University of Technology in Poland
- AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow
- Bialystok University of Technology
- Czestochowa University of Technology
- Gdansk University of Technology
- Kazimierz Pułaski Technical University of Radom
- Kielce University of Technology
- Koszalin University of Technology
- Lodz University of Technology
- Lublin University of Technology
- Opole University of Technology
- Poznan University of Technology
- Rzeszow University of Technology
- Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice
- Tadeusz Kosciuszko Cracow University of Technology
- University of Bielsko-Biala
- Warsaw University of Technology
- West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin
- Wrocław University of Technology
Tuition fees and Scholarships
Full-time studies (in the Polish language) at the state Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens (see: define your status). These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka). All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:
EUR 2000 per year for the first, second and long cycle studies,
EUR 3000 per year for postgraduate as well as scientific, arts, specialist and post-doctoral internships,
EUR 2000 per year for an annual preparatory Polish language course to commence studies in Polish
Fees at public and non-public HEIs are established by the institution itself under the condition that they cannot be lower than the costs of the education process. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program (for MBA programs: about EUR 8000-12,000 per year).
Please take note that actual fees and specific study conditions are described in the framework agreement between individual institutions or between the student and the given university.
!!! Doctoral colleges are a notable exception, as not only do they offer tuition-free education but also provide a scholarship for all doctoral candidates in a full-time programme.
ERASMUS+
Erasmus+ is the European Union (EU) programme which supports projects, partnerships, events and mobility in the areas of education, training, youth and sport. The Programme, which runs from 2014 to 2020, provides funding opportunities for cooperation in all these areas, both among European countries and between European countries and Partner Countries throughout the world.
Erasmus+ Higher Education is mainly a student exchange programme which also includes work placements in companies abroad and academic staff mobility. It operates in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ Programme which continues the good tradition of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) and involves all EU countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey. Erasmus+ Higher Education allows students to undertake a part of their studies in another country without additional costs of tuition, registration or examination. Students obtain a scholarship that covers the costs of living abroad. The time spent studying abroad as well as the courses completed in accordance with the rules of the Programme have to be accepted by the home institution. In comparison with the LLP the ERASMUS+ Higher Education Programme offers a new option of graduate mobility for the purpose of practical training or work placement.
The Erasmus+ Programme has been developed by the EU’s European Commission and is implemented by the Executive Agency for Education, Audiovisual and Culture (EACEA) in Brussels and the National Agencies (NAs) located in each of the 33 Programme Countries. The institution that has been appointed as the Polish National Agency of Erasmus+ Programme is the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. The Foundation’s main aim is support, in its broad sense, for activities serving the development of education in Poland.
For more information on Erasmus+ Programme check the FRSE website www.frse.org.pl and www.erasmusplus.org.pl/in-poland/ or the European Commission website: www.ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/index_en.htm
Scholarships within bilateral agreements
There are many scholarships available within limits defined in bilateral agreements. They are financed either by the Polish or the foreign partner's government, often within the aim to enhance exchange within a specific field of study. The amount of a scholarship depends on the type of research undertaken. You can find more information on the website of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/
CEEPUS exchange programme with Central and Eastern Europe
CEEPUS is an acronym for "Central European Exchange Program for University Studies".
The CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies) is a multilateral exchange programme with Central and Eastern Europe. It is a transnational Central European university network that provides a platform for individual subject-specific networks. At present, CEEPUS unites universities from 16 Central and Eastern European countries (Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary,Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, Prishtina/Kosovo is also participating) within networks consisting of at least three higher education institutions from at least two different contractual countries. Student exchange within CEEPUS lasts from 3 to 10 months. Within a network incoming students are exempted from paying tuition fees and receive a comprehensive grant from the host country which depends on the living costs in the country. To be eligible for scholarships, exchange students have to be nationals of a CEEPUS country. Further information including a list of the current networks can be found at www.ceepus.info
Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program
The program is addressed to university graduates from Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who already have at least two years of professional experience, and are determined to be actively involved in the development of democracy, economy and civil society in their countries and the region. The program offers a two-semester supplementary studies in the fields of economics and management, administration/management (business, NGOs, culture, environment, health), public administration (state and local), law, social sciences (sociology, social psychology), political science and international relations, development policy and humanitarian aid. Studies are supplemented by at least a two-week internship at Polish institutions. For more information, please visit: www.kirkland.edu.pl
Visegrad Scholarship Programme
The International Visegrad Fund offers Master and Post-Master scholarships awarded to selected students for 1 or 2 semesters (for MA scholarships within the In-Coming scheme 1- to 4-semester scholarships can be awarded). Citizens of the following countries and territories can apply: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. On applying all applicants must have completed at least 4 semesters of university studies. There are various scholarship schemes available. Further information is accessible on the Visegrad Fund website: http://visegradfund.org/scholarships/
Scholarships for citizens from developing countries
The Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (Polish: Narodowa Agencja Wymiany Akademickiej – NAWA within the framework of Polish Development Assistance. The patron of the Programme is Ignacy Åukasiewicz, an outstanding Polish inventor, pharmacist, pioneer of the oil industry and the creator of the kerosene lamp. The Programme aim is to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries (excluding European and Central Asian countries) through raising the level of knowledge and education of their citizens.Scholarship holders will be first recruited from the following countries: Angola, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Peru, The Republic of South Africa, The Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam. Participation in the Programme enable to undertake tuition-free 2nd cycle studies (Master degree studies) at public universities in Poland supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, in the following areas of study: engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, sciences and natural sciences. Second cycle degree programmes are preceded by a preparatory course to facilitate undertaking studies in Poland, which is also covered by the scholarship. The preparatory course is aimed at teaching the scholarship holders the Polish language, familiarising them with Polish culture and introducing them to subjects related to the course of their future studies. Participating in The Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a good path for those who would like to improve their intercultural competences. Not only does it give a possibility to become familiar with the Polish culture, but also is a great opportunity to join the multicultural network. Candidates are selected on the basis of the calls for proposals announced on the annual basis. Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login.Information for applicants. Phone: +48 22-390-35-78 Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login. For more information check the website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/
The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme aims to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries by improving the knowledge and education of the citizens of Eastern Partnership, Central Asian and Western Balkan countries. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), implemented as part of the Polish development assistance programme. The Programme’s patron is Stefan Banach – an eminent Polish mathematician, the co-founder of the Lviv School of Mathematics and the branch of mathematics known as functional analysis. The Programme offers an opportunity to pursue second-cycle studies in the full-time mode in the field of engineering and technical, agricultural, applied and life sciences at public and non-public universities subordinate to the Minister of Science and Higher Education, benefiting from an exemption from public university fees and a monthly Scholarship from NAWA in the statutory period of studying in Poland. The Scholarship offer is addressed to the citizens of countries identified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as having priority status for the Programme: Belarus, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, as well as the following Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Serbia. The candidates shall be qualified under the competition procedure, based on the results of an interview conducted by an Evaluation Committee appointed by the Director of NAWA, composed of the academic researchers representing Polish higher education institutions. The candidates themselves select the university and the field of study, based on the educational offer of Polish higher education institutions. Application process for the Ignacy Åukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is operated by NAWA’s ICT system, available at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login. For more information check the website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/
Fulbright Program
The Fulbright Program is a program of highly competitive, merit-based grants for international educational exchange for students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists, founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Under the Fulbright Program, competitively selected US citizens may become eligible for scholarships to study, conduct research, or exercise their talents abroad and citizens of other countries may qualify to do the same in the United States.
The Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious awards programs worldwide, operating in over 155 countries. In Poland it was initiated in 1959 and as of today it is one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe as well as the most prestigious and continuous academic exchange program between Poland and the United States.
With contributions from both governments the Fulbright Program in Poland is administered by the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission. Through its various exchange programs the commission supports studies, research, instruction, and other educational activities of American and Polish educators, scholars, and institutions; it also administers visits and exchanges between the United States and Poland for students, trainees, scholars, teachers, instructors, and professors.
Detailed information about current programs available for US citizens can be found on the commission’s website: http://fulbright.edu.pl/en/category/ grants/for-american-citizens/ or the website of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State: http://eca.state.gov/fulbright/country/poland.
Programme of Fellowships under the Polish National Commission for UNESCO
The Polish National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education carries out a programme of fellowships for young scientists from Central and Eastern European countries and developing countries.
Candidates under this programme must be post-graduates wishing to pursue their research in the Polish universities. Fellowships are of short-term type lasting from 1 to 6 months.
The fellow must carry out research in a hosting institution subordinated to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, under the auspices of an academic supervisor. Confirmation of acceptance from the academic supervisor is imperative.
A monthly research grant 1600 PLN /net/ which is approximately the equivalent of a salary paid to a local junior research fellow. Thus, all living expenses in Poland are supposed to be covered by the fellow himself.
All applications should be submitted to the Polish National Commission for UNESCO.
