Top Poland Universities for International Students

When it comes to studying abroad, Poland may not be the first destination that springs to mind, but it’s time to rethink your options. Poland has become an increasingly attractive destination for international students. As the country’s higher education system has undergone remarkable transformations over the years. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Polish universities have earned their place on the global stage. In this article, we will explore the top universities in Poland for international students. As we delve into the following list of institutions, we aim to address critical questions that prospective students might have about these universities and the opportunities they offer.

Learn here our guide on choosing the right university for international students. 

Jagiellonian University in Kraków

The Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364 by King Casimir the Great. It is therefore Poland’s oldest and one of Europe’s most ancient universities. Located in the country’s former capital city, Kraków, the university benefits from a historic setting, adding to its allure. Over the centuries, it attracted a diverse group of students from various countries. 

Despite enduring turbulent times and two world wars, the university played a vital role in preserving Polish culture and identity. At the same time, it has contributed significantly to Europe’s intellectual heritage. The Jagiellonian University has been home to notable figures like Nicolaus Copernicus and Pope John Paul II.

Today, the Jagiellonian University consists of 16 faculties, and almost 40,000 students across more than 150 different fields of study. As for the rankings, the university ranks among the top 300 universities in the QS Rankings. In the ranking by subject, the institution is among the 25 HEI who made it into the list and ranked in 20 disciplines. 

Its world-class researchers and state-of-the-art facilities place it among Poland’s leading scientific institutions with global collaborations. Moreover, the university fosters student research societies where young scholars pursue their academic passions. Notably, the JU Medical College conducts pioneering research in fields like cardiac surgery, urology, and neurology. 

Find out more by visiting the official website of Jagiellonian University. 

University of Warsaw

The second in our list of high-profile universities in Poland is the University of Warsaw. It came into existence in 1816. As a matter of fact, with the Jagiellonian University, consistently occupies the 1st/2nd place in the national rankings of universities in Poland. And for good reasons, starting with the fact that it is the country’s largest higher education institution.

Internationally, the institution belongs to the world’s top 3% of universities according to prominent rankings like Times Higher Education, QS, and Academic Ranking of World Universities. It also excels in international education quality evaluations. Numerous programs are listed in QS World University Rankings by Subject and high rankings in the Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects.

The university is part of the 4EU+ European University Alliance, funded by the European Commission. And it has earned recognition for its commitment to research and international cooperation through awards like “HR Excellence in Research.” Moreover, approximately 40,000 individuals engage in various programs. This includes humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary courses. 

They offer a wide array of 1st and 2nd cycle studies, doctoral programs, and post-diploma courses. This includes 44 English-language programs and 36 language choices available. Furthermore, with nearly 4,000 scholars and 1,400 research topics, the university seamlessly combines teaching and research. The purpose is to foster international recognition and collaboration in various fields. 

Find out more by visiting Warsaw University’s website.  

Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warszawska)

The Warsaw University of Technology is a renowned technical university with a rich history, tracing its roots back to the 19th century. Established in 1915, it has consistently produced generations of graduates and achieved numerous scientific and technical accomplishments. It holds the distinction of being both the oldest and the top technical university in Poland. And it’s ranking first in its category for seventeen years. 

The university is a hub of innovation, where bold ideas become inventions, new fields of study are launched, and cooperation with industry and international institutions thrives. The university also comprises 20 faculties that collectively offer a comprehensive range of programs covering humanities, sciences, engineering, and management. With a commitment to academic values, character building, and academic freedom, the university nurtures well-rounded individuals while adapting to future challenges.

It actively collaborates with other educational institutions in Warsaw and internationally to provide a comprehensive educational and research experience. The university’s mission is rooted in ensuring that the knowledge and skills it imparts serve humanity, making it a prestigious institution dedicated to academic excellence, ethical conduct, and community unity while evolving with the ever-changing educational landscape.

Visit the official website of Warsaw University of Technology for more details. 

AGH University of Kraków

Next in our ranking of the best universities in Poland is AGH University of Kraków, a modern institution, which actively contributes to knowledge-based progress and innovation. With a strong national and international reputation, it’s known for its experienced staff, advanced labs, a unique campus, and a tightly-knit community. 

In the realm of education, AGH offers 22 English-taught fields of study, a Doctoral School for ongoing education, and over 100 professional courses enhancing careers and personal growth. Research spans various fields including technology, natural and social sciences, addressing economic and business priorities like digitization, energy transformation, and space engineering.

Located in historic Kraków, one of Poland’s oldest and vibrant cities, AGH is easily accessible by road, train, and plane, with a well-connected network. The city is an artistic and cultural hub with diverse attractions. The campus, therefore, boasts green spaces, ample parking, bicycle stands, sports facilities, health services, and commercial facilities, providing a unique and convenient learning environment.

Find out more by visiting AGH University’s official website. 

