As we all know, universities worldwide require a process to be followed to apply for admission to study one or more of the numerous courses they offer. These processes might differ from one university institution to the other and from one country to another. A University might also require one or more documents to be submitted to facilitate the admission process into the university, especially foreign universities.
Poland, a country in Europe, is an attractive destination for intending international students because of its hospitable and welcoming nature, the low cost of living in the country compared to other countries, and the fact that it has many universities present. Why of all places to live, work and study in, should I choose Poland? You might ask. Well, because of the following reasons:
- It has multiple higher educational institutions (over 400), which shows that they are very passionate about learning and value education very highly. So, regardless of how many intending students there are, there are multiple universities to choose from, and you will surely find an educational institution willing to accept you.
- Many of their universities offer courses and teach in English Language, even though Polish is their official language.
- Poland always regularly strives to improve its educational system, and as such, its educational system is always usually evaluated.
- It has a lower cost of living when compared to other neighboring countries in Europe. This is very suitable for students and even workers as they do not have to pay an arm and a leg to get basic amenities like housing and food.
- Poland is a very hospitable country, especially to foreign nationals. They welcome you with open arms and make efforts to make sure you fit in and don’t feel left out.
With the reasons indicated above, people who are interested in coming to Poland to study, but have no idea about the universities there or the range of their estimated tuition fees, here is a list of some of the numerous University Institutions in Poland and their estimated tuition fees to help you:
Schools Estimated fees per annum (Euros)
Jagiellonian University 6,000 – 12,000
University of Warsaw 2,000 – 6,000
Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan 2,500 – 3,500
AGH University of Science and Technology 2,500 – 4,000
Cracow University of Technology 3,000 – 10,000
Gdansk University of Technology 4,000 – 5,000
Lodz University of Technology 2,000 – 2,500
Warsaw University of Technology 4,000 – 5,000
Medical University of Warsaw 12,000 – 15,000
Nicolas Copernicus University 3,000 – 3,500
Poznan University of Technology 2,000 – 3,000
Silesian University of Technology 2,000 – 2,500
University of Gdansk 1,500 – 2,800
University of Lodz 2,000 – 3,000
University of Wroclaw 2,000 – 3,500
Wroclaw University of Science and Technology 4,500 – 5,500
Wroclaw Medical University 11,000 – 15,000
Medical University of Gdansk. 1,700 – 7,500
BEST COURSES FOR NIGERIANS IN POLAND
| COURSE | UNIVERSITIES OFFERING THE COURSES | LANGUAGE TAUGHT IN |
| Medicine (Masters) | The Medical University of LublinMedical, University of WarsawMedical, University of LodzPomeranian, Medical university in SzczecinMedical, University of GdanskUniversity of Warmia and MazuryMedical, University of BialystokNicolas Copernicus, University of Jan Kochanowski, University of Kielce Wroclaw medical University | English English English English English English English English English English |
| Architecture (Masters) | Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Gdansk University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology, Bialystok University of Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology | English English English English English English English |
| Civil Engineering (Masters) | Poznan University of Technology, Rzeszow University of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Bialystok University of Technology, Silesian University of Technology, Opole University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, Cracow University of technology | English English English English English English English English |
| Computer Science (Masters) | Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Bialystok University of Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, University of Information Technology and Management. The Czestochowa University of Technology, WSG University, Poznan University of Technology | English English English English English English English English |
| Management (Masters) | SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Katowice School of Economics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Kozminski University | English English English English |
| International Business management/ International Relations (Masters) | Jagiellonian University, University of Wroclaw, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Vistula University, Collegiums Civitas University of Warsaw Marie Curie-Sklodowska University, Polish Naval Academy, University of Lodz, Lazarski University, University of Bialystok, University of Bielsko-BialaPoznan, University of Economics and Business | English English English English English English English English English English English English English |
| Architecture (Bachelor Degree) | The Lodz University of Technology, University College of Enterprise and Administration, LublinPoznan University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology Cracow University of Technology, Gdansk University of Technology | English English English English English English |
| Computer Science (Bachelor Degree) | Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, Bialystok University of Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, University of Information Technology and Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, WSG University, University of Dabrowa GorniczaJan, Dlugosz University Czestochowa | English English English English English English English English English |
| Nursing (Bachelor Degree) | Medical University of Gdansk, WSG university medical, University of Silesia, Nicolas Copernicus University | English English English English |
| English Studies (Bachelor Degree) | SWPS University of Social Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska, University in Lublin Nicolas Copernicus University, University of OpoleJan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, University of Warsaw | English English English English English English |
Free Courses in Poland
Poland offers some courses for free for its citizens, but that doesn’t mean that foreigners cannot benefit from this. The free courses are usually taught in their native language, Polish, so any foreigner willing to take the free courses on offer would have to learn the language for a year. After the year of learning has passed, then the individual would be required to take a test the same as other Polish nationals. The tests are also conducted in Polish. Note that these free courses are only offered in Public Universities. However, here are some requirements to fulfill in order to take advantage of their free courses:
- The individual must have a relative or family member who is a citizen of Poland and lives in Poland.
