That’s an amazing fact, right? More than 46,000 international students come to this central European country to participate in its world-class educational system and study at its renowned universities. Whether you are studying medicine, computer science, engineering, economics, humanities, hospitality, business, or any other field, Poland has the courses, programs, and universities to suit your needs. If cost is something you consider a high priority, Poland is the perfect destination for you. With the average price of tuition between 1500 and 3000 euros per year, it is difficult to find a lower price for a comparable value. Still, there are varieties of cheap universities in Poland, especially when it comes to one of the most popular degree programs – medicine. This article gives detailed information about the 15 Cheapest Polish Universities in 2022. For easy navigation through this article, check the table of content below.
Are Universities Free in Poland?
Yes, higher education in Poland is free especially for Polish citizens. Since it is true that Polish citizens don’t pay tuition fees for higher education, are they also free for foreign students? While full-time studies at public universities are generally free of charge for Polish citizens, they are not always free for international students. International students are required to pay tuition fees, which are typically in the range of US$2,230-4,180 per year at public universities in Poland. However, international students are still eligible to begin a programme of study on the same terms as Polish citizens. This can be possible if foreign students are: Additionally, students can also be eligible for scholarships offered by different universities and organizations on the basis of bilateral agreements. To find out more about such opportunities, visit the website of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Poland for International Student?
Cost of study for international students do not only involve tuition fees, but it also includes living cost which involves accommodation, transportation, feeding, books, and so on. Let’s break it down bit by bit to get the actual cost of study in Poland for international students.
Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
International students can study at public universities in Poland at an average cost of 2,000 EUR per year for a first degree. Those going for higher degrees and vocational programs will pay an average of 3000 EUR per year. Meanwhile, international students are required to pay tuition fees, which are typically in the range of US$2,230-4,180 per year at public universities in Poland. While fees at private universities in Poland will be slightly higher; depending on your course and the institution, the fees could be up to US$6,600 a year. Also, tuition fees can vary based on the program of study. For instance, Medical and Dentistry programs tuition fees can cost higher than a Business program. Make sure you verify the cost of your chosen program before making an estimate of your total cost of study.
Cost of Living in Poland as an International Student
Studying in Poland is not only academically attractive but also better with the high quality of life available there. Poland is modern, clean, and safe, offering all the social and cultural opportunities available elsewhere, but at an even lower cost of living than in Western Europe. Hence, international students flock there every year. Poland’s cost of living is surprisingly low and in fact lower than in most other European countries. Let’s see the accommodation cost below.
Accommodation Costs in Poland
Accommodation in Poland is relatively cheap, especially compared to other countries in Europe. Most Polish universities offer accommodation for registered students. However, the price and quality may vary depending on the city and university you choose and depends on several factors: the location of the apartment and the size of the room you want to rent. Meanwhile, the apartment located in the center of the city will always be more expensive than the one in the suburbs. It is important to know that the standard of dormitories can vary widely even between different student houses offered by the same university, so you should do your research before deciding. One thing is for sure, whichever student house you choose, you will be greeted in a friendly and helpful environment. While some students stay in dormitories while studying, many students prefer to rent private apartments. If you are coming from outside Europe this could be a new experience and many Polish students would warmly recommend it. Since most students share apartments in this way, the student network is large and it is easy to find a roommate to share the costs. Typically you will pay $65-80 per month for a shared room and $110-170 for a single room. This is the best deal; you pay for the accommodation and you get new friends for free! Below are the average rental prices for apartments in Poland:
Other Costs Associated with Accommodation
Living in Poland involves additional costs aside from the rent. These additional expenses come from public services. The most basic are electricity, heating, water, and garbage and have a total price of about 155 EUR/month for an apartment of 85 square meters. An additional expense could also be considered the two-month deposit that many landlords ask for when you move into your rental apartment. Meal for an international student usually costs between 100 and 150 EUR/month. You can save money by choosing to buy less expensive groceries and groceries. You can dine at an affordable restaurant for just €5 or pay €23 for a three-course meal at an average restaurant for two. A light drink will cost you only €2. Public transport is the main option for students, who pay €50 for a semester pass, available for 6 months. Many Polish cities offer beautiful panoramic views and routes, so you can also walk on foot. As an international student during your study program, you will need to purchase books, research journals, and other study materials. These are, in most cases, necessary and can even be purchased at some universities. However, it is advisable to buy them in bookstores with old or used products, to save money.
What are the Requirements for Studying in Poland?
Another quality of Polish universities is that, together, more than 800 courses in the country are administered and taught exclusively in English. This is a nice bonus for international students, as it reduces the hassle of learning a new language. You will need to take an IELTS or TOEFL test to study in Poland in English.
