Studying in Poland

Studying in Poland www.go-poland.pl facebook.com/ReadyStudyGoPoland twitter.com/nawa_poland Come to Poland Discover Europe Welcome to Poland, a modern and dynamic Poland’s university traditions are among member of the European Union where edu- the oldest in Europe. In 1364, King Casimir Come to Poland cation really counts. If you wish to learn more the Great established the Cracow Academy, about our long and rich tradition of univer- known today as Jagiellonian University. Since sity education, which offers opportunities the beginning of politicial transformation in Discover Europe for young people aspiring to get a European 1989 our higher education system has been degree recognized throughout the world, developing rapidly and Poland is fourth in we invite you to study in Poland. Europe (after the United Kingdom, Germany and France) in terms of the number of people taking up higher education. The total student population at almost 400 university-level schools is over 1.1 million. Polish universities offer more than 800 courses in foreign languages as an integral part of the European Higher Education Area, where the level of tuition fees compares favourably with other EU countries. Poland plays an active part in the Bologna Process thanks to the introduction of a three-stage education and the European Credit Transfer System. Foreigners studying in Poland can easily continue their education elsewhere in the European Union. Foreign students coming to Poland can expect an attrac- tive and diversified educational curricula which meets high European standards – they can study medicine, biotechnology and engineering, as well as art and business. We invite you to consider the great opportunities that Poland can offer. Come to the Euro- pean Union. Start in Poland! 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WHY POLAND? TUITION FEES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 4__ 5 reasons to study 44__ Entry requirements for 26__ er EU citizens 6__ 10 things you should 32__ Tuition fees 44__ Entry requirements for know about Poland non-EU citzens 8__ Famous Polish Scientists 46__ Temporary residence LIVING & WORKING permit 34__ Before you arrive HIGHER EDUCATION 37__ After you arrive SYSTEM IN POLAND POLISH YOUR POLISH 10__ Higher education 48__ 9-month preparatory institutions DEFINE YOUR STATUS Polish language courses 16__ Structure of studies 40__ Studying on terms 49__ Polish language and applicable to Polish 18__ culture summer schools nationals 20__ Admission requirements 41__ Studying on terms 22__ Academic calendar applicable to foreigners 22__ 42__ Studying on terms 24__ Diploma of your choice WHY POLAND? 4 humanities (such as ancient and modern languages, literature and philosophy). Pol- ish business schools deliver world-class education in management and finance (also as 5 REASONS double-degree programmes) and are internationally accredited. See for yourself – over a million student can’t TO STUDY IN POLAND be wrong, can they? 2. Study in the centre of Europe No matter the city or the course, choosing to Poland is the place where you can earn study in Poland is a great idea. Here are just a diploma that will open the door to the best a few reasons why. companies in Europe, even some of the best in the world. The country has many other perks, So many options such as the fact that its medical schools are 1. accredited in the US and that, while studying In Poland there are more than 1.1 million in Poland, you have access to the EU’s study students studying at almost 400 universities, programmes and can do internships or train- study programmes (in English or Polish), and eeships abroad. hundreds of language classes. There is also an With top-quality, internationally recognised abundance of art colleges to choose from, as degrees, almost no other region in the world well as faculties of humanities and polytech- can set your career off to such a promising nics, complete with fully equipped laborato- start. ries and supercomputers. Do not forget that with favourable geographic While studying in Poland, you will have location and excellent transport connectivity a chance to enter a competition with NASA, the whole European Union is at your finger- or become part of a prestigious scholar- tips. ship programme for those interested in the Ready, Study, Go! Poland 5

3. Live in a student city that’s 5. Great career opportunities bursting with different cultures Studying in Poland is just the beginning. Study in the European Capital of Culture Those wanting to start their own business, Wrocław, artistic Kraków, hipster Warsaw, mul- or find a job in an international company ticultural Lublin, academic Poznań or coastal would benefit from a longer stay. Foreign com- Gdańsk. There’s something for everyone in panies operating in Poland prefer graduates each city, from student pubs, to vegan restau- from Polish universities. Akademickie Inkuba- rants and art galleries. Mingle with the crowd tory Przedsiębiorczości (‘Academic Incubators at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, explore of Entrepreneurship’) is a community that will Kraków’s Wawel Castle, go skiing in the Tatra help start your business, and the Technology Mountains or sail in the Masurian Lake District. Parks are also at your disposal. Additionally, there are the Warsaw Innovation Days, where Ideal for a student budget start-ups can attract the attention of foreign 4. investors. If you dream of being independent and going abroad, but worry about the cost, Poland is ideal for a student on a tight budget. Dormi- tories start from €60 a month per student, cinema ticket starts from €2,50, and a lunch in the cafeteria starts from €2. FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY No wonder Warsaw is the most affordable For the essential information about stud- European student city according to 2016 QS ying in Poland and applying for higher Best Student Cities index. education programmes visit: www.go-poland.pl or contact: [email protected] 6 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT POLAND

For students from outside the European Union who come to study in Poland, this may well be the beginning of a fascinating adventure of discovering Europe. Being invited to study in Poland means that you are invited to the European Union, of which Poland is an active member state. We encourage you to discover the Euro- pean Union, which offers not only varied and interesting cultures and the opportunities associated with strong, innovative economies, but it also provides the very best conditions for successful higher education study in a challenging and friendly atmosphere. With top-quality, internationally recognised degrees, almost no other region in the world can set your career off to such a promising start. Ready, Study, Go! Poland 7

1. Official name: 7. Climate: Republic of Poland (shortform: Poland), Rzecz- The Polish climate is moderate continental, pospolita Polska (shortform in Polish: Polska) with relatively cold winters (from December to March) and hot summers which extend from 2. Official Language: June to August. January temperatures aver- Polish age -1°C (30°F) to -5°C (23°F). July and August average temperatures range from 16.5°C (62°F) 3. Location: to 19°C (65°F), though some days the tempera- Central Europe. Poland borders Germany, ture can reach even 35°C (95°F). the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania and Russia (the Kaliningrad exclave). 8. Currency: Its northern border (440 km long) runs along 1 zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy (actual exchange the Baltic Sea coast. rates: www.nbp.pl) 4. Capital city: 9. Calling code: Warszawa (Warsaw: population 1.7 million / + 48; Internet domain: .pl Warsaw agglomeration: 2.5 million) 10. International organizations: 5. Population: Poland is a member of the European Union 38 million. Poland has the seventh largest pop- (EU), the Schengen Area, North Atlantic Treaty ulation in Europe and the sixth largest in the Organisation (NATO), United Nations (UN), European Union. International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural 6. Time zone: Organisation (UNESCO), United Nations Inter- Poland belongs to the Central European national Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), time zone (GMT +1 hour / UTC +1 hour), World Health Organisation (WHO), World except for between the last Sunday in Trade Organisation (WTO), Organisation for March and the last Sunday in October when Cooperation and Development (OECD) and it switches to daylight saving time. many others. Ready, Study, Go! Poland 8 FAMOUS POLISH SCIENTISTS

