Poland
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- Why Poland?
- Education System
- Educational Institutions
- Admission Documents
- Cost
- Post study work visa
- major intake
- Erasmus programs
Poland is an incredible country with a diverse and rich education history. Studying in Poland will give you a high quality European degree, recognizable all around the World at a low cost! Not only you will enjoy high quality of teaching, but also have a chance to pursue your future career in EU.
Polish schools compete with each other not only to provide a wide variety of high quality courses, but also offer attractive tuition fees in programs such as MBBS, engineering, international business, tourism, hospitality and other courses. POLAND (POLSKA) lies in the very heart of the European continent making it easy access to and from other popular European destinations.
Highly International Education
Poland is a member of the European Union.
It joined the Schengen Area in 2007. As a result passport checks are abolished on Poland’s borders to Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Lithuania. It practically means that persons admitted to the Schengen Area can travel hassle-free between 24 countries of the Schengen Area without internal land and sea border controls, from Portugal to Poland and from Greece to Finland.
Thanks to its location, Poland occupies a special place in the European Union. Poland’s border on the river Bug became the EU’s eastern border. In the wider geographical and geopolitical sense Poland occupies a central position. More and more foreign investment from Western Europe is to be shifted to Poland, as well as from the US and Asia. Poland’s geographic location facilitates the logistics activities and forecasts indicate an increase in the number of immigrants to the country.
Polish institutions of higher education participate in international student exchange programmes and engage in bilateral agreements and individual exchange programmes pursued by particular schools. All these initiatives enhance the development of relations between Polish and foreign institutions of higher education. The number of Polish institutions of higher education awarded an Erasmus University Charter approach 200 and the mobility of Polish students grows rapidly.
Poland’s education market has been the most dynamically developing one in Europe during the last twelve years. The number of higher education institutions has increased five fold while the number of students quadrupled. Each year almost half a million young people begin their education at universities and colleges.
Polish academic traditions reach back to 14th century some of the Europe’s oldest universities can be found here. The Jagiellonian University of Cracow was established in 1364. Nicholas Copernicus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie are among great names of Polish scientists known and admired worldwide.
Today’s Polish universities continue the glorious traditions of their predecessors. Warsaw University is ranked first in the Top Coder international IT ranking, it outperformed such great institutions as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A representative of Poland also leads the Top Coder individual ranking.
Polish universities offer high quality studies and are an integral part of the European education space. All leading universities offer programmes thought in English, these include medicine, engineering, humanities, business and finance. Poland takes active part in the Bologna Process. Thanks to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) students can be fully mobile, and continue education in other countries.
Scholarships, Free Studies and Stipend: There are a number of scholarships available within the limits defined in bilateral agreements. They are financed either by the Polish or the foreign partner’s government, often with the aim to enhance exchange within a specific field of study. The amount of a scholarship depends on the type of study undertaken. In addition, university scholarships are available for academic excellence. For more information please email info@educationpoland.pl or submit your query online.
Fast Growing Stable Economy
Low costs of studying and living
Although Poland is going through a process of rapid economic development, the cost of living is still significantly lower than in most of the EU countries. A total amount of 200-400 Euros is enough to cover the basic cost of accommodation, food and transport. The cost of entertainment and participation in cultural events are also much lower than EU average. The basic cost of studies is also very competitive. The minimum rate is 2000 Euro a year, which is a few times lower than the EU average. For rapid economic development Since 20 years Polish economy has significantly been growing. According to Central Statistical Office’s data, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 was in real terms 4.8 per cent higher than in 2007. In 2007 GDP recorded 6.7 per cent growth. The rate of the value added growth for whole economy in 2008 was 4.9 per cent (6.6% in 2007). According to the latest European Commission’s forecast, in 2010 the GDP growth may dip to 2.0 per cent. Taking into account, however, international crisis and -1.8 per cent GDP growth forecast for the EU-25, Poland’s result is a symptom of Polish strong economy. The unemployment level decreases very quickly, falling from almost 20% in 2004 to 9,5 % in 2009.
For high level of security and personal safety Poland is much safer than most of the European countries. Even the Nordic countries, considered as very safe, have much higher crime rate than Poland. It’s perfectly safe in here for international students of all races, beliefs and origins.
Scholarships
Studying in Poland means quality education at a low cost. Additionally, you can apply for various scholarships and discounts for international students.
For example, the Polish Government Scholarship will not only pay your tuition fees but also give you a monthly allowance, which will cover some of your everyday living costs.The Government Scholarship is granted for a specific period of time. However, you may apply to extend it to cover the total time of your studies in Poland.
Moreover, you can apply for discounted college fees or even a total tuition waiver if you are in a difficult financial situation or if you aim to pursue two fields of study simultaneously.
If you are of Polish origin and if this can be verified by Polish Consulate or Embassy, you are entitled to a lower fee at a university in Poland.
A number of Polish universities have their own scholarship programs and these are up for grabs for the international students, too. Exemplary grades will get you there, however you can also receive scholarships in financial support of your scientific research. If you’d like to find out whether your university of choice offers such financial aid, please check the individual university’s presentation.
