Poland is a great place to undertake a degree if you are looking to study abroad, particularly if you are on a budget, as public universities are tuition-free for EU/EEA students. With over 400 universities in the country, there are many excellent options to choose from. In this article, EDUopinions will go through five of the best universities in Poland for international students and include some verified students reviews, so you can know exactly what makes these institutions the right choice for you.
Is Poland good for international students?
In recent years, Poland has become an increasingly popular destination among international students. These students report feeling well-supported as foreigners in Polish universities thanks to mentoring programmes, free Polish-language courses and plenty of extra-curricular activities. Further, while Polish society is relatively homogenous, international students in the country said they felt welcomed and embraced by the locals, particularly those in cities. Finally, the excellent quality of education in Poland is another reason why studying there makes sense for so many international students.
Is Poland a cheap place to study?
Another advantage of studying in Poland is the relative affordability. For students from EU/EEA countries, public universities in Poland are free of charge. For non-European students, they cost €2,000 per year. If you choose to study at a private university, tuition can range from €2,000 to €6,000 per year, significantly less than in other European Union countries. The cost of living in Poland is also attractive for students; Go! Poland recommends students budget €400 – €450 per month for their accommodation, bills and insurance, food and entertainment.
Can international students work in Poland?
Yes, international students can work in Poland without any additional paperwork. Their work authorisation is included in their student visa. One thing to note is that in order to be granted a student visa, applicants must be able to demonstrate they have the financial means to cover the cost of living and studying in Poland.
The Best Polish Universities for International Students:
University of Wroclaw – UWR
The University of Wroclaw – UWR is one of the oldest universities in Central Europe and educates over 26,000 students and around 1,300 doctoral students. It is located in Wroclaw – the meeting place, a city teeming with life, cultural and international events. The University of Wroclaw is a public university that has been at the forefront of Polish universities for many years. In 2020 the University of Wroclaw has been qualified for the programme: Initiative of Excellence – Research University. It offers studies in English in the humanities, social sciences, law, business, biotechnology, physics and chemistry.
Check out what Raymond had to say about his experience at UWR:
The University of Wroclaw is a great place to study and meet people from diverse backgrounds. I completed the Masters of International Relations program and it was a great challenge, both academically and personally. The classes were conducted on a high level by professors that challenged us and studying with people from other backgrounds challenged my previously held opinions on topics as well as opening my mind to new perspectives.
The lessons I learned in the program have benefited me greatly in my professional career. Currently, I am working as a partnership manager in a local IT company, and I put the skills I mastered from the program to use on a daily basis. Previously, when I was working as an international project manager I had to coordinate a project across several different countries while being aware of the local laws and cultural norms in each country. Without the knowledge that I gained in the master’s program, it would have been even more challenging to pull off a successful project.
Studying at the University of Wroclaw was an amazing experience, not only did I get to make life-long friends with people from all over the world and discuss ideas with our professors directly thanks to small class sizes, but most importantly, I received a top-notch education in the process.
Cracow University of Economics – CUE
Next, the Cracow University of Economics is another great Polish university for international students. As the name would suggest, this university is ideal for students who want to study economics, business or finance. The university offers over 30 different undergraduate degrees in both Polish and English, in addition to postgraduate and PhD programmes. What’s more, students immediately fall in love with the city of Cracow, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and a great place to be a student given all the entertainment and attractions it has to offer. Without a doubt, Cracow University of Economics is a great place for international students, located in a dynamic and exciting European city. Just read what one student wrote about their experience there:
If you’re looking for a cool uni with various stuff to do after classes – you will like UEK. We have cafe/bar at the campus, most of the classes are in one place and there is a ton of organizations which with you can hang out in your free time. Best in Cracow to go abroad for an exchange (you can go even if you do not have only A’s, various directions), also great for sports, with various options to pick from. I don’t think classes on UEK are good enough though, they are theory-focused, there is little room to choose it by yourself and repetitive through the full studies – at least in Management Dept (but I hope it changes in the right direction!). But people on UEK are smart, and thanks to collaborating, doing stuff after hours and being proactive most of them can easily find good job while still studying. Also ,these people are great – I met many great people there, many of them I consider friends for a lifetime. GREAT language learning options – business english classes obligatory on BA which are like 10/10 for me, and another languages, several to pick from. Other than that, administration could be a LOT better but what you’re gonna do. From the courses perspective, I strongly recommend accounting/controlling or finance studies if you really want to learn something useful. I rate 4/5 as life lessons and friends were always more important for me than hard knowledge…;)
Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University
Located in the heart of the Polish capital, Collegium Humanum Warsaw Management University is a unique type of business educational institution in Poland. The university prides itself on its dedication to innovative learning practices, designed with students’ needs and contemporary issues in mind. Students can choose from a wide range of courses relating to management, marketing, international business, trade and more. Further, Collegium Humanum is also a highly international institution, welcoming many foreign students every year and maintaining branches in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Uzbekistan. Clearly, Collegium Humanum is one of the best universities in Poland for international students. Read this review to understand why students are so glad to study at Collegium Humanum:
I would definitely recommend Collegium Humanum to other students.
