Poland
First-cycle degrees and long-cycle professional programmes.
Study overview
Poland has public and non-public institutions offering first-, second- and third-cycle education. Certain professional subjects use an integrated long-cycle master’s route. English-taught degrees operate alongside Polish-language provision. Recognition of the entry qualification and programme selection are separate stages.
Tuition / Year
University of Warsaw psychology, long-cycle master’s, non-EU entrant, 2026/27. PLN 27,600 per year; other subjects and institutions differ.
Living / Month
University of Warsaw city example. University residence and private accommodation have different charges; residence places are subject to allocation.
Typical degree length: Bachelor’s: usually 3–4 years
Master’s: 1.5–2 years
Medicine: 6 years
Fields: Engineering; computing; business; sciences; medicine.
Official references
- https://rekrutacja.uw.edu.pl/files/pdf/tuition_fees_2026-2027_06.2026.pdf
- https://welcome.uw.edu.pl/before-you-arrive/living-costs/
- https://bpm.uw.edu.pl/en/dormitory/
- https://study.gov.pl/tuition-fees
- https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/en/defaultaktualnosci/3306/10/11/1/higher_education_in_the_2024-2025_academic_year.pdf
- https://wsb.edu.pl/en/student/your-stay-in-poland/krakow/living-costs
- https://rekrutacja.uw.edu.pl/files/pdf/tuition_fees_2026-2027_06.2026.pdf
- https://study.gov.pl/structure-studies-poland
- https://medschool.uj.edu.pl/prospective-students/md-program-in-english/curriculum-overview/
- https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-academic-purposes/applying-for-admission-to-first-long-cycle-studies
Study and admission
Degree routes and specialisms
Separate university traditions in technology, medicine, economics, agriculture and the arts sit alongside comprehensive institutions.
First cycle, second cycle and long cycle
First-cycle degrees normally take three to four years and lead to a licencjat or, in engineering and certain technical fields, an inżynier qualification. Second-cycle master’s programmes commonly take one and a half to two years. Some professions use an integrated long-cycle course instead of a separate bachelor’s followed by a master’s. Medicine, dentistry, law and selected other fields fall within this structure, with durations determined by the discipline. Doctoral education is a further stage focused on research, rather than another taught master’s course.
Official references
Different institutional specialisms
Poland’s higher-education directory includes comprehensive universities, universities of technology, medical universities, universities of economics and life-sciences institutions, as well as arts and physical-education academies. Public and non-public institutions both operate within the national system. Specialist naming often indicates the institution’s historical subject concentration, but current programmes can extend beyond that label. Academic and vocational institutions have distinct statutory profiles. The Polish Accreditation Committee evaluates the quality of higher education; institutional recognition and the accreditation of a particular programme are related but separate matters.
Official references
Engineering and life-sciences routes
An engineering first-cycle programme commonly uses a longer technical curriculum than a three-year general bachelor’s. Poland’s national framework assigns 180–240 European credits to first-cycle study, while a second-cycle qualification normally adds 90–120 credits. Technical universities offer disciplines such as civil engineering, computing, mechanical engineering and energy; life-sciences universities add agriculture, food, veterinary and environmental fields. These subject families exist in different institution types. An English-language route and a Polish-language route can have different admissions, fees and available places even where they share the same subject name.
Medicine has its own selection model
The Medical University of Gdańsk offers a six-year English-language medical programme with a defined admissions procedure. Its published route includes a written science assessment and interview for relevant candidates, while specified diploma categories have different academic-evidence arrangements. Biology and other required school sciences therefore affect eligibility independently of English proficiency. A six-year medical degree is not equivalent to an unrestricted right to practise in every country. Professional recognition and registration depend on the destination regulator as well as the completed qualification.
Recognition, language and costs
Recent recognition and language rules have made the origin of the qualifying certificate particularly important.
Recognition of a foreign school certificate
NAWA, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, issues statements confirming the right associated with a foreign secondary-school certificate to apply for higher education in Poland. Since July 2025, this procedure applies to certificates outside the categories covered by automatic recognition or specified exemptions. International Baccalaureate and European Baccalaureate diplomas have separate treatment. Earlier valid recognition decisions can remain relevant. Recognition addresses the legal standing of the qualification; it does not replace the university’s subject requirements, ranking of applicants or decision to admit a particular candidate.