How do International Students Apply to Universities in Poland?
International students can apply to universities in Poland by fulfilling the application conditions and submitting their applications. Then, when accepted, you will need to apply for a student visa. This whole process can seem intimidating, which is why we have prepared a guide on Easy Step by Step Procedures to Get Poland Student VISA. Check it out if you want more information!
15 Cheapest Polish Universities in 2022
Here are 15 of the most affordable universities in Poland:
#1. University of Opole
Established in 1994, the University of Opole is a public research university located in Opole, Poland. It is one of 21 Polish universities and one of the three public institutes of higher education in Opole. The mission of the university encompasses both research and inquiry-based teaching, the latter being an important part of the university tradition. As an inclusive and open institution, the university welcomes students from non-traditional backgrounds, including disadvantaged communities. The University of Opole comprises twelve faculties and nineteen scientific institutes cooperating with other university units. Also, the University of Opole has strong research links with many institutions in Poland and abroad.
#2. University of Warsaw
The next university on our list of the cheapest universities in Poland for international students is the University of Warsaw. Founded in 1916, the university has more than 55,000 students and is considered the largest university in the country. More than 50 fields of study are offered to students, mainly in the fields of human, social, and natural sciences. With its high academic and research prowess, it is not surprising that the university is among the best institutions in the country. It has also been ranked among the top 100 European universities and attracts hundreds of foreign students each year through its exchange programs. It also maintains important international relationships and collaborations with foreign higher education institutions.
#3. University of Silesia
The University of Silesia in Katowice, one of the largest and most dynamic Polish higher education institutions. It offers innovative solutions in the field of education and a friendly space for research for more than 34,000 students. The high level of scientific research carried out, the diversity of the initiatives undertaken as well as the modern infrastructures are reflected in the quality of education. Every year new programs and careers are opened corresponding to the latest scientific trends and job market expectations. Both allow undergraduate and doctoral students to pursue their individual interests. Foreign citizens can also apply to university. A variety of international student exchange programs are available at UŚ.
#4. University of Wroclaw
The University of Wroclaw is a public research university established in 1945, although its foundation dates back to the early 18th century. Located in the beautiful city of Wroclaw, the university is one of the first institutions of higher education in the country to engage in research activities. This economic university in Poland currently has more than 28,000 students enrolled with over 10,000 international students. The academic profile of the university includes 10 major study faculties covering a wide range of disciplines. Together these faculties offer more than 40 different degrees of study, of which the main language of instruction is Polish. However, English is also used as a language for the benefit of international students, although this only applies to some courses. Intensive training in Polish is offered. All degree levels are offered, from undergraduate to Ph.D., as well as short courses for exchange courses.
#5. University of Gdansk
The University of Gdansk is a public university located in the city of Gdansk, in northern Poland. It has a student body of more than 30,000 students studying from undergraduate to postgraduate doctoral level. Up to 80 different fields are offered, with more than 200 specializations. A range of disciplines are offered, the most important of which include law, social sciences, biology and biotechnology, quantum physics, economics, and oceanography. With its exceptional academic potential, the university is among the best academic institutions in the country and, furthermore, attracts a large crowd of international students annually. An additional quality that consistently draws students to this iconic institution is the fact that it offers unique courses in the fields of:
#6. Kozminski University
Kozminski University in Warsaw is the “number one” among private universities in Poland and the best business university in Central Europe. It is an internationally renowned private business school located in Warsaw. The only institution of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe that offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and doctoral programs in business administration and finance. Kozminski University is in a league of its own in terms of quality and prestige. Their course offerings have a unique international flavor. They are taught in English by an international faculty with degrees and teaching experience at prestigious universities and professionals in business, law, and public administration.
#7. Warsaw University of Technology
Synonymous with innovation in technology education, the Warsaw University of Technology is a leading technological institute that is among the largest of its kind in continental Europe. Founded in 1915, the university is located in the capital of Warsaw and has grown into a world-class institute of higher education. As of 2019, the university currently has more than 31,000 students enrolled in total. The academic profile of the university consists of around 19 main faculties, covering all areas of science and technology. These faculties cover the disciplines of architecture and chemical engineering to studies of management and engineering. With its high academic standards, the university has consistently ranked among the top 700 universities in the world.
#8. Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan
Located in the cultural city of Poznan in central Poland, the history of Adam Mickiewicz University dates back to the early 17th century. Currently, the university has a student population of more than 40,000 people in total with over 7,000 international students. The academic composition consists of 6 main academic units that are organized into twenty faculties and a doctoral school. Altogether, more than 80 degrees of study are offered to students. The predominant language of instruction for these degrees is usually Polish, but classes are also taught in English and German. Like other Polish higher education institutions, the university offers undergraduate, master, and doctorate degrees, as well as postgraduate habilitation courses.
