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Home , Barbara Kudrycka, Education in Poland, Education in Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, Karol Adamiecki, Lazarski University

Higher in Table of Contents

Introduction Higher Living in Poland Polish – Good > Higher Education Institutions > Visas, Temporary Resident choice! in Poland Card, Polish Charter > Structure of studies in Poland > Medical insurance Why Poland? > Examinations > Accommodation > ECTS credits > Cost of living in Poland > Why Poland > Diploma > Working in Poland as a > Poland in brief > Accreditation and quality student assurance > Academic calendar Useful information > Scholarships and exchange > Higher Education programmes in Poland > Studying in foreign languages > European programmes > Studying in the > General information on > Admission requirements Poland > Nostrifi cation/Recognition > The cost of studying in Poland Polish University – Good choice!

Studying in Poland will provide a solid education HE institutions to compete with the world’s rec- which will thoroughly prepare you for work in the ognized educational centers. I fi rmly believe most advanced labour markets of the world, at the that Polish colleges will soon be ranked among same time stimulating your own personal develop- the most desirable places for carrying out study ment. You will also have the unique opportunity of abroad programmes. meeting outstanding specialists and renowned in- tellectuals in your chosen fi eld. Pursuing your stud- It is, then, with great pride that I present here a ies in Poland, a country of great historical signifi - comprehensive off er of higher education in Po- cance and continued aspiration, will undoubtedly land, introducing the whole range of Polish public be a fascinating, even life-changing, adventure. and private and colleges which con- duct education to the highest current standards The reform of science and the higher education of teaching and meet all quality criteria. I welcome sector launched in the years 2010-2011 introduces you to study the possibilities and consider the a new model of fi nancing, based on the principles great opportunity which awaits you in Poland. of competitiveness, quality and transparency of procedures. The reform is followed by increased Professor spending which will allow the best among Polish Minister of Science and Higher Education

Why Poland? WHY POLAND Studying abroad…

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, because it exposes people to completely new and diff erent worlds, mindsets, values, attitudes and perceptions. Being immersed in a diff erent culture causes each individual to expand his or her capacity to be open-minded and adapt to both the uncer- tainty and excitement of the unknown.

Studying abroad allows young people to discover new friends, who are an entrance to new worlds and worldviews. Some friendships may uncover inter- Perhaps you have been asking your- actions on a deeper emotional, social and spiritual level; other friendships may last a lifetime based on self, is it worth your while to study a shared journey in a foreign land. It is those friend- abroad? There may be many diff erent ships that often initiate the life-lasting involvement reasons but the answer remains the in building bridges between very diff erent cultures, same: YES! Even if your country has languages, nationalities and countries. the world’s top universities, studying abroad (for several years or just a cou- ple of months) is a priceless asset. … in Poland

If you are already convinced that studying abroad is indeed worth it, you are welcome to study in Po- land. Poland is a country located in the very heart of Europe. Throughout the ages of its tumultu- ous and diffi cult , Poland had a big impact WHY POLAND on the history of Europe, being the main player in dom, and ) in terms of the demolishing the iron curtain thanks to the eff orts number of people enrolled in higher education. of the Solidarity movement under the lead of Lech The total student population at over 450 higher Walesa, resulting in the series of major changes in education institutions is almost 2 million. Each other countries of Europe, abolishing year almost half a million young people begin and entering the road to democracy and market their education at universities and colleges. economy. Ever since its accession to the EU in The Polish universities off er more than 200 2004, dynamically changing Poland plays a grow- high quality study programmes as an integral ingly important role in the modern united Europe. part of the European Higher Education Area. Most schools off er their courses also in foreign Tradition and modernity languages. Poland plays an active part in the . Poland’s traditions of academic education go back Owing to the introduction of three-stage educa- to 1364 when King Casimir the Great established tion as well as the European Credit Transfer Sys- the Cracow , known today as the Jagiello- tem, both Polish students and foreigners studying nian University. The Cracow Academy, being one in Poland stay fully mobile and can continue educa- of the oldest in the world, took after in tion elsewhere in the without any Bologna and Padua, and was the second, after the problems. Within the Erasmus Programme alone school in , university in the . that has been going on for over 20 years now, al- About two centuries later, in 1579, King Stefan most 30 thousand foreign students came to study Batory transformed the existing Jesuit College in in Poland while almost 100 thousand students from into the Vilnius Academy and in 1661 John Poland took a portion of their education in another Casimir, King of Poland, transformed the Jesuit country within the European Union. College into the Lvov Academy. Thus, by the end of the 17th century, Poland-and-Lithuania King- Foreign students coming to Poland can expect a doms had three fl ourishing universities providing most attractive and diversifi ed education off er academic education to both national and interna- meeting the high European standards. They can tional students. study , biotechnology or engineering, but also art and business. The diploma awarded Today, the Polish higher education system is to them upon graduation is recognized not only developing most dynamically. Poland holds Europe-wide but also in most countries of the fourth place in Europe (after the United King- world. WHY POLAND

DID YOU KNOW? > Jerzy Buzek (former Polish Prime Minister) is Presi- dent of the . He was elected with 555 votes of the 644 votes cast, the largest majority ever, EE: www.europarl.europa.eu/presi- dent

> From July to December 2011, Poland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Come to Poland – The state holding the Presidency has agenda-set- ting and coordinating powers; it is in charge of man- discover Europe agement and administration of the Council and rep- resents it both internally and externally, SEE: www. prezydencjaue.gov.pl; www.pl2011.eu For students from outside the European Union > In October 2009, the European Commission ap- who come to study in Poland, this may well be pointed Jan Truszczyński (former Secretary of State the beginning of the fascinating adventure of dis- in the Polish Ministry of Foreign Aff airs) Director- covering Europe. Being invited to study in Poland General of the Education and Culture Directorate- General. means being invited to the European Union of which Poland is an active member state. We would > Poland and will jointly host the fi nal matches like to encourage you to discover the European of the 14th UEFA European Football Championship from 8 June to 1 July 2012. The UEFA 2012 Union with its varied and interesting cultures and matches will be played in four Polish cities: Gdansk, the opportunities associated with strong, innova- Poznan, , and Wroclaw. SEE: www.uefa.com/ tive economies, but also the very best conditions uefaeuro2012/ for successful higher education studies in a chal- lenging and friendly atmosphere. With top-qual- ity, internationally recognized degrees, almost no other region in the world can set your career off to such a promising start. POLISH WINNERS Poland boasts six Nobel Prize winners: Maria This guide will provide you with the information Skłodowska-Curie (1903 – in ; 1911 – in chem- you need to get started. istry); (1905 – in literature), Władysław Reymont (1924 – in literature); Czesław Miłosz (1980 r. – in literature); Lech Wałęsa (1983 r. Come to the European Union. – Peace Nobel Prize); Wisława Szymborska (1996 r. Start from Poland! – in literature). WHY POLAND Poland in Brief

Offi cial name: Republic of Poland (short form: Poland), „Rzecz- which extend from June to August. January temperatures pospolita Polska” (short form: „Polska”) in Polish average -1°C (30°F) to -5°C (23°F). July and August average temperatures range from 16.5°C (62°F) to 19°C (65°F), though Offi cial Language: Polish some days the temperature can reach even 35°C (95°F). Political system: Parliamentary republic (multiparty democ- Highest mountain: Rysy 2499 m (Poland’s highest mountain racy with a two chamber parliament) peak in the Polish Tatras). Location: Central Europe. Poland borders on Germany, the National holiday: Constitution Day, 3 May (1791) , ,Ukraine, , Lithuania and Russia (the Kaliningrad enclave). Its northern border (440 km Currency: 1 zloty (PLN) = 100 groszy (actual exchange rates: long) runs along the Baltic Sea coast. www.nbp.pl) Capital city: Warszawa (Warsaw: population 1.7 million / Calling code: + 48 Warsaw agglomeration: 2.5 million) Internet domain: .pl Major cities: Kraków, Łódź, Wrocław, Poznań, Gdańsk, Economy: Poland is the 21st largest economy in the world and , , , , Białystok the ninth largest in Europe. Poland’s high-income economy is Area: 312 685 sq km. Poland is the ninth largest country in Europe considered to be one of the healthiest of the post-Communist (omitting Russia), and the sixth largest in the European Union. countries and is currently one of the fastest growing within the EU. Population: 38 million. Poland is the seventh largest popula- tion in Europe (omitting Russia), and the sixth largest in the International organisations: Poland is a member of the Eu- European Union. ropean Union (UE), the Schengen Area, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), United Nations Organisation (UN), Time zone: Poland belongs to the Central European time International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Educa- zone (GMT + 1 hour / UTC + 1 hour), except for between last tional, Scientifi c and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), United Sunday in March and last Sunday in October when it switches Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), to daylight saving time. World Health Organisation (WHO), World Trade Organisa- Climate: The Polish climate is moderate continental, with rela- tion (WTO), Organisation for Cooperation and Development tively cold winters (from December to March) and hot summer (OECD) and many others.

