Costs & Funding - Polonya'da Eğitim (tr)

Costs & Funding

Polonya 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 Polonya a place where your money goes remarkably far. A full degree in Polonya — 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 Polonya actually costs and how to fund it.

Harc Ucretleri (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.

Ipucu: Some Polish universities offer tuition discounts of 10-20% for early application, full upfront payment, or academic excellence. Always ask the admissions office about available reductions.

Monthly Living Costs by City

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

Ipucu: University dormitories (akademiki) are the cheapest housing option by far. Apply early — popular dormitories fill up months before the semester starts. Most rooms are shared (2-3 students), but single rooms are available at some universities for a slightly higher price.

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.

Saglik Hizmetleri 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 Polonya

Ipucu: University health centres provide basic medical care for enrolled students, often at no additional cost. They are usually the quickest option for common health issues.

Burslar 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 Polonya 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:

Ipucu: Even if a scholarship is not advertised prominently, ask the admissions office. Many universities have discretionary funds for exceptional students or can offer payment plans that ease the financial burden.

Other Funding Sources

• Visegrad Fund — Scholarships for students from Czech Republic, Hungary, Polonya, 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

Polonya'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 — Polonya'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.

Tasarruf Ipuclari

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 Polonya

Sonraki Adimlar

• 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 width: wide