WHY STUDY IN POLAND?
For high quality of polish educational system
Polish university education system has a history of 650 years of educating high profile professionals. It resulted with a profit not only for Poland, but also for many countries all over the world, where the Poles brought their profesionalism and the spirit of innovation. Want some examples? Ignacy Domeykoestablished the geology research in 19th century Chile. Between 1872 and 1876 Ernest Malinowski built the world’s highest located railroad in Peru. Bronisław Malinowski was a creator of modern anthropology. Ten Nobel Prizes were awarded to Polish artists, scientists and other public figures. Maria Skłodowska-Curie is one of only four laureates to receive a prize twice.
Polish academic traditions reach back to 14th century. The Jagiellonian University in Kraków was established in 1364, as the second university in Central Europe. Today’s Polish universities continue the glorious traditions of their predecessors. Warsaw University ifor example is ranked first in the Top Coder international IT ranking.
Polish specialists of all professions are highly appreciated by the recruiters worldwide. Especially Polish doctors, engineers, architects and IT specialists are acclaimed, but other Polish graduates are also considered to be fully prepared to compete on a global job market.
The quality of the system is guaranteed by State Accreditation Committee, which monitors all Polish higher education institutions. According to its control results, over 80% of the Polish universities have outstanding and good rankings.
For low costs of studying and living
Although Poland undergoes through a process of rapid economic development, the cost of living is still significantly lower than in most of the EU countries. A total amount of 200-400 Euros is enough to cover the basic cost of accommodation, food and transport. The cost of entertainment and participation in cultural events are also much lower than EU average. The basic cost of studies is also very competitive. The minimum rate is 2000 Euro a year, what’s a few times lower than the EU average.
For rapid economical development
Since 20 years Polish economy has significantly been growing. According to Central Statistical Office’s data, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2008 was in real terms 4.8 per cent higher than in 2007. In 2007 GDP recorded 6.7 per cent growth. The rate of the value added growth for whole economy in 2008 was 4.9 per cent (6.6% in 2007). According to the latest European Commission’s forecast, in 2010 the GDP growth may dip to 2.0 per cent. Taking into account, however, international crisis and -1.8 per cent GDP growth forecast for the EU-25, Poland’s result is a symptom of Polish strong economy. The unemployment level decreases very quickly, falling from almost 20% in 2004 to 9,5 % in 2009.
For high level of personal security
Is spite of popular image, Poland is much safer than most of the European countries. Even the Nordic countries, considered as very safe, have much higher crime rate than Poland. It’s perfectly safe in here for international students of all races, beliefs and origins.
For outstanding culture and entertainment offer
Polish culture is well known in the world, for both historical heritage and present achievements. Five Polish writers were rewarded with Nobel Prize. Historical composers like Karol Szymanowski, Fryderyk Chopin and Ignacy Paderewski, and present ones like Henryk Górecki, Witold Lutosławski or Krzysztof Pendereckiwrote new chapters in the history of music. Academy Award winners Andrzej Wajda, Janusz Kamiński,Roman Polański, Golden Palm winner Krzysztof Kieślowski and many other film industry artists are recognized all over the world. Polish cultural institutions provide high quality entertainment for all tastes. The number of festivals, book fairs, concerts, gigs, and other kinds of entertainment is massive. There’s also something for sport fans. In 2012 Poland will host the UEFA European Football Championships. On of the most important sport events in the world will attract thousands of fans from all Europe.
POLISH EDUCATION SYSTEM
The structure of studies
Since 2007/2008 academic year Polish higher education system has been divided to three stages, which are: Bachelor (Licencjat, Inżynier), Master (Magister), and Doctor (Doktor). This system applies to all fields of education except Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry, which are still based on two-stage system (Master and Doctor).
Degrees granted
Bachelor (BA, Licencjat)
Obtained following the completion of 3-3,5 year-long vocational/technical college studies
Bachelor (BSc, Inżynier)
Obtained following the completion of 3,5-4 year-long college studies in technical sciences, agriculture and economy.
Master (MA, MSc, Magister)
Equivalent degrees: Master of Art, Master Engineer, Master Engineer Architect, qualified physician, dental surgeon or veterinarian. Granted following the completion of 5-6 year long uniform university studies. The MSc may also be obtained following the completion of 2-2,5 years-long supplementary mater’s degree studies which may be taken by persons with a college diploma.
Doktor (PhD, Doktor)
A degree awarded to those who pass doctoral exam and successfully defend dissertation. To qualify for the academic degree of doctor one must hold a master or equivalent degree.
