Poland is rapidly emerging as a top destination for international students seeking high-quality, affordable education in Europe. With a robust education system and over 400 universities offering a variety of courses in English, Poland provides an attractive option for students worldwide.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore why Poland is a premier choice for your higher education journey.
About Poland
Poland is a country in central Europe. Its rich and long-standing history, and breathtaking cities with affordable, high-quality education make it a perfect choice for higher studies for international students.
With 400+ universities and a range of courses in medicine, business, IT, and social sciences, Poland has a lot to offer to international students.
In the last few years, the number of international student intake has increased significantly. From India alone, around 5000 Indian students were admitted to Polish universities in 2022.
Why should you choose Poland for higher studies?
1 – Top-quality education
Poland has an excellent education system. There are more than 400 universities in Poland, many of which offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, a plus for Indian students.
You can choose from courses in medicine, IT, engineering, social sciences, and law as well. These degrees are internationally recognized as Poland follows the Bologna Process, which ensures that your credits and qualifications are recognized and transferable across Europe. This opens a wide job portal for international students who wish to work in Europe.
2 – Low cost of living and affordable education
Poland has become a popular place to go for international students because of its affordability. While Poland offers a high standard of living, the cost is much lower than in other European countries like the United Kingdom or France.
On top of that, tuition fees of universities are more economical, making Poland an attractive option for students on a budget. Tuition fees of universities can range from 1000-8000 EUR which is comparatively less than universities in other European countries, thereby providing a higher return on investment on your higher studies
3- Rich culture and heritage
Poland is a country with a rich and diverse history and culture. The country has beautiful architecture, historical attractions, and festivities celebrated across Poland. This adds to the reasons why studying in Poland is a good choice. It allows students to immerse themselves in new and different cultural experiences, making their higher education journey more enjoyable.
Top Poland universities for international students
Here are some of the leading universities in Poland for international students, with high QS World University Rankings for 2025, acceptance rates, and popular fields of study.
| University/College Name | QS Ranking 2025 | Approx. Acceptance Rate | Popular Fields |
| University of Warsaw | 258 | 20-29% | Psychology, Medicine, Management, Oriental Studies (Japanese and Korean Studies), Nuclear Energy |
| Jagiellonian University | 312 | 30-39% | Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, Physics, Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, Artificial Intelligence |
| Warsaw University of Technology | 527 | 71% | Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Quantum and Particle Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science |
| Adam Mickiewicz University | 539 | 58% | Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Philosophy, Quantum Physics |
| Poznań University of Life Sciences | 851-900 | 60% | Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Ecology, Agricultural Science, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences |
| University of Wroclaw | 851-900 | 58% | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Quantum and Particle Physics, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Environmental Science |
University of Warsaw:
The University of Warsaw (UW) is one of the leading academic institutions in Poland, offering a wide range of study programs across multiple disciplines. In the 2024/2025 admissions cycle, UW offered around 300 different study programs and filled nearly 25,000 full-time and part-time positions. Psychology, Medicine, and Management were among the most popular fields, with Psychology attracting the highest number of registrations. The admissions process at UW is highly competitive, with candidates required to meet specific qualifications and deadlines to secure their place. Those accepted must submit the necessary documents to complete their admission, and additional rounds of admissions are held if spots remain unfilled.
Programs such as Medicine saw intense competition, with more than 24 applicants per spot, while fields like Oriental Studies (Japanese and Korean Studies) also had strong demand. The university continues to adapt to labor market needs by introducing new programs, including Business and Management, Adult Education and Developmental Activities Design, as well as specialized fields like Nuclear Energy, Animal Protection, and Creative Writing.
Jagiellonian University:
Jagiellonian University (UJ) is one of the top academic institutions in Poland, ranked #304 globally out of 14,131 universities, #126 in Europe, and #2 in Poland. It is located in Krakow and is renowned for its research, particularly in fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, and Physics. The university has a 30-39% acceptance rate and an enrollment of 41,661 students, with a student-to-staff ratio of 11:1. The university offers a range of doctoral programs, and its academic calendar runs from October to June. UJ also provides education in Polish and has a public-private partnership funding model. The university is particularly known for its expertise in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Medicine, and Engineering, and has made significant contributions in fields such as Psychology, Sociology, and Artificial Intelligence.
Warsaw University of Technology:
Warsaw University of Technology (PW) is a prestigious institution in Poland, ranked #731 globally and #217 in Europe, with reputation in technical fields. It is one of the top universities in Poland, holding the #4 spot nationally and #2 in Warsaw. The university has an acceptance rate of 71%, with an enrollment of 27,072 students. PW is a non-profit institution that offers programs in both Polish and English, with a student-to-staff ratio of 12:1. The university excels in research, having published over 45,000 scientific papers and earned nearly 480,000 citations, with particular strengths in Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry. Other notable research areas include Quantum and Particle Physics, Computer Science, Materials Science, and Environmental Science. PW is also highly ranked in fields like Aviation and Aerospace Engineering, and its programs are recognized for their contribution to innovations in technology and engineering. With a wide range of disciplines and a academic calendar running from October to June, Warsaw University of Technology is a hub for technical and scientific research.
Adam Mickiewicz University:
Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) is a prominent academic institution in Poland, ranked #539 globally and #212 in Europe, with a standing as the #3 university in Poland and the #1 in Poznań. The university has an acceptance rate of 58%, with 37,013 students enrolled. It offers a diverse range of programs, with a student-to-staff ratio of 7:1, ensuring a focused and personalized academic experience. AMU excels in research, having published over 46,000 scientific papers and accumulated more than 420,000 citations. The university’s research spans across various fields, including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, and Philosophy, with particularly notable contributions to Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Quantum and Particle Physics, and Organic Chemistry. AMU operates with a public-private partnership funding model and offers programs in Polish. The university follows an academic calendar from October to June.
