Admission to Polish Universities: changes for Ukrainians in 2023
Ukrainians have the right to enter Polish universities. In particular, the government of the country met the needs of applicants and adopted amendments to the Special Act on Assistance to Ukrainians. Learn more about the new conditions for admission to Polish universities
The admission campaign to higher education institutions is expected to start very soon. Currently, Polish universities are quite relevant and popular among Ukrainian applicants. The Polish authorities have adopted special laws for Ukrainian applicants. From now on, Polish universities will be able to change the admission rules for Ukrainian applicants in 2023/2024. Everything that prospective students need to know and answers to the most popular questions about admission are further in the article.
What educational levels can be obtained at Polish universities?
The education system in Poland has several educational levels, just like in Ukraine:
- Bachelor's degree is the first level. To enter the university, you need to have a so-called "maturity certificate" of secondary school graduation. It takes an average of 6 semesters to complete this level of education. To successfully obtain a bachelor's degree, you must defend your diploma.
- Master's degree is the second level. To apply, you must have a Ukrainian or European bachelor's degree. On average, it takes 4 semesters to complete a master's degree.
- Bachelor's degree + master's degree. Full cycle. In total, it will take about 9-12 semesters to study.
- Postgraduate studies are the third level. To apply, you must have a master's degree. To successfully complete postgraduate studies, you must defend your dissertation.
Language skills: do Ukrainian applicants need to speak Polish?
In order to enter a Polish university, you need to have a B1-B2 level of Polish language proficiency. It is possible that these requirements may be simplified in the future. Upon admission, the level of language proficiency is checked through personal communication, testing or an international exam.
In some Polish universities, especially for Ukrainians, the first year of study is organized in Ukrainian, while allowing them to learn Polish.
Also, to simplify the admission process for foreign students, many universities offer special preparatory courses in Polish.
What documents do Ukrainian applicants need to enter a Polish university?
According to recent changes in Polish legislation, universities can set their own admission rules, i.e. enroll students both on the basis of external independent evaluation and exams. The requirements regarding the deadlines for submitting documents may also change.
Due to changes in the rules of the admission campaign, the list of documents required for admission to a university may vary. But there is a general list of documents required for admission:
- Birth certificate;
- Passport of a citizen of Ukraine;
- Foreign passport;
- Certificate of secondary education and supplement;
- Application form;
- Certificate of Polish language proficiency (not always);
- Medical certificate;
- A set of 35x45 mm photos.
Is there a possibility of free education in Polish universities?
Polish public universities allow foreign students to study for free. A prerequisite is knowledge of the Polish language.
You can compete for free education in Poland:
- Holders of a certificate, confirmed by a state exam, of Polish language proficiency at the C1 level;
- Applicants with refugee status, temporary or subsidiary protection status;
- Holders of a Pole's card or a person who is a relative or spouse of a Polish citizen.
Students in these categories are eligible for certain benefits, such as subsidies, payments for persons with disabilities, rector's or social scholarships. The rector's office decides on the benefits on the basis of a certificate of family and financial status.
Students who have temporary protection status after February 24, 2022, have the right to study at Krakow universities for free until August 24, 2024.
How much does it cost to study in Polish universities?
Tuition fees at private and public universities in Poland start at 700 euros per year. The average tuition fee ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 euros per year. Accommodation in a dormitory will cost from 100 euros per month.
One of the most expensive areas of study in Polish universities is medicine. A year of study in medical specialties starts from 2,000 euros.
We remind you! Earlier, we talked about the residence card in Poland. Read about the difficulties Ukrainians may face when applying for the document here.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
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