Poland is fast becoming one of Europe’s top destinations for international students—offering affordable tuition, generous scholarships, and flexible part-time work. Whether you’re from Ukraine, India, Nigeria or anywhere else, here’s exactly how to make Poland your campus away from home:
🏫 1. Public Universities – Study Almost for Free
Who qualifies?
EU citizens + countries with bilateral agreements (e.g. Ukraine, Belarus)
International students with Polish B1/B2 + entrance exam success
| Language of Instruction | Tuition (per year) |
|---|---|
| Polish | €0 – €1 000 |
| English | €2 000 – €4 000 |
Top affordable schools:
Pro tip: Master Polish to unlock free tuition—aim for B1 before applying!
🛠️ 2. Vocational & Technical Courses – Get Job-Ready Fast
Duration: 6 months – 2 years
Cost: Often fully sponsored by the EU/state, otherwise €300 – €1 000
Languages: Mostly Polish; some in English/Russian
Hot programs:
IT (Programming, UX/UI)
Healthcare (Medical Care Assistant)
Skilled Trades (Electrician, Welder, CNC Operator)
Graphic Design & Digital Marketing
Where to look:
CKZiU (Centres for Vocational Education)
Private academies:
NGOs supporting migrants & refugees
🎓 3. Scholarships & Grants
3.1 NAWA (Government Scholarships)
Programs: Banach Fund, Banach + Łukasiewicz (STEM), Kalinowski Program (Belarusian citizens)
Perks:
1 700 – 2 500 PLN / month (≈ €400–€600)
Free tuition & cheap/free housing
3.2 University Scholarships
Rector’s merit awards
Social aid for low-income students
Special funds (disabilities, refugee status)
Amounts: 1 000 – 2 500 PLN / month + possible dorm/food
Tip: Contact your university’s International Office for specifics!
3.3 Erasmus+
Study 1–2 semesters in EU partner universities
€500–€600 monthly stipend
Open to BA, MA & PhD students with B1/B2 English or Polish
💼 4. Work While You Study
Can you work?
✅ Yes—student visa or temporary residence card allows full legal employment (no extra permit)
🎓 Top 5 Student Jobs in Poland
Earn money 💸 while studying—flexible, popular, and legal for students!
| Job Title | Hourly Rate (PLN) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ☕ Waiter / Barista | 23 – 35 | Shift-based (ideal for evenings) |
| 📞 Call Center Consultant | 25 – 40 | Often remote—work from dorm or home |
| 📦 Warehouse Worker | 25 – 35 | Great for night shifts & weekends |
| 📚 Tutor (English/Math) | 40 – 70 | Flexible & online |
| 💻 Junior Web Developer | 40 – 80 | Remote internships or freelance gigs |
Major job markets: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Poznań
Balancing work & study:
Choose weekend or evening classes
Organize with Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello
Work evenings/weekends; study part-time or hybrid programs
🔍 5. Job Search Resources
HireQ App: hireqapp.com
Job boards: pracuj.pl, olx.pl, justjoin.it, gowork.pl
Facebook Groups: “Student Jobs [City]”
University Career Offices
Support NGOs: Fundacja Ocalenie, IOM Poland
Tip: Look for umowa zlecenie contracts—under 26, you avoid social security contributions!
