Study Engineering in Poland for International Students

In the heart of Europe, Poland stands as a beacon of academic excellence, particularly in the field of engineering. As an increasingly popular destination for international students seeking quality education, Poland offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge technological advancements. In this guide, we delve into why choosing Poland as your study destination for engineering could be your passport to unparalleled academic and professional growth. We’ll take a look as well into the numerous opportunities that await aspiring engineers on the campuses of Polish universities. Join us on a journey through a country where tradition meets innovation, and engineering dreams take flight.

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Is Poland Good for Studying Engineering?

Embarking on a journey of engineering studies in Poland promises a unique and enriching academic experience. Poland, with its rich academic tradition dating back to 1364, boasts the renowned Jagiellonian University, a testimony to the country’s commitment to education.

As a modern and dynamic member of the European Union, Poland stands among the world’s 25 most developed economies, emphasizing the significance it places on education. The country’s higher education system aligns seamlessly with international standards. In fact, Poland applies the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to facilitate credit transfers globally.

Moreover, quality is paramount in Poland’s education system, with regular evaluations ensuring a high standard. Notably, Polish diplomas hold recognition within the European Union and worldwide. The success of Polish university teams in the University Rover Challenge, an international robotics competition, underscores the country’s prowess in engineering and technology.

When it comes to specializations, universities in Poland offer a diverse array of engineering disciplines, from architecture to nanotechnology. This provides students with a comprehensive education. What also sets Poland apart is not only the competitive tuition fees, but also the significantly lower cost of living, making it an attractive destination for international students.

Beyond academics, Poland offers a high quality of life. Rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and a welcoming atmosphere contribute to an overall positive student experience. Studying in Poland opens the door to a genuine European experience, exposing students to diverse cultures and fostering a challenging yet friendly atmosphere for successful higher education.

Read here about the compelling reasons to choose Poland for higher education.

Study Engineering in Poland: Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

To be able to study a bachelor’s degree in engineering in Poland, applicants must have:

Completed 11 years of formal education attested by a 10+2 certificate of school-leaving or a high school diploma
A letter of acceptance from a university of technology in Poland
Passed as major subjects Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics
Passed the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)
A Medical certificate stating that the student is in a good health condition (HIV and COVID-19)
Passed a IELTS/TOEFL exam to prove their ability to follow lectures and courses in the English language
A valid passport

Here are the common documents to provide for admission to an engineering program in Poland:

Completed application form
IELTS / TOEFL scorecard
JEE scorecard
Scanned copy of all academic records documents needed, based on the eligibility criteria and those needed for the specific engineering program
Copy of passport
Academic resume or CV
Passport size photographs (8)
Bank statement of the past 6 months to prove financial means
Proof of paid receipt
Negative COVID-19 and HIV report
Health insurance
Any other specific document required by the university

Get also additional info in our guide on university application in Poland.

How Many Years is Engineering in Poland?

Poland adheres to the Bologna Process guidelines in European higher education. The country therefore implements a three-cycle degree system along with the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). Polish engineering and technology degrees are automatically recognized in the European Union. Moreover, engineering studies in Poland usually take place at a University of Applied Sciences or a technical university.

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

The Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng. or BE) is an undergraduate degree in Engineering Sciences, typically taking 3–4 years. It is academically equivalent to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), commonly awarded by technical universities. International B.Eng. programs focus on applying mathematics, scientific principles, and modern technologies to solve engineering problems. Also, students develop problem-solving skills, analytical approaches. Moreover, they conduct research, culminating in the writing of an Engineering research paper to graduate.

Master of engineering (M.Eng. or ME)

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng. or ME) is a specialized postgraduate degree. It requires 1–2 years of study in Engineering Sciences. It is academically equal to a Master of Science and Master of Arts but is commonly awarded by universities of applied sciences or technology. M.Eng. programs focus on developing highly specialized skills for students to become professional engineers. Programs encompass theoretical courses, assignments, and industrial placements for practical experience. Graduation mandates a final project, where students apply accumulated knowledge to solve complex engineering problems.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Poland?

Polish students, EU/EEA students as well as students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka) don’t have to pay tuition fees. Foreign students, on the other hand, pay a quite reasonable cost for their engineering education. Engineering study fees in Poland vary from a university to another. However, the average cost for a bachelor and a master’s degree in the field of engineering is between EUR 2,000 and EUR 7,000 per year. PhD’s students, on the other hand, receive a scholarship without a tuition charge.

Check here our breaking out of the living and study cost in Poland.

Study Engineering in Poland in English

One of the significant advantages of studying engineering in Poland is the availability of English-taught programs. This eliminates language barriers and ensures that international students can seamlessly integrate into the academic environment without the need for extensive language preparation. There are currently 23 universities of technology in Poland, and most of them offer various engineering programs in English. And to enroll in an engineering program, applicants must provide their IELTS/TOEFL score to prove their proficiency in the English language.

Top Engineering Universities in Poland for International Students

Here are some of the best universities in Poland where you can study engineering:

Check also our list of the top universities in Poland for international students.

Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice

The Silesian University of Technology (SUT), traces its roots back to 1945. As a public university of technology, SUT boasts a rich tradition of nearly 75 years, combining cutting-edge education with world-changing research initiatives. With a commitment to providing the best student experience, SUT offers a comprehensive study portfolio encompassing engineering, technology, IT, and architecture. Classes take place in state-of-the-art laboratories and lecture halls with highly qualified academic teachers.