Polish students are among the best teams in the University Rover Challenge (prestigious international competition of Mars rovers)

Nicolaus Copernicus Stefan Banach was a Renaissance astronomer and the first was an outstanding Polish mathematician, European to contend that it is the Sun, not the co-founder of the Lvov School of Mathema Earth, that is at the centre of the Solar System. tics and functional analysis (branch of mathe- matics) – a colorful and intriguing personality Maria Skłodowska-Curie whose contribution to the world science is indisputable. was a physicist-chemist famous for her pio- neering research on radioactivity, she remains HIGHER EDUCATION the only woman who received two Nobel Ignacy Łukasiewicz Prizes, and the only scientist in history to be was a prominent Polish scientist, pharmacist, awarded two Nobel Prizes in two different oil industry pioneer and the inventor of the fields of study (physics in 1903 and chemistry kerosene lamp. in 1911). SYSTEM in poland Ready, Study, Go! Poland 9

HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM in poland 10 UNIVERSITIES • Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan HIGHER www.amu.edu.pl • Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw www.uksw.edu.pl • Jagiellonian University in Krakow EDUCATION www.uj.edu.pl • Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce www.ujk.edu.pl INSTITUTIONS IN POLAND • John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin www.kul.pl • Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) www.ukw.edu.pl in Poland are divided into state (public) and • Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin private (non-public) institutions. There are www.umcs.pl two main categories of higher education insti- • Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun tutions: university-type and non-university www.umk.pl institutions. In the university-type HEIs, at least • University of Białystok www.uwb.edu.pl one unit is authorised to confer the academic • University of Gdansk www.univ.gda.pl degree of doctor (PhD), i.e. it offers at least one • University of Lodz www.uni.lodz.pl doctoral programme. The Degrees and Titles • University of Opole www.uni.opole.pl Committee grants this authorization assess- • University of Rzeszów www.ur.edu.pl ing i.a. unit research activities, achievements • University of Silesia in Katowice with regard to training of faculty staff, scien- www.us.edu.pl tific achievements, research base, as well as • University of Szczecin www.us.szc.pl the quality of education (a separate opinion of • University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn the Polish Accreditation Committee on the qual- www.uwm.edu.pl ity of education at the unit is required). Below, • University of Warsaw www.uw.edu.pl we present the list of public and universi- • University of Wrocław www.uni.wroc.pl ty-type non-public HEIs. • University of Zielona Góra www.uz.zgora.pl Ready, Study, Go! Poland 11 UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY • Warsaw University of Technology • AGH University of Science and Technology www.pw.edu.pl in Krakow www.agh.edu.pl • West Pomeranian University of Technology • Bialystok University of Technology in Szczecin www.zut.edu.pl www.pb.edu.pl • Wrocław University of Science and Technology • Czestochowa University of Technology www.pwr.edu.pl www.pcz.pl MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES • Gdansk University of Technology • Jagiellonian University Medical College www.pg.edu.pl in Krakow www.cm-uj.krakow.pl • Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology • Medical University of Bialystok and Humanities in Radom www.umb.edu.pl www.uniwersytetradom.pl • Medical University of Gdansk • Kielce University of Technology www.gumed.edu.pl www.tu.kielce.pl • Medical University of Lodz www.umed.pl • Koszalin University of Technology • Medical University of Lublin www.umlub.pl www.tu.koszalin.pl • Medical University of Silesia in Katowice • Lodz University of Technology www.p.lodz.pl www.sum.edu.pl • Lublin University of Technology • Medical University of Warsaw www.wum.edu.pl www.pollub.pl • Nicolaus Copernicus University – Ludwik • Opole University of Technology Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz www.po.opole.pl www.cm.umk.pl • Poznan University of Technology • Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin www.put.poznan.pl www.pam.szczecin.pl • Rzeszow University of Technology • Poznan University of Medical Sciences www.prz.rzeszow.pl www.ump.edu.pl • Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice • Wroclaw Medical University www.polsl.pl www.umed.wroc.pl • Cracow University of Technology • School of Medicine Collegium Medicum www.pk.edu.pl University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn • University of Bielsko-Biala www.ath.bielsko.pl www.uwm.edu.pl Ready, Study, Go! Poland 12 UNIVERSITIES OF ECONOMICS • Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw • Cracow University of Economics www.aps.edu.pl www.uek.krakow.pl • Pedagogical University of Cracow • Poznan University of Economics and Business www.up.krakow.pl www.ue.poznan.pl • Pomeranian University in Słupsk • University of Economics in Katowice www.apsl.edu.pl www.ue.katowice.pl • Siedlce University of Natural Sciences • Warsaw School of Economics and Humanities www.sgh.waw.pl www.uph.edu.pl • Wrocław University of Economics UNIVERSITIES OF ARTS www.ue.wroc.pl • Academy of Art in Szczecin UNIVERSITIES OF AGRICULTURE www.akademiasztuki.eu AND LIFE SCIENCES • Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk • Poznań University of Life Sciences www.asp.gda.pl www.up.poznan.pl • Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice • University of Agriculture in Krakow www.asp.katowice.pl www.urk.edu.pl • Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw • University of Life Sciences in Lublin www.asp.waw.pl www.up.lublin.pl • Academy of Music in Kraków • UTP University of Science and Technology www.amuz.krakow.pl in Bydgoszcz www.utp.edu.pl • Aleksander Zelwerowicz National Academy • Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW- of Dramatic Art in Warsaw www.sggw.pl www.at.edu.pl • Wrocław University of Environmental and • Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Art and Design Life Sciences in Wroclaw www.asp.wroc.pl www.upwr.edu.pl • Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz UNIVERSITIES OF PEDAGOGY www.amuz.bydgoszcz.pl • Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa • Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw www.ujd.edu.pl www.chopin.edu.pl Ready, Study, Go! Poland 13 • Grazyna and Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy • Poznan University of Physical Eduacation of Music in Łódź www.amuz.lodz.pl www.awf.poznan.pl • Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music • University School of Physical Education in Poznań www.amuz.edu.pl in Wroclaw www.awf.wroc.pl • Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Art in Krakow MARITIME UNIVERSITIES www.asp.krakow.pl • Gdynia Maritime University www.am.gdynia.pl • Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław • Maritime University of Szczecin www.amuz.wroc.pl www.am.szczecin.pl • Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice www.am.katowice.pl MILITARY HEIs • AST National Academy of Theatre Arts • General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military in Krakow www.ast.krakow.pl University of Land Forces in Wrocław • Polish National Film, Television And Theatre www.awl.edu.pl School in Łódź www.filmschool.lodz.pl • Military University of Technology in Warsaw • Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music www.wat.edu.pl in Gdansk www.amuz.gda.pl • War Studies University in Warsaw • Strzemiński Academy of Art Łódź www.akademia.mil.pl www.asp.lodz.pl • Polish Air Force Academy in Dęblin • University of Arts in Poznań www.wsosp.pl www.uap.edu.pl • Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of West- UNIVERSITIES OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION erplatte in Gdynia www.amw.gdynia.pl • Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical GOVERNMENT SERVICE HEIs Education in Katowice www.awf.katowice.pl • Main School of Fire Service in Warsaw • Jędrzej Śniadecki Academy of Physical Edu- www.sgsp.edu.pl cation and Sport in Gdańsk • Police Academy in Szczytno www.wspol.edu.pl www.awf.gda.pl HIGHER SCHOOLS OF PROFESSIONAL • Józef Piłsudski University of Physical EDUCATION Education in Warsaw www.awf.edu.pl • The Angelus Silesius University of Applied • University School of Physical Education Sciences in Wałbrzych www.pwsz.com.pl in Krakow www.awf.krakow.pl Ready, Study, Go! Poland 14 • Bronisław Markiewicz State Higher School • University of Applied Sciences in Nysa of Technology and Economics in Jarosław www.pwsz.nysa.pl www.pwste.edu.pl • Stanisław Staszic State School of Higher • East State Higher School in Przemyśl Vocational Education in Piła www.pwsz.pila.pl www.pwsw.pl • Lomza State University of Applied Sciences • Higher Vocational School in Suwałki www.pwsip.edu.pl www.pwsz.suwalki.pl • State Higher School of Vocational Education • Higher Vocational School in Tarnów in Ciechanów www.pwszciechanow.edu.pl www.pwsztar.edu.pl • State Higher School of Vocational Education • Higher Vocational State School in Włocławek in Zamość www.pwszzamosc.pl www.pwsz.wloclawek.pl • State Higher Vocational School in Głogów • The Jacob of Paradies University in Gorzów www.pwsz.glogow.pl Wielkopolski www.pwsz.pl • State Higher Vocational School in Gniezno • Jan Amos Komienski State School of Higher www.pwsz-gniezno.edu.pl Vocational Education in Leszno • State Higher Vocational School in Koszalin www.pwsz.edu.pl www.pwsz-koszalin.pl • Jan Grodek Higher Vocational State School • State Higher Vocational School in Krosno in Sanok www.pwsz-sanok.edu.pl www.pwsz.krosno.pl • Karkonosze State Higher School in Jelenia Góra • State Higher Vocational School in Nowy Sącz www.kpswjg.pl www.pwsz-ns.edu.pl • Pope John Paul II State School of Higher Edu- • State Higher Vocational School in Racibórz cation in Biała Podlaska www.pswbp.pl www.pwsz.raciborz.edu.pl • President Stanislaw Wojciechowski State • State Higher Vocational School in Skierniewice Univeristy of Applied Sciences in Kalisz www.pwsz.skierniewice.pl www.pwsz.kalisz.pl • State Higher Vocational School in Sulechów • Prof. Stanislaw Tarnowski Public High www.pwsz.sulechow.pl Vocational School in Tarnobrzeg • State Higher Vocational School in Wałcz www.pwsz.tarnobrzeg.pl www.pwsz.eu • Public Higher Medical Vocational School • State Higher Vocational School of Podhale in Opole www.wsm.opole.pl in Nowy Targ www.ppwsz.edu.pl Ready, Study, Go! Poland 15 • State School of Higher Education in Chełm • Katowice School of Economics www.gwsh.pl www.pwszchelm.edu.pl • Kozminski University www.kozminski.edu.pl • State School of Higher Education in Oświęcim • Łazarski University www.lazarski.pl www.uczelnia.pwsz-oswiecim.edu.pl • Higher School of Social Sciences in Warsaw • State School of Higher Professional Education www.pedagogium.pl in Elbląg www.pwsz.elblag.pl • Philological School of Higher Education • State School of Higher Professional Education in Wrocław www.wsf.edu.pl in Konin www.pwsz.konin.edu.pl • Polish-Japanese Academy of lnformation • State School of Higher Professional Education Technology www.pja.edu.pl in Płock www.pwszplock.pl • Pułtusk Academy of Humanities www.ah.edu.pl • Witelon University of Applied Sciences in • University of Law and Public Administration Legnica www.pwsz.legnica.edu.pl in Przemyśl www.wspia.eu CHURCH HIGHER SCHOOLS • University of Social Sciences www.san.edu.pl • University of Finance and Management • Christian Theology Academy in Warsaw in Warsaw www.vizja.pl www.chat.edu.pl • University of Humanities and Economics • Jesuit University lgnatianum in Krakow in Lodz www.ahe.lodz.pl www.ignatianum.edu.pl • University of lnformation Technology and • Orthodox Theological Seminary Management in Rzeszow www.psd.edu.pl www.wsiz.rzeszow.pl • Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Warsaw • University of Lower Silesia www.dsw.edu.pl www.pwtw.pl • SWPS University of Social Sciences and • Pontifical Faculty of Theology in Wrocław Humanities www.swps.pl www.pwt.wroc.pl • Vistula University www.vistula.edu.pl • Pontifical University of John Paul li in Cracow • WSB Universities www.wsb.pl www.upjp2.edu.pl UNIVERSITY-TYPE NON-PUBLIC HEls • Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University Full offer of programmes offered in English www.ka.edu.pl by those universities is available on-line • Collegium Civitas www.civitas.edu.pl through “Studyfinder” tool at www.go-poland.pl 16

