Poland has quietly become one of Europe’s best-value study destinations. It offers 500+ English-taught degree programmes, tuition fees far below the UK or the US, and a government scholarship system that genuinely covers costs for students from developing countries. This guide covers the universities, the real fees, the scholarships, the living costs, the visa steps, and how to apply for the 2026–27 academic year.
Why Study in Poland?
Poland sits in the centre of Europe, its universities are centuries old, and its degrees are recognised across the EU. The University of Warsaw ranks around #271 and Jagiellonian University in Kraków around #303 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and both teach large numbers of programmes entirely in English. For most non-EU students, a full year at a public university costs €2,000–€6,000 in tuition — roughly a third of what the same degree costs in Western Europe. Add low living costs, safe student cities, and a post-study residence route, and the value is hard to ignore.
Top Universities in Poland for International Students
These are the names to start with. Check each university’s own admissions page for the exact 2026–27 fees, because every university sets its own prices.
University of Warsaw
Poland’s largest university, in the capital. Strong in business, law, international relations, and the sciences, with 70+ English-taught programmes. Business and Management costs around €4,000 a year for non-EU students in 2026–27.
Jagiellonian University, Kraków
Founded in 1364, one of the oldest universities in the world. Famous for medicine, sciences, and European studies. English-taught medicine is expensive (see the fees section), but most other programmes sit in the normal €2,000–€6,000 band.
Warsaw University of Technology
The first choice for engineering, computer science, and aerospace. Around 50 English-taught programmes, with computer science near €3,200 a year.
AGH University of Kraków
A technical university with strong mining, IT, and engineering programmes. Some of the lowest fees in the country — certain engineering programmes start near €1,250–€3,000 per semester.
University of Wrocław and Poznań Universities
Good, affordable options outside the two big cities, with growing English-taught lists and lower rents than Warsaw or Kraków.
Tuition Fees in Poland: What You Will Actually Pay
Poland’s official Study in Poland portal puts average tuition for non-EU students at about €2,000 a year for undergraduate programmes and about €3,000 a year for postgraduate programmes, with most programmes falling in the €2,000–€6,000 range. Two things change that picture. First, medicine is a different world: English-taught MD programmes cost roughly €13,700–€16,000 a year — €82,200 to €96,000 over the full six years — so always ask for the six-year total, not just the yearly figure. Second, Polish-taught programmes at public universities are free, but only for Polish citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and holders of the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka). English-taught programmes always carry tuition, whatever your nationality. Doctoral schools at public universities charge no tuition at all and come with a scholarship.
If you are comparing destinations, our breakdown of what study abroad really costs shows how to build a budget before you commit: Purdue Study Abroad Cost: Real Budget Breakdown by Program.
Scholarships in Poland for International Students
This is where Poland beats most of Europe. The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) runs the government scholarship system, and its flagship is the Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme for Master’s students from developing countries. In the 2026 call it covered a full tuition waiver at public universities, a monthly stipend of PLN 2,500, and a one-time travel allowance of PLN 2,500. Citizens of 36 eligible countries can apply, the call usually opens early in the year, and the 2026 call closed on 8 May 2026 — so watch NAWA’s own page for the next call rather than trusting any blog’s dates, including this one. Amounts and deadlines change every year.
Two warnings. First, the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship, which many blogs still advertise as open, is listed by NAWA under its closed programmes — check NAWA directly before you spend time on it. Second, the EU’s Erasmus+ programme and individual university merit awards are worth checking alongside NAWA, especially if you are already studying in Europe.
General scholarship tactics still apply in Poland: narrow, specific awards have far less competition than the famous ones, so read our guide on how to find niche scholarships with low competition. And if your grades are not perfect, do not rule yourself out — our guide to applying for a scholarship with a low GPA explains how to present your profile honestly and where to look.
Living Costs in Poland
The Polish government estimates €330–€430 a month for living costs, but that figure assumes dormitory accommodation. Realistically, budget €500–€800 a month in Warsaw or Kraków and less in smaller cities like Wrocław or Poznań. All in, most international students spend €7,000–€14,000 a year including tuition. Rent is the biggest variable: a dorm bed is far cheaper than a private flat, so apply for university housing the moment you are admitted. Food, transport, and student discounts keep daily costs low — a monthly transport pass in Warsaw is a fraction of London or Paris prices.
How to Apply to Study in Poland (Step by Step)
- Choose your programme. Use the official Study in Poland portal to filter English-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, then shortlist 3–5 universities.
- Check the requirements. Most universities ask for your school certificate, proof of English at B2 level (a rule tightened for non-EU applicants since July 2025), and sometimes an entrance exam. Some countries’ school certificates need NAWA pre-verification — check this early, it takes time.
- Apply through each university’s own portal. Poland has no single central application system; you apply to each university separately, usually between February and July for an October start.
- Get your admission letter, then apply for a visa. Non-EU students need a Polish National Visa (Type D) from the Polish consulate in their country, then a temporary residence permit after arrival. Check the Polish government site for current visa information.
- Apply for scholarships in parallel. NAWA calls run on their own timetable — do not wait for admission to start the scholarship application.
- Arrange housing and insurance. Apply for a dorm place immediately, and make sure your health insurance covers you from day one.
FAQs
Is studying in Poland free for international students?
No. Polish-taught programmes at public universities are free only for Polish citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and Karta Polaka holders. Non-EU students pay tuition, typically €2,000–€6,000 a year for most programmes, except medicine.
Which is the best scholarship in Poland for international students?
The NAWA Stefan Banach Scholarship is the flagship: full tuition waiver plus a monthly stipend (PLN 2,500 in the 2026 call) for Master’s students from eligible developing countries. Always confirm the current call on NAWA’s official site.
Do I need to know Polish to study in Poland?
No. There are 500+ English-taught programmes, and you need proof of English at B2 level. Learning basic Polish helps daily life and part-time work, and NAWA offers preparatory language courses for some scholarship holders.
How much does it cost to live in Poland as a student?
Budget €500–€800 a month in big cities and less elsewhere. Total annual cost, including tuition, is typically €7,000–€14,000.
When should I apply?
University applications usually run February–July for an October start. Scholarship calls are separate — NAWA’s main calls open early in the year, so start checking from January.
The Bottom Line
Poland works best for students who want a recognised European degree without Western European prices. Pick your universities from the official portal, budget with the real six-year figure if you are considering medicine, apply for NAWA scholarships the moment calls open, and get your documents verified early. Do that, and Poland is one of the most affordable doors into Europe.
Fees, stipends, and deadlines change every year. Verify every figure on the university’s or NAWA’s official page before you apply.
