10 best universities in Poland in 2023. And how much does studying in Poland cost?

Ranking methodology

The annual university ranking of "Perspektywy” Education Foundation offers a comprehensive list of Poland's best higher education institutions, which can aid students and researchers in making a well-informed decision about their academic future. The list takes into account 30 factors grouped into 7 major categories:

• reputation (12%)
• employability (12%)
• research potential (15%)
• innovation (8%)
• research effectiveness (28%)
• teaching (10%)
• internationalization (15%)

Best public Polish universities

According to the ranking, the best public (state) Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are as given below:

Best private Polish universities

When in comes to non-public (private) HEI the ranking is:

The costs of studying in Poland

One of the most significant advantages of studying in Poland is its affordability. There are two key factors that play an important role here: tuition fees and living expenses.

Tuition fees

Full-time studies (in the Polish language) at public HEIs are free for:

• Polish citizens,
• foreigners commencing studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens,
• citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area,
• those who possess the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).

For those who do not fit in any of the above brackets, the tuition fees are relatively low compared to Western Europe. Many HAIs also offer their students flexible payment methods such as payment in installments, as well as financial aid programs and scholarships.

The specific amount might differ between particular universities, and the figures below represent an average fee paid for an academic year.

1. Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and Long-cycle studies (duration of 4.5-6 years) – 2000 EUR
2. Postgraduate, Scientific, arts, post-doctoral and specialist internships – 3000 EUR

Doctoral studies are a notable exception to this payment plan, as they are tuition-free and moreover, provide a scholarship for participants in a full-time program.

In the case of private higher education institutions fees can be significantly different. Each institution established them individually, and they can range from 2000 EUR to even 6000 EUR per academic year.

MBA programs are probably the most expensive: they can cost from 8000 EUR to 12000 EUR per year.

Living expenses

The second important aspect of studying in Poland is the affordable cost of living. Smaller cities will require a student to spend around 350 – 550 EUR a month, while bigger ones such as Wroclaw, Warsaw, or Cracow, have significantly higher apartment rent prices, hence the living costs there are around 500 – 850 EUR a month.

In conclusion, thanks to their commitment to quality education, research, and global engagement, Polish universities are slowly but steadily gaining international recognition. Poland’s higher education institutions present an attractive option for students seeking a well-rounded knowledge in a culturally rich and affordable setting. However, if you are about to embark on your academic journey, it is important to remember that such rankings, while useful, are not one size fits all, and they should only be considered alongside your personal preferences and career goal.

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