- The individual should be a citizen of one of the countries in the European Union.
- If the individual has or possesses a valid Pole’s Card
- If the individual possesses a permanent residence permit.
- If the individual has been granted refugee status.
- If the individual possesses a temporary residence permit which was given in order for the individual to reunite with his/her family.
- If the individual has been granted temporary protection or asylum in the nation of Poland.
Another way to take advantage or not pay for tuition at all is to apply for scholarships. Here is a list of some universities in Poland and the free courses they offer:
| UNIVERSITY | COURSES OFFERED (DEGREE) |
| Jagiellonian University | European Studies (Masters) European Studies: European Politics and Society in a Global context (Bachelor) Europe from Visegrad Perspective (Masters)Business Finance Management (Masters) |
| Warsaw University of Technology | Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor) Aerospace Engineering (Masters) Architecture (Bachelor) |
| Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan | Central European and Balkan Studies (Bachelor) Cultural Studies: Intercultural Communication (Masters) Ethnology – Specialization: Cultural Differences and Transnational Process. (Masters) Public Governance (Masters) |
| Nicolas Copernicus University | Chemistry (Ph.D.) Tourism Management (Bachelor) |
| Gdansk University of Technology | Civil Engineering (Masters) |
| Lodz University of Technology | Computer Science (Masters) |
| AGH University of Science and Technology | Computer Science: Systems Modeling and Data Analysis (Masters) |
| University of Lodz | Economics (Masters) |
| University of Warsaw | European Administration (Masters) Journalism and Information Studies. (Bachelor) |
| University of Gdansk | European and International Business Law (Masters) |
Courses and their estimated average salaries
A lot of jobs are now in demand in Poland and studying one or more of these courses can give you an edge and potential increased earning power.
| Course | Average Monthly Salary/Wages in Poland (EUROS) | Average cost of course in University per semester (EUROS) |
| Engineering | 1,800 – 3200 | 1,500 – 2500 |
| Information Technology/ Computer Science | 2,200 – 2,800 | 1,500-2,700 |
| Accounting and Economics | 2,500 – 3,500 | 1,600 – 1,900 |
| Human Resources | 2,000 – 2,800 | |
| Medicine | 5,000 – 7,500 | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Law | 2,400 – 5,000 | 1,800 – 2,000 |
| Aviation/Pilot | 2,100 – 3,600 | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Psychology | 2,000 – 2,800 | 2,200 – 2,400 |
| Marketing | 2,200 – 3,200 | 1,200 – 1,400 |
| Public Relations | 1,600 – 2,900 | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Banking and Finance | 3,000 – 3,800 | 1,200 – 1,500 |
| Hospitality | 2,000 – 3000 | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Telecommunications | 1,800 – 2,800 | 2,000 – 2,500 |
| Architecture | 1,900 – 3,000 | 2,000 – 2,200 |
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
For Under-Graduate Studies (Bachelor Degree)
A typical Bachelor Degree program lasts for a period of approximately four years of study. Some exceptions, though, are given to certain courses or disciplines like medicine for a period not less than 6 years and law, which lasts for a minimum period of four years. A bachelor degree is a stepping stone towards propelling or climbing up the professional ladder. Requirements for prospective students include:
- An application form or letter duly filled out and signed properly.
