Poland is one of the European countries that provide high quality free and low tuition education to international students, regardless of their sex, race, age, country, religion or political beliefs. Paid courses in Poland cost much less than in most European countries and cost of living is much lower. There are many English courses available for international students, so you don't have to speak Polish. If you prefer to study in Poland you will have to graduate a Polish course before you start studying.

There are 104 state (public) and 135 non-state (private) higher education institutions in Poland. All state (public) institutions are financed by Polish government, thus providing free tuition education to polish citizens and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens. Non-state (private) institutions charge low tuition fees for their courses.

Tuition Free Education in Poland
In Poland, full-time day studies at state (public) universities/colleges are free of charge to Polish citizens. Foreigners studying in Poland on the same conditions as applicable to Polish citizens have the right to free tuition (free-of-charge) studies at public universities/colleges. Other foreigners must pay tuition fees.

Foreigners qualified for free tuition schooling must fall under these categories:
Category A: covers those students receiving a Polish government scholarship. Such students are exempted from the payment of tuition fees.
Category B: This category covers those students not receiving a scholarship, but nevertheless exempted from the payment of tuition fees; provided that such students meet one of the following requirements:

• obtained a permit for residence in Poland;
  
• have been granted refugee status by the Republic of Poland;
  
• have been granted temporary protection in the Republic of Poland;
  
• are migrating employees – citizens of a EU Member State or of an EFTA State being a member of the European Economic Area Treaty, employed formerly or currently in Poland; this right extends also to members of their families, if resident on the territory of the Republic of Poland;
  
• are citizens of an EU Member State or an EFTA country or members of their families, provided that they have funds necessary to cover the costs of living during studies; it should be noted that such persons (members of their families) are not entitled to maintenance grant.

Foreign students enrolling under these categories will be required to provide proof of their proficiency in Polish. Students who cannot prove their knowledge of Polish in sufficient for higher education study will be required to attend a one-year free introductory course in Polish.

Low Tuition Education in Poland
Other foreigners who are not covered in the above category must pay tuition fees, which are not lower than the equivalent of:

• Euro 2000 per year – for vocational, uniform master’s degree and post bachelor master’s degree studies;
  
• Euro 3000 per year – for doctoral, postgraduate and special studies; research, arts, specialised and postdoctoral internships;
  
• Euro 3000 per year: for vocational courses and practical training;
  
• Euro 2000 per year: for a language course, including a pre study Polish language course.

On the student’s request, the rector of the university/college may, in justified cases, give partial or full exemption from payment of
tuition fees.

Securing a Scholarships to Study in Poland
Polish Government Scholarships: The Ministry of National Education and Sport sets scholarship limits
for persons studying in Poland on the basis of international agreements or decisions by the minister for higher education. Foreigners’ applications for scholarships granted within this limit are forwarded by Polish diplomatic/consular agencies to the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange. Next, the applications are examined by the Unit for Admission and Education of
Foreigners in Poland. Final decisions are taken by the Minister of National Education and Sport.
European Union scholarships You can also come to Poland on one of European Union programmes in which Polish HEIs are actively involved
Other Scholarships: Students can acquire scholarships from other scholarship agencies all over the world, such agencies could be found by searching hot-scholarships.com.

Accommodation and Living Expenses
The cost of accommodation in a students' dormitory ranges from EUR 140 to EUR 200 per month for a single room and from EUR 50 to EUR 80 for a shared room, depending on standard. However, the amount of 200-400 Euro should cover the monthly costs of accomodation, food and transport.

General Admission Requirements
In general, the requirements for international students applying for universities in Poland are as follows:
Admission Information for BA or BSC (Bachelors) Candidates:

• Notarized secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's high school,
  
• filled out application form,
  
• 4 passport-size photographs,
  
• copy of candidate’s ID (passport),
  
• certificate of the English language proficiency optionally (unless the high school courses were taught in English);
  
• medical certificate with no contraindication for studying,
  
• admission fee payment receipt (if applicable)

Admission Information for MA (Master) candidates:

• Undergraduate program diploma or an official duplicate issued by the university,
  
• candidate's CV with the details about the school and professional career optionally,
  
• one academic reference and one personal reference optionally,
  
• filled out application form,
  
• copy of the candidate’s ID (passport)
  
• proof of English language proficiency (unless the first degree was taught in English),
  
• medical certificate with no contraindication for studying,
  
• admission fee payment receipt (if applicable).

Academic Year
The academic year in Poland usually starts on 1 October and ends on 30 September of the following year. The year is divided in two semesters: a winter semester - from October to late January - and a summer semester – from March to late May. Each semester is followed by examination period. Students who fail to pass the semester examination are required to study and retake the exam during the winter or summer vacations. Students studying engineering or agricultural disciplines may be required to complete some practical training during the summer vacations.

Work in Poland
If you're a EU/EEA (European Union/Economic Area) citizen you are allowed to work full time without any permission while you school. If you're a citizen of Belarus, Russia or Ukraine you may work for 3 months in a period no longer than 6 months. All other nationals may work without permission in July, August and September.

Helpful Links
http://www.studyinpoland.pl/
Source for course search in Polish Universities and other relevant information.

http://www.studyinpoland.edu.pl/
Website on Higher Studies in Poland gives a comprehensive information on Top State Universities of Poland admission and Eligibility for the Courses.

http://www.eng.nauka.gov.pl/
Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education



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