Higher Education in Poland HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

UNIVERSITIES > University of Białystok • www.uwb.edu.pl Higher > Wielki University in Bydgoszcz • www.ukw.edu.pl > University of Gdansk • www.univ.gda.pl Education > University of Silesia in Katowice • www.us.edu.pl > in Krakow • www.uj.edu.pl > Maria Curie-Skłodowska University • www.umcs.lublin.pl Institutions > John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin • www.kul.lublin.pl > University of Lodz • www.uni.lodz.pl > University of Warmia and Mazury in • www.uwm.edu.pl > University of • www.uni.opole.pl > University in Poznan • www.amu.edu.pl > University of Rzeszów • www.univ.rzeszow.pl > • www.us.szc.pl > University in Torun • www.umk.pl > • www.uw.edu.pl > Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University • www.uksw.edu.pl > University of Wroclaw • www.uni.wroc.pl > University of Zielona Góra • www.uz.zgora.pl The Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Po- land are divided into state (public) and private UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY (non-public) institutions. There are two main > Bialystok University of Technology • www.pb.edu.pl categories of higher education institutions: > University of Bielsko-Biala • www.ath.bielsko.pl university-type and non-university institutions. > University of Technology and Life Sciences In the university-type HEIs, at least one unit • www.utp.edu.pl is authorised to confer the academic degree of > Czestochowa University of Technology • www.pcz.pl doktor (PhD), i.e. off ers at least one doctoral > Gdansk University of Technology • www.pg.gda.pl programme. > Gdynia Maritime University • www.am.gdynia.pl > Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice • www.polsl.pl Below we present a list of state and private uni- > University of Technology • www.tu.kielce.pl versity-type institutions. > University of Technology • www.tu.koszalin.pl HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

> AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow > Medical University of Warsaw • www.wum.edu.pl • www.agh.edu.pl > Wroclaw Medical University • www.am.wroc.pl > Tadeusz Kosciuszko Cracow University of Technology • www.pk.edu.pl UNIVERSITIES OF > Lublin University of Technology • www.pollub.pl > Karol Adamiecki University of Economics in Katowice > Technical University of Lodz • www.p.lodz.pl • www.ue.katowice.pl > Opole University of Technology • www.po.opole.pl > Cracow University of Economics • www.uek.krakow.pl > Poznan University of Technology • www.put.poznan.pl > Poznan University of Economics • www.ue.poznan.pl > Kazimierz Pułaski Technical University of > Warsaw School of Economics • www.sgh.waw.pl • www.pr.radom.pl > Wroclaw University of Economics • www.ue.wroc.pl > Rzeszow University of Technology • www.prz.rzeszow.pl > Maritime University in Szczecin • www.am.szczecin.pl > West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin UNIVERSITIES OF AGRICULTURE • www.zut.edu.pl > University of Agriculture in Krakow • www.ur.krakow.pl > The Main School of Fire Service • www.sgsp.edu.pl > University of Life Sciences in Lublin • www.up.lublin.pl > Warsaw University of Technology • www.pw.edu.pl > Poznan University of Life Sciences • www.up.poznan.pl > Wroclaw University of Technology • www.pwr.wroc.pl > Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW • www.sggw.pl > Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES • www.up.wroc.pl > Medical University of Bialystok • www.amb.edu.pl > Nicolaus Copernicus University - UNIVERSITIES OF Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz > Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa • www.ajd.czest.pl • www.amb.bydgoszcz.pl > University of and Sciences in > Medical University of Gdansk • www.amg.gda.pl Kielce • www.pu.kielce.pl > Medical University of Silesia in Katowice > Jesuit University of and Education „Igna- • www.slam.katowice.pl tianum” in Cracow • www.ignatianum.edu.pl > Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow > Pedagogical University of Cracow • www.up.krakow.pl • www.cm-uj.krakow.pl > Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities > Medical University of Lublin • www.umlub.pl • www.uph.edu.pl > Medical University of Lodz • www.umed.pl > University of Pomeranian • www.apsl.edu.pl > Poznan University of Medical Sciences • www.amp.edu.pl > Academy of > Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin • www.aps.edu.pl • www.pam.szczecin.pl HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

UNIVERSITIES OF ARTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS OF PHYSICAL > Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz • www.amuz.bydgoszcz.pl EDUCATION > Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk • www.asp.gda.pl > Jedrzej Sniadecki Academy of and > Stanisław Moniuszko Academy of Music in Gdans Sport in Gdansk • www.awf.gda.pl • www.amuz.gda.pl > Academy of Physical Education in Katowice > Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice • www.asp.katowice.pl • www.awf.katowice.pl > Academy of Music in Katowice > Academy Of Physical Education in Krakow • www.am.katowice.pl • www.awf.krakow.pl > Ludwik Solski State Drama School in Cracow > Eugeniusz Piasecki University School of Physical Education • www.pwst.krakow.pl in Poznan • www.awf.poznan.pl > Academy of Music in Kraków • www.amuz.krakow.pl > Jozef Pilsudski University of Physical > Academy of Fine Art in Krakow • www.awf.edu.pl • www.asp.krakow.pl > University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw > Grazyna nad Kiejstut Bacewicz Academy of Music in Łódź • www.awf.wroc.pl • www.amuz.lodz.pl > Polish National Film, Television And Theatre School in MILITARY UNIVERSITIES Łódź • www.fi lmschool.lodz.pl > Military University of Technology in Warsaw > Strzemiński Academy of Art Łódź • www.asp.lodz.pl • www.wat.edu.pl > Academy of Music in Poznań > National Defence University in Warsaw • www.aon.edu.pl • www.amuz.edu.pl > Polish Naval Academy in Gdynia • www.amw.gdynia.pl > University of Arts in Poznań • www.uap.edu.pl > Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw • www.asp.waw.pl > Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy in Warsaw THEOLOGICAL UNIVERSITIES • www.at.edu.pl > Pontifi cal University of John Paul II in Cracow > Frideric Chopin University of Music • www.chopin.edu.pl • www.pat.krakow.pl > Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław > Christian Academy of in Warsaw • www.amuz.wroc.pl • www.chat.edu.pl > Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław > Papal of Theology in Warsaw • www.pwtw.mkw.pl • www.asp.wroc.pl > Papal Faculty of Theology in Wroclaw • www.pwt.wroc.pl HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

NON TAPE INSTITUTIONS > Katowice School of Economics • www.gwsh.pl > Krakow University • www.ka.edu.pl > Lodz Academy of International Studies • www.wssm.edu.pl > Pultusk Academy of Humanities • www.ah.edu.pl > Akademy of Finance in Warsaw • www.af.edu.pl > Collegium Civitas in Warsaw • www.collegium.edu.pl > Kozminski University in Warsaw • www.kozminski.edu.pl > Łazarski University in Warsaw • www.lazarski.edu.pl > Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology in Warsaw • www.pjwstk.edu.pl > Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities • www.swps.edu.pl > University of Lower Silesia in Wroclaw • www.dsw.edu.pl > Academy of in Lodz • www.swspiz.pl • www.swspiz.pl > University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz • www.wshe.lodz.pl > University of Informational Technology in Warsaw • www.eng.vizja.net > Silesian School of Economics and Languages in Katowice • www.gallus.pl

