Poland is situated in central Europe. Its intellectuals, musicians, filmmakers, and writers are enriching, arts and culture globally. The Baltic coastal plains stretched across the beautiful urban cities and their major ports. Population of Poland is one of the most ethnically homogeneous in the world. Historically, Poles (locals) have survived major events and prospering rapidly with the other communities. Polish is the native or official language of Poland and also known as, Republic of Poland. Its vast borders incorporate with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Poland are also a member of the renowned organizations like; European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), United Nations (UN), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization (WTO), Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and many others. For more recent news and information, visit Poland’s official website and check-out the other relevant details related to travel here.
Why study in Poland:
As we mentioned, Poland is a member of some major reputed global organizations. We will elaborate further, on why an Indian or international aspirant must study in Poland with the marvellous benefits. It has its native language, Polish, and several other dialects also like; Great Polish, Little Polish, Mazovian, and Silesian as major old tribal divisions. Poles also communicate in some other languages such as Lekhitic languages, Czech, Slovak, and Upper and Lower Sorbian. Plenty of vibrant learning opportunities are waiting for Indian or international students to enroll in renowned Poland universities. A multidisciplinary environment with world-class infrastructures and globally recognized courses are creating global leaders, technocrats, wonderful scientists, and creative artists. The most fascinating part about Poland is that there are numerous universities that provide absolutely affordable higher education for pupils across the globe. Some of them are; the University of Wroclaw, Warsaw University of Technology, Medical University of Lodz, Cracow University of Economics, Poznan University of Economics and Business, University of Gdansk, and many more. All the premium universities offer a wide variety of high-quality study programs with English medium of instruction as well.
According to the latest records of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, two Polish universities has been placed in the best 500 universities. Among them, ‘The University of Warsaw’ has been ranked between 301st and 400th and ‘Jagiellonian University’ moved up to the rank between 401st and 500th.
Multiple accommodation options are available for international or Indian students off-campus or on-campus as well. Wherein, a student can live on-campus accommodation facility as provided by the various universities. They can also choose to stay off-campus by sharing the flats/apartments or houses as per their preference. The off-campus room sharing can cost around 80 PLN per month depending on the housing location. The Poland currency is Polish Zlotych or PLN.
International career development and global networking opportunities open a gateway for the young and talented aspirants to build a fantastic professional career. As Poland boost innovative and economic-entrepreneurial prospects in major cities like—Warszawa (capital of Poland), Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Poznan, and Lodz. The promotion of projects, internships, traineeship, and partial studies abroad as per the Erasmus programme facilitates students to enhance their skills and achieve career objectives that also supports international cooperation and between universities.
Talked about budget-friendly education and accommodation, now another astonishing feature to highlight about studying in Poland is its delectable cuisines. Poland has an abundance of authentic dishes with comforting zones to enjoy them. One can have a full variety of vegan, vegetarian, and other cuisines as well amid the bustling routine. Thus, it is a must-have an exciting opportunity to study in Poland especially for Indian students.
Thus, these are the prime factors that are attracting thousands of international students to choose Poland as a chief location to study abroad in various streams.
What are the documents required to apply in Polish University?
We will be describing the study application process in Polish universities in an easy format. An aspirant needs to check the relevant and updated guidelines, and prepare the necessary documents to be submitted with the college application.
Select a preferred area of the program to study in Poland, among various academic disciplines like—IT, economics, law, scientific research, business management, finance, and many more.
The next step, check the eligibility and required documents as per a particular university as they can vary from one higher education institution to another. The rules may vary, but generally, the following documents are required:
- A completed and signed application form
- A valid passport with passport size photographs
- An applicant’s former or latest high school diploma, degree certificates, and other relevant academic document as may require for a specific course.
- An English proficiency test report
- Applicant’s updated CV, if applying for a master’s degree
One can check about the relevant details or information with their Polish embassy or consulate.
Furthermore, one can submit their fully completed and signed application, required documents, translated, and signed (if necessary) once it is a time to submit the application. The enthusiast can apply and submit all the scanned documents with application if applying through an online mode.
Once received an offer letter from the specific education institution now the applicant can apply for the study visa as an international student. Remember, check with the nearest Polish Embassy or Consulate to gather the type of study visa will be required and more information.
