Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students. Many have discovered that the country offers some of the best education across various fields, while also providing favourable living conditions.
International students in Poland benefit from affordable access to essential amenities and enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living. Therefore if you are considering studying or moving to Poland, this article will provide detailed information about both the academic and living costs you can expect during your studies. So, make sure to read to the end to learn just how affordable living in Poland can be for students.
Costs of Studying in Poland
Academic Costs / Tuition Fees
Poland offers affordable study programs compared to many other European countries. Bachelor’s degree programs cost between €1,000 and €15,500 per year, while master’s programs range from €1,000 to €14,000 per year, depending on the university and field of study. Tuition fees for Ph.D. programs typically range from €2,000 to €6,000 per year.
Public universities are usually more affordable than private ones. For international students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, tuition fees generally apply. Some universities, like the University of Warsaw, offer free tuition to non-EU students who apply for specific programs, such as a master’s in African Studies or a bachelor’s in English Studies.
If you study in Polish at a public university, Ph.D. programs are free for both Polish and international students. However, if you choose to study in English, you will need to pay tuition fees.
| INSTITUTION NAME |
AVE. UNDERGRADUATE TUITION |
AVE. POSTGRADUATE TUITION |
| University of Warsaw |
0 EUR to 4,000 EUR |
0 EUR to 18,000 EUR |
| Wrocław University of Science and Technology |
2,400 EUR to 3,750 EUR |
1,000 EUR to 4,000 EUR |
| Warsaw University of Technology |
4,200 EUR to 11,040 EUR |
2,000 EUR to 14,000 EUR |
| Adam Mickiewicz University |
3,000 PLN to 8,000 PLN |
1,000 PLN to 4,500 PLN |
| Jagiellonian University |
15,000 EUR to 15,500 EUR |
4,000 EUR to 4,400 EUR |
Other Academic Costs
Besides tuition fees, international students in Poland need to budget for other important costs. One of these is the application fee, which usually costs between €20 and €50, depending on the university. For example, the Poznań University of Technology charges around €30 as an application fee.
Healthcare is another necessary expense. Students are required to have health insurance, which includes coverage of EUR 30,000 and the cost of hospital treatment in Poland. Another option is to join Poland’s public health system (NFZ), which costs about 55.80 PLN per month.
Students should also expect to pay small fees for things like student ID cards, library access, or clubs, which add up to about €30 to €50 per year. Even though these costs are manageable, planning ahead can help students enjoy their time studying in Poland without surprises.
Costs of Living in Poland
1. Warsaw
With Warsaw being the capital of Poland, the city offers an exceptional quality of life and high living standards, making it one of the top destinations for international students. Its popularity, modern infrastructure, and large population contribute to a higher cost of living compared to other Polish cities.
However, the cost of living here can still be relatively affordable depending on your lifestyle and individual. Monthly expenses for students in Warsaw, including accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment, typically cost between 2,300 PLN to 2,800 PLN. Student dormitories are budget-friendly, costing between 480 PLN to 1,100 PLN per month while renting a private room can cost up to 1,200 PLN. Public transportation remains affordable, with a monthly pass for students priced at PLN 55.
2. Kraków
Kraków is another great city known for its vibrancy, and great accommodation for international students. This city offers a slightly more affordable cost of living compared to Warsaw depending on your lifestyle. Monthly expenses for students range from 1,000 PLN to 3,000 PLN.
Student dormitory accommodations are available between the cost of 610 PLN to 1,350 PLN, while private housing costs 800-2000 PLN per month. Public transportation costs between 27 to 40 PLN with a student discount. Groceries cost around 600 PLN to 1000 PLN monthly.
3. Gdańsk
Gdańsk, a coastal city with a strong maritime heritage, provides a cost-effective environment for students. Monthly living expenses are generally lower than in Warsaw and Kraków, with student dormitory prices starting from 605 to 745 PLN per month. However, a single room would cost between 1,500 and 2,000 PLN, while living in an apartment would cost up to 4,000 PLN. Public transportation is economical, with a bus ticket costing around 5 PLN with a student discount, while Food can cost as low as 29 PLN per day.
Ways to Minimize Academic and Living Costs in Poland
Scholarships for International Students
Paying for tuition can be tough on your finances, but getting help to pay it off can make a big difference and keep you financially stable. That is why scholarships are so helpful. The best part is that some scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also help with living costs, like accommodation and food.
Part-time Work for International Students
In Poland, international students can work part-time while studying to help with expenses. They can work up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during breaks. To work, students must have a valid student visa.
Common part-time jobs for international students include customer service in shops, cafes, or call centers, where you can work flexible hours. Freelancing is another option for students with skills in writing, design, or programming. Websites like Upwork or Fiverr offer opportunities. Restaurant jobs are also popular, such as working as a waiter or kitchen staff, with the benefit of tips and flexible hours.
Poland is a great choice for international students looking for quality education at an affordable cost. Tuition fees and living expenses are lower than in many other European countries, making it easier to manage your budget. Students can also work part-time to help cover their costs. Choosing to study in Poland not only offers a great education but also a chance to explore the country.
Read more articles about Poland in our Poland Study Guide. You can also check out Available Programs if you haven’t decided which course to take.
