The Ministry of Science and Higher Education is responsible for implementing state policy in the realms of science and higher education. Over 400 public and non-public universities exist in Poland, with the majority under the supervision of this ministry. However, it’s important to note that some universities are overseen by other ministers (for instance, medical universities report to the minister responsible for health, while military universities report to the minister of national defense).
The scope of cooperation with universities is outlined in the Constitution for Science: the Law on Higher Education and Science, enacted on July 20, 2018 (“Konstytucja dla Nauki, czyli Prawo o szkolnictwie wyższym i nauce z dnia 20 lipca 2018 roku“).
General information about the rules for studying in Poland for foreigners:
Usually, all foreigners are eligible to study at Polish universities. However, the admission rules and conditions for studying at public universities vary depending on the foreigner’s legal status in Poland. Certain groups of foreigners can pursue studies in Polish at public universities under the same conditions as Polish citizens, which also means they can study free of charge. These groups include, for example:
- Foreigners who have been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection in Poland
- Holders of a valid Pole’s Card
- Foreigners who have been granted temporary protection in Poland*
*A citizen of Ukraine, as referred to in the Law of March 12, 2022 on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine in Connection with Armed Conflict on the Territory of Ukraine, whose stay is considered legal until September 30, 2025, is deemed to be a person enjoying temporary protection in the Republic of Poland, as per Article 106(1) of the Law of June 13, 2003 on Granting Protection to Foreigners on the Territory of the Republic of Poland.
Foreigners can study at public universities in Poland under the same rules as Polish citizens. The complete list of rules can be found here.
The academic year typically starts on October 1 and ends in mid-June, divided into winter and summer semesters. Each semester lasts about 4-5 months. Students must pass an exam or receive credit for each subject during the examination session. To continue studying, students must pass the semester, which means receiving a positive grade in all subjects attended in the semester.
Upon completion of the studies, after obtaining a degree, submitting a thesis (bachelor’s, engineer’s, master’s), and passing the exam, the university awards the student a professional title (bachelor’s, engineer’s, master’s).
There are several types of studies in Poland:
- First-degree studies: These are professional studies that prepare students for work in a specific profession. They end with a bachelor’s or engineer’s degree and last 6 to 7 semesters. Admission requires a high school diploma and passing the “matura” exam (either in Poland or abroad).
- Second-degree studies: These are vocational studies that end with a master’s degree, master’s degree in engineering, or an equivalent title. They last 3-4 semesters and require prior completion of a first degree (either in Poland or abroad).
- Uniform master’s studies: These studies end with the degree of master of science, master of engineering, or an equivalent degree. They last from 9 to 12 semesters and require a “matura exam” certificate obtained in Poland or abroad. They apply to subjects such as pharmacy, law, psychology, medicine, among others.
After obtaining a degree, students can continue their education at:
- Doctoral studies: These studies enable students to obtain advanced knowledge in a specific field or discipline of science. They prepare students for a doctoral degree, which can be received after defending a doctoral thesis. Admission requires a master’s degree obtained in Poland or abroad.
- Postgraduate studies: These studies aim to deepen knowledge in a particular field or discipline of science. They last from 2 to 4 semesters. Upon completion, students receive a certificate of completion of postgraduate studies (not a diploma) but do not receive any professional or scientific title.
Regarding recruitment, individual universities in Poland set their own admission terms and conditions.
- Recruitment may be based on a competition of the sum of points obtained at the “matura” exam in the subjects required by the university’s faculty. Persons who have passed the equivalent of the Polish exam abroad may be required to take an entrance exam if the sum of points is different from that in Poland and cannot be recalculated. Some universities recruit only based on an entrance exam, sometimes a high school diploma and passing the entrance exam are required. For detailed information on recruitment, contact the department of your choice at a particular university.