Study In Poland

STUDY IN POLAND

WHY CHOOSE POLAND?
REQUIREMENTS
LIVING
COURSES
INSTITUTES
WHY CHOOSE POLAND?

WHY STUDY IN POLAND?

Reasons to Study in Poland

Situated in Central Europe, Poland is famous for its diverse culture, serene beauty and famously referred to as the Land of Pierogi and Potatoes! The Polish capital Warsaw is a bustling metropolitan city rooted in Polish culture as well as the hustle of cosmopolitans. Poland also has the sixth-largest economy in the European Union with the largest stock exchange in the East-Central European zone. Apart from its rich history, culture and economy, Poland also attracts the attention of students because of their top-class academic institutions, vibrant culture and relevantly cheaper education in comparison to the other parts of Europe.

1. Advanced Quality Of Education

Home to more than 450 higher education institutions, Poland is one of the most popular study destinations in Europe. One of the top reasons to study in Poland is the internationally famed Polish education system follows the standards set by the Bologna process and thus the degrees earned are recognized internationally. With innumerable short-term and full-time programs on offer, Polish academic institutions emphasize on the essentiality of gaining practical knowledge, creative skills and exposure over theoretical knowledge. Some of the top universities in Poland are:

University of Warsaw

Warsaw University of Technology

Nicholas Copernicus University

Jagiellonian University

2. Affordable Tuition Costs

Poland is considered a cheaper and affordable option amongst international students when compared with other study destinations in Europe. The high quality of education exceeds the costs which makes Poland one of the great options for pursuing studies. The average fees vary from private universities to public universities but more or less it ranges between 1000 euros to 4000 euros per year. The affordable cost of studying is another major reason to study in Poland as it offers economical education when compared with top study abroad destinations like Australia, the USA, France, etc.

3. Vibrant Culture

Poland is home to a rich and glorious culture which is a core part of the Western civilization and the country’s great leaders and personalities have contributed massively to art, music, philosophy, science and literature. Amongst the top reasons to study in Poland is the amazing opportunity to delve deeper into Polish culture which is a wonderful combination of influences from Germanic, Hungarian, Latinate as well as Ottoman cultures, amongst others.

The country warm-heartedly welcomes people from all around the world and has always given precedence to cultural advancement over political and economic activities. This makes Poland a great place to enjoy different cultures.

4. Economical Living Costs

Living costs can also be a crucial factor in choosing a study destination abroad and when it comes to Europe, the living expenses are quite high. But Poland offers economical costs of living without compromising its quality and standards. The rent rates and travel tickets are relatively cheaper. You can easily rent a flat for anywhere between 100 to 200 euros. Public transport also provides cheap tickets. So, this is another prominent reason to study in Poland and experience a European country without going out of your budget.

5. Student Life

Amongst the preferred reasons to study in Poland is its scintillating student life that international students fall in love with! While the country’s education system has its core focus on practical learning and creative skills, it is ensured that students get to explore its bustling cities, cosmopolitan vibes as well as cultural fests around the year! You can immerse in the happening nightlife, parties, music festivals and many more. The country is full of bars, clubs, restaurants, wine bars and many other fun places to hang out with friends. There is also a globally popular festival called Juvenilia which is celebrated with costumes, concerts and many other fun activities and is exclusively hosted for students and youth of the country.

6. Hospitality

Hospitality is one of the most important aspects of Polish culture and the locals are incredibly jolly and happy people you can easily mingle with. Polish people never back out of an opportunity to ask anyone out to dinner or give them a proper tour of the city they are in. This is also one of the best reasons to study in Poland as the locals are warm and lively people who can help you adjust to a new place and make you feel right at home there!

7. Growing Educational Sector

The universities offer a wide range of English-taught courses to international students and the educational sector itself has been expanded tremendously since the last few years. The national government has made steady investments in the education sector. The oldest academic institutions in Poland go back to 1364 and are regarded amongst the top universities in the world! Another core mention amongst the top reasons to study in Poland, the country’s educational sector is continuously growing with plentiful research opportunities offered to students from around the world. Poland has also invested in over 2000 scientific centres which have been modernized to provide exposure to the practical skills to their students. Their investments in unconventional learning programs have proved to be really effective for their students to help them learn the modern age skills.

8. Scholarships

Poland provides a plethora of government-aided as well as university scholarships to the EU as well as the Non-EU students. There is a large number of institutions that provide scholarships through government, foundations and even universities themselves. There are a variety of scholarship programs available including programs for the citizens of developing nations and most of them are offered by the eastern European partnership countries. So, this is another essential reason to study in Poland as you can avail plentiful scholarships to pursue higher studies there!

