Study in Poland for Indian Students : Universities, Courses, Fees, Scholarships

Did you know that Poland is home to over 105,000 international students, with the number increasing by 20% since 2018? If you're considering to study in Poland, you’ll find a country with 439 higher education institutions offering world-class education at surprisingly affordable costs.

Poland is becoming an increasingly popular study destination for international students, particularly Indian students, with around 5,000 choosing Polish universities in 2022. Tuition fees range from EUR 500 to EUR 8,000 annually, while living costs remain budget-friendly, averaging around USD 7,000 per year. Additionally, students can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during their studies, making it easier to cover living expenses.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information on Polish universities, admission requirements, student visa processes, scholarships, and post-study work opportunities, helping you make an informed decision about your educational journey if you choose to study in Poland.

Why Study in Poland?

Poland stands as a rising star in European education, with its university system witnessing remarkable growth over the past decade. The number of higher education institutions has increased fivefold, while student enrollment has quadrupled. This educational expansion makes Poland for Indian students an increasingly attractive option.

The Polish education system strictly follows the Bologna Process, ensuring degrees are recognized worldwide. This standardized structure creates clear pathways through Bachelor's (3-4 years), Master's (1.5-2 years), and Doctoral programs (3-4 years). Poland universities for international students benefit from this system through standardized degree structures, credit transfer opportunities, and quality assurance.

Perhaps the most compelling reason to study in Poland is affordability. Cost of study in Poland for Indian students is significantly lower than other European destinations, with tuition fees ranging from INR 1L to INR 6L per year. Living expenses remain reasonable, making your total educational investment 30-50% less than other EU countries.

This cost advantage doesn't compromise quality. With some universities dating back to the 14th century, top universities in Poland combine historic excellence with modern innovation. Many universities in Poland offer programs taught entirely in English across diverse fields:

• Engineering and Technology
• Medicine and Health Sciences
• Business and Management
• Humanities and Social Sciences

As a student, you can work part-time (20 hours weekly) during semesters, earning approximately INR 350-580 per hour. During breaks, full-time work is permitted with minimum wages around INR 65K monthly.

Poland study abroad experiences also include rich cultural immersion. The country ranks impressively on the Global Peace Index—29th globally on the 2023 Safety Index—making it particularly safe for international students.

After graduation, Poland universities open doors to promising careers. Major companies like Google, Microsoft, BMW, and IBM actively recruit graduates. Furthermore, the Polish job market remains robust, providing excellent opportunities to build your international career.

Top Universities in Poland

Polish higher education boasts over 500 institutions, with a rich mix of historic public universities and specialized technical schools that make study in Poland for international students particularly appealing. The country's academic heritage includes illustrious alumni like Marie Curie and Nicolaus Copernicus.

The academic landscape in Poland features two prestigious universities consistently ranking highest in global evaluations. The University of Warsaw, Poland's largest institution with over 34,341 students, ranks 258th globally according to QS World Rankings 2025. Established in 1816, it offers programs across 21 departments, making it a cornerstone of Poland universities for international students.

Jagiellonian University in Krakow, dating back to the 14th century, holds the distinction of being Poland's oldest university. With a global rank of 312 and enrollment of 34,309 students, it combines historic prestige with modern education excellence.

Other notable public institutions that deserve attention when you study in Poland include:

• Warsaw University of Technology (ranked 527 globally)
• AGH University of Krakow (ranked 851-900)
• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan (ranked 761-770)
• Gdansk University of Technology (ranked 800-850)

For specialized education, Polish technical and medical universities offer world-class training at reasonable tuition rates. Wroclaw Medical University, Medical University of Lodz, and Medical University of Gdansk stand out for medicine and healthcare programs, with international student populations reaching 14-16%.

The private education sector in Poland has also grown substantially, with SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Kozminski University, and Lazarski University ranking among the top private institutions.

For Poland for Indian students, the most popular fields of study include medicine, information technology, and management. Many universities offer programs entirely in English, with Poland university fees remaining significantly lower than other European destinations.

Before selecting a university, carefully examine both its overall reputation and program-specific strengths, as many Polish institutions excel in particular disciplines like medicine, engineering, or business rather than across all fields.
 

Top Universities in Poland
 

Admission Requirements to Study in Poland

Applying to Poland universities for international students requires meeting specific academic and documentary requirements that vary by program level. The study in Poland application process is decentralized, with each university managing its own admissions.