- STRUCTURE 3rd Cycle DOCTORAL studies (PhD)

MASTER (Magister) MASTER OF STUDIES 2nd Cycle 90-120 ECTS (Magister)

BACHELOR Long cycle IN POLAND (Licencjat/inżynier)

1st Cycle 180-240 ECTS 270-360 ECTS

years of MATURA CERTIFICATE education (or equivalent)

Higher education institutions run full- been successfully implemented together time, extramural, evening and external with the European Credit Transfer and Accu- courses. Full-time courses are defined as the mulation System (ECTS). The European basic type of studies. Poland conforms to standard in higher education makes it easier the guidelines from the Bologna Process in for students to obtain recognition of their European higher education. The degree sys- qualifications in other countries. tem based on the three cycle structure has Ready, Study, Go! Poland 17 1st Cycle law, medical analysis, medicine, production First cycle studies (3 to 4 years) leading to the and photography, pharmacy, physiotherapy, professional title of a licencjat or inżynier (Engi- psychology, pedagogy, scenography, fine arts, neer, in the field of engineering, agriculture or theology and veterinary medicine, offer long economics). This is the Polish equivalent of the cycle programmes only. Long cycle studies – Bachelor’s degree. It is focused on preparing Master’s degree programme (4.5 to 6 years) students for future employment or for contin- leading to the professional title of Master ued education within a Master’s degree pro- (magister), or an equivalent degree depending gramme. To obtain this degree, students must on the course profile). To obtain this degree, earn 180-240 ECTS credits. students must earn 270-360 ECTS credits. Such single long cycle studies are based on nd an integrated study programme containing 2 Cycle both basic studies and in-depth specialisa- Second cycle studies – Master’s degree pro- tion. Completion of this degree will provide gramme (1.5 to 2.5 years) following the first a qualification corresponding to a second cycle cycle studies and leading to the professional Master’s degree. title of Master (magister, or an equivalent degree depending on the course profile). 3rd Cycle It is focused on theoretical knowledge as well as the application and development of creative Third cycle studies – Doctoral degree pro- skills. In arts disciplines, the focus is on the devel- grammes (normally 3 to 4 years) accessible opment of creativity and talents. Master’s degree for graduates of Master’s degree programme, holders may enter a doctoral programme (third leading to a PhD degree, offered by the univer- cycle studies). To obtain the degree, students sity type schools as well as some research insti- must earn 90-120 ECTS credits. tutions (departments of the Polish Academy of Sciences as well as research and development institutions). The PhD degree is awarded Long Cycle Studies to candidates who submit and successfully In addition to the general structure, 11 fields defend a doctoral dissertation before the the- of study including e.g. acting, art conserva- sis committee and pass the doctoral examination and restoration, canon law, dentistry, tion. 18 equivalent to a Polish diploma. After successful nostrification an appropriate Polish academic RECOGNITION degree can be used. The competent authorities to conduct the nostrification procedure with regard to higher education diplomas (university degrees) are organisational units of higher OF DEGREES education institutions authorised to confer the Recognition of Foreign Higher academic degree of a doktor (doctor) in a given field of science or in a given field of art. Education Degrees in Poland Recognition for the purpose of further studies A foreign degree giving access to further stud- General information ies or the right to start doctoral proceedings A degree awarded by an institution operat- in the country where it was awarded, gives its ing in the education system of an EU, OECD or holder access to second cycle studies, doctoral EFTA country, upon completion of: school or the right to start doctoral proceedings • 3-year studies or first cycle studies with the in Poland. nominal duration of min. 3 years – con- A foreign degree may also be recognised for firms possession of a first cycle degree in the purpose of further education on the basis Poland; of an international agreement. For the purpose • second cycle studies or long cycle studies of further studies nostrification procedure is with the nominal duration of min. 4 years not needed. – confirms possession of a second cycle Information concerning recognition of matu- degree in Poland. rity certificates can be obtained at the Ministry A foreign degree awarded by an institution of National Education (Department of Interna- operating in another country may be recog- tional Cooperation). nised as equivalent to a Polish one either on the basis of an international agreement or (if there are no such agreements) by way of nostrification. Nostrification is a procedure aimed at recognising a foreign diploma as an Ready, Study, Go! Poland 19 Recognition of Foreign Scientific according to the rules set by those countries. In Degrees in Poland other countries, Polish degrees are recognised in accordance with the regulations on the academic recognition of foreign qualifications in A scientific degree awarded by an authorised force in a given country. lnformation on the institution operating in the education system recognition of Polish degrees can be obtained of one of the EU, EFTA, OECD countries is rec- in an ENIC/NARIC centre or the ministry of edu- ognised as equivalent to the appropriate Polish cation of a given country: one. A scientific degree acquired in other coun- www.enic-naric.net try may be recognised as equivalent to a Pol- ish one either on the basis of an international ENIC – European Network of National lnfor- agreement or (if there are no such agreements) mation Centres for Academic Recognition and by way of nostrification. A holder of a scientific Mobility established by the Council of Europe degree acquired in a country – party to the Lis- and UNESCO for the European Region. bon Convention who wishes to start habilita- NARIC – National Academic Recognition and tion proceedings in Poland may be exempted Recognition Centres is a network set up by the from nostrification. The competent authorities European Commission in order to establish effec- to conduct the nostrification procedure with tive and close cooperation between EU member regard to scientific degrees are councils of the states in terms of academic recognition and they organisational unit authorised to confer an support the system for professional recognition. academic degree of doktor habilitowany (doctor habilitatus) in a given academic field or in a given field of art within the scope of a given Contact the Polish ENIC-NARIC centre: academic discipline or of a given arts discipline ENIC-NARIC Polska Department for Recognition concerned with the academic degree. of Education and Authentication of Documents Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange Polna 40, 00-635 Warszawa Recognition of Polish Degrees Abroad Phone: +48 22 390 35 60 e-mail: [email protected] In countries with which Poland has signed www.nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition agreements, Polish degrees are recognised 20 Access to the First cycle Studies Access to first cycle studies, leading to the pro- ADMISSION fessional title of licencjat or inżynier (Engineer), as well as long cycle studies, leading to a Mas- ter’s degree (magister or an equivalent degree), is open to holders of an upper secondary REQUIREMENTS school certificate (Matura certificate) or an equivalent entitling the holder to enrol in such programmes in Poland. Additional entrance examinations may be conducted by HEIs only Admissions to the study programmes are if this is necessary to assess knowledge or skills administrated by the institutions of higher that are not assessed by the Matura examina- education, and candidates apply directly to tion or the applicant holds an upper secondary the institution of their choice. It is best to school certificate obtained abroad. contact the university well before the course starts in order to find out all the necessary Access to the Second cycle Studies details about the application procedures and Access to the second cycle studies is open other important information. to holders of a licencjat or inżynier (Engi- neer) degree, a Master’s degree (magister or General Requirements an equivalent degree) or a foreign first cycle General requirements for admission to degree degree recognised in Poland. programmes offered by higher education institutions in Poland are the same for both Access to the Doctoral Programmes university-type and non-university HEIs. The Access to the doctoral programmes is open candidate must hold a matriculation certificate to applicants who hold a Master’s degree (the Matura certificate) or another equivalent (magister or an equivalent degree) or a for- document attesting that the holder is eligible eign second cycle degree recognised in for admission to higher education in the coun- Poland, and who meet the admission con- try in which he or she completed secondary ditions laid down by the specific institution. school. The detailed admission conditions are laid Ready, Study, Go! Poland 21 down by the board of the entity authorised to • are migrant workers – EU/EEA national, for- offer doctoral programmes within an institution. merly or currently employed in Poland; this While respecting such general admission right extends also to members of their fam- requirements, each HEI may define its own ilies if residing in the territory of the Republic additional admission conditions and proce- of Poland, dures, including the number of places avail- • citizens of the EU Member States or the EFTA able to students, except in the medical fields States that are members of the European of study (limited number of places). The admis- Economic Area Treaty, as well as members sion conditions and procedures may be similar of their families, who have means sufficient across a HEI or may vary according to the field to cover their living costs during the period of study. Different conditions and procedures of study; however, they are not eligible for may be applied by different HEIs for the same need-based scholarships. fields of study. The admission conditions and- procedures must be published by each HEI See more on page 40. not later than 5 months before the admission process starts. There are two paths to obtain a doctorate: doctoral college and individual doctorate. In doctoral colleges, each doctoral student will receive a scholarship, regardless of their citizenship. All doctoral colleges are tution-free, also for foreigners. A foreign degree giving access to second Foreigners are free to take up and continue cycle or doctoral programmes in a coun- studies and participate in scientific research try where it was obtained gives the same and training projects and schemes on the right in Poland. same terms as Polish citizens if they: • hold a residence permit, • have refugee status granted by the Republic of Poland, • have been granted temporary protection in the territory of the Republic of Poland, 22 ACADEMIC EXAMINATIONS CALENDAR & GRADING

