Poland is a fascinating, culturally diverse, and contemporary country with a rich history and heritage. Poland's first university, founded in 1364 in Cracow, has a lengthy history of higher education. Poland now has around 450 higher education institutions. There are also highly specialised universities that allow excellent professionals from a wide range of subjects to be formed. Studying in Poland with a Poland Study Visa can provide you with a high-quality, internationally recognised European degree at a moderate cost. You will not only receive excellent instruction, but you will also have the opportunity to pursue your future profession in the EU.
Obtaining a student visa for Poland is usually a simple process if you will be pursuing a recognised course of study at a Polish educational institution. After correctly filling out the essential information, you must present the required papers and application forms.
European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) students
An EU/EEA student does not need to get a visa before arriving in Poland to begin a programme of study. You must, however, apply for a temporary study visa at the local Voivod's office once you have arrived in Poland.
International students from non-EU countries
Students from outside the EU should apply for a Poland Study Visa at the Polish consulate in their current country of residence before travelling to Poland. Students who hold a valid visa and wish to extend it must apply at least 45 days before the existing visa expires.
Location
Poland is located in the Eastern Europe region, borders Germany on one side and Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine on the other. It is a large country that stretches from the Baltic coast in the north to lakes, woods, the Carpathian Mountains, and even a patch of desert in the south (yes, Europe has deserts!). The climate varies as much as the scenery, with temperatures ranging from 30°C in the summer to -6°C in the winter in certain areas.
Unique Advantages of Study in Poland
Academic background. From the 14th century Jagiellonian University in Krakow (whose graduates include Popes and Kings) through the creation of the world's first official ministry for education, Poland has a strong academic legacy.
Languages
English, French, German, and Polish are among the languages the courses are taught in. Over half of Poles speak English, making living and studying in Poland very convenient for international students. French and German speakers will now be able to choose courses in their language.
Excellent value for money.
Even medical school tuition in Poland is significantly lower than in other study places. Check out the section on Fees and Scholarships.
Cities in Europe.
The cities of Poland have a vibrant blend of Jewish, German, Austrian, Czech, and other cultures, making it an intriguing destination to study. They also have characteristics that are distinctively European, such as very efficient public transportation and regular art, cuisine, and film festivals. They also have a celebration called Juwenalia that gives pupils three days off school and includes parades and music.
Life in Poland as a Student
Because the Polish take higher education seriously, students in Poland frequently have packed schedules and put in long hours. Polish degrees, on the other hand, are similar to the American system in that they allow you to study more than one subject and specialise in certain areas while also receiving a comprehensive education.
It's an ideal setting for those who enjoy learning and debating; Poles have a reputation for openly discussing politics, religion, and other 'touchy' subjects. Student life in Poland is sociable outside of campus, with plenty of nightlife and things to do in the country's student cities. In Poland, students frequently share university housing with other students, but some sometimes live in individual apartments.
The Procedure for Applying
Applicants to study in Poland should check the university's website to see if they match the entry requirements for each programme they want to apply to. Then students must contact each university's admissions office directly to submit their applications. There is normally a charge for enrollment, and you must demonstrate your English skills, academic grades, and medical certification. If you are not from the EU/EEA, you must also show that you have the financial means to pay for your education. Because the academic year begins in October, make sure you allow enough time to finish your application, as well as any visa applications, before the university's deadline. You may also require a 'Stay Card,' which is a temporary residence permit that allows you to dwell in Poland, depending on your country of origin.
Scholarships & Fees
International students in Poland, unlike native Poles, must pay tuition fees, which can range from 2000 to 5000 EUR per year depending on the school and degree. This is a significant saving when compared to the United Kingdom and the United States. Even in the heart of Krakow or Warsaw, student living expenditures are lower than in other European nations, at around 280 EUR per week, or 1200 PLN, including housing. According to Mercer's Cost of Living Ranking, Warsaw is cheaper to live in than many Eastern European cities, including Prague, Bratislava, and Tallinn.
There are various options for scholarships and financial aid, including studying through the Erasmus+ scheme, the Polish Scholarship and Training Fund for students from Norway, Lichtenstein, and Ireland, and the Polish-Lithuanian Youth Exchange Fund for Lithuanians. If you can establish your Polish ancestry, you may be eligible for a cost reduction. Students from all across the world can apply for the Polish Government Scholarship or look into individual university scholarships.
International students can work in Poland while studying for extra money. If you are from the European Union, you can work part-time all year without having to apply for a permit. Non-EU students can work during the summer months of July, August, and September, or apply for a work visa for positions that last all year.
Following Graduation
Going on to complete postgraduate education is highly prevalent in Poland, with up to 80% of students opting to stay for a Master's or PhD. If it isn't for you, there are still some job opportunities in Poland following graduation. Some students' 'Stay Cards,' which are required to study in Poland, can be extended to allow graduates to stay and work in Poland for as long as they need to find work. One of them is open to graduates of full-time courses at a Polish university.
This is especially good news for those interested in science and technology, as more multinational corporations such as Microsoft, Intel, GlaxoSmithKline, and Google have established facilities in Poland. However, even if you do not wish to remain in Poland, you will receive a comprehensive European education that will prepare you for a career in any English-speaking country.
As an undergraduate student in Poland, you can choose between public universities, private universities, polytechnics, music academies, and agricultural universities. Poland's universities have relationships with several prestigious colleges and organisations around the world, allowing students to take advantage of internship opportunities there. Universities in Poland collaborate with universities in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Switzerland, and Greece.
Conclusion:
Studying in Poland is an excellent opportunity for those who want to immerse themselves in the Polish culture. Polish culture is well known for its deep-rooted traditions and rich history. The country is a well-developed and thriving democracy with several world-class universities and facilities.