Higher education in Poland is becoming more and more attractive every year for young people from post-Soviet countries.
Centuries-old traditions and global teaching standards are the key to a successful career for future graduates of Polish universities. Students of European universities receive a diploma that is recognised in all countries of the world. In addition, foreigners are granted study visas for the duration of their studies, which allow them to travel around Europe. They are also invited to internships in international companies, just like Polish students. Students also participate in exchange programmes for students from European universities.
Many of you are used to thinking that such education costs a lot of money and is available only to a select few. In our material we will dispel this belief. Read how you can get a degree from a European university for free!
There are several ways for foreigners to get free higher education in Poland.
The most popular option is to enter a university on a competitive basis. But, unfortunately, not all universities offer budget places. The first thing to pay attention to is the status of the university. The university should be state-run or have free programmes for foreigners (you can check the list of universities yourself). But remember, you will have to study in Polish. Knowledge of the language should be at a sufficient level. You can prove your skills by taking the Polish language proficiency test at level B1 and above. The tests are held in different cities in Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and other countries.
What if you can't get a certificate? Then you will have to take a special test upon admission. The Polish language exam usually consists of listening, written tasks and an oral interview.
But good command of the Polish language is not the only requirement for admission on a competitive basis. The applicants' school-leaving certificates are also subject to selection. The average grade point average must be high. But that's not all! Future students will have to pass an exam in maths and a choice of physics or chemistry for technical specialities, and history or geography for humanitarian professions.
Be careful when choosing a department and specialisation. You should not apply for new specialities, as there may be a shortage of students and groups will be disbanded. Be careful when choosing the most popular specialities. The competition for a budget place at popular faculties is very big.
Free higher education in Poland is also available to foreign citizens who hold a Pole Card.
They enter university on the same rights as Polish citizens. Holders of the Pole Card are provided with free education at the statutory level, and they can also count on a scholarship, provided that they study at a university with budgetary places. However, if the university has entrance examinations, a foreigner with a Pole Card must pass the tests on an equal footing with all others.
According to the Higher Education Act, in addition to foreigners with Polish roots (holders of the Polish Card), the following groups of foreigners can also enrol in higher education free of charge:
- who have a permanent residence permit in Poland (permanent residence permit);
- with refugee status in Poland;
- who enjoy temporary protection in Poland;
- who are migrant workers who are citizens of a European Union (EU) Member State, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and their family members if they reside in Poland;
- having an EU long-term resident's residence permit granted in Poland;
- holding a temporary residence permit: on the basis of performing work in a position requiring high qualifications or for family reunification and is a family member of such a foreigner residing on the territory of the Republic of Poland; on the basis of other circumstances, including: holds a long-term resident's EU residence permit granted by another Member State of the European Union or is a family member of such a foreigner.
- foreigners who have been granted additional protection in Poland;
- citizens of EU member states and their family members who have the right of permanent residence.
The listed categories of students may not qualify for free tuition if the classes are in a foreign language or if they are pursuing postgraduate studies or if the chosen university does not offer free places. Then they pay tuition fees under the same conditions as Polish citizens.
And last but not least, the Polish government is interested in attracting intelligent and talented young people to their country! Every year, special educational programmes for foreign citizens are opened, Olympiads and competitions are held, the winners of which receive grants to study at the most prestigious universities in Poland.