The academic year in Poland is divided into All higher education institutions are required two semesters of 15 weeks each – the winter to end their courses with examinations. There and the summer semester. The winter semes- may be several independent examinations or ter starts in October and ends in mid-February, tests in separate parts of a subject. Usually, oral with a break of about ten days for the Christ- and written examinations are held at the end mas holidays. The examination session usually of each semester during the examination ses- takes two or three weeks, beginning in Janu- sion. Students sit examinations on each sub- ary. The summer semester starts in mid-Febru- ject separately. The performance assessment ary and ends in June, with a one-week break period covers either one semester or one aca- for Easter. Summer holidays last for three demic year. To successfully complete a semes- months from the beginning of July to the end ter (or a year), a student must attain a pass mark of September, but only for those students who (at least “satisfactory”) for all assessments and passed all exams within the summer examina- examinations in the subjects covered by the tion session (two-three weeks in June). Those curriculum and obtain performance assess- who failed take the exams again in September. ment credits for all integrated placements. Ready, Study, Go! Poland 23 GRADING: In addition to the grading scale, the Euro- pean Credit Transfer System (ECTS) under which a certain number of credits are allo- cated to a given subject, independently of the grade awarded. To complete a year successfully, a student has to collect 60 credits (30 per semester). Each HEI identifies its grading scale in its Study Rules. The most common scale comprises the following marks: • 5 very good (bardzo dobry) • 4 good (dobry) • 3 satisfactory (dostateczny) • 2 unsatisfactory/fail (niedostateczny) • credit/pass (zaliczenie)

For more information on the adjustment to the Bologna Process and ECTS credits please visit European Higher Education Area: www.ehea.info Ready, Study, Go! Poland 24 DIPLOMA In order to graduate, students are required to: • present, at an appointed date, a diploma pro- • pass a performance assessment for all subject and attain a pass mark for that project; jects, integrated placements and practical • pass the diploma examination. work sessions, and pass all examinations covered by the study programme set for a given Upon graduation, a student receives a diploma field of study; of completion of studies in a specific field of study together with a Diploma Supplement and – upon request – official copy of the diploma translated into a foreign language. Poland: Europe's new higher education destination for international students

80000 Number of international students in last years 75000 70000 65000 60000 55000 50000 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 13 021 15 862 17 000 21 474 24 253 29 172 35 983 46 101 57 119 65 793 72 743 78 249 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 According to the Polish government’s Human Capital Development Strategy, share of international students in the total number of students should reach 5% until 2020. TUITION FEES & SCHOLARSHIPS 26 Erasmus+ Programme

SCHOLARSHIP Erasmus+ is the European Union (EU) programme which supports projects, partnerships, events and mobility in the areas of education, training, youth and sport. The Programme, OFFER which runs from 2014 to 2020, provides funding opportunities in all these areas. Erasmus+ Higher Education is mainly a student Scholarships within bilateral exchange programme which also includes work placements in companies abroad and agreements academic staff mobility. lt operates in the framework of the EU Erasmus+ Programme There are a number of scholarships available which continues the good tradition of the Life- within the limits defined in bilateral agree- long Learning Programme (LLP) and involves ments. They are financed either by the Polish all EU countries as well as lceland, Liechten- or the foreign partner’s government, often stein, Norway and Turkey. Erasmus+ Higher with the aim to enhance exchange within Education allows students to undertake a a specific field of study. The amount of a schol- part of their studies in another country with- arship depends on the type of study under- out additional costs of tuition, registration or taken. You can find more information on the examination. Students obtain a scholarship website of Polish National Agency for Aca- that covers the costs of living abroad. The time demic Exchange (NAWA) www.nawa.gov.pl spent studying abroad as well as the courses completed in accordance with the rules of the lt is also advisable to check with local author- programme have to be accepted by the home ities if they have a scholarship programme institution. that includes studies in Poland. For more information check the European Commission website: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/node_en Ready, Study, Go! Poland 27 CEEPUS exchange programme with Visegrad Scholarship Programme Central and Eastern Europe The International Visegrad Fund offers Mas- The CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Pro- ter and Post-Master scholarships awarded to gramme for University Studies) is a multilateral selected students for 1 or 2 semesters (for MA exchange programme with Central and East- scholarships within the incoming scheme ern Europe. It is a transnational Central Euro- 1 to 4-semester scholarships can be awarded). pean university network that provides a plat- Citizens of the following countries and terri- form for individual subject-specific networks. tories can apply: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, At present, CEEPUS unites universities from Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, 16 Central and Eastern European countries Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Mac- (Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bul- edonia, Serbia and Ukraine. On applying, all garia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, applicants must have completed at least 4 Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Ma- semesters of university study. There are var- cedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, the Slovak ious scholarship schemes available. Republic and Slovenia) within networks con- Further information is accessible on the Viseg- sisting of at least three higher education insti- rad Fund website: tutions from at least two different contractual www.visegradfund.org/scholarships/ countries. Student exchange within CEEPUS lasts from 3 to 10 months. Within a network incoming students are exempted from paying tuition fees and receive a comprehensive grant from the host country which depends on the living costs in the country. To be eligible for scholarships, exchange students have to be nationals of a CEEPUS country. Further information including a list of the current networks can be found at www.ceepus.info Ready, Study, Go! Poland 28 Scholarships for students from East- a scholarship, preceding the studies in Poland. ern Partnership and from post-Soviet More information: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/stu- countries dents/foreign-students Scholarships for citizens from Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme developing countries The aim of the programme is to support the social and economic growth of Eastern The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Programme concerns Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, second cycle studies at public (tuition-free) Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine) and and non-public universities in Poland super- Central-Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbek- vised by the Ministry of Science and Higher istan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajik- Education, in the following fields: engineering istan) as well as the following Western Balkan and technical, agricultural, applied and life countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, sciences. Master studies are preceded by the Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and preparatory course to facilitate undertaking Serbia by improving the level of education study in Poland, which is also covered by the and professional skills of their citizens. Fur- scholarship. thermore the participation in the programme The programme is designed for citizens of is a great opportunity to learn the Polish developing countries (excluding European language and culture. It also gives possibil- and Central Asian countries). Scholarship hold- ity to meet Polish students and academics. ers will be first recruited from: Angola, Colom- Scholarships offered within the programme bia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, include II degree studies conducted at public Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Peru, (tuition-free) and non-public universities super- The Republic of South Africa, The Philippines, vised by the minister responsible for higher Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Vietnam. education in the fields of: engineering and More information: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/stu- technical, agricultural, applied and life sciences. dents/foreign-students Knowledge of Polish language is necessary. The The Anders Scholarship Programme Programme covers also an obligatory 1-month language and adaptation course with a schol- The Programme for the Polish diaspora is arship or a 1-year preparatory course with addressed to young people of Polish origin - Ready, Study, Go! Poland 29 nationals of: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech, Estonia, Approved candidates may participate in 1-year Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Romania, Slova- preparatory course preceding their studies in kia, Hungary, countries of former Yugoslavia, Poland. Ukraine, Russia and countries of Central Asia More information: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/stu- and Caucasus, Latin America and Africa. For- dents/foreign-students eigners who have documented their Polish origin and holders of the Polish Card are eligible The Poland My First Choice to start their I, II and III degree studies as well as Scholarship Programme single master degree studies at public universities supervised by the minister responsible for higher education. The programme provides The Poland My First Choice scholarship pro- the participants with an opportunity to study gramme aims to encourage young talented in Polish language. people from the European Economic Area, North America, Australia and other developed