COMPLETE LIST OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS The Ministry of Science and Higher Education website contains extensive information for pro- spective students, including a complete list of higher education institutions in Poland (SEE: www.highereducation.pl, www.mnisw.gov.pl). HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND Structure of 1st Cycle First-cycle studies (3 to 4 years) leading to the studies in professional title of a licencjat or inżynier (En- gineer, in the fi eld of engineering, agriculture or Poland economics). This is the Polish equivalent of the Bachelor’s degree. It is focused on preparing stu- - dents for future employment or for continued ed- 3rd Cycle DOCTORAL studies (PhD) ucation within the Master’s degree programmes. To obtain this degree, students must earn 180- 240 ECTS credits. MASTER MASTER 2nd Cycle 90-120 ECTS LICENCJAT/INŻYNIER Long-cycle Long-cycle studies Polish equivalent of the Bachelor’s degree 1st Cycle 180-240 ECTS 270-360 ECTS In addition to the general structure, 11 fi elds of study including acting, art conservation and res- years of CERTIFICATE toration, canon , dentistry, law, medical analy- education (or equivalent) sis, medicine, production and photography, phar- macy, and veterinary medicine, off er Poland conforms to the guidelines from the long-cycle programmes only. Bologna Process in European higher education. The degree system based on the three-cycle Long-cycle studies – Master’s degree pro- structure has been successfully implemented gramme (4.5 to 6 years) leading to the profes- together with the European Credit Transfer and sional title of a Master (magister, or an equivalent Accumulation System (ECTS). The European degree depending on the study course profi le). To standard in higher education makes it easier for obtain this degree, students must earn 270-360 students to obtain recognition of their qualifi - ECTS credits. Such single long-cycle studies are cations in other countries. based on an integrated study programme, which HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

2nd Cycle 3rd Cycle

Second-cycle studies – Master’s degree pro- Third-cycle studies – Doctoral degree pro- gramme (1.5 to 2 years) following the fi rst cycle grammes (normally 3 to 4 years) accessible for studies and leading to the professional title of graduates of Master’s degree programme, lead- a Master (magister, or an equivalent degree de- ing to the PhD degree, off ered by the university- pending on the study course profi le). It is focused type schools as well as some research institutions on theoretical knowledge as well as application (departments of the Polish Academy of Sciences and development of creative skills. In artistic dis- as well as research and development institutions). ciplines, the focus is on the development of crea- The PhD degree is awarded to candidates who tivity and talents. The Master degree holders may submit and successfully defend a doctoral disser- enter a doctoral programme (third-cycle studies). tation before the committee and pass the To obtain the degree, students must earn 90-120 doctoral examination. ECTS credits.

Please bear it in mind that the educational systems of many countries may diff er signifi cantly from your system, and that Poland may well belong to this group. The diff erences start contains both basic studies and in-depth speciali- with terminology: in English the three basic higher education degrees, Bachelor, Master and Doctor have a variety of ab- sation. The completion of this degree will provide breviations depending on the actual fi eld of study (there is the a qualifi cation corresponding to the Master’s de- BA and BSc, MA, MBA and MSc, PhD and DSc, etc.). In Polish, gree at the second-cycle studies. there are four main terms referring to academic titles/de- grees: licencjat or inżynier (the equivalent of Bachelor, being the fi rst post-secondary degree you can get as a student), The higher education institutions run full-time, magister (the equivalent of Master) and doktor (the equivalent extramural, evening and external courses. The of Doctor) no matter whether you graduate in arts or e.g. full-time courses are defi ned as the basic type molecular . of studies. However, the individual degrees may not be fully compat- ible with the degrees conferred within the higher education For more information on studies off ered by Polish system in your country, and we strongly recommend that you check with your school or the public authorities in your country higher education institutions, please visit the which degree you will be bringing home according to your website of the Ministry of Science and Higher domestic legislation after graduation from a Polish school. Education: www.mnisw.gov.pl HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

All higher education institutions are required to Examinations end their courses with examinations. There may be several independent examinations or tests in separate parts of a subject. Usually, oral and writ- ten examinations are held at the end of each se- mester during the examination session. Students sit examinations on each subject separately. The performance assessment period covers either one semester or one academic year. To success- fully complete a semester (or a year), a student must receive the passing (at least “satisfactory”) marks for all assessments and examinations in the subjects covered by the curriculum and obtain performance assessment credits for all integrated placements.

In addition to the grading scale, HEIs in the Euro- ECTS credits pean Credit Transfer System (ECTS) under which a certain number of credits is allocated to a given subject, independently of marks awarded. To complete a year successfully, the student has to collect 60 credits (30 per semester).

The ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) is the standard adopted by all the universities in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) in the process of convergence between Eu- rope’s higher education systems. Since 2007, all Polish higher education institutions are re- quired to use ECTS for both credit transfer and HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

Grading. Each HEI identifi es its grading scale in its Study Rules. The most common scale Diploma comprises the following marks:

Grade Description 5 very good (bardzo dobry) In order to graduate, the students are required to: 4 good (dobry) > pass a performance assessment for all subjects, 3 satisfactory (dostateczny) integrated placements and practical work ses- 2 unsatisfactory/fail (niedostateczny) sions, and pass all examinations covered by the credit/pass (zaliczenie) study programme set for a given fi eld of study; > present, at an appointed date, a diploma project Sometimes the plus symbol or decimal is used and obtain a passing mark for that project; to modify the numerical grades. > pass the diploma examination.

It must be pointed out at this time that grades Upon graduation, the student receives a diploma awarded according to the scale are not directly of completion of studies in a specifi c fi eld of study transferable to the ECTS credits. together with a Diploma Supplement (copy of the diploma translated into a foreign language, describing the degree, level and specialisation). accumulation within their degree programs. The ECTS credits allow foreign students’ pe- riods of study at HEIs in Poland to be recog- nized.

For more information on the adjustment to the Bologna Process and ECTS credits please visit: www.mnisw.gov.pl (Ministry of Science and Higher Education, general information on the Bo- logna Process); www.ehea.info (European High- er Education Area); www.bologna2009benelux. org (The Bologna Process, offi cial website). HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education Accreditation (EQAR) established to enhance the transparency and trust in quality assurance.

and quality The State Accreditation Committee is an inde- pendent institution working within the higher assurance education system in Poland for the improvement in the quality of education. The primary objective of the Committee is to support Polish public and non-public higher education institutions in the development of educational standards matching the best models adopted in the European and glo- bal academic space. These activities aim to ensure that the graduates of Polish higher education in- stitutions rank high on the national and interna- tional labour market, and to enhance the compet- The Polish higher education system is well de- itiveness of Polish higher education institutions veloped. The quality of the education provided as European institutions. The State Accreditation is monitored and regularly evaluated. The main Committee carries out its mission by conducting Polish institutions in charge of quality assurance obligatory assessments of the quality of educa- in higher education are: the State Accreditation tion and giving opinions on applications for the Committee, the General Council of Higher Edu- authorisation to provide degree programmes, cation and the Conference of Rectors of the Aca- submitted by higher education institutions. (SEE: demic Schools in Poland. www. pka.edu.pl)