Additional admission assessments
The University of Warsaw’s 2026–27 rules set out additional requirements for specified foreign-qualification applicants: recognised school documentation, acceptable teaching-language evidence and, for the relevant first-cycle or long-cycle category, a positive result in an entrance examination testing knowledge needed for the course. Exemptions depend on the qualification and legal category. There is therefore no single ‘all international students’ rule that captures every case. The university’s published framework separates certificate recognition, language competence and academic assessment into different parts of the admissions decision.
Language evidence and tuition status
For applicants covered by the additional language-document rules, the University of Warsaw publishes accepted evidence at least at B2 level, the upper-intermediate band of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Its list includes IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 72 and PTE Academic 59, alongside other approved evidence; programmes may set additional demands. Poland’s national study portal gives broad tuition estimates of EUR 2,000–6,000 annually for many fee-paying courses. English-language medicine and other specialist programmes can cost substantially more, and fee exemptions depend on legal eligibility.
A Warsaw accommodation example
The University of Warsaw’s published 2026–27 residence rates range from PLN 520 to PLN 1,100 per month, depending on the residence and room arrangement. Its students generally pay a deposit equivalent to one month’s accommodation fee. A separate university faculty guide estimates everyday living expenses excluding rent at PLN 2,000–3,000 per month. These figures describe different budget components, not competing total-cost estimates. Residence places require allocation, and private rentals can involve different rents, utilities, deposits and contract conditions from a university-managed room.
Entrance and language assessments
IELTS
Applies to: English-language evidence for eligible routes
International English Language Testing System. Warsaw’s published accepted-document list includes a minimum score of 5.5; programme standards and the applicant’s legal category can add conditions.
TOEFL iBT / PTE Academic
Applies to: Alternative English-language evidence
Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based, and Pearson Test of English Academic. Warsaw publishes thresholds of 72 and 59 respectively; these are not universal admission scores for every Polish degree.
University entrance examination
Applies to: Specified foreign-school applicants
An academic knowledge assessment applies to relevant first-cycle and long-cycle applicants under Warsaw’s additional admissions rules. Qualification-based exemptions and programme-specific arrangements apply.
https://rekrutacja.uw.edu.pl/en/additional-requirements-for-candidates-with-foreign-documents/
Medical science assessment and interview
Applies to: Medical University of Gdańsk English medicine
The university publishes science-assessment and interview routes, with different treatment for specified diploma categories. Medical selection is institution-specific.
State Polish-language certificate
Applies to: Polish-taught programmes and specified eligibility routes
National examinations certify Polish proficiency at designated levels. A Polish-language certificate does not replace English evidence for a programme taught in English.
https://certyfikatpolski.pl/terminy-sesji-egzaminacyjnych-w-2027-roku/
Scholarships and funding routes
Banach NAWA Programme
Support: The published 2026/27 award provides PLN 2,500 monthly and tuition exemption at public universities. Preparatory-course and other support follow the call.
Eligibility: Citizens of the developing countries listed in the call, with an eligible recent first degree and required Polish or English proficiency. Previous master’s study or NAWA funding restrictions apply.
Application: NAWA receives the funding application through its online system. The participating university processes a separate academic application.
Conditions: The eligible country list, qualifying first-degree dates and supported institutions are defined in the published call. A funding application does not constitute university admission.
General Anders NAWA Programme
Support: Monthly NAWA scholarship for eligible full-time Polish-taught studies; an approved preparatory Polish-language year may precede the degree. Tuition treatment follows status and the call.
Eligibility: Applicants of Polish origin meeting the Pole’s Card or qualifying dual-citizenship conditions. Separate bachelor/long-cycle and master’s calls set education and other requirements.
Application: Applications use the relevant NAWA call and online system, with evidence of Polish origin. Universities conduct their own admission procedure.
Conditions: This is a diaspora programme, not an unrestricted international award. English-taught programmes and excluded fields are outside the published route.
Poland My First Choice NAWA
Support: The 2026 call provides PLN 2,000 monthly, public-university tuition exemption and a one-off travel allowance.
Eligibility: Candidates from the specified countries and territories with a high level of socioeconomic development, meeting degree and other call requirements; Polish or English at least B2.
Application: NAWA and the eligible university receive separate applications. Participating academic universities hold a framework agreement with NAWA.