WITH MORE THAN 800 CHOICES, HOW WILL YOU SELECT THE BEST PROGRAMME IN ENGLISH THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU?*

www.go-poland.pl/study nder

* STUDYFINDER IS CURRENTLY THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE WEB TOOL THAT COVERS FULL OFFER OF THE LEADING POLISH UNIVERSITIES Ready, Study, Go! Poland 30 countries to pursue studies at the best Polish ships to study, conduct research, or exercise universities. their talents abroad and citizens of other coun- The programme offers an opportunity to pur- tries may qualify to do the same in the United sue full-time second-cycle studies at public and States. non-public universities on all fields of study The Fulbright Programme is one of the most offered by institutions offering education at prestigious awards programmes worldwide, highest level – i.e. those classified to the A and operating in over 155 countries. In Poland it A+ category under the latest parametric evalu- was initiated in 1959 and as of today it is one ation – subordinate to the Minister of Science of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe and Higher Education, with a monthly NAWA as well as the most prestigious and continu- scholarship to cover the living allowance dur- ous academic exchange programme between ing the period of education in Poland. In the Poland and the United States. case of public universities, the programme also With contributions from both governments offers an exemption from education fees. The the Fulbright Programme in Poland is adminis- programme provides the participants with an tered by the Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission. opportunity to study in Polish or in another Through its various exchange programmes language. the commission supports studies, research, More information: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/stu- instruction and other educational activities dents/foreign-students of Polish and American educators, scholars, and institutions; it also administers visits and Fulbright Programme exchanges between Poland and the United States for students, trainees, scholars, teachers, instructors and professors. Detailed informa- The Fulbright Programme is a programme of tion about current programmes can be found highly competitive, merit-based grants for on the website of the Bureau of Educational international educational exchange for stu- and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of dents, scholars, teachers, professionals, sci- State: entists and artists, founded by United States www.eca.state.gov/fulbright Senator J. William Fulbright in 1946. Under the Fulbright Programme, competitively selected U.S. citizens may become eligible for scholar- Ready, Study, Go! Poland 31 Programme of Fellowships under mission for UNESCO Scheme; their applica- the Polish National Commission tions will not be considered. for UNESCO Information available at: www.unesco.pl

The Polish National Commission for UNESCO in Lane Kirkland Scholarship Programme collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education carries out a programme of fellowships for young scientists from Central The programme is addressed to university and Eastern European countries and develop- graduates who already have at least two ing countries. years of professional experience, coming from Except from general offer there are also fellow- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakh- ship programmes in archeology and engineer- stan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, ing that are co-sponsored by the selected Polish Ukraine and Uzbekistan and are determined Universities. Fellowships are of short-term type to be actively involved in the development lasting from 1 to 8 months. The fellow must of democracy, economy and civil society carry out research in a hosting institution sub- in their countries and the region. The pro- ordinated to the Ministry of Science and Higher gramme offers two-semester supplementary Education, under the auspices of an academic studies in the fields of economics and man- supervisor. Confirmation of acceptance from agement, administration/ management (busi- the academic supervisor is imperative. ness, NGOs, culture, environment, health), A monthly research grant €450 /net/ which is public administration (state and local), law, approximately the equivalent of a salary paid social sciences (sociology, social psychol- to a local junior research fellow. Thus, all living ogy), political science and international rela- expenses in Poland are supposed to be cov- tions, development policy and humanitarian ered by the fellow himself. aid. Studies are supplemented by at least All applications should be submitted to the a two-week internship at Polish institutions. Polish National Commission for UNESCO. For more information, please visit: Polish Card and Residence Permit holders can- www.kirkland.edu.pl not become beneficiaries of the Fellowships Programme under the Polish National Com- 32 TUITION FEES Full-time studies (in Polish language) at public Fees at public and non-public HEIs are estab- higher education institutions (HEIs) are free lished by the institution itself under the condi- of charge for Polish students – plus internation that they cannot be lower than the costs tional students who are citizens of the EU/EEA of education process. The tuition fees range or holders of the Polish Card (Karta Polaka). from €2000 to €6000 per year and depend on All other international students are required the institution and study programme (for MBA to pay tuition fees that on average are the fol- programmes: about €8000-€12,000 per year). lowing: • €2000 per year for first, second and long Doctoral colleges are a notable exception, as cycle studies, not only do they offer tuition-free education • €2000 per year for an annual preparatory but they also provide a scholarship for all doc- Polish language course to commence stud- toral candidates enrolled in a full-time pro- ies in Polish. gramme. LIVING & WORKING LIVING & WORKING 34 friendly and helpful atmosphere in the stu- BEFORE YOU dent houses. Private housing It is quite common in Poland to rent a room in a bigger apartment. Most of the out-of-town ARRIVE students share flats in this way. The cost varies between cities and it depends greatly on the location of the apartment as well as the size Accommodation and quality of the room. The monthly rent is usually between €175 and €230. Some land- lords may require a deposit of a similar amount. There are many different options for arranging Don’t worry if you don’t have friends to live student accommodation in Poland. They vary with. Sharing a flat with locals is an amazing depending on the city and higher education opportunity: you can pay for the accommoda- institution you choose. Many Polish HEIs have tion and get great friends for free! And if you their own dormitories, which are usually the really don’t like to share, you can find an inde- cheapest option available. However, most Pol- pendent apartment. The rent for the smallest, ish students prefer to rent a room in a private one-room apartment starts from about €300 apartment. (in Warsaw). Student houses and dormitories The pricing of the student houses depends on Health insurance the particular HEI. Usually the cost of accommodation in a dormitory is around €60-80 Students from the EU/EEA countries monthly for a shared room and between €100- Healthcare in Poland is available for students 150 for a single room. However, the standard from EU/EEA countries, provided that they hold of the dormitories may differ greatly even valid medical insurance in the national insur- between various student houses of the same ance system of their country. A valid passport, HEI, so it’s good to do some research before student identity card or doctoral student iden- the final decision. What doesn’t differ is the tity card and a valid European Health Insurance Ready, Study, Go! Poland 35 Card (Europejska Karta Ubezpieczenia Zdrowot- don’t be surprised when the summer turns out nego) entitles its holder to medical care free of to be quite hot or quite rainy. Winters are usu- charge in Poland. Detailed information on the ally cold, with temperatures well below freez- health care for EU/EEA citizens can be found on ing, and more or less snowy. If you come from the website of the National Health Fund: a warmer climate, make sure you have proper www.ekuz.nfz.gov.pl clothing.

