Aljawaz Your guide to study abroad Polish universities stand out in the academic arena, boasting world-class faculties, cutting-edge research opportunities, as well as a diverse student community. From the historic halls of Warsaw University to the innovative programs at Jagiellonian University, Poland stands out with educational prowess. In the next few sentences, we’ll delve into the specifics that make the university application process in Poland a gateway to a transformative educational journey. Embarking on your academic adventure in Polish universities is a breeze with our simplified guide. Discover the straightforward process and essential details to make your university application in Poland seamless.
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Navigating Poland’s Educational Landscape
Poland’s education system has made remarkable strides over the past decade, attracting a growing number of international students. From historic institutions like the Jagiellonian University to modern counterparts, the choices are diverse. Explore technical, medical, economic, financial, and social science fields through programs aligned with the Bologna Process.
Program Types and Durations
Uncover the duration for various programs:
- Bachelor of Arts: 3 years (6 semesters)
- Bachelor of Science: 3.5 years (7-8 semesters)
- Master’s Degree: 1.5 – 2 years (3-4 semesters)
- Long cycle Master’s Degree: 5–6 years (10–12 semesters)
- Postgraduate studies: 1 – 1.5 years (1-2 semesters)
There are also nondegree options like the 9-month “Zerówka” preparatory course for Polish proficiency or an English preparatory school for language enhancement.
Language Flexibility and Costs
As a foreigner, choose your language of instruction—Polish or English. Tuition costs average around 2,000 – 2,500 EUR annually for Polish, slightly higher for English. But, you also have the possibility to search for scholarships offered by several universities to ease financial burdens.
How do I apply for university studies in Poland?
1. Research and Choose Your Program
The first step in the university application process is to identify the program that aligns with your academic and career goals. Poland offers a wide range of courses in English, making it accessible for international students. Moreover, whether your passion lies in information technology (IT), business management, logistics, medicine, economics, or law, the initial step is creating a list of preferred programs.
Next, explore universities offering these programs to ensure a tailored fit for your educational goals. When doing so, consider rankings, student reviews, and internship opportunities. Contact the Admissions Office, prepare documents, and be aware of the specific requirements. You can research universities, faculty, and available programs here to find the best fit.
Read also here our tips on how to choose the right university to study abroad.
2. University application in Poland: Check Admission Requirements
Uncover the specific admission criteria by delving into the requirements of your chosen program and institution. The complexity may vary, so create a detailed plan. Additionally, connect with university student services for assistance in understanding study programs and fulfilling criteria.
Common requirements include:
- Academic transcripts
- Completed and signed application form
- 4 passport-size photographs
- ID copy (passport)
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Medical certificate attesting that the student has no contraindication for studying
- Application fee receipt
Some programs may also require standardized test scores, so it’s crucial to check the specific requirements for your chosen program. It’s essential to note that various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may have distinct document requirements. So make sure to directly contact your HEI of choice to get everything on track. Also, check out if you need to have the required documents translated in Polish or in English.
Moreover, it’s important to know that in order to be eligible for any academic studies in Poland, your degree must be officially certified. For additional information and in order to know if there is a bilateral agreement between your country of origin and Poland, contact your Polish Embassy before proceeding with your application.
For Candidates to Undergraduate Studies
Candidates to a bachelor’s program must provide a notarized copy of their secondary school certificate or high school diploma.
Admission to Graduate and Postgraduate Programs
Those applying to a graduate and postgraduate program in Poland must provide an undergraduate program diploma or an official duplicate, as well as a CV.
Language Proficiency
Since many programs are offered in English, demonstrating proficiency in the language is vital. Most universities accept standardized English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL. Ensure you meet the minimum language requirements of the chosen university, and if necessary, consider enrolling in language courses to improve your skills.
3. Submit your application
Congratulations! The challenging part is behind you. The next step is now to submit your application, and you have 2 options available for that: online through an application system or via email.
