Why Study in Poland

Why Study in Poland

To many, Poland might seem like an obscure destination to study, especially when compared to the nearby countries like the UK, France, and Germany. While these three are certainly more widely known locations for students to take their international studies, it is perhaps surprising to learn that Poland actually ranks fourth in terms of students enrolled in higher education, beating out Spain, Italy, and Greece.

For students looking to engage in a unique setting at a world-class institution, Poland is the place for you. If it’s not already on your list, here are 5 reasons you might want to reconsider:

High Quality of Education

Poland is home to one of the oldest higher education systems in Europe. It dates back to 1364 with the creation of what is now known as Jagiellonian University. With over 450 Higher Education Centers, the country attracts students from around the world, interested in a broad spectrum of courses and areas of study offered in the country, most of which can be found in English.

Poland is known for its high quality education in many fields, but the country’s medical schools [link to Studying Medicine in Poland article], in particular, are bringing an ever increasing number of international students at a higher rate than other areas of study. Universities like the Medical University of Warsaw and the Medical University of Lodz are among the most popular options for students interested in medicine.

The courses in Poland are usually taught in English, although medical students especially should be aware that by the end of their program, they will likely be familiar with a bit of Polish language, thanks to consultations with patients.

Low Cost of Living

Despite its high quality of life and globally-recognized academic institutions, Poland maintains the Central European standard of cost of living [link to Cost of Living in Poland]. Essentially, students will be able to stretch their savings further here than in many other major international study destinations.

When it comes to tuition fees, international students, especially those on a budget, can take a sigh of relief. The cost of attending most universities in Poland begins below 1500 EUR annually and rarely exceeds 3000 EUR. this is a significant factor considering Scandinavian countries often charge more than 10,000 EUR, and even French universities often come at a cost of over 7000 EUR.

Living, in and of itself, is also far more affordable in Poland than many other European destinations. Sharing an apartment or flat in a major city center like Warsaw or Krakow can cost as little as 100-150 EUR per month. Public transportation is also very cost-effective, averaging at approximately 25 EUR monthly. Plus, the food in Poland is both mouth-watering and healthy. Poland is leading the movements of non-GMO, bio, and organic food, but unlike many other destinations, there is not a significant price gap between these options and comfort foods that usually sell at a fraction of the price.

Beautiful and Fascinating Culture

Poland has what can only be described as a rich history, which has shaped its culture to this day. The country is home to five Nobel Prize award-recipients, as well as a plethora of both historic and modern composers, who have been and are currently at the forefront of the evolution of music.

Additionally, students in the country can enjoy a wide range of festivals, concerts, fairs, and other cultural experiences that will give them not only entertainment opportunities, but also the chance to learn more about the new country they are experiencing.

Scholarship Opportunities for Non-EU Students

Although the tuition fees tied to education in Poland fall far below many of the other world-renowned destinations for international study, many students are still eager to find scholarship opportunities in the country. While many other European countries focus their scholarships on EU citizens, Poland reaches further.

A member of the Socrates-Erasmus Network, Poland provides many opportunities for students hailing from countries that share this benefit. However, a considerable number of scholarships are awarded to students whose homes are outside of the network, from other Eastern European countries to those located across the globe. To find a scholarship fit for you, you can reach out to companies like Yes Atlas, which exist to provide students with assistance at every step of their international study experience, including applications and scholarships.

Polish People are Genuinely Wonderful

If you’re still wavering in your decision to attend to universities in Poland, learning about the Polish people might be enough to push you to begin that application. Polish citizens are known to be among the most hospitable in the world.

It is not uncommon to receive casual invitations to family meals and events, informal city tours, and even help with housing if you’ve hit an unexpected roadblock in your accommodation. Plus, Poles are known for their quick wit and sharp sense of humor, which makes them approachable and enjoyable company for those new to and unfamiliar with the culture.