Card of the Pole and Residence Permit holders cannot become beneficiaries of the Fellowships Programme under the Polish National Commission for UNESCO Scheme; their applications will not be considered.
Information available at: http://www.unesco.pl/edukacja/stypendia-i- staze/program- stypendialny-pk- ds-unesco/
UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme in Engineering
The Programme started in 2012 and aims to promote capacity building and research activities in UNESCO’s Member States in the field of science and engineering. Beneficiaries of these fellowships are given the opportunity to undertake an individual research programme in the field of Science, Technology and Engineering at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow for six (6) months duration starting on 1st October.
Facilities offered by Polish Authorities:
- Free tuition and access to the university facilities
- Accommodation at the AGH UST Student Campus in Kraków
- Monthly allowance of 1600 PLN
Facilities offered by UNESCO:
- International travel expenses from the beneficiary’s country to and from Poland;
- Health insurance
This programme is offered in open competition. All applications must be channeled through the National Commission for UNESCO of the candidate's country. More information is available on the website of AGH: http://www.unesco.agh.edu.pl/en/ and UNESCO: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/fellowships
Accommodation
There are many different options for arranging student accommodation in Poland. They vary depending on the city and higher education institution you choose. Many Polish HEIs have their own dormitories, which are usually the cheapest option available. However, most Polish students prefer to rent a room in a private apartment.
The pricing of the student houses depends on the particular HEI. Usually the cost of accommodation in a dormitory ranges is around EUR 60-80 monthly for a shared room and between EUR 100-150 for a single room. However, the standard of the dormitories may differ greatly even between various student houses of the same HEI, so it’s good to do some research before the final decision. What doesn’t differ is the friendly and helpful atmosphere in the student houses.
It is quite common in Poland to rent a room in a bigger apartment. Most of the out-of-town students share flats in this way. The cost varies between cities and it depends greatly on the location of the apartment as well as the size and quality of the room. The monthly rent is usually between EUR 150 and 200. Some landlords may require a deposit of a similar amount. Don’t worry if you don’t have friends to live with. Sharing a flat with locals is an amazing opportunity: you can pay for the accommodation and get great friends for free! And if you really don’t like to share, you can find an independent apartment. The rent for the smallest, one-room apartment starts from about EUR 300 (in Warsaw).
Climate
Poland has a moderate climate with both maritime and continental elements. You can count on many sunny days and many rainy days and don’t be surprised when the summer turns out to be quite hot or quite rainy. Winters are usually cold, with temperatures well below freezing, and more or less snowy. If you come from a warmer climate, make sure you have proper clothing.
Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/
Source: http://www.worldweatheronline.com/
Health insurance
Healthcare in Poland is available for students from EU/EEA countries, provided that they hold valid medical insurance in the national insurance system of their country. A valid passport, student identity card or doctoral student identity card and a valid European Health Insurance Card (Europejska Karta Ubezpieczenia Zdrowotnego) entitles its holder to medical care free of charge in Poland. Detailed information on the health care for EU/EEA citizens can be found on the website of the National Health Fund:
If possible it is recommended that students from non-EU/EEA countries purchase their own international medical insurance prior to their arrival in Poland. Otherwise they are required to sign a voluntary health insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ) and pay their own insurance fees, which amount to about EUR 15 a month. Under this insurance scheme, students are entitled to free medical care and can use university health care clinics and health centres. Also, all foreign students have the option of purchasing additional accident insurance. For detailed information visit the website of the National Health Fund: www.nfz.gov.pl.
Transportation
Most Polish cities have well-developed networks of public transport. Depending on a city, they include buses, trams, trolley buses, trains and underground trains. It is usually a good idea to buy a long term ticket, as it’s hard to avoid public transport. Even if you manage to find accommodation close to the university, its separate faculties or facilities may not be within walking distance. Some of the cities have short-time bike rental systems that allow you to take a bike from one place to another.
Leisure
There is a wide range of leisure activities available in Poland. Whatever you enjoy, you’ll probably find it here! Those who like to be active can use one of well-equipped sport facilities or explore beautiful Polish landscapes while cycling, hiking, horse-riding, sailing, canoeing, ballooning or in any other way they want. Those who like sight-seeing should visit the churches, castles, museums and many other attractions. The culture-oriented can choose between many theatres and galleries as well as philharmonics, concerts and music clubs. There are also a number of interesting festivals organised over the year.