Students from outside the EU/EEA If possible it is recommended that students from non-EU/EEA countries purchase their own international medical insurance prior to their arrival in Poland. Otherwise they are required to sign a voluntary health insurance High (˚C) Average temperature agreement with the National Health Fund Low (˚C) (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ) and pay -3 0 369 12 15 18 21 24 their own insurance fees, which amount to JAN about €15 a month. Under this insurance FEB scheme, students are entitled to free medical care and can use university health care clinics MAR and health centres. Also, all foreign students APR have the option of purchasing additional acci- MAY dent insurance. For detailed information visit JUN the website of the National Health Fund: www.nfz.gov.pl JUL AUG Climate SEP NOV Poland has a moderate climate with both mar- OCT itime and continental elements. You can count DEC on many sunny days and many rainy days and Ready, Study, Go! Poland 36 Cost of living in Poland their monthly disposal. Average costs of student living range from €350 up to €550. Please In comparison to other European countries, remember, that to be able to study in Poland Poland is a relatively affordable place to live non-EU/EEA students have to possess suffi- and study. Prices depend greatly on the city, cient means to cover the living costs. but a student can get by with about €300 at

LIVING COSTS Prices for students* *may vary depend on the city

from from from from from €60/month €100/month €9/month €9/month €2,50

DORMITORY RENTED ROOM FITNESS CLUB PUBLIC TRANSPORT HAIRDRESSER

from from from from from €2 €1,30 €0,90 €2,50 €0

LUNCH AT CANTEEN COFFEE IN A CAFE BEER IN A PUB CINEMA TICKET MUSEUM TICKET

from from €0 €9/month

www.go-poland.pl DANCING CLUB UNLIMITED INTERNET ENTRY ACCESS Ready, Study, Go! Poland 37 city, they include buses, trams, trolley buses, trains and underground trains. It is usually a AFTER YOU good idea to buy a longterm ticket, as it’s hard to avoid public transport. Even if you manage to find accommodation close to the university, its separate faculties or facilities may not be ARRIVE within walking distance. More and more cities offer car, bike and scooters rental which helps to travel even faster within the cities.

Student Card Leisure The student card is the size of a credit card, but There is a wide range of leisure activities availa- it can change your life. Not only does it con- ble in Poland. Whatever you enjoy, you’ll prob- firm your student status and allows access to ably find it here! Those who like to be active libraries and other HEI facilities, but it also enti- can use one of well-equipped sport facilities tles you to all kinds of student discounts, most or explore beautiful Polish landscapes while important of them being a 50% discount on cycling, hiking, horse riding, sailing, canoe- public transport. There is also – up to the age ing, ballooning or in any other way they want. of 26 – a 37% discount on national railways, Those who like sightseeing should visit the allowing you to travel all around the country churches, castles, museums and many other for less. Some other transport companies, as attractions. The culture-oriented can choose well as theatres, museums and cinemas, even between many theatres and galleries as well restaurants, have special prices for students. as philharmonics, concerts and music clubs. In some HEIs, the student union provides addi- Check out the website: www.polska.pl tional discounts for students. So get your student card and enjoy the city!

Transportation Most Polish cities have well-developed networks of public transport. Depending on a Ready, Study, Go! Poland 38 Working Work during the academic year Work during studies It’s not easy to work and study at the same time, To be able to study in Poland, a non-EU/EEA but it can be done, especially if you’ve chosen students must demonstrate that they possess evening or weekend courses. Nevertheless, sufficient means to cover the costs of living in think carefully about whether this is in your Poland. Still, some students may wish to com- best interest, as it may affect your academic bine studies with work. In this case, non-EU/ performance. Most universities have academic EEA students who stay in Poland with a visa career centres, where you can find information generally need to apply for a work permit, about jobs, internships and trainings. You can which is granted only if non-EU citizen can fill also find job offers at the nearest labour office. the position. Some forms of work (vocational training, summer student jobs programmes) Work after graduation do not require a permit. All full-time students It may be really hard to leave such a beautiful who possess a student visa or a temporary country after you complete your education residence permit, EU/EEA citizens and holders here. Don’t worry if you prefer to stay and work of the Polish Card do not need a work permit at in Poland. As a graduate of a Polish higher edu- all. For more information, please visit the web- cation institution full-time programme, you site Office for Foreigners don’t need a permit to work here. Just make www.udsc.gov.pl sure your temporary residence permit is in order. Summer job The three-month long academic holidays are a great opportunity to earn extra money and get some work experience. Admittedly, all full- DEFINE YOUR time students can work all year long without a permit, but it is a good idea to find a job or an internship especially during the holidays. Some companies organise very interesting internship programmes that can really help your future career. It’s definitely worth trying! STATUS DEFINE YOUR STATUS 40 of a citizen of the Republic of Poland, living in the territory of the Republic of Poland, STUDYING ON TERMS • hold a Polish language proficiency certificate APPLICABLE TO on at least C1 level. Tuition If you study on terms applicable to Polish cit- POLISH izens doing full-time programmes at public higher education institutions, you do it free of charge. This, however, requires a sound knowledge of Polish and participation in the recruit- NATIONALS ment procedure.

You can study on the same terms as Polish Student financial support citizens, if you: There are a number of State budget financial • are a citizen of the EU Member States, the support forms available for students studying Swiss Confederation or the EFTA States that on terms applicable to Polish citizens. are members of the European Economic Area They include: Treaty, as well as your family members living • maintenance grant, in the territory of the Republic of Poland, • special grant for disabled persons, • have been granted a permanent residence • scholarship as an outstanding student, permit or a long-term resident of the Euro- awarded by a rector, pean Union, • scholarship for academic achievement • hold a Polish Card (Karta Polaka), awarded by the minister, • have refugee status granted by the Republic • assistance grants. of Poland, • have been granted temporary protection in the territory of the Republic of Poland, • being the spouse, ascendant or descendant Ready, Study, Go! Poland 41 • be awarded a scholarship by Polish higher education institutions. STUDYING ON TERMS Students who do not fall under the rules applicable to Polish citizens are not obliged to compete with other students to enter studies, but APPLICABLE TO have to pay fees as defined by higher education institutions. Studying on terms applicable to foreigners does foreigners not provide an entitlement to state budget financial support. Students of non-public HEIs You can study in Poland as a foreigner on the are admitted on the basis of the rector’s deci- basis of rules defined within/by: sion and on a tuition fee-paying basis. They are • international agreements, able to be granted an HEIs scholarship or be • agreements concluded between a higher partially or fully waived of fees. education institution and foreign entities, • decision of the minister competent for higher Application education, It may be easier for foreigners to get into their • decision of the rector of a higher education chosen HEIs as they don’t have to compete institution. with local students. The standard requirements include: Tuition & Scholarships • confirmation of sufficient knowledge of the Studying on terms applicable to foreigners, instruction language to enter the chosen you can: course, • be awarded a scholarship by a Polish partner, • a high school diploma and – if applying to 2nd • study on a tuition fee-paying basis, or 3rd cycle studies – a diploma from the previ- • study free of tuition fees and with no scholar- ous cycle of study (for example: a BA diploma ship entitlement, is necessary to apply for an MA course). • be awarded a scholarship by the sending You may also be asked to prove that you have partner (for example your country or univer- the predispositions and qualifications required sity), and free of tuition fees, by, for example, arts or medical HEIs. Ready, Study, Go! Poland 42 citizenship and live in one of former Soviet Union states. Among other privileges, it enti- STUDYING ON TERMS tles holders to choose the terms on which they wish to study. More information on the Polish of your choice Card is available here: https://www.msz.gov.pl/en/foreign_policy/ You can choose if you wish to study on the polish_diaspora/card_of_the_pole/ terms applicable to Polish citizen or those applicable to foreigners when: EU/EEA citizens can also choose if they want • you are a holder of a valid Polish Card, to study like Polish students or as foreigners. • are an EU/EEA citizen and have enough funds However, they must have the necessary funds to support yourself in Poland. to support themselves in Poland. Even if they decide to study on terms applicable to Polish Polish Card (Karta Polaka) is a document stat- students, they will not be eligible for a main- ing that you belong to the Polish nation. It can tenance grant or a special grant for disabled be issued to people who do not have Polish persons.