High education level, I was able to learn a lot of new skills, professors with huge experience in the professional sector – this is why I highly rate
SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
For students of the humanities, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a great option to consider. Students can choose from 35 English degree programmes in psychology, law, languages and literature, cultural studies, media and communication and more. With more than 17,000 students at five different campuses in Poland, SWPS makes for the ultimate university experience. In addition, nearly 10% of its student body are international students, representing more than 60 different countries. For these reasons, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities is easily one of the best universities in Poland for international students. Check out what Tetyana wrote about their experience at SWPS and why it was so positive:
I studied social psychology in WARSAW and I loved it. Most of the classes are very interesting, they are specific knowledge. The schedule is set individually by each student. There is always a pleasant atmosphere at the university. The University offers a wide range of specialities which is a great asset. The rooms are well equipped and the building itself is maintained in good condition.
University of Lodz – UL
University of Lodz is at the forefront of higher education in Poland and it has a leading position in the region. Modern infrastructure, high quality of education and a wide range of courses studied in foreign languages, all of them attract a large number of international candidates both for full-time degree programmes and for student exchange. The 28,000 students that attend classes at different faculties of the University are taught by 2217 academic teachers. UL regularly hosts guest speakers, renowned politicians, businessmen and cultural representatives from Poland and abroad. The University is repeatedly ranked among the top higher education institutions in Poland, and it especially excels in such fields of study as economics and management, linguistic sciences and international relations.
If you are looking for an International Relations degree and want to study more deeply American, European or Asian Studies, then the University of Lodz is the right place for you.
It was here that I acquired a lot of knowledge in my specialization. I learned the History, Culture, Times of Immigration, and Politics of the United States and Latin America. I was even fortunate enough to study the history of Hollywood and American Media. A well-developed curriculum and knowledgeable teachers will allow you to focus fully on your chosen specialization.
Becoming a Mentor in ESN and participating in the Alumni VIP Mentoring project, I develop my leadership skills and reveal my talents.
What I like most is that our university has a lot of students from different parts of the world. And one of the most important advantages of growing on a multicultural campus is the opportunity to learn new skills. During classes and conversations, I learned a lot about others and about myself. From here, I developed new skills that I never knew I had before: fluency in a foreign language and the ability to learn other foreign languages easily, being able to cope with a situation where different participating students do not speak the same language, a new way of managing group projects.
I have made a lot of friends who are always ready to support and help and, of course, have fun 🙂
University of Business in Wroclaw
Last but not least, the University of Business in Wroclaw is top-notch institution for anyone looking to make a career in business. Their degrees are offered at bachelor, master and doctoral levels, including an MBA programme designed with their industry partners. Students at the University of Business Wroclaw come from 30 different countries. They benefit from their school’s emphasis on professional skills training with 70% of practical classes, learning about leadership, negotiations, crisis management and decision-making. Further, students at this university benefit from being able to study a foreign language, an essential skill for anyone keen on working in international business. Take Anna for example, who studies international hospitality and tourism management:
The most important thing for me about the university experience is the chance to grow as a person, as well as academically. University of Business Wroclaw has exceeded my expectations. I was so quiet when I first started here and now I have gained confidence and I am less quiet. Before attending WSH, I didn’t know a lot about the university. After 2 unforgettable years of studying here, I can now confidently say that was my best education life.
Great student services, devoted world-class teaching staff and a beautiful international atmosphere are all at the heart of one of the most welcoming and dynamic cities in Poland. I couldn’t ask for more!
Conclusion about the best universities in Poland for international students
In this article, we have covered five of the best universities in Poland for international students. Hopefully, some of these great institutions have caught your eye, but if not do not hesitate to reach out to EDUopinions for more advice on how to choose from Poland’s more than 400 universities.
Check out this article on Why Study Business in Poland.
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