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Postgraduate Study in Poland
Find courses in POLANDPoland is located in central Europe, and shares borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania, and a Russian exclave called Kaliningrad Oblast. It is also on the Baltic Sea and to the north.
Whether it’s cobblestoned streets lined with pastel-coloured buildings surrounded by rolling green hills and mountains perfect for hiking, or busy modern cities with shopping centres, cinemas and a vibrant nightlife, the Republic of Poland offers students a unique mixture of modern and traditional Europe.
Poland has over 1,000 years of history as an individual nation and a part of other European empires including Poland-Lithuania, Russia, Sweden and the Soviet Union.
Gaining its independence in 1918, Poland later became a member of the European Union. Its long history has endowed it with a rich and varied culture that carries many different influences.
Where it sits in central Europe, Polish culture mingles eastern and western Europe, with elements of the Tatars in some of its food and architecture, a large and historical Jewish population – particularly in the city of Lublin, and small but thriving communities of Germans, Ukrainians, and Belarusians found in different parts of the country.
Although Poland’s ethnic minorities are relatively small, it is becoming more ethnically diverse as an ever-increasing number of international students and visitors swell the population.
Polish universities & education
There’s no end to the possibilities that Polish universities and the education system has to offer, whether you want to earn your master’s or doctorate, learn Polish or study in English, Poland is one of Europe’s fastest growing education destinations and has plenty to entice students from around the globe.
With some of the oldest universities and one of the longest academic histories in Europe, Poland has over 30,000 international students studying in Polish Universities across the country at any one time.
Poland’s Jagiellonian University was founded in 1364 and is the nation’s leading research institution. The university has 73 programs of study, and a long history tradition of Arts and Sciences. Such notaries as Nicholas Copernicus, Roman Ingarden, and Franciszek Leja are all among its alumni.
The University of Warsaw is another of Poland’s top universities and has a comparatively large number of international students. Established in 1816, it boasts some of the country’s top programs in Science, Economics and Business, and offers several master’s degree programs in English including Archaeology, International Relations, Chemistry and Political Science.
Poland also has over 200 universities that are Erasmus-chartered institutions thereby allowing students to study abroad as part of an exchange program.
It is not necessary to speak Polish in order to study in Poland as many institutions do offer master’s courses taught in English, and many also offer Polish language courses designed to help give students basic conversational skills.
More information about studying in Poland can be found here:
Poland: university tuition fees & funding
With some of the lowest tuition rates for international students in Europe, earning a postgraduate degree in Poland can be an affordable investment.
The average cost for a postgraduate program in Poland is between €2,000 and €3,000 per year, and funding is available through bursaries from the Bureau for Academic Recognition and Exchange and the Erasmus program.
Other scholarships for international students may be available through individual institutions depending on field of study.
Living as a student in Poland
Poland’s major cities offer different kinds of student life, from traditional campuses and large student populations in Wroclaw, to historical Lublin, where medieval architecture and scenic beauty are abundant.
Although it might seem like living in a European city is going to be far too expensive for a student budget, students choosing to study in Poland may find that it offers just that experience for much less then they think.
Polish transport links
Polish cities are well linked by transportation lines, with students able to take both buses and trains within and between cities and regions. Each city operates its own public transportation lines, and while ticket prices will vary from city to city, students are entitled to receive a discount of up to 50% on their travel costs
Food in Poland
If you’re a foodie, cities like Poznan in western Poland offer everything from recognizable fast food like chicken kebab, to fancier French fare. And then there’s the nation’s traditional cuisine, with delicacies like Pierogis, and a soup called “Blind Fish” which is in fact, meatless.
Polish currency
The currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty and there are currently approximately 4 Polish Zloties to 1 Euro.
Working in Poland
Students are also able to fund themselves whilst studying in Poland through working if they want to. EU and EEA students are entitled to work in Poland without needing a work permit, while non-EU/EEA students enrolled full-time at Polish Universities are eligible to work in July, August and September without a permit. A work permit is however needed if the international student want to work at any other point in the year, as students are not allowed to work on a student visa basis alone.
Poland: student visas & immigration
EU and EEA residents
EU and EEA residents do not need a visa to study in Poland but after no more than 91 days in the country, they must go to their local Voivodship and register, providing proof of adequate finances for their stay and subject to the public healthcare insurance.
Non-EU/EEA students
Non-EU/EEA students will need to apply for a student visa from a Polish Embassy in their home country, and provide proof of enrolment in a higher learning institution. They will also need to get a certificate of temporary residence within three days of entering the country. It’s also important to note that international students studying in Poland are required to have health insurance.
Poland: a foodie's paradise!
There are no end to the possibilities Poland has to offer while you are earning your masters or doctorate. Poland is one of Europe’s fastest growing education destinations and has plenty to entice students from around the globe, not least of all its food!
Polish food is a rich and varied as its people, with Russian, Turkish, Tartar and even Italian influences making it an eclectic, intriguing eating experience for travellers, tourists and students alike.
From tasty Pierogis to rich creamy sauces, Polish food is hearty and solid comfort food – perfect for fortifying you against for cold days during the winter. Soups like Zupa pomidorowa may have long, exotic-sounding names, but are actually quite familiar. Zupa pomidorowa is a tomato soup served with noodles or rice! Poland’s flavourful sausage, the Kielbasa is well known even outside of the country, and pierogi dumplings, saurkraut and a smoked cheese called Oscypek are also commonly eaten.
If you’re a foodie, cities like Poznan in western Poland offer everything from recognisable fast food like chicken kebab, to fancier French fare. And then there’s the usual offerings of traditional Polish cuisine, with delicacies like Pierogis, and a soup called “Blind Fish” which is in fact, meatless.
Whatever taste sensation you’re after – Poland is sure to serve you well!
PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university will be charged the same tuition fees as international students. Meanwhile, UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.
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