In Poland, about one million and one hundred thousand people study at over 400 universities. In the academic year 2019-2020, over 85,000 foreigners are getting their education in Poland. See for yourself that it is worth studying here! For more information about Polish universities, rules for recognition of education, and practical advice for those interested in studying in Poland, visit Go Poland!
In 2022, Notes from Poland reported top 15 Polish institutions based on QS World University Ranking:
1. University of Warsaw (284th)
2. Jagiellonian University (293rd)
3. Life Sciences in Poznań (521-530)
4. Warsaw University of Technology (521-530)
5. AGH University of Science and Technology (801-1000)
6. Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań (801-1000)
7. Cracow University of Technology (801-1000)
8. Gdańsk University of Technology (801-1000)
9. Łódź University of Technology (801-1000)
10. Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (801-1000)
11. Poznań University of Technology (801-1000)
12. University of Gdańsk (801-1000)
13. University of Łódź (801-1000)
14. University of Wrocław (801-1000)
15. Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (801-1000)
The level of the education system in Poland has been improving steadily within the last ten years. At the same time, not only the quality of teaching has improved, but also the number of international students has been growing constantly and a lot has been done to make their stay in Poland as comfortable as possible.
Interestingly enough, among universities in Poland, there are both some of the oldest in the world with impressive historical traditions, as Jagiellonian University in Cracow, founded in 1364 and some very new and very modern universities. It is your choice where to apply!
Bologna Process is implemented at all universities in the country. Polish universities offer the students a wide range of areas of studies from technical and medical specialties to economics, finance, and social sciences.
Below you can find the listed types of studies and their duration:
- Bachelor of Arts – 3 years (6 semesters)
- Bachelor of Science – 3.5 years (7-8 semesters)
- Master’s Degree – 1.5 – 2 years (3-4 semesters)
- Long cycle Master’s Degree (for Medical Specialities, Psychology and Law) lasts for 5-6 years (10-12 semesters)
- Postgraduate studies – 1 – 1.5 years (1-2 semesters)
There is a quite common non-degree programme called “Zerówka” – a 9-months preparatory course for future students. It includes classes of the Polish language and a couple of other subjects. After completing the course participants get a certificate confirming their level of Polish proficiency.
Alternatively if one does want to improve their English language skills there is option to enroll for English preparatory school (also 9-months) with aim of entering degree program upon completion the course.
Programs
Philosophy Programme in Warsaw for Open-Minded Students
University of Warsaw
If you are looking for studies which give you broad perspectives, numerous opportunities, and unique skills, in one of the best places to live, the answer is simple: choose International Studies in Philosophy at the University of Warsaw. Learn: why.
– Why philosophy? Philosophy means the “love of wisdom” – prof. Adrian Kuźniar, the head of the International Studies in Philosophy, explains. – It is a systematic inquiry into fundamental issues such as the universe, knowledge, mind, ethics, language, art, and politics. It helps to develop critical, precise, logical thinking, and the ability to ask questions and debate – he emphasises.
International Studies in Philosophy at the University of Warsaw is a 3-year bachelor’s degree programme taught entirely in English (all tutorials, lectures, and seminars are taught in this language), which took off in October 2007. It provides a comprehensive and systematic account of Western philosophy—from the wisdom of Ancient Greece to contemporary philosophical discussions around the globe.
University of Warsaw is the biggest and the best university in Poland as well as one of the finest in central Europe. And in 2023, Warsaw was named the ‘Best European Destination’.
1. So many options
There are more than 1.2 million students studying in Poland, at almost 380 universities. What is even more impressive most of the programs are offered in both Polish and English languages, on top of that, there are hundreds of languages that are taught here. There are a lot more colleges for arts as well as faculties of humanities and universities of technology, all of them equipped with ideal laboratories and super-computers.
2. Study in the center of Europe
Poland is the place where you can earn a diploma that will open up doors to the best companies in Europe, and some of the best in the world. The country has many other perks, such as the fact that its medical schools are accredited in the US and that, while studying in Poland, you have access to the European Union’s study programs and are able to do internships or traineeships abroad. With top-quality, internationally recognized degrees, almost no other region in the world can set your career off to such a promising start. Do not forget that Poland has a favourable geographic location that has an excellent transport connection to the whole European Union at your fingertips!
3. Live in a city that’s bursting with different cultures
Study in the European Capital of Culture Wrocław, artistic Kraków, hipster Warsaw, multicultural Lublin, academic Poznań or beautiful coastal Gdańsk. There’s something for everyone in each city, from student pubs to vegan restaurants and art galleries. Be ready to meet and interact with the crowd at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, explore Krakow’s Wawel Castle, during winter you can go skiing in the Tatra Mountains or sail in the Masurian Lake District.
4. Ideal for a student budget
If you dream of going abroad and becoming independent while studying, do not worry about the cost, Poland is ideal for a student on a tight budget. Dormitories start from €60 a month per student, cinema ticket starts from €2,50, and lunch in the cafeteria starts from €2. No wonder Warsaw is the most affordable European student city according to the 2016 QS Best Student Cities index. Find more info here
5. Great career opportunities
Studying in Poland is just the beginning. Those wanting to start their own business, or find a great job in an international company would benefit from a longer stay. Foreign companies operating in Poland prefer graduates from Polish universities. Akademickie Inkubatory Przedsiębiorczości (‘Academic Incubators of Entrepreneurship’) is a community that will help and nurture your business, and the Technology Parks are also at your disposal. Additionally, The Warsaw Innovation week is a great hub where start-ups can attract the attention of foreign investors.