The cost of studying in Poland depends on your legal status, the type of programme and the higher education institution you choose.
For some students, full-time studies conducted in Polish at public higher education institutions are tuition-free. Other students may be required to pay tuition fees.
When are studies tuition-free?
Your entitlement depends mainly on your legal status in Poland.
Full-time studies in Polish
Full-time studies conducted in Polish at public higher education institutions are tuition-free for Polish citizens and for foreign students who meet the statutory conditions for exemption from tuition fees.
This exemption concerns tuition for full-time studies in Polish at a public higher education institution.
Who may qualify?
Examples include eligible citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland and their family members residing in Poland, holders of permanent residence or EU long-term resident status, persons granted refugee status, temporary or subsidiary protection, and holders of a valid Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) or a decision confirming Polish origin.
Other categories specified by Polish law may also qualify.
Not sure which rules apply to you? Check your legal status before applying. Your status determines whether you may study tuition-free and what forms of financial support may be available.
When can tuition fees apply?
Fees vary between institutions and programmes.
Foreign-language programmes
Programmes conducted in a foreign language may be subject to tuition fees, including at public higher education institutions.
Part-time studies
Public higher education institutions may charge tuition fees for part-time programmes.
Non-public institutions
Non-public higher education institutions determine their own tuition fees and payment conditions.
How much does tuition cost?
There is no single national tuition fee for international students.
Higher education institutions determine the tuition fees for individual programmes. The amount may vary significantly depending on the institution, field and level of study, language of instruction and study format.
In public higher education institutions, student fees and their amounts must be established before recruitment begins.
Before you apply: always check the current tuition fee, payment schedule and refund conditions directly with the higher education institution. Do not rely on general national estimates when planning your budget.
Doctoral schools
Doctoral education follows different funding rules.
No tuition fees
Education in doctoral schools in Poland is tuition-free, including for international doctoral candidates.
Doctoral scholarship
Doctoral candidates who do not already hold a doctoral degree generally receive a doctoral scholarship, subject to the conditions and exceptions specified by Polish law.
Looking for financial support? Scholarships may be available through NAWA, higher education institutions and international mobility programmes. Explore scholarship opportunities.