How much does it cost to study in Poland in 2026?

Tuition fees for non-EU students range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 per year for standard degrees. MBA programs cost EUR 8,000-12,000. Doctoral programs are tuition-free. Monthly living costs range from 2,500 PLN in Łódź to 4,500 PLN in Warsaw.

What is the NAWA Banach Scholarship?

The Banach Programme is NAWA's premier fully-funded scholarship for Master's students from developing countries. It covers full tuition, monthly living stipend, and relocation support. The 2026 deadline is May 8 at 15:00 CET.

Can international students work in Poland?

Yes. Full-time students have unlimited working hours with no separate work permit required. Students under 26 on Umowa Zlecenie contracts pay zero income tax (up to PLN 85,528/year) and zero social security — gross pay equals net take-home pay. The 2026 minimum wage is PLN 30.50/hour.

What is the SYRENA system for diploma recognition?

SYRENA is NAWA's digital platform for foreign diploma recognition (nostrification), mandatory since July 2025. Processing takes 30-60 days. Conditional admission is no longer accepted — the final digital certificate is required at enrollment.

What are long-cycle degrees in Poland?

Long-cycle degrees are integrated 4.5-6 year programs (300-360 ECTS) that combine Bachelor's and Master's into one curriculum. They are mandatory for Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Pharmacy, and several other regulated professions. Graduates receive the title Magister, Lekarz, or Lekarz dentysta.

The Blog

Briefings from the application trail.

Independent reporting on Polish higher-education policy, admissions, visa procedures, and post-graduate strategy. Updated for the 2026/27 cycle.

admissions·6 min

Language Requirements 2026/27: Accepted Certificates for Polish Universities

A no-fluff list of which English and Polish certificates actually clear admissions — and the preparatory-year route to free EU tuition.

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admissions·8 min

SYRENA and KWALIFIKATOR: How to Digitally Recognize Your Foreign Diploma

A technical walkthrough of NAWA's twin systems for assessing foreign qualifications — and the 14-day window you cannot afford to miss.

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admissions·9 min

Fully Funded Research: Why Polish Doctoral Schools Are a Top PhD Destination

The 2018 reform that made Polish doctoral education tuition-free and stipend-funded for every PhD candidate, regardless of nationality.

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admissions·14 min

The Unified Path: Long-Cycle Master's Degrees in Poland (2026 Edition)

A comprehensive guide to Poland's integrated 4.5- to 6-year Master's programs — mandatory vs. elective fields, the standard vs. long-cycle comparison, and the strategic admissions landscape.

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