Terms of studying Advantages Disadvantages

as a Polish citizen • free education in public HEIs • you have to compete with Polish • access to state budget student students for places at HEIs financial support as a foreigner • admission to HEIs without tak- • study on a tuition fee-paying basis ing entrance exams or going • no access to state budget stu- through recruitment process dent financial support • one-year preparatory Polish language course (in public HEIs) • a possibility of being awarded to the government-funded scholarship ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Ready, Study, Go! Poland 44 ENTRY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS FOR EU FOR NON-EU CITIZENS CITIZENS If you are a citizen of an EU member state the The two main documents you will need to only thing you need to have to enter Poland is a enter Poland if you are not an EU citizen are: valid travel document or a document confirm- a valid travel document (passport) and a visa ing identity and citizenship (i.e. your national (if required). ID). However, if you wish to travel abroad during your stay in Poland, it is a good idea to have Visa a passport with you as it is necessary to visit As a general rule you need a visa to enter some of Poland’s neighbours that don’t belong Poland. There are, however, a number of coun- to the EU. tries that are free of this requirement. You can For a stay shorter than three months there are check if your country is on the list here: no formal requirements. Your studies will how- https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas ever take longer. For such a stay a registration Poland is a part of the Schengen area, so you of residence is necessary. You should register can apply for a Polish visa and travel all around with Voivodship (Provincial) Office. Europe (excluding the United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and states outside of the EU). Ready, Study, Go! Poland 45 There are several types of visas to choose from: the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180 • “A” type – an airport transit Schengen visa, days period. The visa can only be extended in so it cannot be used by a student coming to exceptional situations. Poland, Should you need to stay in Poland longer than • “C” type – a short-term Schengen visa allow- specified in your visa please do apply for the ing the holder to stay in the Schengen terri- temporary residence permit (see next page). tory for up to 90 days in 180 days period, • “D” type – a long-term national visa issued for up to one year allowing travel around

5 easy steps to get a visa

1) Find a Polish consulate that can process your application. You can use the MFA’s search engine: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/polands-missions-abroad 2) Read carefully ALL the information concerning visa application on the consulate’s website and follow ALL the instructions. 3) Set a visa appointment with the consulate. In most cases you will have to register through the website: www.e-konsulat.gov.pl. 4) Prepare the necessary documents including: application form, travel document (passport), biometric photo, health insurance, sufficient means to support yourself, documents confirming the purpose of your stay. The specifics of the required documentation may vary among consulates, so confirm them with the consulate’s website. 5) Submit all the documents including a printed and signed application form and the visa fee. Your visa application is complete. It should take up to 15 days to be processed. Ready, Study, Go! Poland 46 Application You have to apply for a Temporary Residence TEMPORARY Permit with the local Voivodship Office. The documents you will need to legalise your stay include: an application form, photos and doc- RESIDENCE uments proving your identity and citizenship, address, purpose of stay (a certificate from your school), health insurance and possession of sufficient funds. For detailed information PERMIT check out the Voivodship Office’s website. The procedure costs about €105 in total. Who needs it? EU students Every non-EU student needs it. EU students do not need to apply for temporary residence permits. As EU citizens they You should apply for a Temporary Residence should only apply for registration of their stay Permit before your visa expires. with local voivodship office within 90 days of When you receive the permit, you will be their arrival. They will be issued a cost-free cer- issued a Temporary Residence Card, an ID card tificate of registration with non-limited period that proves that you have a residence permit. of validity proving their right to stay in Poland. Together with your travel document, it allows For detailed information check out the Voivod- you to cross the Polish border as many times ship Office’s website. as you wish. The first residence permit is issued for the period of 15 months. It can be renewed POLISH YOUR for periods of up to 3 years, but for no longer than the remainder of your studies. REMEMBER: You should apply for the Tem- porary Residence Card when you are legally staying in Poland, which means after you arrive, but before the expiry of your visa. POLISH POLISH YOUR POLISH Ready, Study, Go! Poland 48 9-month Summer courses of the Polish language preparatory and culture polish language The Programme’s objective is teaching and courses promoting Polish language and culture abroad via allowing foreign students to participate in several-week long courses of the Polish language and culture organised in Poland. The For all those who would like to pursue their Programme Beneficiaries, apart from being studies in Polish, selected higher education given the opportunity to participate free of institutions in Poland offer preparatory Polish charge in a language course and cultural pro- language courses. gramme, will be provided with full board and The classes include Polish language lessons accommodation and a one-off NAWA grant of together with subjects related to future stud- approximately €120. ies. Candidates may choose from a variety of The Programme is addressed to Polish lan- specialisations, for example: humanities, engi- guage learners and persons who intend to neering/technical science, architecture, arts, start learning Polish. The Programme is aimed economics, medical sciences and agriculture. at encouraging foreign students to continue The courses run 9 months, usually starting in learning the Polish language after they return October, from Monday to Friday. to their universities or to take up university The tuition fees may vary, depending on the studies in Poland. Owing to participation in institution and on average are €2000/9 months the course, foreigners will be able to not only paid before the course commences. enhance their linguistic competence but also become more familiar with Poland and its inhabitants, and to meet other students from many different parts of the world who share the same interests in Polish language, Polish The state culture and heritage. You can find more details of the recruitment rules here: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/the-polish-language certification Come to Poland and learn Polish! examinations in Polish as a foreign language All foreigners and Polish citizens permanently residing abroad may take the examination. For more information on the certificate in Polish as a foreign language go to: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/the-polish-language/ certification

Published by the Promotion and Communication Department, Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, Warsaw 2019 Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, Polna 40, 00-635 Warsaw, Poland Photos used in this publication are provided by Gdansk University of Technology/PAP (p. 8), Jagiellonian University in Kraków (p. 9), Academy of lnformation Technology in Katowice (p. 33), Warsaw School of Economics (p. 39), Pedagogical University of Cracow (p. 43), Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw (p. 47), Fotolia (inside front cover), Theta Agency (p. 23), Adobe Stock (p. 3, 6), NAWA (front cover, 25, 32, 39, 47). 3/2019 FREE COPY www.nawa.gov.pl