The STATE ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE The GENERAL COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDU (Państwowa Komisja Akredytacyjna – PKA) is the CATION (Rada Główna Szkolnictwa Wyższego only statutory body responsible for evaluating the – RGSW) co-operates with the Minister of Science quality of higher education. Its opinions and reso- and Higher Education and with other governmen- lutions have a legally binding eff ect. Since 2009, tal bodies in developing the state educational it is full member of ENQA (the European Asso- policy in the area of higher education. The Council ciation for Quality Assurance in Higher Educa- is responsible for defi ning the fi elds of study and tion) and was offi cially admitted to the European developing educational standards. These stand- HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND ards are then implemented in accordance with a separate regulation by the Ministry of Science Academic and Higher Education (SEE: www. rgsw.edu.pl). calendar The CONFERENCE OF RECTORS OF THE ACA DEMIC SCHOOLS IN POLAND (Konferencja Rek- torów Akademickich Szkół Polskich – KRASP) is in charge of the so-called peer accreditation in Po- land. This type of accreditation is voluntary and is carried out by eight accreditation committees es- tablished by the rectors of diff erent types of HEIs involved in the KRASP activities. Accreditation granted by the KRASP committees is seen as the proof of high quality instruction at a given institu- tion or faculty (SEE: www.krasp.org.pl) The academic year in Poland is divided into two OTHER NATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE semesters of 15 weeks each – the winter and the AGENCY: summer semester. > Accreditation Commission for Technical HEIs (KAUT) • www.kaut.agh.edu.pl > University Accreditation Commission (UKA) The winter semester starts in October and ends • www.uka.amu.edu.pl in mid-February, with a break of about ten days > Foundation for the Promotion and Ac- for the Christmas holidays. The examination ses- creditation of Economic Education (FPAKE) sion usually takes two or three weeks, beginning • www.fundacja.edu.pl in January. The summer semester starts in mid- > Association of Management Education FORUM February and ends in June, with a one-week break (SEM FORUM) • www.semforum.org.pl for Easter. Summer holidays last for three months > National Council for Accreditation of Medical from the beginning of July to the end of Septem- Education (KRASZM) • www.mz.gov.pl ber, but only for those students who passed all exams within the summer examination session (two-three weeks in June). The ones who failed take the exams again in September. HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

taken by the Minister of Science and Higher Edu- Scholarships cation. (SEE: www.buwiwm.edu.pl) and exchange programmes Scholarships off ered by HEIs

Apart from the Polish Government scholarships, Polish Government a number of Polish higher education institutions also off er their own scholarships. These scholar- scholarships ships are often related to a specifi c fi eld of study or degree programme at a specifi c institution. Some higher education institutions have agree- ments with partner institutions in countries The Polish Government off ers a number of schol- throughout the world. The available options have arships and fellowships intended for university to be checked with particular universities. students, researchers or lecturers for studying and doing research at Polish public universities and institutions under either bilateral interna- tional agreements or a decision of the Minister responsible for higher education. Foreign stu- dent scholarship applications falling within such European Union a quota are sent by Polish consular or diplomatic missions to the Bureau for Academic Recognition scholarships and International Exchange (Biuro Uznawalności Wykształcenia i Wymiany Międzynarodowej – BU- WiWM). There the applications are reviewed by Students can also come to Poland within one of the Bureau’s Section for Recruitment and Educa- the European Union programmes in which Polish tion of Foreigners in Poland. The fi nal decision is HEIs are actively involved, in particular the Life- HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND long Learning Programmes (LLP), the education- versity staff in the context of joint programmes al programmes creating the opportunities for co- at postgraduate level or interinstitutional coop- operation at all levels and in various fi elds. eration; > projects aimed at enhancing the attrac- tiveness, profi le, visibility and image of European The ERASMUS PROGRAMME (comprising spe- higher education worldwide (SEE: http:// eacea. cial programmes for students from EU/EEA coun- ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus; www.eras- tries and Turkey) promotes the European student musmundus.org.pl) exchange. The exchange programmes are coor- dinated on the basis of bilateral agreements be- TEMPUS is a programme that supports moderni- tween two universities or departments. The stu- sation of higher education in Western Balkans, dents can spend a study period of 3 to 12 months Eastern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa and at a higher education institution in another partic- the Middle East countries. The programme al- ipating European country. They do not pay fees at lows universities from the European Union and the foreign university and take home the course the partner countries establish partnerships and credits that they earn abroad. Student mobil- off er scholarships for student exchanges within ity for placements similarly enables the students such partnerships (SEE: http://eacea.ec.europa. of higher education institutions to do a trainee- eu/tempus; www.tempus.org.pl) ship or internship in an enterprise or other type of organizations in another European country The LEONARDO DA VINCI PROGRAMME, an- (SEE: http://ec.europa.eu/education/erasmus; other component of the LLP programme, pro- www.erasmus.org.pl) vides fi nancial support for student vocational training schemes and for the development of in- The ERASMUS MUNDUS PROGRAMME sup- novative training, educational programmes or ports academic excellence and the attractiveness teaching materials. This programme is targeted of Europe’s higher education worldwide, and fos- at young people in initial vocational training (SEE: ters cooperation with targeted third countries with http://ec.europa.eu/education/leonardo-da- the objective of contributing to their development. vinci/doc1018_en.htm; www.leonardo.org.pl) Erasmus Mundus supports: > joint programmes at postgraduate level, or the establishment of inter- institutional cooperation partnerships, between The Foundation for the Development of the Ed- universities from Europe and non-EU countries; ucation System – National Agency of Lifelong > scholarships for study, research or teaching pe- Learning Programme (SEE: www.frse.org.pl, riods for individual students, researchers and uni- www.llp.org.pl). HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

Studying STATE COMMISSION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF PROFICIENCY IN POLISH State Commission for the Certifi cation of Profi ciency in foreign in Polish as a Foreign Language is composed of repre- sentatives of major Polish academic centers teaching Polish as a foreign language. The Commission sets the languages examination dates, appoints members of the examina- tion boards, develops materials indispensable for stag- ing the examinations, supervises them and issues cer- tifi cates confi rming the level of profi ciency in Polish.

The main object of the state certifi cate examinations in Polish as a foreign language is to determine the candidates’ level of profi ciency in Polish regardless of the institution where they study Polish as a foreign language, and the curriculum, educational materi- The Polish higher education institutions off er a di- als and methods used induring the learning process. Profi ciency in Polish has been defi ned as the ability to verse range of study programmes in Polish and in understand oral and written modern Polish and to use foreign languages, mainly in English. The number Polish in speaking and writing. of degrees in foreign languages is growing. Every A certifi cate in Polish as a foreign language is the only institution publishes online information about state document confi rming the profi ciency in the Polish the fi elds of study in which it off ers education. At language. Those wishing their level of profi ciency in present, more than a half of the 119 existing fi elds Polish documented may take such examination. So far, certifi cate examinations in Polish have been popular of study are accessible in a foreign language. among foreigners studying in Poland. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education website contains extensive information for pro- Foreigners studying in Poland or applying for admission spective students, including a list of higher edu- to universities in Poland are also interested in obtaining the certifi cate of Polish as a foreign language. The cer- cation institutions in Poland (SEE: www.highere- tifi cate exempts students planning their further educa- ducation.pl, www.mnisw.gov.pl). tion in Poland from preparatory courses held prior to the commencement of studies.

More information about studying in Poland is also Depending on the type of studies off ered, the Higher available on the websites of the Conference of Education Institutions set diff erent requirements for Rectors of the Academic Schools in Poland (www. krasp.org.pl) and the Study in Poland Project (www.studyinpoland.pl). HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

foreigners as to their profi ciency in Polish. The B1 basic Studying profi ciency in Polish as a foreign language is required in the case of artistic and sports-related disciplines (mu- sic, arts, physical education studies). In general, other faculties require the B2 intermediate level of profi cien- in the Polish cy in Polish, which is stipulated in the Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education on taking up and carrying out studies by foreigners. language

Information on Polish language certifi cates is provided by the State Commission for Certifi cation of Command of Polish as a Foreign Language, SEE: www.certyfi kat- polski.pl

THE POLISH LANGUAGE Polish belongs to West-Slavic group of the Indo-Eu- ropean family of languages. Due to its structure, it is classifi ed as an infl ected and synthetic system. As an individual language, Polish evolved in the 10th century and played an important role in the establishment and Pursuant to the Act on the Polish Language, development of the Polish state. Until the , Polish is the language of lectures, examinations Polish existed only in the form of several regional spo- ken variations. As a literary, superregional language, and diploma theses at all Polish universities and Polish was distinguished in the 15th and 16th centuries, colleges. Hence foreigners who wish to study in which is demonstrated by the extensive collection of Polish language are required to possess a com- literary works written in the language. mand of Polish, allowing them to understand the The number of people speaking Polish as their mother lectures and other forms of tuition. For this rea- tongue exceeds 45 million, of which 38 million live in Po- son, the candidates are required to: land. Large groups of and ethnic Poles have been > complete a preparatory Polish language course living outside Poland for many generations, mainly in the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, France, Be- at one of the institutions appointed by the min- larus, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and Ukraine. ister of education > obtain the Polish Language Certifi cate issued Today, Polish is gaining popularity as a foreign language taught at language schools and in academic centers by the State Commission for Certifi cation of across Poland and worldwide. Command of Polish as a Foreign Language. > receive confi rmation from the HEI they apply to that their preparation and command of Polish allow them to undertake the studies. HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

Courses in Polish language and culture or in sur- Polish language vival Polish with orientation programmes are organized by most universities hosting foreign and culture students. This type of course can last for a few weeks just before the academic year, or run for courses the whole semester.