Some international students can apply to Polish universities under the same conditions as Poles – for full daily studies, free of charge.
In Poland, higher schools of education can be public or private. Public schools are those, which are financed fully or partially by the state. Private schools are fully financed from private funds. Universities are always public schools, as are medical universities. Whether your school is public or private can make a difference when you wish to apply for a state scholarship.
The following types of schools exist in Poland:
- Universities
- Polytechnics or Universities of Technology
- Higher Schools of Pedagogy
- Medical Schools or Medical Universities
- Academies of Fine Art, Film or Theatre
- Music Academies
- Higher Schools of Physical Education
- And others
Work in Poland
We have some good news for you! When you are studying in Poland, you can work at the same time! Not only will you be able to earn money for your daily expenditures but also you get a chance to get to know new people and learn more about the country. Students can usually find work as foreign language teachers, waiters/waitresses, bartenders, child minders, shop assistants or cleaners. For these occupations you would need a command of basic Polish. Don’t worry if you can’t speak any Polish yet – Think Poland will help you find a foundational Polish course that will increase your chances of finding work. Another option is seasonal work or, as already mentioned, cleaning. In these circumstances, you do not have to speak Polish. If you are looking for a job.
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.
20hrs work permitted during studies as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays.
Full time work is permitted for Residence Card holders.
Institutes
- Completed Application Form.
- Official IELTS score card/MOI.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP).
- Letter of Recommendation (2LOR).
- Resume/CV.
- Scan copies of all educational documents (10th,12th, bachelor degree certificate, individual mark lists, consolidated mark list).
- Copy of Passport.
- Work Experience letter (if available).
- Additional Documents.
Application Form
The Application form is the entry which you need to fill carefully to get admission in your selected university. You can fill the application forms through online or offline depends on the availability of application forms. Some universities offer online application process, while some other universities offer paper application form at the university’s website.
Tuition fees in Poland
While Polish citizens don’t pay for tuition fees in public universities, international students are charged with fees established by the universities. These cost the least:
- 2,000 EUR for Bachelor, Master degree courses and professional studies
- 3,000 EUR for Ph.D., specialised and vocational courses
Private universities have average tuition fees of 50,000 EUR/year, depending on the level of education and specialization. Also, you have the right to apply for a public university and compete with Polish students. However, admissions have a higher difficulty than in other cases and you will be enrolled in a programme taught in Polish.
Universities in Poland with affordable tuition fees
- Warsaw University of Technology;
- University of Information Technology and Management;
- Poznan University of Life Sciences;
- Poznan University of Technology;
- Medical University of Lodz.
Student living costs in Poland
Poland is an accessible European country with a pretty stable economy and living costs of 450 – 650 EUR/month. You can adjust your budget depending on the city or area you wish to study in. Larger cities such as Krakow or Warsaw require 500 – 850 EUR/month.
Accommodation costs in Poland
Housing is a major subject in Poland since it represents 37% of the total monthly budget, according to a European study. International students may find options in university residence halls or private rental apartments that can also be shared. Also, universities have services dedicated to students who seek to house off-campus.
The costs of accommodation in Poland are a bit above the European average of 200 – 300 EUR/month. However, private rental apartments have high standards. Below you will find the costs of housing in most of the Polish cities.
- For students who live alone: 350-400 EUR/month
- Students living with partner/child: 450 EUR/month
- Students living on university campuses: 169 EUR/month
On-campus housing is not too accessible to students. Only 12% of them live in residence halls and 57% of them are satisfied with the services and housing itself. A one-bedroom apartment in Krakow costs around 290 – 390 EUR/month, while Warsaw has prices of 350 – 460 EUR/month.
WORK WHILE 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.
20hrs work permitted during studies as well as 3 months of full time work during holidays.
Full time work is permitted for Residence Card holders.
WORK AFTER GRADUATION
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.
BLUE CARD
All kinds of professionals can apply for a Blue card once they find an employer. This is valid initially for 2 years and then extended for further 3 years and the person can work all over European Union in the Blue card scheme participating countries After 5 years you can apply for Permanent Residence option.
For Colleges:
January, April, June and September
For Universities:
January and September
The European Union's Erasmus+ programme is a funding scheme to support activities in the fields of Education, Training, Youth and Sport.
The Programme is made up of three so-called "Key Actions" and two additional actions. They are managed partly at the national level by National Agencies and partly at the European level by the EACEA. The European Commission is responsible for Erasmus+ policies and oversees the overall programme implementation.
Erasmus+ actions managed by EACEA are listed below:
- MOBILITY
- COOPERATION
- POLICY
- JEAN MONNET
- SPORT
- FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
What does it support:
Erasmus+ provides grants for activities in the fields of education, training, youth and sport. It offers opportunities for:
- individuals to spend a mobility or volunteering period abroad and to receive linguistic training,
- organisations to collaborate in project partnerships in the fields of academic and vocational training, schools, adult learning and European sport events.
Erasmus+ also supports teaching, research, networking and policy debate on EU topics.
Erasmus+ supports the Eurydice network, which describes education systems in Europe and offers comparative analysis of national systems and policies from early childhood to adult education.