Are you seeking study-abroad opportunities, particularly in Europe? Do you wish to combine a dynamic student and cultural life with top-notch colleges that have extremely low tuition costs? If the response is affirmative, then studying in Poland is your best option!

Imagine receiving your graduation right in the heart of Europe, offering you opportunities to jobs and vacation opportunities around the continent. Poland, or formally the Republic of Poland, is a country in central Europe that is bordered by a large number of other nations, including Lithuania, the region around Kaliningrad, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Germany.

Not only that, but Poland is one of the most affordable European countries for studies (Ph.D. degrees are even available for free!), and Polish cities such as Warsaw and Krakow are voted among the top student-friendly cities, offering a lively atmosphere, a great study environment, and a low cost of living.

Poland is a country that includes everything from high mountains to gorgeous cities and villages, lakes, and national parks. It has 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to delight even the most discerning traveler. Did you know that Poland is home to the world's biggest castle, the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork? Furthermore, Poland is the world's largest amber exporter!

Want to know more about Polish study abroad programs? Read our study in Poland guide below to learn more about university costs, the language, culture, and visa requirements, and why this European treasure will provide you with an enthralling educational experience unlike any other!

Language and culture

Despite the impacts of World War II, Poland has a long history and strong ties to its traditions, which have allowed it to preserve its cultural legacy. Polish culture has made a substantial contribution to western civilization in the fields of the arts, music, philosophy, literature, and science.

Poland's cultural heritage dates to the Middle Ages. Honesty, religion (Poland is a deeply religious country), faith, respect, and an emphasis on family are qualities that permeate modern Poland.

A trip to the Wieliczka and Bochnia Salt Mines and the Auschwitz Concentration Camp is essential if you love history and want to learn more about the nation's past.

You will feel as though you are living in a fantasy if you reside in Poland! Where should I start? The enchanting winter wonderland of Zakopane, the Renaissance city of Zamo, the spectacular subterranean churches of Gdansk, or the second-largest city in Poland's historical capital, Krakow? There are countless possibilities, and you will undoubtedly love visiting Polish cities and discovering their stunning architecture and distinctive personalities.

Polish language

You won't have any trouble talking in English while in Poland because the country comes in at number 16 on the EF English Proficiency Index. On the other hand, learning a foreign language has many advantages, will force you to go outside of your comfort zone and will help you get to know Polish culture.

Despite the fact that Polish is one of the most difficult languages to learn, why not give it a shot? Polish folks will be quite impressed and will greatly appreciate it! The Polish alphabet has 32 letters, and the language's complexity is based on its difficult verbs, gender system, and gendered pronunciation.

Polish cuisine

Although traditional Polish food packs a hefty caloric punch, it's hard to resist once you've tried it! The German-influenced cuisine of Poland includes a lot of spices and is mostly composed of meat, bread, mushrooms, vegetables, beets, pickles, sauerkraut, and sausages.

Mead, beer, and of course Polish vodka are traditional drinks in Poland. In fact, according to some historians, Poland was where the first vodka was made in the eighth century. Poland consumes a lot of vodka, and there are several varieties and brands to pick from, from the highly regarded Wyborowa Klasyczna to the opulent Chopin Rye, well-known Belvedere, and traditional Sobieski Vodka.

Do You Know: Poland is a great place for women in science!

Impressively, Poland boasts 611,700 female scientists, or slightly under 50% of the nation's scientific workforce. Poland is now ranked among the top nations in Europe for gender equality in scientific research and development as a result.

Unsurprisingly, Polish women are tackling the most important scientific problem of our time and producing some remarkable work. Physics professor and entrepreneur Olga Malinkiewicz created a practical method for making ultra-thin solar cells. Katarzyna Grzelak made eight new species of kinorhyncha, a small invertebrate that dwells in mud and sand on the seafloor, known in the natural sciences. Even better, Grzelak got to give the new species some of her favorite names from the Game of Thrones novels by R.R. Martin.

Education system in Poland

Why should you study in Poland? Because of the nation's top-notch higher education system, it's a fantastic decision you can make for your profession. The Polish educational system is distinguished by its accessibility, affordability, and specialized concentration. Poland is home to the second-oldest university in Europe and boasts more than 450 HEIs (Higher Education Institutions).

Internationally, the 1773 founding of the Polish Commission of National Education is regarded as the beginning of the Ministry of Education. Currently, the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education is in charge of overseeing higher tertiary education in Poland. Polish universities are often assessed by the Polish Accreditations Committee, the General Council of Higher Education, and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in order to preserve their good standing.