Below you will fi nd a list of some of the insti- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin tutions which off er Polish language courses for • www.cjkp.umcs.lublin.pl/eng/ foreigners: > The School of Polish Language for Foreigners > Center of Teaching of Polish for Foreigners, University of Lodz • www.sjpdc.uni.lodz.pl Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz • > The School of Polish Language for Foreign www.ukw.edu.pl Students, Adam Mickiewicz University, > School of Polish Language and Culture, Uni- Poznan • www.schoolpl.amu.edu.pl versity of Silesia, Katowice > The Centre of Polish Language and Culture for • www.sjikp.us.edu.pl Foreigners, Nicolaus Copernicus University in > The Center for Polish Language and Culture Torun • www.fi l.umk.pl/skijpdo/wersja_a/ in the World, The Jagiellonian University in > The Centre of Polish Language and Culture for Krakow • www.uj.edu.pl/Polonia Foreigners ”Polonicum”, University of Warsaw > The School of Polish Language and Culture, • www.polonicum.uw.edu.pl The Jagiellonian University in Krakow > School of Polish Language and Culture for For- • www.uj.edu.pl/SL eigners, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University > International Educational Centre, Cracow Uni- • www.polish.wnh.uksw.edu.pl/eng/ versity of Technology • www.educentre.info > The School of Polish Language and Culture for > The School of Polish Language and Culture, Foreigners, University of Wrocław John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin • www.sjpik.uni.wroc.pl • www.kul.pl/school > The Department of Polish Language for For- > The Polish Language and Culture Centre for eigners, Wrocław University of Technology Polish People from Abroad and Foreigners, • www.snjo.pwr.wroc.pl HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND Admission requirements

Admissions to the study programmes are ad- ACCESS TO THE FIRSTCYCLE STUDIES, lead- ministrated by the institutions of higher educa- ing to the professional title of a licencjat or an tion, and candidates apply directly to the insti- inżynier (Engineer), as well as the long-cyle stud- tution of their choice. It is best to contact the ies, leading to a Master’s degree (magister or an international relations offi ce well before the equivalent degree), is open to holders of an upper course starts in order to fi nd out all the neces- certifi cate (Matura certifi cate) sary details about the application procedures or an equivalent entitling the holder to enroll in and other important information. such programmes in Poland. Additional entrance examinations may be conducted by HEIs only GENERAL REQUIREMENTS for admission to de- if this is necessary to assess knowledge or skills gree programmes off ered by higher education in- that are not assessed by the Matura examination stitutions in Poland are the same for both univer- or the applicant holds an upper secondary school sity-type and non-university HEIs. The candidate certifi cate obtained abroad. must hold a matriculation certifi cate (the Matura certifi cate) or another equivalent document at- ACCESS TO THE SECONDCYCLE STUDIES testing that the holder is eligible for admission to is open to holders of licencjat or inżynier (Engi- higher education in the country in which he or she neer) degree, the Master’s degree (magister or an completed secondary school. equivalent degree) or the equivalent of the Polish HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND

higher education diploma entitling the holder to > hold the residence permit, enroll in such programmes in Poland. > have the refugee status granted by the Republic of Poland, ACCESS TO THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMMES is > enjoy temporary protection in the territory of open to applicants who hold the Master’s degree the Republic of Poland, (magister or an equivalent degree) or the equiva- > are migrating employees – citizens of an EU lent of the Polish higher education diploma enti- Member State or of an EFTA State being mem- tling the holder to enroll in such programmes in ber of the European Economic Area Treaty, Poland, and who meet the admission conditions formerly or currently employed in Poland; this laid down by the specifi c institution. The detailed right extends also to members of their families, admission conditions are laid down by the board if residing in the territory of the Republic of Po- of the entity authorised to off er doctoral pro- land, grammes within an institution. > citizens of the EU Member States or the EFTA States that are members of the European Eco- While respecting such general admission require- nomic Area Treaty, as well as members of their ments, each HEI may defi ne its own additional ad- families, who have means suffi cient to cover mission conditions and procedures, including the their living costs during the period of study; number of places available to students, except in however, they are not eligible for low-income the medical fi elds of study (numerus clausus). The scholarships. admission conditions and procedures may be simi- lar across an HEI or may vary according to the fi eld of study. Diff erent conditions and procedures may Foreign certifi cates of education may be recog- be applied by diff erent HEIs for the same fi elds of nised in Poland on the basis of international agree- study. The admission conditions and procedures ments or – in the absence of such agreements must be published by each HEI not later than by – according to the regulations on nostrifi cation. 31 May of the year preceding the academic year to which they refer. International agreements, to which the Republic of Poland is a party, regulating the legalisation of foreign diplomas can be found on the website As of 1 May 2004, foreigners are free to take up of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and continue studies and participate in scientifi c (SEE: www.mnisw.gov.pl) research and training projects and schemes on the same terms as Polish citizens if they: HIGHER EDUCATION IN POLAND Nostrifi cation The costs of Recognition studying in Poland According to the Regulation of the Minister of Full-time studies (in the Polish language) at the Education and Science, any school certifi cate ob- state Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are tained abroad must be legalised in the country in free for Polish students and foreigners who com- which it was issued and then submitted to the lo- mence studies in Poland on terms applicable to cal educational authority (kuratorium oświaty) in Polish citizens. These include citizens of EU/EEA Poland in order to be nostrifi ed (recognised). The and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta documents must contain a clause confi rming that Polaka). All other foreigners are required to pay their holders have access to higher education in- tuition fees of no less than: stitutions in their own countries. > EUR 2,000 per year for vocational higher stud- ies, Master’s and postgraduate programmes, Nostrifi cation of the certifi cate obtained abroad > EUR 3,000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate can be performed only once. The nostrifi cation cer- and specialist courses as well as scientifi c, artis- tifi cate is valid only if accompanied by the original tic, specialist and habilitation internships, certifi cate obtained abroad or a duplicate thereof. > EUR 3,000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships, Holders of foreign diplomas who want to study in > EUR 2,000 per year for a language course, in- Poland, need to make sure that their diploma can cluding the course preparing for studying in be recognised as the equivalent of a Polish diploma Polish. or else the recognition procedure is required. The agency responsible for the recognition of foreign The fees at private higher education institutions credentials for academic purposes is the national are established by institution itself. information centre ENIC-NARIC Poland, operating The tuition fees range from EUR 2,000 to 6,000 within the Department of Higher Education Organ- per year and depend on the institution and study ization and Supervision of the Ministry of Science programme (for medical schools and MBA pro- and Higher Education (SEE: www.mnisw.gov.pl) grammes: about EUR 8,000 – 12,000 per year).

Living in Poland LIVING IN POLAND Visas

Students from the EU countries

Students from the EU countries can enter Po- Among European countries, Poland land with a valid travel document or another has one of the most stable, dynami- document confi rming identity and citizenship. If cally developing economy and its a student intends to visit Poland’s neighboring young society is open for changes and countries (not all of them are EU Member States), new challenges. Foreign students are a passport is recommended. For stay up to three warmly welcomed to come to Poland months no legalization of stay is necessary. For stay exceeding three months an EU student has to study. There are, however, a few to register the residence. In the case of students issues which they should be aware of the registration document is issued for one year before coming. What follows are a few (with a possibility of extending it). The document pieces of practical information which is issued by the Department of Citizens Aff airs of you may fi nd useful. the Voivodeship Offi ce (province administration, Urząd Wojewódzki). LIVING IN POLAND

Came to Poland. Discover Europe.