Enrollment requirements
The requirements depend on a specific university decision, and should be verified on a website of the university of your choice. Usually it’s necessary to fill an application form, and enclose the transcript of secondary school (or college/university) results as well as the evidence of English proficiency (usually TOEFL results). Some universities require letters of recommendation, personal essays and other documents, listed on their websites. Art schools, as well as some physical education departments, and few other ones, organize additional aptitude tests.
Quality assurance
The Polish State Accreditation Committee is in charge of monitoring and controlling educational standards in Polish institutions of higher education. The Committee is cooperating with accreditation offices in other countries. For more information see: www.pka.edu.pl
Recognition of diplomas
All the regulations regarding the validation of diplomas, and a list of countries which have signed an agreement of mutual recognition of diplomas with Poland, are available on the webpage of the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).
The academic year
The academic year is divided into two parts: the fall semester (October-mid February), and the spring semester (mid February-June). Each of them ends with the examination period. Teaching is given in the form of lectures, classes, seminars, laboratory classes and discussion groups.
Examinations
To complete a semester successfully a student must receive passing notes for all examinations. The most common grading scale comprises the following marks: very good (5), good plus (4,5), good (4), satisfactory plus (3,5), satisfactory (3), failing (2). Under the European Credit Transfer System a certain number of credits are allocated to a given subject independently of marks received on exams.
Polish system in European higher education area
Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration along with 29 other countries, aiming to create the European Area of Higher Education. Institutions of higher education in Poland have implemented the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). They are also engaged in the international exchange of students, based on individual schools activity and programs like SOCRATES/Erasmus. The Diploma Supplement facilitates international recognition of completed education and acquired qualifications.
LIVING IN POLAND
Working in Poland
In Polish cities it’s easy for a student to find a part-time job. The wages increase systematically, so many Polish students choose paid studies and start working. Although the permission to work in Poland depends on your country of origin.
EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of the European Union and EEA countries (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland are eligible to work in Poland without a work permit.
Citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine
If you’re a citizen of Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russiaor Ukraine, you may work in Poland without a work permit for six months in a period no longer than 12 months. Declaration of employment must be registered by the employer at the local job centre.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Non-EU citizens enrolled as regular, full-time studies in Poland are allowed to work in July, August and September. For the rest of the year a work permit is needed. A work permit can be granted but only if no EU citizen is found to fill the vacancy. Formalities must be done by the employer. International students are not allowed to work on a student visa basis only. Students who have residence permits in Poland are entitled to work without authorization.
Legalizing your stay
EU/EEA citizens
UE and EEA citizens do not need a visa to stay in Poland. After no longer than 91 days of stay they need to visit local Voivodship Office and register. The applicant must prove that he’s subject to a public healthcare insurance, and has enough money to cover the cost of stay in Poland.
Non- EU/EEA citizens
Non EU and EEA citizens must apply for a long term visa at their local Polish consulate. The certificate of enrollment is required. The visa is valid for no longer than 12 months and must be revalidated in a local Voivodship Office. The visa allows to stay in Poland, and, for the first three months also to visit the other Schengen Agreement member countries. The prolongation of visa may occur only in exceptional circumstances. The general rule is, in the case of the planned extension of the period of stay in Poland over the period specified in the visa, to apply for residence permit. In order to acquire the permit, international students must have a valid health insurance policy and enough money to cover the costs of stay and return travel to the country of origin.
All international students must apply for a temporary residence certificate within 3 days from the date of crossing the Polish border. In order to apply, it’s necessary to visit the local Population Registry Bureau in the Municipal Office.
Healthcare
It’s mandatory for international students to have a health insurance in Poland. EU/EEA citizens are allowed to exercise their healthcare rights on a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) basis. Citizens of other countries must buy the commercial insurance policy covering the healthcare costs in their countries, or pay for a voluntary policy in Polish National Healthcare Fund. The policy cost ranges from 36 PLN to 279 PLN monthly, depending on a number of medical procedures included. To get a policy it’s necessary to present the university certificate of enrollment, student ID card, the temporary residence certificate and passport with valid visa or residence permit.
Scholarships
Studies in Poland cost 2000 Euro yearly as a minimum, but it’s necessary to check out the price of the course of your choice, as it may by higher, depending on particular university’s decision. Scholarships are available for students with proven Polish origin. For graduate students the amount is 850 PLN, for postgraduate students 1270 PLN a month. All students from Belarus who are subject to political repression may participate in Kalinowski Scholarship Fund, offering 1270 PLN a month. The scholarship application must be posted to local Polish consulate before coming to Poland. Polish consulates provide all the necessary information.
Practicing religion
Although the Roman Catholic Church is the dominant religious institution in Poland, practicing other religions is possible. Poland has a history of religious tolerance. The hate crimes on religious basis are very rare. Orthodox, Greek Catholic and protestant churches are present in almost all big cities, as well as Muslim prayer centers. Jewish Kehillas are available in ten cities. Many other religious societies are active, and their institutions available.