- A certificate indicating you graduated from High School/Secondary School (WAEC result in the case of Nigerians)
- A valid and legal passport.
- A medical certificate indicating you are fit to study your particular applied course.
- The student should have at least four (4) passport-sized photographs or snapshots.
- The student should possess at least a copy of his/her legal Identification Card (ID card).
- The student should also possess an English proficiency test. This test is to ensure that the students understand English language enough to be able to communicate with it, as English is the language to be used for teaching and it is also one of the languages spoken in Poland. It is advisable that you undertake and pass one of the following tests: IELTS Academic, C1 Advanced, TOEFL IBT, and PTE Academic.
For Post Graduate Studies (Masters)
Some individuals might be interested in a Polish University in order for them to undergo their master’s degree programs. Polish Universities usually offer an array of Masters Degree Programs and are glad to welcome you into the fold provided you follow the correct procedures. The duration of a Masters Degree Program in Poland is two years.
General Requirements
- The intending student must possess an international passport which will be valid throughout his/her stay for the duration of the Master’s Degree.
- The Intended student should have in his/her possession and be willing to submit his/her matriculation certificate or document or any equivalent document.
- The student should also possess a Bachelor’s Degree issued by the University or institution in which the student underwent Undergraduate Studies.
- The student should also possess an English proficiency test. This test is to ensure that the students understand the English language enough to communicate with it, as English is the language to be used for teaching, and it is also one of the languages spoken in Poland. This would not be needed if you already come from an English-speaking country or your previous degree was taught in English.
- The student should also possess a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with details about the Institution and details about the professional career.
- The student should also have two references. One of them should be a personal reference (from someone who knows the student personally), while the other reference should be academic.
- The student should have an application form that is to be correctly completed and filled out appropriately.
- The student should have at least four (4) passport-sized photographs or snapshots.
- The student should possess at least a copy of his/her legal Identification Card (ID card).
- The student should also obtain a medical certificate/medical report from a hospital.
- The student should also provide proof of paying the admission fee.
The above requirements are general requirements that almost all Polish Universities require for admission into a postgraduate study, but, depending on the program and sometimes the institution, some other documents might also be required of the applicant. They sometimes are:
- A supplement or addition to your undergraduate degree might sometimes request a copy of your Bachelor Degree’s thesis.
FOR POST GRADUATE STUDIES (PhD)
For those aspiring to pursue a PhD in Poland, the country boasts a diverse selection of universities offering accessible programs to individuals worldwide. Eligibility for PhD studies requires the attainment of a recognized Master’s Degree. Here is another opportunity to secure scholarships for advancing your doctoral studies. In addition, they would also have to:
- The intending student must possess an international passport that will be valid throughout his/her stay for the degree duration.
- The student should have an application form that is to be correctly completed and filled out appropriately.
- The student should have at least four (4) passport-sized photographs or snapshots.
- The student should possess at least a copy of his/her legal Identification Card (ID card).
- The student should also obtain a medical certificate/medical report from a hospital.
- The student should also possess a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with details about the Institution and details about the professional career.
Admission process for prospective students.
Individuals seeking admission into a Polish university would have to go through the following process:
- The individual would have to choose a course or program from the university’s numerous courses to study.
- After the individual has selected the applicable course, he/she would now have to go through the admission requirements which are that the applicant must submit the following:
- Application form got or issued by the University in question. The form should be accurately and correctly filled out.
