Where to Apply in Poland: A New Ranking of the Best Universities

A prestigious ranking of Polish universities for 2026, based on graduates’ salaries, has been published. Two major universities share the top spot, but regional universities are also a pleasant surprise. Find out where to apply to ensure a successful career and a high income

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The “Perspektywy” Educational Foundation has published its latest annual ranking of Polish higher education institutions, according to tvn24. In 2026, two historic giants shared the top spot in the education market, and the jury placed special emphasis on graduates’ career prospects and their demand in the job market.

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Which University in Poland Is the Best: Top Universities

For the first time in several years, the long-standing leader of the ranking—University of Warsaw—shared first place with Jagiellonian University in Kraków. According to the commission’s rules, universities with a score difference of less than 0.5% are considered tied. The scores of the University of Warsaw (100 points) and Jagiellonian University (99.7 points) allowed both to claim a spot on the podium. The Warsaw University of Technology consistently rounds out the top three.

The top five most prestigious educational institutions in the country also include the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków and the Gdańsk University of Technology. They are followed by the Wrocław University of Technology, the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, as well as the Łódź University of Technology and the Silesian University of Technology. Rounding out the top ten are three higher education institutions with virtually identical scores: the Poznań and Gdańsk Universities of Technology, as well as the Medical University of Białystok.

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What criteria are used to evaluate universities in Poland

The ranking is based not on subjective assessments but on objective data. The main criterion for a university’s success is the National Monitoring System (ELA), which tracks the economic success of graduates—how quickly they find employment after graduation and what their starting salaries are.

In addition to salaries, the commission led by Professor Michał Kleiber evaluated the qualifications of the faculty, the number and citation rates of scientific publications in prestigious international journals, as well as the level of internationalization, learning conditions, and the implementation of innovations.

Where to Study in Poland: The Best Faculties and Majors

Choosing a specific field of study is often more important than a university’s high-profile reputation. The authors of the ranking emphasize that specialized universities frequently outperform national leaders in their respective niches. However, in 2026, the largest higher education institutions became the undisputed leaders in terms of the quality of their educational programs:

University of Warsaw was recognized as the best in 17 fields. Prospective economists, sociologists, political scientists, as well as specialists in IT (master’s programs), journalism, finance, astronomy, and international relations should consider applying here.

Jagiellonian University (15 top programs) offers the strongest training in medical and natural sciences. The university is renowned for its faculties of pharmacy, dentistry, biotechnology, and nursing, as well as its excellent programs in law, philosophy, and psychology.

Warsaw University of Technology (11 top programs) is the undisputed choice for those planning to pursue a career in engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, aviation, transportation, and construction.

Where to Enroll in a Master’s Program in Poland: Professional and Applied Academies

The jury dedicated a separate list to public and private higher education institutions offering master’s programs with an emphasis on applied skills.

This year, the State Academy of Applied Sciences in Koszalin earned the title of best vocational university, rising from third place last year. Second place was confidently shared by the University of Economics in Bydgoszcz and the Jan Grodek State University in Sanok. They are followed by specialized academies in Elbląg, Biała Podlaska, and Przemyśl, proving that a high-quality and in-demand education is available not only in the capital but also in Poland’s regional centers.

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Reminder! The 2026 admissions campaign for vocational and specialized Ukrainian colleges will begin as early as the end of June. The Ministry of Education and Science is maintaining the basic admission rules while simultaneously expanding state-funded enrollment quotas for a number of technical specialties. Learn more about dates, admission requirements, and opportunities for international applicants.

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