Poznań University of Life Sciences:
Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS) is a respected research institution in Poland, ranked #1828 globally and #620 in Europe, with a position as the #35 university in Poland and #5 in Poznań. The university has an acceptance rate of 60% and an enrollment of 11,500 students, with a student-to-staff ratio of 14:1. PULS excels in research, having published over 15,600 scientific papers and accumulated 116,857 citations. The university’s research spans a wide range of fields, with particular strengths in Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Ecology, and Agricultural Science. PULS also offers programs in Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, Biochemistry, Botany, and Medicine. The university follows an academic calendar from October to September and operates with a public-private partnership funding model, offering programs in both Polish and English. PULS is particularly well-regarded for its expertise in Agricultural Engineering and related fields.
University of Wroclaw:
The University of Wroclaw is a prominent research institution in Poland, with an enrollment of 25,500 students and a student-to-staff ratio of 13:1. It is a non-profit university operating under a public-private partnership funding model, offering programs in both Polish and English. The university’s research profile is impressive, with 39,702 scientific papers published and 433,624 citations received. It covers a broad range of disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Quantum and Particle Physics, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Environmental Science, among others. The university’s major strengths include its research in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as contributions to Quantum and Particle Physics and Materials Science. The University of Wroclaw follows an academic calendar from October to June. Though its exact acceptance rate is not publicly available, it is estimated at 58%.
Top courses in Poland for international students
Poland has a variety of courses for higher education in medicine, engineering, IT, and social sciences. But here are the top courses to study in Poland for Indian students-
- MD in General Medicine
- B.Tech in Computer Science
- MA in Political Science
- MBA in International Business
- MBA in Finance
A few other courses that are gaining popularity amongst students aspiring to study from Poland include, Graphic Design, Sustainability, Computer Engineering, International Relations, Finance and Banking.
International student life in Poland
Poland has a warm and inviting atmosphere and has more than 80,000 international students, making it easy for students to adapt well.
The universities have numerous organizations, clubs, and other extracurricular activities relating to dance, music, and theatre. This allows students to interact with other people and embrace their culture.
Students can also enjoy the local culture of Poland and travel and explore their city. Poland is also surrounded by beautiful countries like Germany and the Czech Republic for students to travel in less time and money.
Cost of living in Poland and University tuition fees
- The cost of living in Poland is comparatively less than in other countries in Europe. The cost of accommodation, food, travelling, health insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses is 300-400 EUR per month. The cost can vary depending on the city, university, and lifestyle of students.
- Poland has many public and private universities. Out of these, many public universities offer courses free of cost for European students, but most of them are taught in Polish and require some level of proficiency. As for non-European students, the cost of a bachelor’s degree for a year can cost up to 5000-6000 EUR, and a master’s degree for a year can cost up to 9000 EUR.
You must note that professional courses like MBA, medicine, and dentistry programmes from private universities can cost more.
How to apply to Polish universities
To apply to a Polish university, visit the university’s online admission portal and apply to your chosen bachelor’s or master’s degree programmes.
These are the documents you will require during the application process-
- Academic transcripts
- English proficiency test score (IELTS, TOEFL, OR PTE academic)
- Standardized test scores (SAT, GMAT, GRE)
- Copy of your birth certificate or passport
- Your resume
- Statement of purpose and essays
- Letter of recommendation (at least 2 or 3)
- Proof of funding or scholarship
To get a better understanding, check each university’s website thoroughly to gather all the requirements for the application process.
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Visa process to study in Poland
International students need a visa to study in Poland unless they are an EU citizen. The student visa process to study in Poland is quite simple. You can apply for a student visa once you receive the Letter of Acceptance from your chosen university in Poland. No interview is required for visa application. You need to submit all necessary documents and pay the visa application fees (80-100 euros).
When you submit your visa application, you will also need to submit the following documents-
- Valid passport
- A cover letter
- Documents confirming the purpose of your trip
- School and university certificates and degrees
- Travel medical insurance
- Travel details
- Proof of accommodation
- Financial statements
- Sponsorship letter
- Receipt of the visa application fees
Work permit after study in Poland
If an international student wants to stay and work in Poland after graduation, they will need a Residence permit and Work permit. The rule regarding work permits differ depending on the country. Students from the EU, Norway, and Switzerland can work in Poland without a work permit.
- For other students graduating from a Polish university, you can apply for a temporary residence permit that will allow you to work in Poland for up to 3 years. You can apply for a permit when you find a job in Poland. Other requirements include an employment contract and a graduate degree or 5 years experience in the relevant field.
- Another permit that students can apply for is the temporary residence and work permit which also allows them to work in Poland for up to 3 years. This comes into play if you want to work in Poland for more than 3 months after completing graduation. You can apply for this work permit before your existing visa or residence permit is about to expire.
Bottom Line
Studying in Poland is a great choice to pursue your higher education. The combination of vibrant, rich culture with a plethora of affordable programmes makes Poland a top choice for your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
If you want to start your Poland study abroad journey and find it daunting and overwhelming, contact ApplyBuds, your trusted study abroad partner in India, for more information and seamless guidance.
FAQs
1- Can you apply for courses in Poland with IELTS?
Yes, some universities may not require an EILTS or TOEFL, but may ask for proof of English proficiency like your school or university certifications.
2– What is the success rate of student visas in Poland?
Poland has a 95% student visa success rate. If your application and documents are in place, you will most likely secure a visa.
3- Is Poland good for Indian students?
Poland is a preferred country to pursue higher studies for Indian students. Poland is safe with low costs and tuition, and a high standard of living.