Make sure to gather the required documents, and upload them on the portal, including scanned copies. Keep also in mind that some instances may require an application fee. For additional information, explore the Education Poland portal.
How much is the application fee for university in Poland?
Some universities may require an application fee, also called “recruitment fee”. This usually amounts between €20 and €50 per program, independent of whether you apply at the same university or not. You can pay this registration fee through bank transfer or through PayPal. Confirm the amount and payment methods with the university and ensure timely payment to avoid any complications in the application process.
4. Poland University Application: Deadline
To initiate the university application process in Poland, prospective students must reach out to the admission office of their chosen university directly through email, phone, fax, or via one of its foreign recruitment offices.
Applications for programs starting in October (fall semester) or February (spring semester) should be submitted well in advance. Generally, admission campaigns start in April or May. This is to ensure that the visa decision is made before the respective semester begins.
Furthermore, the academic year in Polish universities comprises two semesters:
- Fall semester starts in early October and ends in mid-February,
- Spring semester begins in mid-February and concludes at the end of June.
- Summer vacation period spans from the beginning of July to the end of September.
Additionally, application deadlines vary among universities. Generally, EU/EEA students must submit their application by mid-September. For non-EU/EEA students, mid-July to mid-August is the latest deadline. Prospective students should adhere to these deadlines to ensure a smooth application process for their desired study programs in Poland.
5. Receive an Acceptance Letter and Apply for a Visa
If you receive a positive admission decision from your university of choice, the next step is to apply for a student visa. In general, EU/EEA students skip the visa, while others need to prepare early to secure an acceptance letter for visa issuance.
Contact the Polish consulate or embassy in your home country for information on the required documents and procedures. Make sure also to check out the proper visa to request for. And lastly, ensure you start the visa application process well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications.
We’ll take a closer look at the subject in our guide on the student visa in Poland.
Prepare to fly to Poland
As prospective students gear up for their academic journey in Poland, the final step involves preparations for departure and planning your arrival. Moreover, keep in mind that the academic year kicks off in October. This means securing accommodation, ensuring access to the internet, obtaining a local SIM card, as well as exploring part-time job opportunities.
Getting acquainted with the culture
Moving to a foreign country often entails experiencing culture shock, especially when faced with significant cultural differences and language barriers. To ease this transition, it’s crucial to engage in proactive measures. Consider reading books about Polish culture, consulting travel guidebooks, and perusing popular websites or newspapers relevant to life in Poland. You can also address language barriers by taking language classes or seeking the guidance of a tutor.
Accommodation
Upon arrival in Poland, with your admission letter and a valid Polish student visa, the next steps involve deciding on the type of accommodation. You have the option between a student dormitory, private, or shared housing. Make sure to secure accommodation in advance, especially if the university doesn’t provide on-campus housing. Prospective students should utilize online resources and university student services to facilitate the search for suitable accommodation.
Arrival and Registration
Upon arrival in Poland, register with the university and local authorities as required by law. Attend the orientation sessions provided by the university to familiarize yourself with campus facilities, academic regulations, and the local culture. It is essential not to isolate oneself, but rather to embrace the new environment by stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Exploring Poland’s popular cultural sites can contribute significantly to a smoother adjustment period.
Student Health Insurance in Poland
In Poland, health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all university students throughout their stay, as medical care is not provided free of charge. Non-EU/EEA students must absolutely secure medical insurance either in their home country or immediately upon arrival in Poland to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services. Without insurance, students are responsible for covering the costs of any medical treatments they receive. Additionally, foreign students must consider purchasing third-party liability insurance and accident insurance for comprehensive coverage.
EU citizens can access free health services in Poland by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For those without insurance in their home country, as well as non-EU citizens, they cano sign an insurance agreement with the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ) for a monthly fee of €9. Furthermore, citizens of the U.K., Sweden, and Slovakia enjoy free medical care under bilateral agreements. Lastly, Czech students benefit from necessary medical care in cases of sudden illness or accidents through an agreement with the Czech Republic.