9. Delicious Cuisines

Poland is home to one of the most healthy and rich cuisines in the European union. Poland has given rise to the culture of consuming healthy and organic products only. Kuchnia polska style of food preparation is widely popular in Poland. Polish cuisines have also been influenced by other central European cuisines specifically from Hungarian cuisine, Austrian and many more as well. One of the exciting reasons to study in Poland is that you can explore the amazing Polish cuisine which is glorious with history and filled with amazing flavors!

10. Aesthetic Cities

Student life is not only about staying inside campus premises but it is also about getting out and exploring the new country! Poland is one of the most beautiful places in Europe and has really beautiful and mesmerizing cities. From Krakow’s gothic church to the Tatra mountains of Zakopane, the whole country is filled with amazing attractions as well as striking places you can explore on weekends!

REQUIREMENTS

REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY IN POLAND

The first and basic step for any potential student who wants to study in Poland is that you need to have graduated from at least high school, which enables you to pursue further education at an academic level. Secondly, you need to obtain permission to legally reside in Poland during the period of your studies. Finally, depending on your chosen language of study, you need to submit a proof of language proficiency certificate indicating your accurate knowledge of the language, be it English or Polish.

Education

To study in Poland, you are required to have completed a secondary level education and have a school leaving certificate confirming you are eligible to apply to university. Possession of further certificate examinations such as the International Baccalaureate or English Baccalaureate will qualify you to freely apply for undergraduate studies at a Polish university.

If, however, you only possess an equivalent qualification from your home country, this document needs to be legally recognised at one of the Polish diplomatic outposts or another appropriate institution. Legalization refers to certifying that your diploma is in compliance with the law of the country it was issued in. Thereafter, you have to verify its compliance with Polish law. This process of granting recognition of a degree from a foreign academic instituition is called nostrification.

Similarly, in order to be accepted for postgraduate studies, you need to present an undergraduate diploma from a Polish institution or an overseas equivalent, also recognized in Poland. You are obliged to present the nostrification of your foreign diploma to a Polish University by the end of the first term.

Student Visa

The procedures to apply for a student visa vary depending on the country you come from. However, some of the requirements remain the same for all the countries and they include:

A filled-in visa application form

Valid passport

Official letter of acceptance to a school in Poland

A short CV

Your school certificates and diplomas

Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study

Confirmation of having funds for studying and living in Poland

Health insurance

Passport photograph

Residence Permit

Another condition you need to fulfill to be able to study in Poland is to legalize your stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. If you are a European Union (EU) citizen and you would like to stay longer than three months in Poland, you need to register your stay in the country. If you are a non-EU citizen, you need to obtain a visa at a Polish consulate in your home country before your arrival in Poland. Once in Poland, in order to prolong your stay, you need to apply for a Temporary Stay Card – karta czasowego pobytu – 45 days before your visa expires.

Health and Security

Moreover, if you decide to study in Poland, you need to obtain a doctor’s certificate confirming that you can freely undertake study in the field of your choice. Additionally, you need to be insured during your total stay in Poland. The health service in Poland is not free to public and therefore you should hold an insurance policy in the event of an illness or an accident. If you are a EU citizen and possess an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can take advantage of Polish health services free of charge. If, however, you do not have such a card, you can buy health insurance in the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) for about 40 PLN per month. Based on the bilateral country agreement the citizens of Great Britain, Sweden and Slovakia, can take advantage of Polish health services free of charge, while Czech students can use it in case of an emergency or a sudden illness.

Language

You do not have to be fluent in Polish in order to begin studies in Poland. The knowledge of English, French or German suffices. In order to apply for a given course, you will need to present a document confirming your knowledge of a foreign language at a sufficient level to participate in the classes. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, you would have to have one of the following certificates: FCE, CAE or CPE for studies in English, DEFL B2 for studies in French or Zertificat Deutsch Plus 3 for German studies. Some Universities do not require certificates as they conduct their own language tests as part of their admission procedure. You can find out in the individual course’s description whether such exams are part of the admission procedures or if a certificate suffices.

LIVING

LIVING IN POLAND

Want to live in Poland?

Expats in Poland experience a typically European way of life for a fraction of the price. Having greater disposable income means you can take full advantage of all the great things Poland has to offer.

Poland’s infrastructure is developing at an impressive rate. Transport networks are extensive and private healthcare is affordable. Housing standards are also high. The country does present a few challenges to expats, and these include the significant language barrier and complex bureaucracy.

Accommodation in Poland

The standard of housing in Poland has certainly improved over the years. While you’ll still find Soviet-style apartment buildings, there are now a greater number of options, especially in the bigger cities where you’ll find everything from large houses with gardens to well-equipped duplexes and modern penthouses.

