Studying in Poland can also be the beginning of your professional career. Poland has one of the largest economies in the European Union and a diverse labour market, with opportunities in areas such as IT and ICT, business services, engineering, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceuticals and other technology-based industries.
Poland was the sixth-largest economy in the European Union by GDP in 2025. The country is also home to a growing business services sector and to both international employers and Polish companies operating globally.
Combining your studies with part-time work can help you gain professional experience, develop new skills and earn additional income.
Remember, however, that if you are staying in Poland for the purpose of studying, your studies should remain your main priority. Make sure that your work schedule allows you to attend classes, complete assignments and make satisfactory academic progress.
The rules depend on your nationality and residence status.
EU/EEA citizens can work in Poland without a work permit.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen studying full-time in Poland and your stay is based on a Polish national visa issued for the purpose of studies or a temporary residence permit for studies, you may also work without obtaining a separate work permit.
Different rules may apply if you are studying part-time or staying in Poland on another type of visa or residence permit.
Remember that when applying for or holding a temporary residence permit for studies, studying must remain the main purpose of your stay in Poland.
For current information about residence and employment rules, visit the Office for Foreigners.
Some jobs in Poland are available to applicants who do not speak Polish, particularly in international companies and sectors where English or another foreign language is used at work. However, learning Polish can significantly increase the number of opportunities available to you.
You can look for vacancies on popular job platforms such as:
It is also worth contacting the career office at your university. University career centres can provide information about vacancies and internships and may also offer career counselling, workshops or support with preparing your CV and applying for jobs.
An internship can be a good way to gain practical experience, learn more about your chosen profession and build a professional network while studying.
Both paid and unpaid internship opportunities are available in Poland. You can find them through job platforms, university career centres, employers and student organisations.
- AIESEC – offers international professional and volunteering opportunities for young people.
- IAESTE – provides international traineeship opportunities, particularly for students in technical and scientific fields.
- Erasmus+ – supports traineeships abroad for higher education students and recent graduates.
- Start looking early. Recruitment for some internships and graduate programmes begins several months in advance.
- Prepare a clear, up-to-date CV.
- Complete and update your LinkedIn profile.
- Check opportunities offered through your university's career centre.
- Follow companies you are interested in and check their career pages.
- Attend career fairs, university events and networking opportunities.
If you graduate from full-time studies at a Polish higher education institution, you can work in Poland without obtaining a work permit.
However, exemption from the work-permit requirement does not automatically give you the right to stay in Poland. If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you must make sure that you have a valid legal basis for your continued stay.
If you have graduated from a Polish higher education institution and want to remain in Poland to look for work or start a business, you may be eligible for a temporary residence permit for graduates. This permit can be granted once, for a period of nine months, directly after graduation.
Check the current requirements on the Office for Foreigners website.
You can also read about the experience of a Ready, Study, Go! Poland Digital Ambassador from Peru looking for a job in Poland in this article.