Conditions: This scheme is restricted to the countries and territories named in the call. Tuition at private universities is not automatically waived.
Erasmus+ study mobility to Poland
Support: A contribution towards living and travel costs, with receiving-university tuition and specified academic charges waived. Grant rates and additional support depend on the mobility agreement.
Eligibility: Students already enrolled at a participating institution, nominated for an eligible study exchange with a Polish partner.
Application: The home university nominates students through its international or Erasmus office. A learning agreement records the study plan and recognition of credits.
Conditions: This funds a period within an existing degree, not general admission to an entire Polish degree. A grant may not cover all expenses.
Selected university profiles
Official institutional data derived from POL-on, Poland’s higher-education information system. This directory contains a selection of 20 institutions.
University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw offers humanities, social sciences, law, mathematics and natural sciences through specialist faculties and academic units. Its portfolio includes first-cycle, second-cycle and long-cycle degrees. Doctoral schools, research centres, university libraries and international exchanges support further academic study.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Mathematics; Natural sciences; Law
- Address
- Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28, 00-927 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://en.uw.edu.pl/
Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University combines humanities, law, social sciences and natural sciences with the health disciplines of Collegium Medicum. Its Kraków research infrastructure includes the SOLARIS synchrotron and the Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology. Education extends from undergraduate and long-cycle degrees to doctoral study.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Law; Natural sciences; Medicine; Social sciences
- Address
- Gołębia 24, 31-007 Kraków, Poland
- Website
- https://en.uj.edu.pl/
Warsaw University of Technology
Warsaw University of Technology provides engineering, architecture, computing, mathematics and management education. Specialist faculties deliver bachelor's and master's qualifications, while doctoral training supports advanced research. Its technical curriculum covers fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering alongside design and applied science.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Architecture; Mathematics; Management
- Address
- Plac Politechniki 1, 00-661 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://www.pw.edu.pl/
Official references
AGH University of Krakow
AGH University of Krakow combines its mining and metallurgy heritage with computing, engineering, materials, energy and geosciences. Its main teaching and research campus is in Kraków. The university provides first-cycle, second-cycle and doctoral education through specialist technical and scientific faculties.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Materials science; Energy; Geosciences
- Address
- al. Adama Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
- Website
- https://www.agh.edu.pl/en
- international.students@agh.edu.pl
University of Wrocław
The University of Wrocław teaches humanities, social sciences, law, languages and natural sciences. Its faculties include biotechnology, chemistry, physics and astronomy, mathematics and computing, and earth and environmental sciences. The academic portfolio contains Polish-taught degrees and selected programmes delivered in English.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Law; Natural sciences; Mathematics
- Address
- Plac Uniwersytecki 1, 50-137 Wrocław, Poland
- Website
- https://uwr.edu.pl/en/
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Wrocław University of Science and Technology has faculties in engineering, architecture, chemistry, computing and management, alongside a Faculty of Medicine. Technical specialisms include electronics, photonics, microsystems, power engineering and geoengineering. Its education spans first-cycle, master's and doctoral study.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Architecture; Chemistry; Management
- Address
- Wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- Website
- https://pwr.edu.pl/en
Official references
Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
Adam Mickiewicz University provides education in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law and education in Poznań and regional locations. Its portfolio includes full degrees, short international study programmes and doctoral education. A dedicated School of Polish Language and Culture offers language courses.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Natural sciences; Law; Education
- Address
- Wieniawskiego 1, 61-712 Poznań, Poland
- Website
- https://amu.edu.pl/en
University of Gdańsk
The University of Gdańsk teaches economics, law, humanities, oceanography and natural sciences across the Tricity area. Its academic offer includes bachelor's and master's degrees, postgraduate study and doctoral schools. Marine and coastal research form part of its scientific activity alongside other disciplines.
- Subjects
- Economics; Law; Humanities; Oceanography; Natural sciences
- Address
- Jana Bażyńskiego 8, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland
- Website
- https://en.ug.edu.pl/
- welcome@ug.edu.pl
Official references
Gdańsk University of Technology
Gdańsk University of Technology provides engineering, architecture, computing, chemistry and management education through specialist faculties. It offers bachelor's and master's programmes and doctoral schools. The university participates in the Fahrenheit Universities association with the University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Architecture; Computer science; Chemistry; Management
- Address
- Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
- Website
- https://pg.edu.pl/en
- international@pg.edu.pl
Official references
University of Lodz
The University of Lodz provides degree education in economics, management, humanities, social sciences, law and natural sciences. Teaching is distributed across faculty buildings in Łódź. Its portfolio includes international degree programmes and doctoral schools, with academic activity organised through faculties and research centres.