While both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Poland, unfurnished options are easier to come by. Accommodation will generally come equipped with basic appliances such as a stove, fridge and dishwasher. Rental agreements are negotiable, but it’s difficult to find a lease for less than a year. Utilities are not usually included in the rental price, so you’ll need to budget for those as well as the security deposit, which is usually the equivalent of one to three months’ rent.

Online sources and daily Polish newspapers can be useful resources but, unless you’re able to understand the language, finding property will be a challenge. Although they charge a fee, using an estate agent will help remove much of the stress.

Local culture in Poland

Poland may seem conservative to some new arrivals, so keeping an open mind is key as you adjust to the unique local customs. While Poland is not as cosmopolitan as other popular expat destinations, life in its major urban hubs is becoming more dynamic as a result of tourism and a growing expat presence.

Polish is a notoriously difficult language to learn. While younger Poles are more likely to speak English, you’ll benefit from learning basic Polish phrases. Thankfully, the locals are very accommodating and will help people trying to learn their language.

You’ll probably also find the bureaucratic hurdles quite a challenge in Poland. From getting a visa to setting up a business, the paperwork can seem overwhelming, so it’s best to get some help from a local advisor who can also help you with the language barrier.

Catholicism is deeply intertwined with Polish culture and society, and religious festivals are often marked by a public holiday. If visiting a church, you’ll be expected to behave respectfully and dress appropriately.

Education in Poland

While the Polish education system is steadily improving and the number of schooling options growing, the language barrier poses an additional challenge for children who are adjusting to life in a new country. Many expats therefore prefer to have their children attend an international school.

Public schools

All children in Poland are entitled to attend public school for free. However, as classes are taught in Polish, public schools aren’t a feasible option for most expat children.

Private schools

There are a few private schools in Poland that operate partly on funding from parents, religious orders or other organisations. Fees tend be quite high and the teaching language is either Polish or minority languages such as Ukrainian or Lithuanian.

International schools

In major cities such as Warsaw and Krakow, you’ll find international schools catering for various nationalities including American, British, German, French and Japanese. International schools are the most suitable option for expat children, as they allow them to study the national curriculum from home, but fees are high, and places are limited so you’ll need to apply early.

Keeping in touch in Poland

Mobile network coverage in Poland is very good. The four main mobile providers are T-Mobile, Orange, Plus and Play, which all offer both competitive contract packages and pay-as-you-go deals.

Broadband, cable and WiFi are widely available. The main service providers, Orange, UPC and T-Mobile, offer a range of packages, some of which combine telephone and TV in addition to internet access.

Some Polish publications cater exclusively for English speakers. These include magazines and newspapers such as Poland Today and The Warsaw Voice.

Healthcare in Poland

Poland has both public and private healthcare options. Expats working in Poland are entitled to use the public system as they contribute towards it through deductions from their earnings, but it’s advisable to have a private health insurance policy as well.

Public healthcare, funded by the National Health Fund (NFZ), is adequate but not on par with standards in Western Europe or North America. It lacks some creature comforts and waiting lists can be long. Emergency services are also prone to delays, especially outside the major cities, so it is best to try and get private transport to the hospital if possible. Private healthcare can be used in conjunction with the public system and allows people to avoid long waiting times and bureaucracy. While private healthcare is affordable in small doses, continuous treatment can get expensive, so you’ll need private health insurance cover.

If you’re working in Poland, it will be your employer’s responsibility to apply for public health insurance on your behalf, which will then allow you to access free health services. EU nationals with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are also entitled to free public healthcare.

Pharmacies are found across the country, with some open 24/7. A wide selection of over-the-counter medicines are readily available, but you’ll probably find that these are more expensive in Poland than in other EU countries.

Getting around in Poland

Transport options in Poland are quite extensive, so you won’t find travelling around the country at all difficult, whether you choose to drive or make use of public transport.

Road conditions in Poland are good, but snow and ice in the winter can be hazardous. By law, you are required to drive with your headlights on regardless of the time of day. EU citizens can use their existing licence, but other expats will need an international licence, which will need to be converted to a Polish licence within the first six months of living in the country.

Poland also boasts an extensive intercity bus system, which will allow you to travel to places that aren’t serviced by trains. Tickets are reasonably priced and can be bought at kiosks or from the bus drivers.

An extensive and efficient rail network runs local and regional services and there are options to suit various budgets. Trains can also be used to travel to neighbouring Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic and Austria. Tickets can be bought at station kiosks, but if you are travelling on a popular route, you’d be better off booking ahead of time.

Cost of living in Poland

Poland has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, though daily expenses are significantly higher in larger cities such as Warsaw and Krakow.

While salaries are relatively low compared to other European expat destinations, if you’re moving to Poland with a family, you’ll find that school fees and childcare are very reasonable.

COURSES