Universities

Structure of the University System

Polish higher education is divided into two primary sectors: public (state-funded) and private (non-public). While both are regulated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, they differ in funding models and admission rules.

Public Universities (Uczelnie Publiczne)

There are approximately 130 public universities in Poland. These institutions are generally considered more prestigious and research-intensive. Admission to public universities is highly competitive.

• Tuition: Education in the Polish language is free for Polish citizens and EU/EFTA nationals. Non-EU citizens typically pay tuition fees.
• Focus: Strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge, research, and PhD training.

Private Universities (Uczelnie Niepubliczne)

Private institutions, numbering over 200, are funded through tuition fees paid by all students (including Polish nationals). These schools often focus on practical skills, business connections, and job market preparation.

• Tuition: Paid by everyone. Fees are often lower than those for international students at public universities.
• Focus: Business, Management, IT, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

Types of Institutions

Unlike many Western systems where a "University" covers all fields, Poland maintains a system of specialized institutions. The name of the school often indicates its specific focus.

Tuition Fees and Costs (2026 Estimates)

While EU citizens studying in Polish can study for free at public universities, most international programs (taught in English) and all non-EU students are subject to tuition fees. The following costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Currency conversion based on rates as of January 12, 2026 (1 EUR ≈ $1.10 USD).

• Bachelor’s / Master’s (Public, Non-EU): €2,000 – €4,000 per year (approx. $2,200 – $4,400 USD).
• Technical & Engineering Programs: €3,000 – €5,000 per year (approx. $3,300 – $5,500 USD).
• Medical Programs (Medicine/Dentistry): €10,000 – €15,000 per year (approx. $11,000 – $16,500 USD).
• MBA Programs (Private): €8,000 – €14,000 per year (approx. $8,800 – $15,400 USD).
• Application Fee (Recruitment): 85 PLN (approx. $21 USD) per program.

Academic Calendar

The academic year in Poland is divided into two semesters. Punctuality and attendance policies are strict, and exams are held only during designated sessions.

• Winter Semester: Begins October 1st and ends in late January or early February.
• Winter Exam Session: Usually the first two weeks of February.
• Summer Semester: Begins mid-February and ends in June.
• Summer Exam Session: Last two weeks of June.
• Resit Session (Poprawki): Held in September for students who failed exams in previous sessions.

Initiative of Excellence – Research Universities (IDUB)

The Polish government has designated ten universities as "Research Universities" under the Excellence Initiative. These institutions receive additional funding to enhance their research quality and international standing. For a foreigner looking for high-ranking diplomas, these are often the primary targets:

1. University of Warsaw (UW)
2. Gdańsk University of Technology
3. AGH University of Krakow
4. Warsaw University of Technology
5. Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (UAM)
6. Jagiellonian University (Kraków)
7. Medical University of Gdańsk
8. Silesian University of Technology
9. Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
10. University of Wrocław

Official Resources for Verification

For official rankings, program finders, and scholarship information, consult these government portals:

• Study.gov.pl - Official Portal for International Students
• NAWA - Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange
• Research in Poland - Excellence Initiative Information