A student visa in Poland—requirements and documents:
In attaining a Polish student visa for an Indian or any international student will require the citizenship of the specific native country. One can check the official website of Poland Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Think Poland of the student services for the updated instructions and guidelines.
Regarding student visa for non-EU/EEA or international students/citizens, there is one important thing that if one belongs to a specific country that has been exempted from the visa requirement. The category stands as Schengen Area which provides a facility to travel within the Schengen Area and Poland is among those.
There are two-types of student visa for international citizens like; Visa C, this short-term visa allows an international student to stay within the Schengen territory till 90 days in 180 days period. Visa D, a long-term national visa allows international students to travel within the same territory same days’ time and valid up to 1-year. If one wants to stay or work for a long time (more than 1 year), they have to get a temporarily Residence Permit or Card.
The following documents are required while applying for a student visa;
- A completed and signed visa application form
- A valid passport and passport size photographs
- A letter of acceptance from a Polish university
- Student’s CV and a motivation letter
- Former school/institution’s degree or diploma or high school certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency A health insurance document till the time on will study
- Official bank statements proving sufficient funds to study in Poland
- Accommodation proof in form of a receipt or any relevant document
- A valid flight ticket proof for Poland
What are the duration of the UG and PG courses and intakes of Poland Universities?
Winter session intakes begin in September or October and follow them till February or March in Poland. Likewise, summer session intakes begin in February and end either in July or August every academic year. Mostly college follows the first-come-first-serve criteria, thus, try to apply accordingly.
The education atmosphere in Poland is really good for Indian students with rich historical backgrounds, efficient teaching methods, and modern settings to expand beyond theoretical knowledge.
Several education institutions offer scholarships to international students (for Doctoral/PhDs) as per their academic qualifications and overall excellence. Some of the Polish government and private institutions are here mentioned with the scholarship program names; The Gen. Andres Scholarship, Poland My First Choice Scholarship, The Bilateral Cooperation Exchange Scholarship, The POLONISTA Scholarship and fellowship, The Stefan Banach Scholarship, The Visegrad Scholarship, The Eastern Partnership Scholarships for post-soviet countries, and many more.
According to the Bologna Process, all the degree programs will be recognized globally. Typically, an undergraduate degree also known as ‘first-cycle takes 3-4 years to finish the full-time course; a postgraduate degree as ‘second-cycle takes 2-years for full-time study and finish the program.
How much will it cost while studying in Poland?
The tuition fee for Indian students for graduate and postgraduate courses may vary from one program to another. It will also be depending on the education institution whether it is public or private. Most commonly, the fee can range between 2000-300 PLN per year. Commonly for Doctoral/PhD degree courses students do not pay any tuition fee and plenty of scholarships are also available with an amount of 3000-5000 PLN per month. There are no scholarships available for the graduation or post-graduation courses and they are self-financed programs only.
Earning while learning opportunities in Poland
Working in Poland and discovering wonderful opportunities in a professional workplace can be a life-changing process. To achieve the avenue of its career is the dream goal of every young and bright mind. Poles provide numerous job profiles for international students and to European students as well. Meanwhile, one can explore their potentials and takeaway plenty of skills and relevant knowledge with the support of international internship and traineeship programs. It will be adding a feather in one’s academic cap to learn to speak or communicate in the Polish language for effective and high-paying jobs there. European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) citizens/students are eligible to work in Poland without any work permit. Whereas, non-EU or Indian students must attain a work permit or apply for a long-term visa to work in Poland.
There are numerous of job options available in Poland for international enthusiasts. Some of the lucrative job profiles in renowned industries like—chemicals, coal mining, food processing, iron, textiles, banking & finance, teaching, telecommunications, IT, and other service sectors. Various multinationals and local premium companies like Agora SA, Orange Polska, FCA Group, PKO Bank Polski, Toyota Motor Poland, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Poland, Poznan Volkswagen, Asseco Group, and many Poland based MNCs offers incredible opportunities.
Any international student can work in Poland as a part-time employer while studying in a Poland university simultaneously. An Indian pupil will require to get a residency permit in Poland to study there. This learner can work on a long-term basis after completing the enrolled course from Poland and work/employment visa validity for the long-term is 1 year.