Since December 2007 Poland is a member of the Schengen Area so you can apply for Students from the Schengen Visa in the Polish Consulate in your country. If you have a Schengen countries outside the Visa you can freely travel around in the Schengen Area (, France, Ger- EU and EEA area many, Luxembourg, the , Por- tugal, Spain, , , Greece, Den- mark, Finland, , Iceland, , Students from countries outside the EU and EEA , Czech Republic, , area can enter Poland on the basis of a valid travel , Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, document (passport) and visa (if required). A stu- Slovakia, and ). We would like to dent of a non-EU country should generally fi le an remind you that and Ire- application for visa at the Consulate of the Repub- land are Member States of the EU but do lic of Poland in his/her country of legal residence. not belong to the Schengen zone. Cyprus, A short-term visa entitles the holder to stay in Bulgaria and Romania so far are also out- Poland for up to three months, a long-term visa side the Schengen zone. for up to one year. It is possible to extend a visa only in particularly justifi ed cases. The visa can be extend only once. LIVING IN POLAND What documents do Temporary you need to apply for Residence Card a visa? All international students staying in Poland longer than three months are required to obtain tempo- We recommend contacting the Polish Consulate rary residence permit. The permit is issued for in your country for a complete list of documents the period of a student’s stay in Poland, but not required for a visa application. As a rule, you will longer than for two years (usually for one year). It be asked to present: can be extended. Evidence of the permit is a Tem- > a valid travel document, porary Residence Card (Karta pobytu czasowego) > 2 up-to-date photographs, – an identity card for foreigners in Poland which > documents which confi rm the purpose of entry, (together with a passport) allows passing the bor- > suffi cient means of subsistence, der as often as you like without a visa. > health insurance.

There are many countries whose citizens can visit Poland as tourists without a visa. These include Polish Charter all EU/EEA countries, Australia, United States, Canada, , South Korea, Malaysia and Singa- () pore (for the complete list, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs: www.msz.gov.pl). A visa is still required for a stay exceeding three Students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Pola- months or when entering the country to take up ka) may stay and study in Poland on special terms. paid employment. Polish Charter is a document which confi rms be- longing to the Polish nation. Holders of the Polish Detailed information on the rules covering entry Charter are entitled to use the educational system and stay in Poland can be obtained from the Polish on the same conditions as citizens of Poland. They embassies and consular offi ces. For the complete may take up studies at all levels of education on information visit the website of the Ministry of the same conditions as citizens of Poland. Be- Foreign Aff airs: www.msz.gov.pl sides, they have the right to work and apply for LIVING IN POLAND scholarships and other forms of aid available for foreigners.

However, receiving the card does not imply acquir- ing Polish citizenship or confi rmation of the Polish origin. The Charter does not entitle to cross the border without a valid visa or to settle in the terri- tory of the Republic of Poland. The Polish Charter does not legalize the stay in Poland, but ensures its holder a number of rights facilitating its con- tacts with the Republic of Poland. A holder of the Polish Charter who intends to enter the territory of the Republic of Poland should legalize his/her stay in accordance with the general rules.

According to the legal regulations, the Polish Charter can be granted to a person who on the day of applying for the charter is a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Estonia, Geor- gia, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Lithuania, Republic of Latvia, Repub- lic of Moldova, Russian Federation, Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Republic of Uzbekistan or possessing a status of a stateless person in one of the listed countries. The Polish Charter can be granted to a person who declares belonging to the Polish nation and meets several additional conditions (for detailed information visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs: www.msz.gov.pl) LIVING IN POLAND Medical Accommodation insurance

Healthcare in Poland is available for students from There are several options for arranging accom- the EU/EEA countries, provided that they hold valid modation and these diff er from one HEI to an- medical insurance in the national insurance system other. Housing costs depend on the location and of their country. A valid passport, student Identity quality of the accommodation but the prices per Card or doctoral student Identity Card and a valid month usually range from EUR 50 to EUR 200 in European Health Insurance Card (Europejska Karta the dormitories to 100-500 EUR in private apart- Ubezpieczenia Zdrowotnego) entitles its holder to ments. medical care services free of charge in Poland. Many Polish HEIs have their own dormitories man- If possible it is recommended that students from aged by the administration. The dormitories may non-EU/EEA countries purchase their own inter- diff er in standard. The cost of accommodation in national medical insurance prior to their arrival in a students’ dormitory ranges from EUR 100 to Poland. Otherwise they are required to sign a volun- EUR 200 per month for a single room and from tary health insurance agreement with the National EUR 50 to EUR 100 for a shared room, depending Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia – NFZ) on the standard. and pay their own insurance fees. Under this insur- ance scheme, students are entitled to free medical It is common for international students to share care and can use university health care clinics and bigger apartments in the city centre. Rental prices health centres. Also, all foreign students have the in the centre may be a bit more expensive but one option of purchasing additional accident insurance. can cut costs and time on transportation. Split- ting the rent amongst friends may off er an oppor- For detailed information visit the website of the tunity to fi nd great accommodation at an aff ord- National Health Fund: www.nfz.gov.pl able price. LIVING IN POLAND

Below are some examples to give an idea of the Cost of living amounts students spend per month. Prices very depending on the city. Monthly living cost of an average student in Poland ranges from EUR 300 in Poland to EUR 600.

Monthly expenses (average value) Rent in a shared fl at (or dormitory) 80-100 EUR STUDENT CARD Food 100-150 EUR All students receive a student identity card enti- Transportation (in big cities) 15-20 EUR Telephone/mobile, internet, TV 20-30 EUR tling them to a 50% discount for public transpor- Study materials 30-50 EUR tation in the city and a 37% discount for transpor- Other expenses (leisure/entertainment) 70-100 EUR tation via national railways (only when they are Examples of other selected prices: under age of 26). The card also entitles students bread (1 loaf) 0,80 EUR to use university library, sports and other facili- milk (1 litre) 0,70 EUR ties, but also to discounts on tickets to cinemas, lunch at a canteen 3,00 EUR coff e in a café 2,50 EUR theatres and museums. cinema ticket 5,00 EUR

The EU/EEA citizens and holders of the Polish Working in Charter are not obliged to obtain a work permit in Poland. To be able to study in Poland, a non-EU/ Poland as a EEA student must demonstrate that he/she pos- sesses suffi cient means to cover the costs of living in Poland. However, some students may wish to student combine their studies with a part-time job and thus obtain additional income. In this case non-EU/EEA student need to apply for a work permit, which is granted only if no EU citizen can fi ll the position. Nevertheless, students should think carefully about whether this is in their best interests, as it may aff ect their academic performance.

Useful Information USEFUL INFORMATION

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE Higher AND HIGHER EDUCATION MINISTERSTWO NAUKI I SZKOLNICTWA WYŻSZEGO Education www.mnisw.gov.pl The main task of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education includes: > managing budgetary resources in the fi elds of sci- in Poland ence and higher education > coordinating relevant projects co- fi nanced by the European structural funds > promoting Polish science and higher education abroad and at the domestic level > drawing up projects and strategies concerning the develop- ment of the Polish research and higher education system > supervising structures and institutions in view of the ongoing reforms and modernization, cooperation with foreign institu- tions and participation in international programs and events STUDENT TESTIMONIALS concerning science, research and higher education > dealing with all matters concerning Polish and foreign students, lec- Teaching staff is professional, turers, and researchers working at Polish scientifi c and higher education institutions. helpful and open to share their scholarly and practical THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT experience with their OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM FUNDACJA ROZWOJU SYSTEMU EDUKACJI FRSE students. People I meet every www.frse.org.pl day on campus and in town are The Foundation for the Development of the Education Sys- very friendly. So, overall the tem is a State Treasury foundation, the main goal of which is a atmosphere is very, very good, wide-thought support of actions aimed at development of the educational system in Poland. The Foundation achieves its goal much better than I expected by conducting European Union educational programmes and coming here from a remote other international programmes in the fi eld of education. The part of the world and so Foundation coordinates the programmes: “Lifelong Learning Programme” and “Youth in Action”; it also supervises National different cultural background. Contact Points for the European Union Programmes: Erasmus Come and study in Poland! Mundus and Tempus, the National Bureau of the Eurodesk pro- USEFUL INFORMATION

