Poland is one of the most popular European countries for undergraduate education. Poland is part of the European Union and is located in Central Europe. It borders Germany, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
International students can obtain a bachelor’s degree in Poland for as low as 7,000 USD to 8,000 USD. This amount is relatively lower than most tuition fees from universities in the United States. With this said, tuition fees and the total cost of attendance can vary depending on the desired discipline and university.
Aside from relatively more accessible tuition fees, Polish higher education institutions are known for their specialized focus. There are over 450 Polish universities that accept international applicants. Jagiellonian University, University of Warsaw, Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan, and AGH University of Science and Technology are the most globally renowned Polish universities.
In this article, we will discuss how you can pursue and study for your undergraduate degree in Poland.
Application Requirements for Applying for Bachelors in Poland
General requirements for Polish universities include certification from the student’s previous secondary educational institution. Matriculation Certificate or similar documents that prove the candidate has completed a High School Diploma and is eligible to study for higher education are required for admission.
Visa requirements for international students interested to study in Poland are usually the C Type and D Type Visa. International students from European Union countries do not need a student visa. With this said, EU nationals must apply for a temporary student visa once admitted to an undergraduate program.
International students who hold citizenship from non-EU countries are commonly required to apply for a student visa before entering Poland.
International students with citizenship from countries that have signed the visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area are exempted from visa requirements.
Information on the visa requirements and application process is available on the Official Schengen Visa Website.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Bachelor’s Degree Language Requirements for Poland
Most universities in Poland offer courses and programs that are taught in English, German and French. With this said, prospective students who wish to study bachelor’s in Poland need to submit official language exam results.
English language exams like IELTS, FCE, TOEFL, and CPE are accepted for most programs taught in English.
French language proficiency exams such as DEFL and B2 are accepted while Zertifikat Deutsch Plus 3 are accepted for programs taught in German.
The Jagiellonian University, for example, requires documentation certifying the competency of the candidate in the English language. Additionally, an interview conducted in English will be done to assess the applicant’s proficiency in English.
The University of Warsaw has the same language requirement for prospective international students. The list of accepted documents to prove proficiency in English accepted by the University of Warsaw is available on their website. Students must check the accepted or preferred Language Exam Certifications of the institutions they intend to be admitted to.
How to Apply for Bachelor’s Programs
Depending on the university and degree, the process may differ for students who wish to apply for a bachelor’s in Poland. Requirements may also include passing an entrance exam for certain degree programs. However, there are standard application procedures and requirements that you can expect from most universities in Poland.
Globally renowned universities in Poland have a comprehensive step-by-step guide for application on their website.
1. Completion of Online Application Form
A completed online application form is a standard for all universities. You can expect to fill out basic bio-data information and possibly an admission essay stating your interest and motivation for the course you intend to apply to.
A completed Personal Questionnaire with a colored photo is another standard requirement for applying for undergraduate admissions in Poland.
2. Submission of Required Documents
Required Documents may vary depending on the university. However, the Foreign Equivalent of a Polish Matura is required by all Polish Universities. Additionally, certification from an accepted language proficiency exam is required.
Materials from the applicant’s high school must be submitted in English or Polish for consideration.
The Jagiellonian University has the complete list of required documents on its website.
Similarly, Adam Mickiewicz University has a list of required documents for international applicants.
Prospective international students who are below 18 must also submit additional requirements before enrollment. Requirements for minor students often include written consent from a parent or guardian that states that they allow their child to study in Poland.
3. Prepare for the Exam or Interview (Not All Degree Programs)
Entrance Exams may be required for some degree programs and universities. Warsaw University, for example, requires all applicants to complete an entrance exam and interview. It is best to review the program requirements of your desired course to prepare for any required exams.
4. Wait for Admission
Most universities in Poland will deliver results of applicant admissions online. Jagiellonian University has an official admissions portal where students can check the decision of their application. Other universities may email the decision directly to the applicant.
After receiving acceptance for admission, international students who are nationals of countries that are not part of the Visa-Free Agreement in the Schengen Area are encouraged to begin their visa application immediately.
5. Preparing Your Student Visa
As mentioned above, international students intending to study for a bachelor’s in Poland are most likely required to have a Type D or Type C visa before entering Poland.
Securing a student visa can be a lengthy process for some applicants. Students are encouraged to begin processing their student visa upon receiving the official letter of acceptance from their desired university.
Here are some of the usual requirements in securing a student visa.
- Completed Poland Student Visa Application Form
- Value Passport
- Official Acceptance Letter from a Polish University
- Curriculum Vitae
- Official Secondary Education Certificates and Diplomas
- Proof of Language Proficiency
- Health Insurance Documents
- Proof of Accommodation and Financial Capacity
- Transportation Documents such as air tickets
Aside from the student visa, a Temporary Residence Permit is necessary for non-EU students to legally continue their studies in Poland. More information on Required Student Visas and Temporary Residence Permit is available on the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange official website.
6. Enrollment
Once admitted into the degree program of your interest, universities will require admitted students to confirm attendance to the university within a given time frame.
We hope this article on how to apply for a bachelor’s degree in Poland was helpful. Check also the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying in Europe.
