التكاليف والتمويل - الدراسة في بولندا (ar)

Costs & Funding

Poland is one of the most affordable study destinations in the European Union — and that is not a compromise on quality. The combination of low tuition fees, very affordable living costs, and a growing economy makes Poland a place where your money goes remarkably far. A full degree in Poland — including tuition and living expenses — often costs less than a single year at a UK or US university.

Here is the honest picture of what studying in Poland actually costs and how to fund it.

Tuition Fees (2025-2026)

Tuition by Field of Study

Tuition at Top Universities (2025-2026)

EU/EEA students: If you pass entrance exams conducted in Polish, you can study at public universities tuition-free, just like Polish citizens. English-taught programs carry tuition fees regardless of nationality.

Monthly Living Costs by City

Poland's living costs are among the lowest in the EU. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Eating on a Budget

Polish food is hearty, delicious, and astonishingly cheap:

• Milk bar (bar mleczny) — Government-subsidised cafeterias serving traditional Polish food. A full meal costs EUR 2-4. Found in every student city.
• University canteen (stowka) — Affordable meals on campus, typically EUR 2-5.
• Cooking at home — Groceries at Biedronka, Lidl, or Zabka are very affordable. A week's groceries cost EUR 25-40.
• Eating out — A restaurant meal costs EUR 5-10 in most cities. Pizza delivery is EUR 5-8.

Healthcare Costs

EU students should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before arriving. Non-EU students can join the NFZ (National Health Fund) voluntarily by paying a monthly premium, or purchase private health insurance.

Compare health insurance options for Poland

Scholarships and Funding

NAWA Scholarships (Polish Government)

NAWA Scholarship Programs

• Polish National Agency Scholarship — For students from various countries; covers tuition and/or living costs
• Banach Scholarship Programme — For students from developing countries (Eastern Partnership, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa); covers tuition, living allowance, and health insurance
• Ulam Programme — For researchers and academics; covers living costs for research stays
• CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Programme) — Monthly scholarships for students and staff from Central European countries

Erasmus+ Scholarships

EU and partner-country students can study in Poland through Erasmus+ exchanges:

• Monthly grant: EUR 600-750 (depending on your home country's cost level)
• Duration: 3-12 months
• Covers: Living costs; tuition waived at the host university
• Application: Through your home university's international office

University Scholarships

Many Polish universities offer merit-based scholarships:

Other Funding Sources

• Visegrad Fund — Scholarships for students from Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia
• Home country scholarships — Many governments fund students studying in EU countries
• Education loans — Available in many countries for overseas study
• Employer sponsorship — Some employers fund employees' further education

Part-Time Work

International students can supplement their income through part-time work:

Work Rights

• EU/EEA students: No restrictions — work freely like Polish citizens
• Non-EU students: Can work without a separate permit while holding a valid student visa and student card. Some conditions may apply.

Typical Wages

Poland's minimum wage in 2026 is PLN 28.10/hour (approximately EUR 6.50/hour). Working 15-20 hours per week can earn you EUR 400-600/month — enough to cover basic living expenses outside of rent.

Where to Find Jobs

• Pracuj.pl — Poland's largest job portal
• OLX.pl — Classifieds with casual work listings
• University career offices — Campus jobs and internships
• Facebook groups — Search for student job groups in your city
• Walk-in applications — Especially for hospitality and retail in tourist areas

Budgeting Examples

Example 1: Bachelor's in Business at University of Wroclaw — 3 Years

Example 2: Master's in IT at Warsaw University of Technology — 2 Years

Example 3: Medicine at Medical University of Lodz — 6 Years

Even the most expensive option — a full 6-year medical degree — costs roughly EUR 100,000 total, which is less than two years of medical school in the UK or US.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Live in a dormitory — Save EUR 100-300/month compared to private accommodation
2. Eat at milk bars — Full meals for EUR 2-4 at government-subsidised cafeterias
3. Get a student ID (legitymacja) — 50% off public transport and discounts at museums, cinemas, and restaurants
4. Cook at home — Weekly groceries at Biedronka or Lidl cost EUR 25-40
5. Use student discounts — ISIC card and Polish student ID give widespread discounts
6. Apply for every scholarship — Even small awards reduce your total cost
7. Choose a smaller city — Lublin, Bialystok, or Katowice can save EUR 200-400/month vs. Warsaw

Compare health insurance options for Poland

Next Steps

• Explore programs and universities — Find the right institution
• Prepare your application — Documents, deadlines, and process
• Apply for your visa — Visa requirements and arrival guide
• Plan your daily life — Housing, transport, and cultural tips