How to Study Abroad in Poland

Looking for a place to study abroad that combines top-notch universities, a vibrant student scene, and affordability? It wouldn’t hurt if you could also have a wide range of English-language classes to choose from while you practice (or start learning!) another language. Throw in easy access to travel and you’ve got the makings of a dream study abroad destination.

Poland will leave you pleasantly surprised.

Figuring out how to study abroad in Poland puts you one step closer to that dream. Pack your bags for Warsaw, a multicultural capital city, or head to picturesque and student-friendly Poznań. See history and modernity come together in Wroclaw, or take classes at Kraków’s Jagiellonian University—one of the oldest universities in the world.

No matter where you decide to study in Poland, you’re well on your way to reaping the benefits of studying abroad. Here’s how to get yourself there.

Does Poland have student visa requirements?

In Poland, student visa requirements depend on where you’re from and how long you’re staying:

• EU citizens: Citizens of most European countries just need a valid travel document (like your passport) or document confirming your identity and citizenship (like your national ID). If you want to travel while you’re studying in Poland, you’ll need your passport on hand to visit nearby non-EU countries.
• Citizens of countries exempt from visa requirement to enter: Citizens from many countries, including the United States, don’t need a visa to enter the Schengen area for shorter periods. However, you will need a visa for longer programs.
• Citizens of other countries: If you’re not an EU citizen or from a country exempted from visa requirements when entering the Schengen area for shorter periods, you will need a visa for Poland before you start your studies.

…hold up, what’s Schengen? The Schengen area covers most of the EU member states plus all members of the European Free Trade Association. Since Poland is part of Schengen, you can typically travel through other Schengen countries without going through border controls.

If you do need a visa for your study abroad program in Poland, you’ll need to apply for one of two visa types:

• C-Type: This is a short-term Schengen visa that allows you to stay in Poland (or other Schengen countries) for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
• D-Type: This is a long-term national visa issued for up to one year. If you’re staying in Poland longer than that, you’ll also need to apply for a temporary residence permit.

TL;DR: If you’re not from a European country, you may need a visa to study in Poland (either a C-Type visa for shorter stays or a D-Type visa if you’re studying abroad for a longer period). However, citizens of certain countries that need a visa for longer stays can come to Poland without a visa for shorter periods.

U.S. citizens coming to Poland for fewer than 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes including tourism and short-term studies (think: you’re eyeing a one-month summer program) don’t need a visa to enter the country. You will need a visa for most semester-long and academic year programs, though. Either way, once you’re in Poland, traveling throughout the Schengen area will be a breeze—good news for your plans to travel in Europe.

Pro-tip: Visas requirements can change, so always check with your program and local embassy or consulate to make sure you’re up-to-date on what you need to do.

4 other requirements for studying abroad in Poland

You’ll get a unique experience without going *too* far off the beaten path.

Besides your visa, you’ll want to make sure you meet a few additional requirements to study abroad in Poland if you’re headed there for a fall or spring semester, academic year, or short-term summer program:

• Language: You don’t need to speak Polish to study abroad in Poland (though you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn the language once you’re there, either through formal coursework or daily interactions). Many study abroad programs in Poland are open to all levels of Polish speakers and offer courses in English.
• GPA: Both the program in Poland itself and your home school likely have GPA requirements for students looking to study abroad. 2.5 or 3.0 GPA minimums are standard, but requirements can vary, so you’ll always want to verify before applying. If you have your heart set on a program and don’t quite meet the GPA requirement, ask if they consider exceptions in special circumstances.
• Class standing: While there’s no hard-and-fast rule about the best age to study abroad, you’ll again need to check with both your chosen program and your home school for any year (or age) requirements or restrictions. For example, you might find it tougher to study abroad as a senior or freshman—though opportunities do exist!
• Home university approval: You want to get credit for all your hard work abroad, right? Make sure you get all the necessary approvals from your home school before boarding that plane. Some study abroad programs will even ask you to show your university’s approval as part of the application process.

How to study abroad in Poland

Take notes and get your checklist ready. Here’s a step-by-step rundown about how to study abroad in Poland:

1. Decide when and where to go

Krakow? Warsaw? Wroclaw?

Think about any classes you have to take during specific semesters at home, when courses you want to take are available abroad, work and internship requirements, and personal preferences to decide when you’ll study abroad.

Whether Poland is calling you for a fall or spring semester or you’re interested in a short-term summer program (or even an entire year abroad), you’ll also need to decide where to study abroad in Poland. This country has you covered with plenty of possibilities: Choose a cultural hotspot in Wroclaw, situate yourself in the historic capital city of Warsaw, or head to Kraków, a focal point of arts and academics, to name only a few of your options.

2. Talk to your university

Before you hit that apply button, you’ll want to speak with some folks back home (and we don’t just mean your family, though they’re important, too!). Your academic advisor, financial aid advisor, and study abroad advisor can help you make sure you’re fulfilling all requirements and getting all necessary approvals to transfer in your credits and have a successful experience abroad.

Done right, study abroad can keep you on track for graduation while upgrading your resume for the future, but you need to check all the boxes back home to make that happen.

3. Pick a program

Once you know the programs your home school approves, it’s time to pick one. The program you select should meet your requirements, offering classes you need (and want) to take. Narrow down your preferences for semester and destination to start the search.

4. Understand program requirements

Before you plan too far ahead, make sure you meet the prerequisites.

You’ll also need to meet some requirements to study abroad in Poland. Look into the nitty-gritty details of the program you choose, including minimum requirements for GPA and language level. See if those classes you’re daydreaming about taking have any prerequisites, and pull together any necessary documentation.