Personal safety
The crime rate in Poland is much lower than in EU countries, and significantly lower than in the USA. This applies to most kinds of crime, including murders, car theft, rapes and robberies. The safety level is high. Although, common sense behavior is necessary. One should avoid walking at night in most dangerous locations, keep an eye on personal belongings, remember about locking the apartments, and do not leave opened cars, or unprotected bicycles on the streets.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: What do I need to enroll?
A: To qualify all international applicants must first meet the minimum requirements for entry into higher education in their own country, have a matriculation certificate or equivalent document; command of English (at least on an intermediate level) is also required.
Some departments of the arts, physical education, departments preparing students for the teaching profession, and the like, organize additional aptitude tests.
Since Poland ratified the Lisbon Convention on Recognition of Degrees in 2004 recognition of Polish diplomas has become easier inter-nationally.
For information on diploma recognition please visit www.buwiwm.edu.pl
Q: Studying in Poland: How much does it cost?
A: In Poland full-time education at state institutions of higher education is free for Polish citiziens. It is also free for foreigners who commence studies in at state HEIs on terms applicable to Polish citizens. All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees of no less than a PLN equivalent of:
- EUR 2000 per year for professional higher study, master’s and postgraduate master’s courses;
- EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate and specialist courses and scientific, artistic, specialist and habilitation internships;
- EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships;
- EUR 2000 per year for a language course, including a course preparing for study in Polish.
In justified cases the Rector of the HEI may, at the student’s request, reduce the tuition fee or waive it altogether.
Q: Do I need to speak fluent Polish?
A: You do not need to because universities offer a large variety of study programmes in English. Nevertheless, you may learn Polish either for private everyday use for the time you stay in Poland, or for joining a university course in Polish. Information on Polish language certificates is provided by the State Commission for Certification of Command of Polish as a Foreign Language (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).
Q: Do I need a visa? If so, how do I apply for one?
A: EU/EEA students do not need any Polish visa, however upon arrival to Poland they should apply for a temporary residence permit if they stay in the country longer then 90 days.
Non EU/EEA students need to arrive in Poland with a student’s visa obtained at a Polish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. It is important to remember that visas are granted for a maximum of three months. In order to extend the stay in Poland, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit for specified period of time in Voivodeship office 45 days before visa expirattion date. For further assistance students are strongly urged to contact the International Relations Office of their university.
More practical information about: coming to Poland, legalizing your stay, medical care and insurance, driving licence, addresses of diplomatic missions of in Poland is available at www.msz.gov.pl (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Q: Is health insurance required?
A: Medical care in Poland is not free of charge. Health insurance is mandatory for all students for the entire duration of their stay in Poland. The students from non-EU/EEA countries are recommended to buy medical insurance in their home country or immediately after their arrival in Poland. Otherwise students are required to pay for any health service they get. Foreign students are also advised to purchase third party liability insurance and accident insurance.
EU citizens staying in Poland are legible for free health service, providing they present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
EU citizens not having insurance in their country of residence and non-EU citizens may sign insurance agreement with the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) and purchase insurance for the monthly fee of 40 PLN.
Under bilateral agreements the citizens of the U.K., Sweden and Slovakia are entitled to free medical care. Under an agreement with the Czech Republic Czech students are entitled to necessary medical care in cases of sudden illness or accident.
More information can be found on The National Health Fund website: www.nfz.gov.pl
Q: Can I apply for scholarship?
A: All international students may apply for scholarships within bilateral agreements on direct cooperation offered through Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).
Scholarships for students from European Union are offered within the framework of the Socrates/Erasmus program (www.socrates.org.pl). In addition university scholarships are available for academic excellence.
Q: How do I find accommodation?
A: Most Polish universities provide accommo-dation for international students at their own dormitories, but the number of rooms is limited. The host university should help students in finding appropriate accommodation.
Q: How much money do I need for living in Poland?
A: Depending on your personal situation, lifestyle and habits you may have different needs. In practice, you will need at least 1200-2500 PLN per month in order to cover the cost of decent accommodation, pay for the local transport, and even go out occasionally. This amount should cover the costs of rent, food, clothing, personal hygiene, local transport, study materials, telephone and other expenses – not the tuition fee however.
Here is an approximate calculation of your monthly expenses: accommodation in student dormitories costs 400-600 PLN, shared flat from 1000 to 1600 PLN per month; food about 500-700 PLN; books and entertainment about 200-300 PLN; local transport about 65 PLN.
The official Polish currency is zloty (PLN).
Actual exchange rates: www.nbp.pl