There are more than 500 educational institutions in Poland, of which 16 are ranked in the QS World University Rankings and 25 in the QS EECA University Rankings. 18 Nobel laureates attended Polish institutions, which offer three different sorts of degrees: licencjat or inynier (first cycle qualification), magister (second cycle qualification), and doktor (third cycle qualification).

Additionally, the lack of admission tests for Polish colleges makes this country a considerably more desirable study location for foreign students. Only a high school diploma, proof of financial stability, and fluency in English or Polish are required!

Cost of education and scholarships

Poland is a great place to further your education if you are a citizen of Europe. Are you curious as to why? Poland's higher education institutions do not charge tuition for full-time study (HEI).

However, depending on the program, you might need to demonstrate your Polish language skills. But don't fear, there are many programs that are taught in English as well.

Foreign students must pay tuition in Poland, however, these costs are extremely reasonable when compared to those at other study abroad locations in Europe. For an overseas student, the total cost of a bachelor's degree might be as high as 7,000–8,000 USD, and that of a master's degree as high as 9,000 USD.

Everything depends on the field of study and the amount of education. Keep in mind that MBA degrees, medical and dental programs, and programs at private Polish universities all cost extra money.

A rough estimate of the cost of education in Poland for foreign students is as follows:

• 2,400 USD (around 9,000 PLN) each year for initial, follow-up, and long-cycle studies
• 3,650 USD (about 13,000 PLN) each year for master's degree programs, postdoctoral internships, professional training, and apprenticeships.
• 2,400 USD (or around 9,000 PLN) each year is the cost of the yearly preparatory Polish language classes.
• For Ph.D. degrees, all Polish Ph.D. candidates are given a stipend and are not required to pay tuition.

Scholarships 

There are several scholarships available in Poland, including ones provided by institutions, private foundations, and the Polish government. Among them are:

1. The Gen. Anders Scholarship. 
2. The Poland My First Choice Scholarship.
3. The Bilateral Cooperation Exchange Scholarship. 
4. The POLONISTA Scholarship and Fellowship. 
5. The Stefan Banach Scholarship. 
6. The Visegrad Scholarship. 
7. The Eastern Partnership Scholarships for post-soviet countries. 

Contact the university of your choice directly for further information on available scholarships and pertinent data regarding the precise cost of your selected degree based on your citizenship status.

Student visa in Poland

Depending on your citizenship status, you need to pay close attention to the student visa in Poland. Below, you'll find a complete list of all the pertinent details regarding student visas in Poland. Visit the official websites of Think Poland student services and the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further information and questions.

EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals

We have wonderful news if you are a citizen of Europe. The sole need for residing in Poland while pursuing your education is a valid travel document, such as a passport or identification card from your home country. If your stay is shorter than 90 days, there are no official formalities. However, since your studies will continue longer than three months, all you need to do is register your residency in one of Poland's 16 voivodeships, which serve as the country's administrative divisions.

Non- EU/EEA/EFTA Nationals

You will require a visa to enter and reside in Poland if you are not a citizen of the European Union. When entering the Schengen Area, nationals of a few certain nations are free from the visa requirement. The Schengen Area includes Poland as a member. You can thus go to other countries in Europe and apply for a student visa there.

There are two kinds of visas available for overseas students:

Visa C: Short-term Schengen that entitles the holder to a maximum of 90 days of stay during a 180-day period.

Visa D: Long-term national visa, valid for up to a year, enabling up to 90 days of travel inside the Schengen region in a 180-day span. You must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit/Card if you need to stay in Poland for a longer period of time to complete your education. You may enter Poland as many times as you like with the temporary residency card. It is first given for a 15-month term. It can be extended for up to three years, but only for as long as your studies last. Remember that you must submit an application for a Temporary Stay Card 45 days before the expiration of your visa.

Do You Know: Poland values young innovators

Poland is an excellent area to pursue a good job or launch an innovative start-up, in addition to being a great place to study. Warsaw serves as the permanent home of Poland's annual Innovation Week in addition to housing many technology parks intended to support emerging businesses. This global trade expo draws companies and businesspeople from all over the world, making it an excellent venue for showcasing your ideas, creating a network, and learning more about your sector. Most importantly, you'll get the opportunity to network with possible investors who might help you grow your company.

You might not have considered Poland as a potential study abroad location. But Poland has to be seriously considered if you want to pursue a degree in a dynamic nation where your student loan money will go a little bit farther.