For bachelor's programs, you need a matriculation certificate (high school diploma) or equivalent document that confirms eligibility for higher education in your home country. Master's programs require a bachelor's degree (licencjat or inżynier), whereas doctoral programs demand a master's degree or equivalent.

Poland for Indian students has specific language requirements. Most programs taught in English require proficiency certification, typically IELTS (minimum 5.5-6.0 for undergraduate and 6.0-6.5 for postgraduate programs) or TOEFL. Nevertheless, you can potentially study in Poland without IELTS if you:

• Have completed previous education with English as the instruction language
• Hold an IB or EB diploma
• Pass a language proficiency examination administered by the Polish university

For programs taught in Polish, a B1-B2 level proficiency certificate is necessary.

The standard application documents include:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Passport copy and photographs
• Proof of language proficiency
• Medical certificate (for certain programs)
• Application fee payment receipt

Each university publishes its admission conditions at least five months before the process begins. Application deadlines generally fall in mid-September for EU/EEA students and mid-July to mid-August for non-EU/EEA students.

Moreover, certain fields such as medicine, arts, physical education, or technical studies may require additional aptitude tests. For medical programs, especially, higher language scores are often necessary (IELTS 7.0+).

The cost of study in Poland for Indian students includes application fees that vary by institution. Once accepted, you'll need to arrange health insurance valid in Europe before applying for your student visa.

Poland is the largest educational hub, with more than 500 educational institutes. Poland has many public universities. As per the country's statistics, 70 public universities are functioning in Norway. Public universities offer education at a nominal cost. However, private universities also charge reasonable tuition fees. Yearly, more than 13,000 international students from Norway are pursuing various courses. Students can understand classes to choose from in Norway from the following.

Top courses to study in Poland: 

• Medicine, Psychology
• Computer science
• Law 
• Business management

Other courses include: 
• Engineering
• Languages
• Arts, design, and architecture
• Applied sciences and professions
• Agriculture and forestry
• Agricultural science
• Natural sciences
• Art
• Social sciences

Top ranking universities you can choose in Poland: 

University of Warsaw:

Ranks 264 in QS rankings 2024. This university is known as the Poland's largest university.

Jagiellonian University in Cracow:

The University ranks 304 in QS rankings 2024. This university is the oldest in Poland; it was established in the 14th century. 
 

Intakes in Poland

Poland has 2 intakes: summer and winter. You can select the intake depending on your choice. The following table details the study intakes, application deadlines, and required educational qualifications. 

Cost Analysis: Tuition, Living, and Hidden Expenses

The affordability of higher education in Poland makes it an attractive destination for international students seeking quality education at reasonable costs. Study in Poland offers considerable financial advantages compared to other European destinations, with tuition fees ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 annually.

Study in Poland fees for international students by course type

For Bachelor's degrees, study in Poland fees for international students typically fall between €1,500 and €5,000 per year. Master's programs cost slightly more, ranging from €2,000 to €6,000 annually. Doctoral programs are often more affordable, with fees between €2,000 and €6,000 per year, although many PhD students study free of charge and receive scholarships. Certain specialized fields command higher fees, with MBA programs and degrees in medicine or dentistry reaching €8,000 to €12,500 annually.

Cost of study in Poland for Indian students vs Germany and France

The cost of study in Poland for Indian students is considerably lower than other European countries. While Poland for Indian students requires approximately €4,000 to €6,000 annually for all expenses, Germany offers free tuition at public universities but has higher living costs. France charges between €170 and €650 per year at public universities, but living expenses are significantly higher. Indian students in Poland typically spend between ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 monthly for all expenses, making it among the most economical European options.

Public vs private universities in Poland: Fee comparison

Public universities in Poland generally charge lower tuition than private institutions. At public universities, EU/EEA students studying in Polish language programs often pay no tuition. However, for programs taught in English, both public and private institutions charge fees. Private universities typically have tuition rates 30-50% higher than public institutions for equivalent programs. Despite this difference, even private Poland universities for international students remain affordable compared to other European countries, with annual costs rarely exceeding €7,000 for standard programs.

Materials and Methods: Application, Visa, and Documentation

Preparing your application documents correctly is the first crucial step when studying in Poland as an international student. The documentation process requires careful attention to detail to increase your chances of acceptance and visa approval.
 

