, or Gdansk, are the most expensive. Your general living costs will also depend on the type of accommodation you choose. Student lodging costs between €100-€300, while rooms in private properties can cost between €200 and €500 in major cities. Apartment prices usually start at €400-500 in more remote districts and can go up to €1000 for a new apartment in popular areas. Usually, you also have to pay one month’s rent as a refundable deposit.
Read more: 6 Reasons to study in Poland
Poland allows international students to work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays.
After graduation, non-EU students have 3 months to apply for a post-study work visa. This temporary residence permit allows them to stay in Poland for nine months to find employment.
There are many jobs that do not require the knowledge of Polish; however, opportunities may be limited without a basic understanding of this language.
If you can, try looking for a remote or freelancing job beforehand or consider tutoring younger students in your native language or a subject you are particularly good at.
Poland offers an attractive balance between quality education and affordable living. With its rich cultural heritage, historic and renowned universities, and lower-than-average tuition fees, it is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for international students.
Whether you’re an EU or non-EU student, considering tuition fees, living costs, work opportunities, and scholarship options will help you make an informed decision about studying in Poland.
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