5. Apply!

Putting together your application is one of many steps you’ll take before studying abroad, but it’s, well, pretty essential. Give yourself enough time to apply. You don’t want to miss out on your dream study abroad experience in Poland because you waited until the last moment to gather your application materials, so start early and check that you have everything ready to go before the application deadline hits.

6. Do your paperwork

All those forms and approvals will be worth it once you arrive in Poland, we promise. Though the lead-up to studying abroad can feel overwhelming sometimes, submitting paperwork on time for your program provider AND home school will streamline the process all the way through your return home.

The same goes for your visa application. Do your research and apply as soon as you can to avoid any processing hiccups that can prevent you from getting to Poland on time.

7. Arrange your housing

Thinking about the type of housing you want while studying abroad can also help you find the right program. Different programs offer housing in dorms, shared apartments, homestays, and more. Once you’ve settled on a program, take all necessary steps to secure your housing, either directly through your program or on your own.

8. Apply for scholarships and financial aid

Although studying abroad in Poland is on the “affordable” end of the spectrum, it’s still pricey compared to studying at home.

This tip is for you if the cost to study abroad feels like a major barrier. Financial aid eligibility depends on your particular financial aid package, when you go abroad, and the program you choose, but it IS possible to get financial aid for study abroad.

Another item on your to-do list? Searching for scholarships (and then applying, applying, applying). From national scholarships to funds from your program provider or university to scholarships specifically for study abroad in Poland, there’s a good chance this adventure makes you eligible for money, money, money.

9. Plan your budget (and save up)

You’ve lowered your costs as much as possible, but yeah, you do still have to pay for study abroad. Good news: With some budgeting and planning, you can save money and have a great time abroad. Better news? Poland is a budget-friendly study abroad destination, and that money you save will go a long way.

10. Book your flight

You have a plan. Now book your flight! You’re about to find out why studying abroad in Poland is the best choice you’ve ever made.

Our Online Advisor can match you with 5 study abroad programs in Poland

How much does it cost to study abroad in Poland?

Here’s how to frame a budget for studying abroad in Poland.

Poland is relatively affordable (especially compared to some other popular study abroad destinations in the EU), so put this country firmly on your map of options even if you’re operating on a strict student budget.

A semester in Poland can cost you about $20,000 total, but that estimate includes everything—program fees and tuition, housing costs, flights, day-to-day expenses, and more. A summer will likely total under $10,000. (And if the overall price tag for how much it costs to study abroad in Poland has you rethinking your plans, scroll back up to the word “scholarships.” Scholarships for study abroad are a Very. Real. Thing.)

Costs to account for include:

• Program fees and tuition: This varies depending on the program you choose, so check how much you’ll pay in tuition to a university or fees to your program provider. Make sure you know what any program fees cover so you can accurately plan your budget—many providers include the costs for things like tuition, housing, excursions, student support, and more in one program fee, so you may not have to pay separately for everything listed below.
• Airfare: You can estimate about $800 to $1,400 round-trip from the United States to Poland.
• Passport: Plan ahead to get or renew your passport as needed.
• Visa: If you do need a visa, account for the cost of the C-Type or D-Type visa.
• Housing: Student housing is generally affordable in Poland, with monthly costs for student dorms starting below $100. Renting an apartment will cost more but still may be less than what you’re used to back home, with monthly rent typically less than $1,000, and often a whole lot less than that.
• Meals: Budget for about $300 per month.
• Travel insurance: You may want to get (or your program or home school may require you to get) travel insurance before you go abroad.
• Additional expenses: Don’t forget to save some funds for fun stuff like souvenirs and supplies for studying. A budget for about $200 per semester for books and school supplies, and $200 to $250 per week for personal expenses, should do the trick.

3 study abroad programs in Poland to consider

Ready to study abroad in Poland? Here are three program options to get you started:

1. Experience Kraków, Poland with API

• Why? Whether you’re looking for study abroad programs in Poland in the summer or for a semester, API has you covered. Find yourself in an academic, artistic, and cultural hub while you take classes at the prestigious Jagiellonian University of Kraków. Choose from subjects like philosophy, psychology, history, Polish language, and more with Kraków’s historic architecture as a backdrop for your study breaks and daily explorations.
• Where? Kraków
• Read Academic Programs International (API) reviews

2. AIFS Study Abroad Traveling: The Holocaust (Summer)

• Why? You’ll elevate your learning with a summer semester in the heart of Europe and join a close cohort to explore 21st-century impacts of war, history, and social justice. Take classes in English while investigating sites tied to the Holocaust and seeing first-hand the ramifications of genocide. Beyond Poland, you’ll also have a chance to travel with the program to London, Berlin, and Prague.
• Where? Kraków, Warsaw
• Read AIFS reviews

3. Study Abroad in Poland with Youth For Understanding

• Why? Learn about Polish life and culture from your vantage point in Kraków, a city with a complex history. You’ll live with a host family, go to class with Polish students, and participate in unique excursions—no prior Polish proficiency needed. If you’re interested in an immersive program with flexibility, this program will give you a firsthand glimpse into what life is like in Poland, all while boosting your resume.
• Where? Kraków
• Read Youth For Understanding reviews

Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad

Your study abroad adventure in Poland awaits!

Whether inside a city or out, you’ll love every moment of your time in Poland!

If you’re ready for a study abroad experience complete with history and culture, academic prestige and lively student life, you’re ready to study abroad in Poland. Transform your future by taking steps today to the intercultural learning, career benefits, and lifelong memories a semester, year, or summer abroad in Poland offers.