Poland is a modern facility and element nation loaded with lifetime open doors for youngsters willing to get quality training, upgrade their insight, enhance aptitudes and lift universal experience. It is a center spanning East and West, North and South, consolidating cosmopolitan demeanor and rich verifiable legacy. With more than 1.5 million students it has one of the most noteworthy schooling files in Europe.

Polish colleges exhibit the most elevated benchmarks of educating, meet all quality criteria and are turning out to be increasingly worldwide. They continually push ahead and create, being the main thrust of Poland's example of overcoming adversity. Magnificent and liberal teachers, student-focused staff, modern facility offices and an assortment of courses instructed in foreign languages make Polish colleges exceptionally attractive for outside students. It will all serve you to bolster your self- improvement and expert profession.

Poland is situated in the exceptionally focus of Europe. With the aggregate region of 312,679 km², it's the seventh greatest nation on the mainland. Polish population is more than 38.5 million individuals. The capital city is Warsaw.

The greater part of the nation is situated on lowlands. On the south, there are upland regions with two noteworthy mountain chains – the Carpathians and the Sudetes. The Baltic ocean coastline on the north measures 770 km. The longest river, Vistula is 1,047 km in length.

Polish urban communities offer astounding public transport. Each vast and medium-sized city will have a far-reaching bus network, while a few urban areas will likewise have tram and trolleybus systems. Warsaw is the main city with a metro.

Public transport typically works day by day from around 5 am to 11 pm. Service is less incessant on ends of the week. Trams and buses are probably going to be crowded during surge hour. Timetables are generally posted at stops, yet don't depend a lot on their precision.

Cabs are effortlessly accessible and not very costly. Taxi charges are higher around evening time, on Sunday and outside as far as possible. The quantity of travelers and the measure of baggage doesn't influence the charge. You can wave to taxis in the city or request them by telephone. We prescribe requesting by telephone if conceivable, as it chops down the shot you'll get a rebel driver.

Keep in mind to convey little bills, so you'll have the capacity to pay the correct charge. If you don't, it's difficult to get transform from a driver who's resolved to charging you more.

When discussing Poland, "religion" regularly signifies "Catholicism". Around 90% of Poles are Roman Catholics, in spite of the fact that this number might be overestimated as the measurements regularly incorporate individuals who were purified through water Catholic, regardless of the possibility that they later surrendered the Church. Anyway, Catholics make the hugest religious gathering and this religion is a subject learned at school, despite the fact that this is not required. The most religious parts of Poland are the highlander Podkarpacie district and the Silesia area.

Poland is a parliamentary republic. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers drove by him are the main establishments. The President is a head of state and is chosen at regular intervals in a well-known race. The Parliament is bicameral and comprises of a 460-part Sejm (the lower house of parliament) and a 100-part Senat (assembly). The decisions occur at regular intervals.

After 1989 Poland got through a stunning treatment liberal venture by Leszek Balcerowicz, the then Minister of Finances. It brought on genuine social harms, as in other previous Eastern Bloc nations, despite the fact that Poland was the first of them to recover the pre-1989 GDP level. Since most recent 15 years Polish GDP develops quickly, with a normal rate of 5% every year. The expansion rate is low and the wages have developed. The unemployment, high until 2004, is quickly diminishing. At this moment its level is 8.8 %. These economic variables, alongside the humble living costs, make Poland an appealing area for both studying and working.

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 Domeyko established 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 200-500 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 average minimum rate is around 2000-5000 Euro a year (depending on the field of studies), what's a few times lower than the EU average.

For high level of personal security

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 Penderecki wrote 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 hosted the UEFA European Football Championships. One of the most important sport events in the world will attract thousands of fans from all Europe.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration 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.

Full-time studies in the Polish language at the state Higher Education Institutions are free for Polish students and foreigners who commence studies in Poland on terms applicable to Polish citizens.These include citizens of the EU/EEA and students who hold the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka).

All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees that on average are the following:

EUR 2000 per year for first, second and long cycle studies,

EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate and medical postgraduate internships as well as scientific, arts, specialist and post-doctoral internships,

EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships,

EUR 2000 per year for an annual preparatory Polish language course to commence studies in Polish

Fees at public and non-public HEIs are established by the institution itself. The tuition fees range from EUR 2000 to 6000 per year and depend on the institution and study program. For MBA programs the cost is about EUR 8000-12,000 per year.

Source: Ministry of Education

Poland offers scholarships to students through the government, various foundations and the universities themselves. They are available to students of Polish origin including disabled applicants as well as to international students both from within the EU itself and from countries outside the EU. The high number of institutions that offer scholarships and their fluid availability makes the situation in the country unique.

Scholarships within bilateral agreements

Financed by the Polish government or its foreign partner. The amount of scholarship is dependent on the type of study. It is also advisable to check with local authorities if they have a scholarship programme that includes studies in Poland. It’s worth to check with local authorities if they have a scholarship. More information you can receive from Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (BUWiWM) www.buwiwm.edu.pl  

CEEPUS exchange programme – The programme involves 16 Central and Eastern European countries whose exchanged students are exempt from paying tuition fees plus grants funded by the hosting country.

Eastern Partnership and Post-Soviet countries scholarships – Tyhese scholarships are offered especially to Belarusian students for BA, MA and PhD studies and funded by the Konstanty Kalinowski Foundation.

Scholarships for citizens from developing countries – These scholarships assist students at PhD level of studies in technical fields in Poland. They are funded by the Polish government.

Fulbright Programme – These are essentially grants for funding an exchange program between the United and Poland to enable students, trainees, scholars, teachers, instructors and professors for training in both countries. Funding is administered by the Polish-US Fulbright Commission

Visegrad Scholarship Programme – These are 1-4 semester scholarships for Master and Post-Master Degrees. The programme is administered by the heads of the international Visegrad fund.

To be able to study in Poland you have to legalize your stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland. If you are a European Union (EU) citizen and you would like to stay longer than three months in Poland, you need to register your stay in the country.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you need to obtain a visa at a Polish consulate in your home country before your arrival in Poland.

You have to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit with the local Voivodship Office. You need such documents to legalize your stay in Poland:

   Application form,

   Photos,

   Documents proving your identity and citizenship, address, purpose of stay (a certificate from your school),

   Health insurance,

   Possession of sufficient funds.

Temporary Residence Card will allow you to cross the Polish border as many times as you wish. The first residence permit is issued for the period of 15 months. It can be renewed for periods of up to 3 years but for no longer than the remainder of your studies.

Note: In order to prolong your stay, you need to apply for a Temporary Stay Card 45 days before your visa expires.

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.