Required documents for Indian students: SOP, LOR, IELTS, etc.

Creating a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP) is essential for your Poland universities for international students application. Your SOP should highlight your motivation for pursuing the program, academic background, and career goals while adhering to the university's format requirements. 

For English-taught programs, Poland for Indian students typically requires an IELTS score ranging from 5.5 for undergraduate to 6.5 for master's programs.

Additionally, you'll need to prepare:

• Completed application form
• Two Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Academic transcripts and certificates (10th, 12th, bachelor's degree)
• Valid passport copy
• Updated resume/CV
• Medical insurance documentation

All educational documents must be legalized or apostilled by MEA/MFA for authenticity verification.

Step-by-step visa process for Indian applicants

For study in Poland, Indian students must obtain a Type D visa. The process includes:

1. Secure university acceptance letter first
2. Register through the e-konsulat system (appointments open Tuesdays and Fridays at 3 PM)
3. Complete visa application form through VFS website
4. Gather required documentation including proof of finances (approximately 22,912 PLN for a one-year stay)
5. Attend your appointment with all original documents
6. Wait for processing (typically 2-3 weeks)

Upon arrival in Poland, immediately apply for a Temporary Residence Card as it takes 8-12 months for approval.

Role of study in Poland consultants in the admission process

Study in Poland consultants offer valuable assistance throughout your application journey. These experts provide personalized guidance matching your profile with suitable universities, creating tailored applications that highlight your strengths. Consequently, they significantly enhance your chances of acceptance.

Furthermore, consultants assist with visa documentation, ensuring you submit the correct paperwork and comply with legal requirements. They also provide practical pre-departure support including flight bookings, accommodation arrangements, and international banking setup.

Student Visa to Study in Poland

Securing a student visa is a mandatory step when you study in Poland as a non-EU citizen. Indian students must obtain a type "D" national visa, which allows stays of up to one year and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Initially, you must register through the e-konsulat system, where appointments for visa applications open twice weekly—Tuesdays and Fridays at 3 PM. Beginning July 2, 2024, all study in Poland visa applications must be registered through e-konsulat, and applicants need to complete the visa application form through the VFS website.

Essential documents for poland for indian students visa applications include:

• Completed visa application form with color photograph
• Acceptance letter from a poland university
• Proof of tuition payment
• Legalized educational certificates (higher secondary certificate for bachelor's or degree certificates for master's/PhD)
• Travel medical insurance (minimum coverage €30,000)
• Accommodation proof in Poland
• Financial resources documentation

Notably, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay, including a minimum of 2,500 PLN for return travel costs and 701 PLN monthly for living expenses. For a 365-day visa, an Indian applicant typically needs at least 22,912 PLN total (including accommodation costs).

Subsequently, after arriving in Poland, immediately apply for a Temporary Residence Permit before your visa expires. This process can take 8-12 months, with the first permit valid for 15 months and renewable for up to 3 years.

One advantage for poland universities for international students is the work permission that comes with your visa. As a full-time student with a valid residence permit, you can work up to 20 hours weekly during academic terms and full-time during holidays without requiring a separate work permit.

Throughout your studies, your temporary residence card serves as an ID that, alongside your passport, allows multiple entries into Poland. The cost of study in poland for indian students includes a visa application fee and 390 PLN for the residence permit.

Results and Discussion: Scholarships, Jobs, and Placements

Financial support makes education abroad more accessible, and opportunities to study in Poland are enhanced by various scholarship programs designed for international students. Several funding avenues exist specifically for Indian students seeking quality education at affordable rates.

Top Scholarships to Study in Poland for Indian students: NAWA, KC Mahindra, Erasmus+

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers scholarships to students from developing countries including India. The Banach Scholarship Program covers second-degree studies in engineering, technical sciences, agricultural sciences, and exact sciences. For Indian applicants, this program provides full funding for master's studies at Poland universities for international students.

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships present another valuable opportunity, offering up to Rs. 10 lakh for top scholars and Rs. 5 lakh for other successful applicants pursuing post-graduate studies abroad. Importantly, these interest-free loan scholarships require a first-class degree and admission to reputable foreign universities.

Furthermore, Erasmus+ programs facilitate student exchanges between member countries, with exemptions from tuition, registration, and examination fees at receiving institutions.

