Cost of living and Studying in Poland
Full-time studies (in the Polish language) at the state Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens (see: define your status). These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka). All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:
| Courses | Tuition Fees in Poland |
| Bachelor and Masters in Poland | 2000 - 4000 Euro / Year |
| PhD | 3000 Euro / Year |
| Medicine and MBA | 8000 - 12000 Euro / Year |
| Vocational Studies | 3000 Euro / Year |
| Language and Foundation Courses | 2000 Euro / Year |
Affordable Universities in Poland
Here are some of the most affordable Universities in Poland that will not add much to the cost of living in Poland for International students. The public universities in Poland as we have mentioned have low and affordable tuition fees for the international students. Here is the list of Universities in Poland with affordable tuition fees.
- Agricultural University of Krakow, Kraków
- Jagiellonian University, Kraków
- University of Economics in Katowice, Katowice
- Kozminski University, Warsaw
- Lodz University of Technology, Łódź
Tuition Fees at Top Universities in Poland
There are more than 10 Universities in Poland that feature in the QS world university rankings. These are the top universities in Poland, and the average tuition fees to give you an idea about tuition fees and cost of living in Poland for International students.
| Top Universities in Poland | Average Tuition Fees |
| University of Warsaw | Around 3000 Euros |
| Jagiellonian University | Around 4000 Euros |
| Warsaw University of Technology | Around 3000 Euros |
| Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań | Around 5850 Euros |
| AGH University of Science and Technology | Around 6500 Euros |
Fees at public and non-public HEIs are established by the institution itself under the condition that they cannot be lower than the costs of the education process. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program (for MBA programs: about EUR 8000-12,000 per year).
Please take note that actual fees and specific study conditions are described in the framework agreement between individual institutions or between the student and the given university.
!!! Doctoral colleges are a notable exception, as not only do they offer tuition-free education but also provide a scholarship for all doctoral candidates in a full-time programme.
Financial aid, Grants, and Scholarships in Poland
There are many options to get financial help from your home country, Grants available in Holand, and also from your home country. There are scholarships offered by Polish Governments to study in Poland which you might want to have a look at, before applying at the Universities in Poland.
Education Loan to Study in Poland:
International students’ education loans are great way to fund and help costs of living in Poland for international students. Student loans are specifically designed for the students willing to study abroad. The repayment of the loan is flexible for the students, as many a time the repayment starts after a year’s period. Not only the loan helps international students with tuition fees, but also for the day to day living expenses.
Living Costs in Poland for International Students:
Living in Poland as a student is relatively affordable compared to other European Union countries. The cost of living for students can start from 1500 PLN (330 EUR) a month. However, the prices depend on the city you are currently living in. Living in the capital and tourism city might be slightly expensive than other Polish big cities. On this page, you will find out how much it costs to live in Poland for a month. Please remember, that to be able to study in Poland non-EU/EEA students have to possess sufficient means to cover the living costs.
Below are some examples to give an idea of the amounts students spend per month in Poland.
| LIVING COST IN POLAND (prices for students) | ||
| DORMITORY | FROM 360 PLN (80 EUR) PER MONTH | Including WiFi, electricity, home utility bills, excluding laundry service. |
| PUBLIC TRANSPORT | FROM 60 PLN (13 EUR) PER MONTH | Including bus, tram and metro |
| LUNCH | FROM 15 PLN (3.5 EUR) PER PORTION | |
| HEALTH INSURANCE | FROM 60 PLN (13 EUR) PER MONTH | |
| RENTED ROOM | FROM 700 PLN (150 EUR) PER MONTH | |
| FITNESS CLUB | FROM 100 PLN (22 EUR) PER MONTH | |
| CINEMA TICKET | 20 PLN (4.5 EUR) | |
| BEER IN A PUB | 8-10 PLN (2 EUR) | |
| HAIRCUT | FROM 20 PLN (4.5 EUR) | |
| CLUB ENTRY | 10 PLN (2.5 EUR) | |
MONTHLY EXPENSES (AVERAGE VALUE)
| Expenses | Cost (PLN) | Cost (EUR) |
| Rent (student dormitory) | 400 - 600 | 90 - 140 |
| Public transportation | 50 - 60 | 11 - 13 |
| Health insurance | 40 - 60 | 9 - 13 |
| Phone, internet, and TV subscription bills | 80 - 100 | 17 - 22 |
| Groceries | 700 - 900 | 150 - 200 |
| Entertainment | 150 - 200 | 35 - 45 |
| Average total expenses | 1500 - 2000 | 330 - 430 |
Accommodation
There are two types of accommodations in Poland. The University dorms and the private student dorms. The University dorms are cheaper and of course, closer to the Universities in Poland, but they are limited in numbers. The Private rental apartments have higher standards and higher rents.
| Private Rental Apartments for Students | 350 to 400 EUR / Month |
| On Campus Accommodation | 170 to 200 EUR / Month |
There are higher accommodation costs of living in Poland for international students in cities like Warsaw. The average rent for one bedroom apartment is 360 to 500 EUR / Month.
Food Costs
Average food costs in Poland for the international student is somewhere around 100 to 150 Euros a month. There are many cheap options available for the groceries that will help you minimize your cost of living in Poland for International student. The restaurants are decently priced, too. A three course meal will cost you around 23 Euros, and the drinks have an average price of 2 Euros.
Transportation
The prices of gasoline keep changing, however the average is 1 Eur a litre. If the place students are staying is nearby the University, Poland is a very Pedestrian friendly country. A semester pass from the Universities cost around 50 euroes for the semeste for the students in Polish Universities.
These are some of the regular costs of living in Poland for international students, and there are some miscellaneous costs of stationary, internet and other costs that will be added, and again, the averages will change basis the places you are staying at.
Can I work while studying at a university in Poland?
Poland allows international students to work 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during holidays.
After graduation, non-EU students have 3 months to apply for a post-study work visa. This temporary residence permit allows them to stay in Poland for nine months to find employment.
There are many jobs that do not require the knowledge of Polish; however, opportunities may be limited without a basic understanding of this language.
If you can, try looking for a remote or freelancing job beforehand or consider tutoring younger students in your native language or a subject you are particularly good at.
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