- A copy of the High School Diploma or transcript (i.e WAEC results)
- An Eligibility Document has to be given by the Ministry of Education which will indicate that the person is allowed to study in the country where his/her diploma was issued.
- A copy of the individual passport showing the individuals information.
- A medical Health Certificate outlining any prior illness or condition suffered by the individual and if the individual is healthy enough to begin schooling in the country.
- Four current passport photographs
- In the case of Masters Degree Applicant, they would have to submit their Bachelor Degree Certificate and Transcript.
- The individual, upon acceptance, must also have an insurance policy for the duration of study in the country.
After these documents have been gathered and the admission form properly filled, the individual will have to submit it along with the required and accompanying documents. The documents can be scanned and submitted online, but the original copies would be required as soon as you begin to study at the university.
After the submission, there is little you can do but wait for the school’s decision. If you meet their requirements and criteria perfectly, you will be sent an offer letter by the University. You are to sign the form and will also have to pay an acceptance fee (which is non-negotiable and non-refundable). You might also be scheduled for an interview at the University’s discretion. In this time of the pandemic, it is most likely that the interview will take place online, so it is best to prepare for that time. This is a list of some of the universities and their acceptance fees, as well as deadlines for application.
| University | Acceptance fee (Euros) | Deadline for application |
| Jagiellonian University | 25 | Mid-November |
| University of Warsaw | 20 | July |
| Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan | 20 | July |
| AGH University of Science and Technology | 20 | February |
| Cracow University of Technology | 20 | February |
| Gdansk University of Technology | 20 | December |
| Lodz University of Technology | 20, 35 for Architecture | 24th February |
| Warsaw University of Technology | 20 | September |
| Medical University of Warsaw | 200 | September |
| Nicolas Copernicus University | 20 | September |
| Poznan University of Technology | 20 | September |
| Silesian University of Technology | 20 | July |
| University of Gdansk | 20 | Will be announced March 2021 |
| University of Lodz | 20 | 15th July |
| University of Wroclaw | 20 | September |
| Wroclaw University of Science and Technology | 20 | November |
| Wroclaw Medical University | 20 | 9th July |
| Medical University of Gdansk. | 670 | August |
- After the correct Acceptance/application fee has been paid, the next step would be for the prospective student to select his/her preferred accommodation from the list available. If they are not comfortable with what is being offered, they may also personally look for another form of accommodation on their own.
- When your accommodation has been sorted out, the university will issue you a Final Acceptance Letter and will also give a support letter to enable you to apply for a visa from the Polish Embassy.
- The next step would now be to apply for a student visa from the Polish Embassy. It is best to apply for your visa as soon as possible because it could take weeks before your visa is processed and ready. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can get it and begin your studies in Poland.
- When your visa is ready, you are free to begin your studies at the University of your choice in the nation of Poland.
Fees:
To be admitted and study at any Polish Universities, you would have to make payments for admission fee and tuition fee. The Admission or acceptance fee is a fee that covers issues connected with the University registration process. It is a one-time payment. The Tuitions fee always depends on some variables, including the average cost of living in the school vicinity. It also depends on the type of school and the field of study the intending student is interested in.
The University tuition fee could be increased in urban cities where workers’ salary is high, and the cost of living is also high. However, it does not mean that the most expensive university is always the best university. The Tuition fee is a yearly fee that a student must pay to continue study in the university, and it can be paid yearly or per semester, depending on the individual.
You can pay via bank transfer which is much more convenient for both parties concerned.
If you are unlucky or unable to secure a Polish Visa, your tuition fees would be refunded. Usually, you are asked to pay for the tuition before you arrive at school.
Note: In addition to the requirements and processes stated above, prospective students would also have or need to contact the institution of their choice directly for the requirements, process, and even additional steps to be explained to them clearly. Each institution’s admission process might slightly differ. They all publish their individual admission requirements and procedures, so it is best to obtain information first-hand from the institution of your choice. In some cases, the institution might even assist and guide you on some procedures to make things easier for you.