- Subjects
- Economics; Management; Humanities; Natural sciences; Law
- Address
- Narutowicza 68, 90-136 Łódź, Poland
- Website
- https://www.uni.lodz.pl/en/
Official references
Lodz University of Technology
Lodz University of Technology specialises in engineering, computing, biotechnology, design and management. Its International Faculty of Engineering coordinates international degree provision. The university also operates an Interdisciplinary Doctoral School, with research and teaching facilities distributed across its Łódź campus.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Biotechnology; Design; Management
- Address
- Żeromskiego 116, 90-543 Łódź, Poland
- Website
- https://p.lodz.pl/en
- foreignstudents@info.p.lodz.pl
Poznan University of Technology
Poznan University of Technology teaches engineering, computing, architecture, logistics and management through specialist faculties. Its provision includes bachelor's and master's programmes, doctoral education and international study options. Research infrastructure and a technology-transfer centre support technical research and collaboration with industry.
- Subjects
- Engineering; Computer science; Architecture; Logistics; Management
- Address
- Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań, Poland
- Website
- https://put.poznan.pl/en
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
Nicolaus Copernicus University has its main academic centre in Toruń and Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz. The latter delivers health disciplines. Across the university, programmes cover humanities, natural sciences, law, economics and medicine, with doctoral schools and specialist research centres.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Natural sciences; Law; Economics; Medicine
- Address
- Gagarina 11, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
- Website
- https://www.umk.pl/en/
- contact@umk.pl
Official references
University of Silesia in Katowice
The University of Silesia operates across Katowice and other Silesian cities, including Cieszyn, Chorzów and Sosnowiec. Its academic units include humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, law and arts, plus the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School and an International Environmental Doctoral School.
- Subjects
- Humanities; Social sciences; Natural sciences; Law; Arts
- Address
- Bankowa 12, 40-007 Katowice, Poland
- Website
- https://us.edu.pl/en/
- info@us.edu.pl
Official references
Medical University of Warsaw
The Medical University of Warsaw specialises in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and health sciences. Its teaching includes Polish and selected English-language programmes. Faculties organise academic and clinical education, while university healthcare facilities, research activity and doctoral training support the medical disciplines.
- Subjects
- Medicine; Dentistry; Pharmacy; Nursing; Health sciences
- Address
- Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://www.wum.edu.pl/en
- english@wum.edu.pl
Medical University of Gdańsk
The Medical University of Gdańsk provides medicine, pharmacy, nursing and health-science education, including selected English-language programmes. Its structure includes university healthcare entities and a doctoral school. It participates in the Fahrenheit Universities association with Gdańsk's comprehensive and technical universities.
- Subjects
- Medicine; Pharmacy; Nursing; Public health; Health sciences
- Address
- M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 3a, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
- Website
- https://mug.edu.pl/
SGH Warsaw School of Economics
SGH Warsaw School of Economics specialises in economics, finance, management, international business and quantitative analysis. It provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, doctoral education, MBA programmes and postgraduate professional courses. Academic research is organised through collegia, with separate undergraduate and graduate study offices.
- Subjects
- Economics; Finance; Management; International business; Data analysis
- Address
- al. Niepodległości 162, 02-554 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://www.sgh.waw.pl/en
- info@sgh.waw.pl
Kozminski University
Kozminski University is a private Warsaw institution specialising in management, finance, economics, law and business analytics. Its portfolio includes bachelor's and master's degrees, doctoral education and executive programmes. International provision includes selected English-taught degrees, double-degree arrangements and summer-school study.
- Subjects
- Management; Finance; Economics; Law; Business analytics
- Address
- Jagiellońska 57/59, 03-301 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://www.kozminski.edu.pl/en
SWPS University
SWPS University teaches psychology, social sciences, humanities, law and design across several Polish cities. Its structure includes specialised faculties and research institutes in psychology, design, humanities and law. The portfolio comprises undergraduate and graduate degrees, doctoral education and preparatory language programmes.