gramme and the SALTO EECA Eastern Europe and Caucasus tion of their representatives to international associations of Resource Centre. In Poland, the Foundation also implements rectors or universities. the European Union’s initiative European Language Label and eTwinning action. The Polish Bureau of Eurydice – an informa- CONFERENCE OF RECTORS OF VOCATIONAL tion network on education in European countries – is also affi li- SCHOOLS IN POLAND ated with the Foundation. Since 2007 the Foundation has been KONFERENCJA REKTORÓW ZAWODOWYCH SZKÓŁ coordinating the Polish-Lithuanian Youth Exchange Fund, and POLSKICH KRZASP - since 2008 - the Scholarship and Training Fund (in cooperation www.krzasp.pl with EEA countries – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and the Scholarship Fund Sciex-NMSch (cooperation with Switzerland). GENERAL COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION RADA GŁÓWNA SZKOLNICTWA WYŻSZEGO RGSW CONFERENCE OF RECTORS OF THE ACADEM www.rgsw.edu.pl IC SCHOOLS IN POLAND CRASP The General Council of Higher Education (Rada Główna Szkol- KONFERENCJA REKTORÓW AKADEMICKICH SZKÓŁ nictwa Wyższego) is an elective body of the higher education POLSKICH KRASP system. The council co-operates with the Ministry of Science www.krasp.org.pl and Higher Education and with other governmental bodies in The Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland the establishment of the state educational policy in the area of (CRASP) is a voluntary association of rectors representing those higher education: 1) it issues opinions and proposes motions in Polish institutions of higher education which have the right to all matters related to higher education and science, 2) it issues award the degree (or equivalent) in at least one scien- opinions on legal regulations, 3) it issues opinions on the pro- tifi c discipline. Currently, CRASP has 107 members (including 11 posal of the state budget related to the higher education sys- non-public schools) and seven institutions have the status of an tem and on the rules for distributing state subsidy to the higher associated institution. CRASP safeguards traditional academic education institutions, 4) it issues opinions on the proposals of values, including the constitutional principle of autonomy of statutes for higher education institutions. It is responsible for higher education institutions which guarantees the right of these the defi nition of fi elds of study and the development of stand- institutions to present their positions on all issues of interest to ards in education. These standards are implemented in accord- the academic community. The main aims of CRASP are: ance with a separate regulation by the Ministry of Science and > to inspire and co-ordinate the co-operation of the academic Higher Education. schools in Poland > to undertake activities leading to an estab- lishment of an integrated system of the national education and MINISTRY OF NATIONAL EDUCATION to the development of the system of higher education > to rep- MINISTERSTWO EDUKACJI NARODOWEJ resent the interests of higher education and science, and the www.men.gov.pl common interests of its member schools, including the selec- USEFUL INFORMATION

MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND NATIONAL create close cooperation with other foundations and associa- HERITAGE tions in the fi eld of education. MINISTERSTWO KULTURY I DZIEDZICTWA NARODOWEGO MKIDN STUDY IN KRAKOW www.mkidn.gov.pl www.studyinkrakow.edu.pl The Department of Art and Culture Education MKiDN exer- All universities in Krakow in one place. Everything you always cises protection over public art education (1st and 2nd degree) wanted to know about studying in Krakow! as well as higher art education. Moreover, it coordinates the development of Polish art education system syllabus, and STUDY IN WARSAW cooperation of art schools and universities with foreign coun- www.studyinwarsaw.pl tries concerning acceptance of diplomas received from artistic Universities and colleges – members of Conference of Rectors schools in Poland and abroad. It is also responsible for imple- of Academic Schools in Warsaw menting scholarship programs for pupils and students. STUDY IN WROCŁAW STATE ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE www.study-in-wroclaw.pl PAŃSTWOWA KOMISJA AKREDYTACYJNA PKA Universities and colleges in Wrocław www.pka.edu.pl ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK ESN BURAEU FOR ACADEMIC RECOGNITION AND ERASMUS STUDENT NETWORK POLSKA INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE www.esn.pl BIURO UZNAWALNOŚCI WYKSZTAŁCENIA I WYMIANY Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is a non-profi t international MIĘDZYNARODOWEJ BUWIWM student organisation. ESN mission is to represent international www.buwiwm.edu.pl students, and thus provides opportunities for cultural under- standing and self-development under the principle of Students STUDY IN POLAND PROJECT Helping Students. www.studyinpoland.pl The project “Study in Poland” was established on the grounds of the agreement signed by the “Perspektywy” Foundation and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (CRASP). The project is administrated by The “Perspektywy” Foundation – a non-profi t organization. The goal of “Study in Poland” is to promote Polish higher education abroad and to USEFUL INFORMATION

LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME European PROGRAM „UCZENIE SIĘ PRZEZ CAŁE ŻYCIE” www.ec.europa.eu/llp www.llp.org.pl programmes The European Commission has integrated its educational and training initiatives under a single umbrella, the lifelong learning Programme. This programme enables individuals at all stages of EU opportunities in their lives to pursue stimulating learning opportunities across Eu- rope. It consists of four sub-programmes: Comenius (for schools), education, culture Erasmus (for higher education), Leonardo da Vinci (for vocational and youth education and training) and Grundtvig (for ). YOUTH IN ACTION PROGRAMME PROGRAM „MŁODZIEŻ W DZIAŁANIU” www.ec.europa.eu/youth www.mlodziez.org.pl STUDENT TESTIMONIALS The Youth in Action programme aims to inspire a sense of active European citizenship, solidarity and tolerance among Europeans I enjoyed spending one year from adolescence to adulthood. The programme promotes mo- bility within and beyond the EU’s borders, and encourages the in Lublin so much. Whenever inclusion of all young people, regardless of their educational, so- I went out with some other cial and cultural background. It helps young people acquire new people from Erasmus I would competences, and provides them with opportunities for non- meet many Poles and we got formal and informal learning with a European dimension. along with them very well. ERASMUS PROGRAMME I also traveled as much as I PROGRAM ERASMUS could and discover the country. ec.europa.eu/education/erasmus www.erasmus.org.pl Erasmus supports increased mobility in higher education – par- I visited many wonderful ticularly among students, but also among teachers and other places. I am sure I will return staff . The aim is to foster a Europe-wide approach to higher edu- and discover more of this cation. Off ering students exposure to other countries and cul- tures not only enriches their study experience but also promotes country and visit my friends. a more European-minded, fl exible and mobile workforce that Come and study in Poland! improves Europe’s competitiveness and innovation potential. USEFUL INFORMATION

Students can spend a study period of between 3 and 12 months them recognised across borders in order to improve their em- at a higher education institution in another participating Europe- ployability on changing labour markets. It also supports inno- an country. They do not have to pay fees at the foreign university vations and improvements in and training and can take home the course credits that they earn abroad. systems and practices. Student mobility for placements similarly enables students at higher education institutions to do a traineeship or internship T EMPUS MODERNISING in an enterprise or another organisation in another European HIGHER EDUCATION country. eacea.ec.europa.eu/tempus Tempus is the EU-funded programme that supports the mod- ERASMUS MUNDUS ernisation of higher education in the EU’s neighbouring coun- eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus_mundus tries in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, erasmusmundus.org.pl North Africa and the Middle East. Tempus is part of the EU’s The Erasmus Mundus Programme supports academic excel- “Neighbourhood”, “Enlargement” and “Development” poli- lence and the attractiveness of Europe’s higher education cies, which aim to promote prosperity, stability and security in worldwide, and fosters cooperation with targeted third coun- these regions. The Programme contributes to cooperation in tries with the objective of contributing to their development. higher education between the European Union and the part- ner countries. Tempus promotes the voluntary convergence of The programme enhances quality in higher education through higher education systems in these countries with EU develop- scholarships and academic cooperation between Europe and ments in higher education. the rest of the world. Erasmus Mundus supports: > joint pro- grammes at the postgraduate level, or the establishment of BOLOGNA PROCESS inter-institutional cooperation partnerships, between univer- http://ec.europa.eu/education/higher-education/doc1290_en.htm sities from Europe and non-EU countries; > scholarships for The Bologna Process aims to create the “European Higher study, research or teaching periods for individual students, Education Area” to provide citizens with choices from a wide researchers and university staff in the context of joint pro- and transparent range of high quality courses, with smoother grammes at postgraduate level or inter-institutional coopera- recognition procedures. Three priorities were defi ned to tion; > projects aimed at enhancing the attractiveness, profi le, reach these ambitious goals: the establishment of compara- visibility and image of European higher education worldwide. ble degree systems, a European dimension to quality assur- ance systems, and the recognition of degrees and study pe- LEONARDO DA VINCI PROGRAMME riods abroad. The Bologna Process has set in motion a series http://ec.europa.eu/education/leonardo-da-vinci/doc1018_en.htm of reforms necessary to make higher education systems more The Leonardo da Vinci programme is helping European citizens compatible and comparable, more competitive and more at- to acquire new skills, knowledge and qualifi cations, and have tractive to citizens. USEFUL INFORMATION

