Over the past few years, Poland has become increasingly popular among international students who wish to study abroad. Postgraduate, master’s and bachelor’s studies are available for those who want to develop their academic skills and enhance their career opportunities. However, in order to begin studies in Poland, foreign applicants must prepare the required documents and meet specific formal requirements. Let’s take a closer look at this subject.
What documents are required?
The basis of admission to studies for foreign nationals is a set of documents confirming education and identity. Depending on the university and the programme, these may vary slightly; however, the following are most commonly required:
- secondary school leaving certificate or a higher education diploma,
- diploma supplement, or statement of marks,
- valid passport,
- separate passport photos,
- application form,
- proof of language proficiency (Polish or English).
For more demanding programmes, such as medical studies for foreign nationals, universities may additionally require medical certificates, entrance exam results, or interviews.
My adventure studying Polish philology at UAM
Is it possible to study for free?
Many applicants ask: is university free in Poland for foreign nationals? The answer is: yes, but under certain conditions. Free tuition is granted, among others, to individuals holding a Polish Card, refugee status, or citizenship of an EU country. In other cases, studies are usually paid; however, numerous scholarships are available, which is worth exploring.
| Free Studies for Foreigners – possible conditions: Polish Card / refugee status / EU citizenship no eligibility → tuition-based studies alternative: scholarships |
Specialist programmes and postgraduate studies in Poland
Postgraduate studies in Poland are an attractive option for foreign nationals, offering the opportunity to gain additional qualifications or pursue a new career path. They are particularly popular in the field of language programmes, such as postgraduate studies in Polish for foreigners, which focus on improving Polish as a foreign language.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of medical studies in Poland?
Medical studies in Poland typically last 6 years and are offered as a long-cycle programme. Universities such as the Medical University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University Medical College, and Wroclaw Medical University all offer medical studies in English in Poland.
Are there any diplomatic studies in Poland?
Diplomatic studies in Poland are offered to international students at both bachelor’s and master’s level, with many programmes taught entirely in English. For instance, at Jagiellonian University, they are available through English-taught programmes such as International Relations and Public Diplomacy (master studies). Another example is Lazarski University, offering a diplomacy specialisation within its International Relations bachelor’s programme.
Is Poland good for studies?
Poland is considered a good destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, wide range of degree programmes, affordable tuition fees, scholarships, and relatively low cost of living. Many universities offer a growing number of programmes with English as the language of instruction. In addition, Poland provides a culturally and historically rich environment, which makes it an attractive place to live and study. Cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław and Toruń are known for their historic architecture, unique atmosphere and offer an engaging environment for students.
Are Polish universities good?
Polish universities are generally considered good and internationally recognised, with several institutions regularly appearing in major global rankings. For example, the University of Warsaw is ranked 271st in the QS World University Rankings 2026, while the Jagiellonian University in Kraków is ranked 303rd, placing both among the highest-ranked universities in Poland and within the top institutions worldwide.
Document translation – an essential part of recruitment
One of the initial and very important stages of the application process is the translation of documents for university admission. All foreign certificates and diplomas must be translated to Polish by a sworn translator. Only then they can be recognised by Polish universities and other institutions.
It is worth noting that translation involves not only linguistic conversion, but also the adaptation of documents to the Polish legal and educational system. Errors in this area may result in the rejection of the application or a need to complete formal deficiencies.
Support from professionals
The application process for studies for foreign nationals may seem complex, particularly for those who are dealing with Polish procedures for the first time. Therefore, it is worth seeking assistance from specialists, particularly in the field of translation. A good solution is cooperation with an experienced Office of the Sworn Translator of the English Language Jacek Kasprzyk. It is a place where linguistic knowledge is combined with a practical understanding of legal regulations. As a result, the translations produced are fully accepted by Polish institutions, and their quality, also in terms of terminology, meets the highest standards.
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Summary
Starting studies in Poland by foreign nationals requires the preparation of documents and their correct translation. Regardless of whether an applicant is interested in medical studies for foreigners, language programmes, or postgraduate studies in Poland for foreigners, it is important to take care of every formal detail in order to increase the chances of success.