- Subjects
- Psychology; Social sciences; Humanities; Law; Design
- Address
- Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://english.swps.pl/
Official references
Vistula University
Vistula University is a private Warsaw institution offering management, finance, computing, international relations and economics. Its portfolio includes bachelor's, engineering and master's degrees, with selected English-taught programmes. It belongs to the Vistula group, which also contains separately named institutions such as Vistula School of Hospitality.
- Subjects
- Management; Finance; Computer science; International relations; Economics
- Address
- Stokłosy 3, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
- Website
- https://vistula.edu.pl/en/
Further institutions
| Institution | Location and type | Official website | Book page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Białystok University of Technology | Białystok / Public university | https://pb.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology | Bydgoszcz / Public university | https://pbs.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University | Warsaw / Public university | https://uksw.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Cracow University of Technology | Kraków / Public university | https://www.pk.edu.pl/index.php?lang=en | 149 |
| Częstochowa University of Technology | Częstochowa / Public university | https://pcz.pl/ | 149 |
| Jan Długosz University | Częstochowa / Public university | https://ujd.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Jan Kochanowski University | Kielce / Public university | https://ujk.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin | Lublin / Non-public Catholic university | https://kul.pl/ | 149 |
| Kazimierz Wielki University | Bydgoszcz / Public university | https://ukw.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Kielce University of Technology | Kielce / Public university | https://tu.kielce.pl/ | 149 |
| Koszalin University of Technology | Koszalin / Public university | https://tu.koszalin.pl/ | 149 |
| Krakow University of Economics | Kraków / Public university | https://uek.krakow.pl/ | 149 |
| Lazarski University | Warsaw / Non-public university | https://lazarski.pl/ | 149 |
| Lublin University of Technology | Lublin / Public university | https://pollub.pl/ | 149 |
| Maria Curie-Skłodowska University | Lublin / Public university | https://umcs.pl/ | 149 |
| Medical University of Białystok | Białystok / Public university | https://umb.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Medical University of Lodz | Łódź / Public university | https://umed.pl/ | 149 |
| Medical University of Lublin | Lublin / Public university | https://umlub.pl/ | 149 |
| Medical University of Silesia | Katowice / Public university | https://sum.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Opole University of Technology | Opole / Public university | https://po.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology | Warsaw / Non-public university | https://pja.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Pomeranian Medical University | Szczecin / Public university | https://pum.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Poznan University of Medical Sciences | Poznań / Public university | https://www.ump.edu.pl/en | 149 |
| Poznań University of Economics and Business | Poznań / Public university | https://ue.poznan.pl/ | 149 |
| Poznań University of Life Sciences | Poznań / Public university | https://www.up.poznan.pl/en/ | 149 |
| Rzeszów University of Technology | Rzeszów / Public university | https://prz.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Silesian University of Technology | Gliwice / Public university | https://www.polsl.pl/en/ | 149 |
| University of Agriculture in Krakow | Kraków / Public university | https://urk.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Białystok | Białystok / Public university | https://uwb.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Bielsko-Biala | Bielsko-Biała / Public university | https://ubb.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Economics in Katowice | Katowice / Public university | https://ue.katowice.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Information Technology and Management | Rzeszów / Non-public university | https://en.uitm.edu.eu/ | 149 |
| University of Life Sciences in Lublin | Lublin / Public university | https://up.lublin.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Opole | Opole / Public university | https://uni.opole.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Rzeszów | Rzeszów / Public university | https://ur.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Social Sciences | Łódź / Non-public university | https://san.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Szczecin | Szczecin / Public university | https://usz.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Warmia and Mazury | Olsztyn / Public university | https://uwm.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| University of Zielona Góra | Zielona Góra / Public university | https://uz.zgora.pl/ | 149 |
| Warsaw University of Life Sciences | Warsaw / Public university | https://sggw.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| West Pomeranian University of Technology | Szczecin / Public university | https://zut.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Wroclaw Medical University | Wrocław / Public university | https://en.umw.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| Wroclaw University of Economics and Business | Wrocław / Public university | https://ue.wroc.pl/ | 149 |
| Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences | Wrocław / Public university | https://upwr.edu.pl/ | 149 |
| WSB University | Dąbrowa Górnicza / Non-public university | https://wsb.edu.pl/ | 149 |