Here are our top 12 reasons to study in Poland
If you are looking to study abroad in a country with a world class track record in education, that offers you possibilities to live and work in Europe and that allows you to study and live affordably in a range of culturally rich European cities, then you should seriously consider studying in Poland. Read on to find out why.
1. A 658-year track record in Education and Learning

Poland lies at the heart of Europe and has an illustrious history in the field of Education. Poland is host to Europe’s second oldest university – The Jagiellonian University, which was founded by King Casimir III the Great in 1364.
Some of the legendary alumni of this school include Nicolaus Copernicus – the man who in 1515 scientifically proved that the earth actually orbited the Sun (Heliocentricism) instead of the other way around (Geocentricism). As we all know, Galileo then went on to definitively prove this with his amazing telescope in 1610.
2. Consistently regulated academic standards
The Polish Commission of National Education, established in 1773, is widely considered to be the first Ministry ever created to primarily administer the field of Education. Today, higher tertiary education in Poland is administered by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In order to maintain their status, Polish universities are regularly evaluated by the Polish Accreditations Committee, the General Council of Higher Education and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools. The PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) regularly places Poland among the countries with the highest national education standards.
3. Large number of globally accredited institutions

Poland has more than 450 HEIs (Higher Education Institutions). Globally accredited universities in Poland include Nicolas Copernicus University, the University of Warsaw, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Łódź Film School, College of Europe Natolin (Warsaw) and the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. Poland is also home to high quality private universities like Wyzsza Szkola Bankowa (WSB for short) which operates out of multiple campuses across Poland.
4. Student-friendly entrance processes
Universities in Poland do their best to facilitate the easy introduction of students who want to study in Poland. They normally do not require qualification through entrance exams and provide admission based on students’ prior academic achievements. For example, students who want to study in Poland at an undergraduate level, need to provide a certificate of secondary education, a financial sufficiency certificate and prove English or Polish language proficiency.
5. The highest student work allowance in Europe
International students studying in Poland are permitted to work for 40 hours a week even with school in session. Working while studying in Poland provides the benefit of work experience, additional income and getting acquainted with Polish language and business culture.
6. Standardised academic structure
Institutions in Poland offer 3 types of degrees: Bachelor’s Programs: Licencjat for Arts Students or Inżynier for Engineering/ Technical Students, Master’s Programs: Magister, and PhD Programs: Doktor. The academic year runs from October to June and is divided into winter and spring semesters. Students can choose to study full time or part-time.
7. High quality long-cycle studies
Poland offers a wide range of long-cycle study programs that students can enter into after high school. These include acting, arts, law, dentistry, medicine, photography, film production, pharmacy, psychology and veterinary medicine. Programs in these fields can last up to six years with the completion of 270 – 360 ECT Credits that result in a Master’s Degree (Magister). Long -cycle integrated programs deliver advanced education, combining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree together into one globally recognised credential.
8. Fully funded PhD programs
A PhD or Doktor Program in Poland normally lasts three to four years and eligibility is based on the completion of a Master’s degree program. PhD degrees are offered by universities or research institutions like certain Departments of the Polish Academy of Sciences.Many PhD degrees in Poland are delivered free of charge. Most PhD researchers receive a scholarship and get paid a salary. The amount of the salary depends on an impartial evaluation, the needs of the institution and the study discipline.PhD students in Poland are expected to attend taught classes, undertake up to 60 hours of formal teaching usually for undergraduate students at their university, provide annual progress reports and successfully write and pass dissertation projects.
9. Affordable housing & living
The lower cost of living in Poland makes the country quite attractive to international students. Poland’s is still considered a developing European economy and hence the cost of living is significantly lower compared to other European countries. Overall, students will need around USD 500 per month (around 1,800 PLN) for accommodation, food and transport expenses. Student accommodation in Poland is student-friendly with prices starting from about USD 70 for a shared room in a student dormitory, to USD 200 per month for a separate room.

10. Secure and safe
11. Enchanting cultural experiences

Poland is the hidden cultural treasure of Europe and is home to 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – including the largest intact castle in the world- the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork. The high mountains, picturesque cities and villages, lakes and national parks situated in Poland are bound to satisfy the most intrepid travellers looking for rich history, a complex culture and delicious wholesome cuisine.
12. Central location in the heart of Eastern Europe
Poland’s position bordering on Lithuania, the Kaliningrad region, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany places it in a location that is ideal to take advantage of all the exciting commercial opportunities afforded in the eastern and central parts of Europe.
Conclusion
No matter the choice of subject, Poland has a university available. Polish education is often much more economical and is a fraction of the cost of universities and colleges in other countries. What’s more, Polish degrees at the undergraduate level as well as at higher levels are recognised across Europe. Studying in Poland in English is a great choice as there are hundreds of courses in Poland that are delivered in English. Each year thousands of students pick Poland as their primary study destination. You should too.