For many young people, studying in Poland is one of the most realistic ways to move abroad: student status is one of the standard grounds for a residence permit. Unfortunately, some agencies offering “study in Europe” packages aren’t always upfront about the details. Here’s what actually matters.

“I don’t know how to apply, an agency will help”

Agencies are just middlemen. Most universities, including private ones, have a dedicated international students office you can contact directly, often in English or Russian. These offices explain what documents you need, free of charge.

The official portal Study in Poland (studyinpoland.pl), run by the Perspektywy Education Foundation together with Polish universities, is still an active and regularly updated source of information about universities (with Russian and Ukrainian versions available). It also lists available scholarships.

https://www.studyinpoland.pl

“Agencies only partner with the best universities”

There’s no corruption in university admissions in Poland: every applicant is admitted based on their “matura” score, a standardized national exit exam. Graduates with high matura scores get to choose public universities, where full-time studies in Polish are free for Polish citizens and for people studying “on the same terms as Polish citizens” (see below).

Some applicants who don’t get into their preferred public university end up at private, fee-paying institutions. A number of private schools in Warsaw and other cities have built their business almost entirely around Ukrainian and Belarusian students. Teaching quality there varies a lot, and a lower price doesn’t always mean good value.

Tip: before paying an agency, check the university’s position yourself in the current (annually updated) Perspektywy University Ranking. Public and private institutions are ranked separately.

“The agency guarantees me a European degree”

The Polish higher-education system doesn’t have a formal “accreditation tier” for degrees: universities mainly differ in whether they can award doctoral degrees (higher school / academy / university) and in overall teaching quality, which is best checked via the annual Perspektywy ranking, not an agency’s marketing materials.

A degree from a small regional private school and a degree from, say, the law faculty at the University of Warsaw will be viewed very differently on the Polish job market, worth keeping in mind if you plan to work in Poland after graduating.

Is studying in Poland free for foreigners?

Full-time, Polish-language studies at a public university are free for Polish citizens and for people studying “on the same terms as Polish citizens”: this includes EU/EEA citizens and holders of the Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card).

For other foreigners (including most Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian citizens without a Karta Polaka), studies are generally fee-based, typically EUR 2,000 to 6,000 per year, depending on the university and programme. The exact status for a specific case (including Ukrainian citizens holding UKR status under the special-assistance law) depends on current regulations and each university’s own decision, so check directly with the international students office.

State, university, and programme scholarships (e.g. NAWA, Erasmus+, bilateral agreements) can cover part or all of the tuition.

New rule since July 1, 2025: the NAWA Director’s statement

Important update: since July 1, 2025, many applicants with foreign educational documents need an additional statement from the Director of NAWA (the National Agency for Academic Exchange) confirming they’re eligible to apply for higher education in Poland. This rule doesn’t apply to documents issued in the EU, EFTA, or OECD countries, or to IB (International Baccalaureate) and EB (European Baccalaureate) diplomas.

Admission decisions are always made by the individual university. There’s no single nationwide application deadline; each university runs its own recruitment schedule.

FAQ

Do I have to pay an agency to apply?
No, it’s not required. Most universities’ international students offices can be contacted directly, free of charge.

How do I check a university’s actual reputation?
Check the current Perspektywy ranking (updated yearly, separately for public and private universities) rather than an agency’s promotional materials.

Does student status qualify me for a residence permit?
Yes, full-time study is one of the standard grounds for a temporary residence permit in Poland.

Need advice on legalizing your stay in Poland based on studies? Book a free consultation.

Author: MojaFirma team. Last reviewed: July 27, 2026.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Check current rankings and tuition fees directly before applying.