SUT places a strong emphasis on research and development, addressing the challenges of the modern world. Beyond academics, the university nurtures entrepreneurship in its students, with the Student Career Office facilitating job placements and business ventures. SUT’s pivotal role in new technologies and innovations is underscored by its close collaboration with industry, solidifying its status as a key player in shaping the future of technology and science.

Number of faculties: 13
Programs: 50+
Programs in English : 32 including civil engineering, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering to name just a few
Total number of students: More than 20,000
Number of international students: Over 300 from 40+ countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan

Visit the university’s website for more details.

AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków

Established in 1913, the AGH University of Science and Technology (AGH UST) in Krakow stands as one of the oldest, largest, and most esteemed technical universities in Poland. Boasting the highest position among all Polish universities in the ARWU World Top 500 Candidates ranking, AGH UST has solidified its reputation as a global academic powerhouse.

Moreover, the university excels in the fields of Mining & Mineral Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering. It has secured a position in the Top 30 and Top 100, respectively, in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2018. Additionally, AGH UST holds accreditation from the American organization ABET for its Mechatronic Engineering program conducted in English.

Moreover, the university is dedicated to providing up-to-date education for engineers across various technological disciplines. They put a strong emphasis on exact sciences that serve as the foundation for applied sciences, increasingly incorporating social sciences and humanities.

Number of faculties: 16
Programs: 60+
Programs in English : 17 including mechatronic engineering, mining engineering, and Computer Aided Process engineering
Total number of students: 30,000
Number of international students: Over 600 from 51 countries including Belarus, Mongolia, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Ukraine

Visit AGH UST’s website for more details.

Warsaw University of Technology

Warsaw University of Technology (Politechnika Warsawska – WUT) started to exist in 1915. And it stands as a pioneering institution and a cornerstone of technical education in Poland. As one of the oldest and largest public technical universities in the country, WUT has consistently claimed the top spot in its category in the ranking of Polish universities. Moreover, renowned for its forward-thinking approach, the university is a hub where high-quality education converges with world-class research and innovation.

WUT’s rich history includes the groundbreaking work of physicist Mieczysław Wolfke, a professor at the university and a forerunner of holography and television. Another notable alumnus, Henryk Władysław Magnuski, a telecommunications engineer, invented the first Walkie-Talkie radio, contributing significantly to the success of Motorola during WWII. WUT offers a diverse array of study programs covering various engineering fields, supported by advanced scientific research.

Number of faculties: 20
Programs: 50
Programs in English : 34 including electrical engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering and aerospace engineering
Total number of students: over 28,000
Number of international students: Over 1,700 from 94 countries including Belarus, China, India, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine

Learn more on the official website of WUT.

Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Politechnika Wroclawska – WUST) stands as one of Poland’s leading technical universities, especially for those pursuing engineering studies. Established in 1945, WUST is an innovation pioneer, consistently submitting over 100 patent applications annually for new inventions and utility models.

As one of Wrocław’s largest employers, the university has a dedicated staff exceeding a few thousand, with over two thousand academic teachers. Also, it’s important to realize that WUST’s research quality is unparalleled. It features twelve accredited laboratories and a recent $250 million investment in cutting-edge research equipment and instrumentation.

The Huffington Post recognizes WUST’s campus as one of the world’s 15 most beautiful. With 150 scientific societies, cultural sections, and organizations for a rich learning environment. And lastly, WUST offers an exceptional setting for engineering education. This includes over 400 lecture rooms and workrooms, 500 educational laboratories, and 120 computer laboratories.

Number of faculties: 13
Programs: 45
Programs in English : 42 including electronic and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical nano-engineering, automotive engineering
Total number of students: over 26,000
Number of international students: Over 1,100 from 69 countries including Angola, Belarus, India, Russia, Spain, Ukraine

Find out more on WUST’s website.

Poznan University of Technology

Boasting a century-long legacy in technical education (established in 1919), Politechnika Poznanska or PUT has solidified its reputation as a premier choice for both domestic and international students. The university stands out for offering a comprehensive range of B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs conducted entirely in English. This ensures a modern and relevant curriculum.

With state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and an extensive library, PUT provides an optimal learning environment. Moreover, the university takes pride in its commitment to affordability. The institution therefore provides free education for EU students and reasonable tuition fees for non-EU citizens.

PUT’s mission revolves around nurturing a highly skilled workforce, fostering technological innovations, and conducting world-class research. Whether you aspire to pursue an undergraduate degree or advance your expertise at the graduate or doctoral level, PUT’s diverse study options cater to students at every academic stage.

Number of faculties: 10
Programs: 33
Programs in English : 19 including sustainable building engineering, civil engineering – construction engineering and management, software engineering among others
Total number of students: over 15,000
Number of international students: Over 500 from 60 countries Belarus, India, Pakistan, Turkey Ukraine

Find out more by visiting the institution’s website.

Other high-profile universities of technology for engineering studies in Poland

Gdańsk University of Technology
Rzeszów University of Technology
West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin
Cracow University of Technology
Łódź University of Technology
Opole University of Technology

Conclusion

In conclusion, embarking on an educational journey in engineering is a pivotal decision. And selecting the right destination can shape your future success. Therefore, choosing Poland as your destination for engineering studies is a strategic move towards a successful and fulfilling career. With world-class universities, technological advancements, a multicultural learning environment, affordability, English-taught programs, ample job opportunities, and an exceptional quality of life, Poland stands as an ideal choice for those aspiring to excel in the field of engineering.