And after a whole day of activity you can wind down in one (or a few) of the clubs and enjoy the nightlife. For more ideas on how to spend your free time in Poland check out the website:
http://en.poland.gov.pl/Sports,and,active,leisure,8705.html
Although Poland’s landscape is predominantly made up of lowlands, it is also varied enough to cater to the needs of sea, lake and mountain enthusiasts. If you are the mountaineer type, you should go to the south of Poland, where two large mountain chains rise: the Carpathians and the Sudety Mountains. Both ranges are popular as holiday destinations; not only in the summer among hikers, but also in the winter, when snow-covered slopes wait for skiers and snowboarders. From December till March perfect weather conditions and modern skiing facilities attract both beginners and experienced skiers.
The favorite holiday resort of Poles is Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains (highest mountain range in Poland). The reason for this is not only the town’s multitude of skiing routes and over a hundred ski lifts, but, more importantly, its unique highland atmosphere and an extensive network of cosy guesthouses, luxurious villas as well as rustically- styled restaurants serving typical Polish food.
Other popular destinations of winter sports fans are: Szklarska PorÄ™ba, WisÅ‚a, and Szczyrk, the last being especially appreciated for its cable railway. If you prefer winter trekking, on the other hand, the Bieszczady range in the very southeast of Poland is where you should go. Beside winter sports, a typical attraction offered to tourists in Poland off the slope are brisk sleigh rides. Be prepared for an exciting adventure if you get a hot-blooded Polish highlander (góral) to drive your sleighs!
For more information, visit:
www.poland.gov.pl
www.polandforall.com
www.holidays.staypoland.com (sections: Holiday; Polish Mountains; Skiing)
Working
To be able to study in Poland, a non-EU/EEA students must demonstrate that they possess sufficient means to cover the costs of living in Poland. Still, some students may wish to combine studies with work. In this case, non-EU/EEA students who stay in Poland with a visa generally need to apply for a work permit, which is granted only if no EU citizen can fill the position. Some forms of work (vocational training, summer student jobs programs) do not require a permit.. All full-time students who possess a student visa or a temporary residence permit (see VISA & APPLICATION ), EU/EEA citizens and holders of the Card of the Pole do not need a work permit at all. For more information, please visit the websites of the International Organization for Migration (http://www.migrant.info.pl/home.html) or the Office for Foreigners (http://udsc.gov.pl/).
The three-month long academic holidays are a great opportunity to earn extra money and get some work experience. Admittedly, all full-time students can work all year long without a permit, but it is a good idea to find a job or an internship especially during the holidays. Some companies organise very interesting internship programs that can really help your future career. It’s definitely worth trying!
It’s not easy to work and study at the same time, but it can be done, especially if you’ve chosen evening or weekend courses. Nevertheless, think carefully about whether this is in your best interest, as it may affect your academic performance. Most universities have academic career centres, where you can find information about jobs, internships and trainings. You can also find job offers at the nearest labour office.
It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful country after you complete your education here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher education institution full-time program, you don’t need a permit to work here. Just make sure your temporary residence permit is in order.
Living and working
In comparison to other European countries Poland is a relatively cheap place to live and study. Prices depend greatly on the city, but a student can get by with about EUR 400 at their monthly disposal. Average costs of student living range from EUR 425 up to EUR 900. Please remember, that to be able to study in Poland non-EU/EEA students have to possess sufficient means to cover the living costs.
Below are some examples to give an idea of the amounts students spend per month.
Student Card
The student card is the size of a credit card, but it can change your life. Not only does it confirm your student status and allow access to libraries and other HEI facilities, but it also entitles you to all kinds of student discounts, most important of them being a 50% discount on public. There is also – up to age 26 – a 37% discount on national railways, allowing you to travel all around the country for less. Some other transport companies, as well as theatres, museums and cinemas, even restaurants, have special prices for students. In some HEIs, the student union provides additional discounts for students.
So get your student card and enjoy the city!
Monthly Expenses (Averrage Value )
| Rent in a shared flat (or dormitory) | 140-500 EUR |
| Food | 150-200 EUR |
| Transportation (in big cities) | 15-20 EUR |
| Telephone/mobile, internet, TV | 20-30 EUR |
| Study materials | 30-50 EUR |
| Other expenses (leisure/entertainment) | 70-100 EUR |
Examples Of Othere Selected Prices
| bread (1 loaf ) | 1.40 EUR |
| milk (1 litre) | 0.80 EUR |
| lunch at a canteen | 5.00 EUR |
| coffee in a café | 2.50 EUR |
| cinema ticket | 5.00 EUR |