This EU initiative creates additional pathways for Poland for Indian students seeking financial assistance.
 

Post-study work permit and job search process in Poland

Following graduation, Poland offers a 9-month temporary residence permit specifically designed for alumni seeking employment opportunities. This single-issue permit allows recent graduates time to secure jobs without requiring an initial employment offer.

As a graduate of a Polish university, you're exempt from the work permit requirement and the "labor market test". After working in Poland for five consecutive years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Average salaries by field: IT, Medicine, Engineering

Salary prospects vary significantly by profession in Poland universities. IT professionals rank among the highest earners, with computer programmers earning approximately 109,796 PLN annually and data analysts making 160,744 PLN yearly. Medical professionals receive about 10,000 PLN monthly (equivalent to 11,300 PLN according to other sources). Engineers typically earn between 7,500-13,000 PLN monthly, with civil engineers averaging 124,336 PLN annually.

Experience substantially impacts earnings—professionals with 2-5 years of experience earn 32% more than entry-level employees. Additionally, education level significantly affects salaries, with master's degree holders earning 29% more than those with bachelor's degrees.

Post-Study Work Permit in Poland

The journey of international education doesn't end at graduation—Poland offers a valuable transitional period for international students seeking employment after completing their degrees. Upon finishing your study in Poland, you become eligible for a special post-graduation residence permit designed specifically for job seekers.

As a graduate from a Polish university, you qualify for a 9-month temporary residence permit granted exclusively for employment-seeking purposes. This permit is issued only once and must be applied for immediately after graduation. Importantly, as a graduate, you're exempt from the standard work permit requirement and the "labor market test" typically applied to foreign workers.

To qualify as a "graduate," you must hold a diploma certifying completion of first-cycle studies, full-time second-cycle studies, postgraduate studies, or a doctoral school with a recognized academic title. This policy benefits Poland for Indian students seeking career opportunities after their education.

The application process requires:

• Filing your application with the Province Governor in person
• Applying during your legal residence period in Poland
• Submitting immediately after graduation

You'll need to provide proof of medical insurance, documented address in Poland, and sufficient funds for both living expenses and potential return travel. Poland universities for international students consistently attract graduates due to these work-friendly policies.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, the path to permanent residency emerges after 5 years of continuous residence in Poland. First, obtain a temporary residence permit valid for up to 3 years, which allows both living and working in the country. This permit costs approximately €94.

Unlike some countries with complex post-study work systems, Poland streamlines the process for university of Poland graduates. The employment market in Poland has been expanding, creating numerous opportunities across sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance. This growth has maintained a consistently low unemployment rate (around 5.5% in 2020), making Poland an appealing destination for international graduates.

Conclusion

Poland stands as an excellent choice for Indian students seeking quality education at affordable costs. Your educational journey here combines world-class academics with practical advantages - tuition fees ranging from €1,500 to €6,000 annually, reasonable living expenses, and part-time work opportunities during studies.

The country's 439 higher education institutions offer programs across diverse fields, from engineering to medicine. These universities follow the Bologna Process, therefore ensuring your degree receives worldwide recognition. Additionally, scholarship programs like NAWA and K.C. Mahindra make education more accessible through financial support.

The streamlined visa process, coupled with a 9-month post-study work permit, creates clear pathways for your career growth. Polish universities' graduates enjoy promising career prospects, especially in sectors like IT, medicine, and engineering, with competitive salaries ranging from 7,500 to 13,000 PLN monthly.

Above all, studying in Poland offers you a perfect blend of academic excellence, cultural exposure, and career opportunities. The country's safe environment, growing international student community, and robust job market make it an ideal destination for your higher education goals.

Consider reaching out to educational consultants who can guide you through the application process, ensuring you make the most of these opportunities in Poland.

Y-Axis - Poland Education Consultants

Y-Axis can assist by giving more vital support to aspirants who wish to study in Poland. The support process includes,

• Free Counseling: Free Counseling on university and course selection.

• Campus Ready Program: Fly to Poland with the best and ideal course. 

• Course Recommendation: Y-Path gives the best suitable ideas about your study and career options.

• Coaching: Y-Axis offers IELTS live classes to help students clear with high scores.

• Poland Student Visa: Our expert team helps you to get a Poland student Visa.

Other services