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS General MINISTERSTWO SPRAW ZAGRANICZNYCH www.msz.gov.pl Information Polish consular agencies abroad – the list is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Aff airs on Poland POLAND www.poland.gov.pl Offi cial promotional website of the Republic of Poland

POLAND ON THE INTERNET www.poland.pl Poland.pl (and its Polish version Polska.pl) website is to help everybody – Poles, members of Polish communities abroad, and foreigners – get access to valid, legal, and reliable sources of information about Poland. The website off ers a diff erent way STUDENT TESTIMONIALS of looking at „Poland and Polish” society, from the perspective of contemporary information society. Polska.pl and Poland. What I particularly like about pl are non-profi t projects, managed by the Research and Aca- studying in Cracow is that the demic Computer Network (NASK) – a co-creator and propaga- students here, regardless of tor of the idea of the Information Society.

their origin or nationality, are POLISH TOURIST ORGANISATION adventurous and ambitious. POLSKA ORGANIZACJA TURYSTYCZNA And it is so exciting to live in www.pot.gov.pl a cosmopolitan city with so Polish Tourist Organisation is a governmental body responsible for promotion of tourism to Poland (publishes and distributes rich a historical legacy! This tourist brochures and multimedia productions). It runs a network combination makes studying of international offi ces in Europe, Asia and North America: a memorable and pleasant > Polish National Tourist Offi ce (UK & Ireland) www.poland.travel/en-gb educational experience. Come > Offi ce National Polonais de Tourisme (Belgium) and study in Poland! www.pologne.travel/fr-be USEFUL INFORMATION

POLAND.TRAVEL > Pools Informatiebureau voor Toerisme (Belgium) www.poland.travel www.polen.travel/nl-be Poland’s Offi cial Travel Website. > Polska Organizacja Turystyczna (Czech Repablic) www.polsko.travel/cz EDEN EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS > Polnisches Fremdenverkehrsamt (Germany) OF EXCELLENCE www.polen.travel/de www.edenpoland.pl/en > Polska Statens Turistbyrå (Norway) Discover your EDEN in Poland. These are unique places that of- www.polen.travel/no fer visitors inimitable atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, fas- > Polska Statens Turistbyrå (Sweden) cinating culture and hospitable welcome from local people. They www.polen.travel/sv are emerging European tourist destinations, often little known, > Polska Statens Turistbyrå () which pursue the objective of economic growth in such a way as www.polen.travel/dk to ensure social, cultural and environmental sustainability. > Organización Turistica de Polonia (Spain) www.polonia.travel/es www.poland-convention.pl > Offi ce National Polonais de Tourisme (France) The Convention Bureau of Poland is a governmental institution www.pologne.travel/fr – a division of the Polish Tourist Organisation, focused on the > Uffi cio Turistico Polacco (Italy) promotion of Poland’s unique qualities as a business tourism www.polonia.travel/it destination, as well as on providing neutral, professional advice > Lengyel Nemzeti Idegenforgalmi (Hungary) to all considering Poland as a venue for their future events. www.lengyelorszag.travel/hu > Poolse Organisatie voor Toerisme (The Netherland) ADAM MICKIEWICZ INSTITUTE www.polen.travel/nl INSTYTUT ADAMA MICKIEWICZA IAM > Polnisches Fremdenverkehrsamt (Austria) www.iam.pl www.polen.travel/de-at IAM is a state cultural institution whose task is to promote > Польская Туристическая Организация (Russia) Polish culture around the world and actively participate in in- www.poland.travel/ru ternational cultural exchange, present both the heritage and > Польська Туристична Організація (Ukraine) contemporary achievements of Polish culture. The main goal www.polscha.travel/uk of the Adam Mickiewicz Institute is to increase the value of Po- > Polska Organizacja Turystyczna (Israel) land’s brand as a cultural asset and to boost Poland’s eff ective- www.polin.travel/he ness and effi ciency in the area of culture. > Polish National Tourist Offi ce (Japan) www.poland.travel/ja > Polish National Tourist Offi ce (USA, North America) www.poland.travel/en-us USEFUL INFORMATION

www.culture.pl > Instituto Polaco de Cultura (, Spain) Portal developed and operated by the Adam Mickiewicz Insti- www.culturapolaca.es tute. A complete repository of knowledge about Polish culture > Польскі Інстытут ў Мінску (, Belarus) in and outside Poland. Information on current events accom- www.instpol.by panied by an encyclopedia / glossary with more than 2,800 bios > Польский культурный центр в Москве (, Russia) of Polish culture makers. State-of-the-art on-line portal using www.ipol.ru multimedia technologies: photo galleries, audio fi les, a calen- > Отдел культуры Генера льного консульства dar and map of cultural events. Республики Польша в Санкт-Петербурге (, Russia) www.polinst.ru > Polish Cultural Institute in New York (USA) POLISH CULTURAL INSTITUTES www.PolishCulture-NYC.org ADDRESSES, PHONE NUMBERS > Institut Polonais (, France) AND WEBSITE OF THE POLISH www.institut.pologne.net CULTURAL INSTITUTES > Polský institut v Praze (Prague, Czech Republic) IN THE WORLD: www.polskyinstitut.cz > Polnisches Institut in (Germany) > L’Istituto Polacco di Roma (, Italy) www.polnischekultur.de www.istitutopolacco.it > Polnisches Institut Düsseldorf (Germany) > Полският институт в София (Sofi a, Bulgaria) www.polnisches-institut.de www.polinst-bg.org > Polnisches Institut in Berlin, Filiale Leipzig (Germany) > Polska institutet (, Sweden) www.polinst-l.de www.polskainstitutet.se > Poľský inštitút (, Slovakia) > Polish Institute in (Israel) www.polinst.sk www.polishinstitute.org.il > Institut Polonais (Brussels, Belgium) > Polnisches Institut in Vien (, Austria) www.culturepolonaise.eu www.polnisches-institut.at > Institutul Polonez (, Romania) > Lenkų Institutas Vilniuje (Vilnius, Lithuania) www.culturapoloneza.ro www.lenkukultura.lt > Lengyel Intézet (, Hungary) www.lengyelintezet.hu > Польський Iнститут у Києві (Kiev, Ukraine) www.polinst.kiev.ua > Polish Cultural Institute in (United Kingdom) www.polishculture.org.uk Published by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System (FRSE), Warsaw 2011 Compiled by: Jan Andrzej Nicał and FDES Promotion and Information Team Graphic design by: Justyna Marciniak Printed by: Chromapress Sp. z o.o.

Photos used in this publication are provided by the featured universities: University of Warsaw (cover, p. 38), Medical University of Bialystok (p.10), Nicolaus Copernicus Univer- sity in Torun (p. 12, 35), Gdansk University of Technology (p. 15), University of Wroclaw (p. 19), Gdynia Maritime University (p. 27), Warsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGW (p. 32); THETA Agency (p. 4) and Krzysztof Kuczyk (p. 6, 30)

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