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań

Adam Mickiewicz University, in Poznań, is a prominent institution which roots date back to the 16th century. Over time, it evolved, to finally be reborn in 1919, thanks to the Poznań Society of Friends of Science. And today, Adam Mickiewicz University stands as a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. 

Its mission integrates research and teaching, covering a wide array of disciplines, both in the humanities and sciences. It is dedicated to upholding academic freedom, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of knowledge. As a forward-looking institution, it actively contributes to the city, region, and Europe. 

Today, Adam Mickiewicz University consists of 20 faculties and 5 schools: School of Language and Literature, Exact Sciences, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences and Humanities. Being a research university, the institution is involved in more than 600 research projects carried out by international and national teams. 

Find out more about the university by visiting its official website. 

Lodz University of Technology (TUL)

Lodz University of Technology, founded in 1945, is one of Poland’s best technical universities. With 9 faculties, 12 scientific disciplines, and 63 fields of study, TUL has been educating engineers for 75 years. Moreover, it’s ranked fifth among technical universities and ninth among public universities in Poland. 

Additionally, the institution is among the top universities in Poland to be present in all four of the most prestigious international rankings. For example, TUL is recognized for its work in Energy Science & Engineering in the Shanghai Ranking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. 

Another fact that makes the university stand out is its dedication to transferring science to industry and implementing sustainable development goals. Furthermore, they have facilitated the transfer of groundbreaking technologies to the business world. This goes through establishing spin-off companies and fostering academic entrepreneurship among their faculty, doctoral researchers, and students.

Visit TUL’s website for more details. 

Nicolaus Copernicus University

Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, founded in 1945, stands as one of the largest universities in Poland. With 16 faculties, including three medical faculties at Collegium Medicum UMK in Bydgoszcz, it offers education in over 100 fields of study to 18,331 students. Additionally, its large staff contribute to the university’s rich academic environment. 

Moreover, the university boasts an impressive research infrastructure. It features the National Laboratory of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (FAMO), the Center for Quantum Optics. There is also the Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies. Among its notable assets is the 32-meter radio telescope at the Center for Astronomy in Piwnice, which operates a Polar Station in Spitsbergen. 

Additionally, Nicolaus Copernicus University participates in various international and national student and staff exchange programs, fostering collaborations with institutions worldwide. And it’s also part of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe alliance (YUFE). These achievements have earned Nicolaus Copernicus University a place among the top universities in Poland and recognition in global rankings.

Check the university’s website for more. 

University of Gdansk

The University of Gdańsk, founded on March 20, 1970, stands as a dynamic institution that seamlessly melds tradition with a fervent commitment to innovation. Since its inception, it has flourished into one of Poland’s most contemporary academic hubs. Today, it hosts over 25,000 students, doctoral candidates, and postgraduates across its eleven faculties. 

The university shines in a diverse array of fields. This includes areas such as Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Oceanography, Quantum Physics, Pedagogy, Psychology, Law, and Economic Sciences, establishing itself as one of Poland’s premier institutions. Scientific research is at the core of its identity, with a special focus on sea-related studies. 

Collaborating with research centers worldwide, the University of Gdańsk contributes significantly to global knowledge. It’s part of the SEA-EU consortium, receiving substantial funding for innovative research projects. The institution’s influence extends across multiple disciplines, from biomedical research to quantum technologies. Lastly, it actively promotes research and collaboration through involvement in European and international grant programs.  

Visit the university’s website for more details.

University of Wroclaw

The University of Wroclaw, with a history spanning over three centuries. It was founded by Leopold I Habsburg. And it has grown from a small Jesuit-run school into one of Poland’s largest academic institutions. In the early 19th century, it had five faculties covering philosophy, theology, law, and medicine, later expanding with sections, laboratories, and a natural museum that remains today. After World War II, Polish professors from Lvov joined, creating faculties in law, arts, natural sciences, and more. Some eventually became separate universities. 

The university boasts nine Nobel Prize winners in its history. Today, the University of Wroclaw emphasizes scientific research, receiving increased funding for equipment and research. It undergoes national quality assessments, with nine out of ten faculties rated highly. The university is therefore the largest in the region, teaching over 26,000 students, with 9,000 graduates annually. 

Find out more on Wroclaw University’s website.

Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WRUST)

Wrocław University of Science and Technology, born in 1945 from the fusion of two Lviv universities, is now a giant in Poland. It follows the paths of grand Polish academic traditions and teams up with local businesses in Lower Silesia. It’s big, one of the top tech universities in Poland. Their goal? Shaping bright minds for the future, blending wisdom, ethics, and community care. 

The institution holds in its core values like excellence, interaction, and openness. It hosts over 21,000 students, with 69 fields of study to choose from, some with global options. WRUST also provides programs in foreign languages and global exchanges. And in the same effort of internationalization, the institution is part of the European Universities Unite group. 

At last, student life at WRUST takes place in modern and functional campuses with various facilities and a unique cable car service.

Learn more by visiting the university’s official website.