#9. AGH University of Science and Technology
Based in the city of Krakow, one of the oldest and most historic cities in southern Poland, AGH University of Science and Technology is an elite technical university that was originally founded in 1919. Originally, the university was established with an emphasis on metallurgy and mining fields. Academically, the university’s profile includes 15 core faculties that focus on very specific fields of study, for example, humanities, business, and computing for energy, applied mathematics, and science, geoengineering. With a student body of over 35,000, this inexpensive university for international students is recognized as one of the largest in terms of the student population. To this end, the university has always ranked among the highest positions on the leaderboards. It was recently ranked the 2nd best technical university and the 4th best university in the country.
#10. Jagiellonian University
The second best on our list of the cheapest universities in Poland for international students is the Jagiellonian University. Jagiellonian University is a leading higher education research institution based in the city of Krakow in southern Poland. Its campus is integrated within the city, with student buildings scattered throughout the central parts of the city. By 2019, the university has more than 36,000 students enrolled in its programs with over 5,000 as international students. The academic composition of the university consists of 15 main faculties distributed in the fields of humanities, social sciences, law, medicine, and natural life sciences. Collectively, students have access to a selection of more than 80 disciplines for their academic credentials. Although the main language of instruction is Polish, additional lessons are also offered in English and German. With its long history and reputation, the Jagiellonian is ranked as one of the best universities in the country, as well as among the top 400 universities in the world.
#11. Medical University of Gdansk
Medical University of Gdańsk is the largest medical academic institution in northern Poland. It trains more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students in four faculties, namely Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology. The MUG offers Premedical Course, Medicine Doctor Programme, Pharmacy Programme, Nursing Programme which are taught fully in English. International students makeup about 15% of MUG students and make up more than half of all international students in the city of Gdańsk. The campus consists of four dormitories with space for 1000 students, the student club “Medyk”, a grocery shop, and a photocopy shop.
#12. Medical University of Lodz
The Medical University of Lodz is the largest university hospital unit in Poland and a renowned European research center. It is made up of 6 research institutes and 7 fully equipped university teaching hospitals with a total capacity of 2,900 beds. Presently, the Medical University of Lodz has over 770 foreign students from various countries attend medical and dental programs taught entirely in English. With their 5-Year DMD (Dentistry), 6-Year MD (Medicine), MD Advanced (Medicine) Program, 3 B.SC.Nursing, PREMED, and Ph.D, students stand out in the world. The university also has 438,000 specialized consultations per year in specialized outpatient clinics, in addition to collaboration with 22 international universities. In terms of research, the MUL awards more than one hundred research grants and numerous research contracts annually, as well as numerous research contracts.
#13. Medical University of Warsaw
The Medical University of Warsaw offers international students the English division of the Second Faculty of Medicine. It was established in 1993 to accommodate students who wish to study medicine in English and offers a medical program to high school graduates as well as college graduates. Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded a medical degree and receive a medical certificate recognized in the European Union, the United States, Canada, and most other countries in the world.
#14. Wroclaw Medical University
Wrocław Medical University is an institution of higher medical education in Wrocław, Poland. It is composed of 5 faculties – Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Postgraduate Education. The Wroclaw Medical University maintains 22 international cooperation agreements signed with other universities abroad. The school benefits from a renowned teaching process led by a team of highly qualified specialists. It is also known for carrying out a wide range of scientific activities that provide the entire Lower Silesia region with highly specialized medical care.
#15. Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Located in the city of Poznan in western Poland, Poznan University of Medical Sciences conducts advanced research in practically all areas of modern medicine. Its contributions are more widely recognized in disciplines such as immunology, endocrinology, oncology, among others. The university program, teaching, and research are mainly based on integrated cooperation with five clinical hospitals in the immediate region of Poznan, in addition to several urban and regional hospitals. Yes, students are allowed to work part-time to support their studies. As a matter of fact, students can work and earn as much as 800 to 1000 Euros a month. The average application fees charged by the universities in Poland ranges from 20 to 200 Euros per application. Note, no school will give you an offer letter if you have not paid the application fees. Yes, but you could be given a waiver of the English language is your mother tongue or you were taught in the English language in your home country. Once you have submitted an application letter and sent in all required documents, it takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to get the admission letter. International students have the right to work (part-time) when they are enrolled in a Polish institution. This is limited to a specific number of hours per week, which is normally around 20 hours per week, depending on visa regulations.
Conclusion
International students can apply to universities in Poland through this list of the cheapest universities in Poland. Get all info about the school, programs, and application process. Save time and contact the school here!
