Poland lies in Central Europe and is known for its diverse geography, historic architecture, and rich political and scientific heritage. The hospitality of the Polish people, delightful cities, and distinctive cuisine attract visitors from around the world. In addition to its engaging culture, Poland is an established destination for international students.
Poland’s higher education system includes centuries-old research universities, specialized medical universities, and major technical institutions. In this article, we will look at some of the best-known universities in Poland for international students. Let’s take a look at the top universities in Poland for international students.
Top Universities in Poland for International Students
| INSTITUTION NAME | HIGHLIGHTED STUDY AREAS |
|---|
| Jagiellonian University | Mathematics, Medicine, Computer Science |
| Medical University of Warsaw | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
| University of Warsaw | Psychology, Humanities |
| Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań | English Studies, Linguistics, Arts and Humanities |
| AGH University | Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science |
| Cracow University of Technology | Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology |
| University of Gdańsk | Biology, Oceanography, Quantum Technologies |
| Medical University of Białystok | Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health |
| Gdańsk University of Technology | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture |
| Wroclaw Medical University | Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy |
1. Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University, historically known as the University of Kraków, was founded in 1364 and is the oldest university in Poland. It has been a major center of teaching and research for more than six centuries, and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was among its students. The university currently has 16 faculties, including three medical faculties, and offers a broad range of programs in the humanities, sciences, medicine, law, and social sciences.
The university offers programs in Polish and other languages, including English-language Medicine and Mathematics and Computer Science programs. It also maintains extensive international partnerships and is a member of academic networks such as the Coimbra Group.
2. Medical University of Warsaw
- Admissions
- Highlighted Study Areas: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
The Medical University of Warsaw traces its academic roots to 1809 and is one of Poland’s oldest medical universities. It is currently organized into four faculties covering medicine, medicine and dentistry, pharmacy, and health sciences. The university has approximately 10,000 students, including nearly 800 international students.
Its current English-language degree options include a six-year Medicine program and a five-year Dentistry program. Clinical education is supported by the University Clinical Center, affiliated hospitals, and medical simulation facilities. International graduates should always check the professional licensing requirements of the country in which they intend to practice.
3. University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw is Poland’s largest university. It has more than 40,000 students, 25 faculties, over 30 additional academic and research units, and three main campuses. Its historic main campus is located in central Warsaw, while other university facilities support scientific, social science, and interdisciplinary research.
The university has approximately 4,000 international students and doctoral candidates. Its extensive study catalog includes psychology, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs, with selected degrees offered in English.
4. Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań
Adam Mickiewicz University has academic roots reaching back to the Lubrański Academy, founded in 1519, and the Jesuit College, which received university status in 1611. The modern University of Poznań was established in 1919, and it adopted the name of Polish poet and activist Adam Mickiewicz in 1955.
The university is currently organized into five schools comprising 20 faculties, along with a doctoral school. Its broad academic offer includes English studies, linguistics, modern languages, arts and humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
5. AGH University
- Admissions
- Highlighted Study Areas: Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science
AGH University developed from the Mining Academy authorized in 1912, formally established in 1913, and opened in 1919. Although its origins lie in mining and metallurgy, the university has expanded into a broad technical institution offering engineering, computing, materials science, geoscience, energy, and management programs.
AGH currently offers more than 80 fields of study across 18 faculties. Programs are available at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in Polish, with a selection of programs also offered in English.
6. Cracow University of Technology
Cracow University of Technology was founded in 1945 and specializes in technical education and research. Its faculties cover architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering and energy, materials engineering and physics, and computer science and mathematics.
The university has maintained research and industry cooperation throughout its history. Its academic community operates across several campuses and participates in domestic and international research, mobility, and education projects.
7. University of Gdańsk
The University of Gdańsk was founded in 1970 through the merger of the Higher Economics School in Sopot and the Higher Pedagogical School in Gdańsk. It currently offers more than 90 fields of study through 11 faculties, with programs spanning biology, biotechnology, chemistry, psychology, economics, law, languages, and the marine sciences.
The university is especially associated with Baltic Sea and marine research. Its specialist facilities and research units include the Hel Marine Station, the Bird Migration Research Station, and the International Centre for Theory of Quantum Technologies.
8. Medical University of Białystok
The Medical University of Białystok was established in 1950 and is headquartered in the historic Branicki Palace. Its academic structure includes faculties covering medicine and dentistry, pharmacy, and health sciences.
The university’s current international admissions offer includes a six-year Medicine program taught in English. The English Division began admitting students to the six-year medical program in 2004. Dentistry and public health are also among the university’s established study areas, although applicants should check the language available for each program.
9. Gdańsk University of Technology
Gdańsk University of Technology, also known as Gdańsk Tech, was established in 1904 and is one of Poland’s oldest technical universities. It was placed second in the first Initiative of Excellence–Research University competition, the highest position achieved by a technical university in that edition.
The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education in science, engineering, technology, architecture, and management. Its current English-language offer includes programs such as Architecture, Data Engineering, Green Technologies, Informatics, Mechanical Engineering, and renewable-energy-related fields.
10. Wroclaw Medical University
- Admissions
- Highlighted Study Areas: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
Wroclaw Medical University is a public medical university offering education in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, medical analytics, physiotherapy, public health, and related health sciences. Its teaching and research infrastructure includes the University Clinical Hospital and a Medical Simulation Center.
The university participates in international academic cooperation and student mobility programs, including Erasmus+. Prospective international students should consult the admissions portal for the current English-language offer, entry requirements, and tuition fees.
FAQs: Studying in Polish Universities
Is Poland a Good Place for International Students to Study?
Universities in Poland offer programs across a broad range of disciplines, including medicine, engineering, technology, the humanities, business, and the natural sciences. Many institutions participate in international exchanges and offer selected programs in English. Facilities, curriculum flexibility, and English-language availability vary by university and program.
Living and studying costs in Poland are relatively affordable compared with many other European Union countries. Poland’s official study portal states that tuition for fee-paying students commonly ranges from approximately €2,000 to €6,000 per year, depending on the institution and program. It estimates average student living expenses at around PLN 1,500 to PLN 2,000 per month, although costs can be higher in cities such as Warsaw and Kraków.
Can International Students Work in Poland While Studying?
International students’ employment rights depend on their citizenship and residence status. Non-EU students whose stay is based on a Polish visa issued for full-time studies or a temporary residence permit for full-time studies may work without obtaining a separate work permit. Part-time study status alone does not provide the same work-permit exemption.
Poland’s current rules do not impose a general 20-hour-per-week employment limit on eligible full-time international students. However, students must continue meeting the academic and residence conditions associated with their status. Those seeking career-related experience can also explore internships, but whether an internship is paid depends on the employer and arrangement.
Can International Students Stay in Poland After Graduation?
Eligible non-EU graduates of Polish universities may apply once for a nine-month temporary residence permit to look for employment or prepare to establish a business. The application must be submitted during a legal stay and directly after graduation. Applicants must generally show health insurance, accommodation, and sufficient financial resources.
Graduates of full-time university studies in Poland do not need a separate work permit, although they must still maintain a legal basis for residence. After obtaining qualifying highly skilled employment, some graduates may be eligible for an EU Blue Card. Long-term EU resident status is a separate permit that generally requires at least five years of qualifying, uninterrupted residence, along with other legal requirements; only half of time spent in Poland under a study visa or study residence permit normally counts toward that period.
We hope this article on the best universities in Poland for international students was helpful. If you are interested, make sure to also check out the Study in Poland and Available Programs for International Students in Europe!
