POLAND A SUPERB DESTINATION FOR STUDY

WHY TO STUDY IN POLAND?

Polish universities and colleges are systematically expanding their offer, modernize teaching programs and develop new areas of academic research. Poland, the popular international students destination abroad is providing internationally recognized degrees at affordable costs. In order to attract more international students, Polish Universities are now using English as the medium of instruction specially in areas like management, engineering, medical, fashion and politcal sciences.

ADMISSION IN POLAND

Admission requirements for Poland may vary from one university to another. But, in general foreign applicants seeking admission to the universities of Poland must meet the requirements required by Polish law and the Universities regulations. Your qualification must be eqivalent to the Polish certificates (certificate of secondary education, Bachelors or Masters degrees). For getting admitted in Polish universities a student must submit an application for admission, an application form including curriculum vitae and a completed questionnaire, a medical certificate confirming the applicants physical condition is fit and fine for studying in a given major, proofs of completion of a preparatory course as designated by the Ministry of Education or confirmation from course provider or the university that the applicants background and Polish language ability are sufficient to study in Poland. Student who do not speak polish must attend the polish language class. Applicants must submit the latest health certificate. For preparatory courses a student must present a General Certificate of Education A- Level or a photocopy. Applicants for postgraduate studies should enclose M. A. (M. Sc.) degree certificate or a photocopy.

HOW TO OBTAIN POLISH VISA

Process to get Polish Student Visa Students must be granted a Polish visa in order to enter and stay in Poland legally. Visa approval to access Poland gives right of stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland only. Students intending to study in Polish University needs documents to be granted the polish student visa as given below.

DOCUMENTATION

Passport (must be valid for 3 months) One passport-size photo. Completed application form. Evidence of immigration status in country of residence, endorsed in current or previous passport (if applicable). Fee, payable by cash/postal order. Accommodation booking or invitation from friends or family in Poland. An official letter from a college or university. Transport documentation (airplane ticket)

Applications submitted without these requirements will not be considered by the Consular offices and will be returned to the applicant. Holders of Polish visa are still subject to immigration control at the Polish border and are not guaranteed entry. All visitors must possess sufficient funds to cover the cost of their stay.

COST FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT (LIVING)

Before going on to living cost for students in Poland, lets have some introduction to Polish Currency. Polish money (PLN) is counted in złoty (zł) and grosz (gr) 100 groszy = 1 złoty. The coins are issued in 1gr, 2gr, 5gr, 10gr, 20gr, 50gr, 1zł, 2zł and 5zł. The bank notes are issued in 10zł, 20zł, 50zł, 100zł, and 200 zł. For international students - Daily necessities like food and clothing are still relatively inexpensive by western standards, however prices depend on the country of origin of the goods. Generally products made in Poland are less expensive than goods imported from the West. Foreign students should remember that if they want to travel, buy fresh fruit and vegetables in the winter, make phone calls abroad and lead an active social life they will spend a few hundred PLN per month (excluding cost of accommodation). To give you an idea of the cost of living in Poland, here is an example: Accommodation in a Student House 485 PLN per month Private accommodation (living with Polish family) 200-500 PLN per month Dinner in a student refectory 5-10 PLN Dinner outside Campus 10-20 PLN Breakfast and supper (if self-catering) 5-10 PLN It is very expensive to have dinner in a Hotel outside but having at cafe or food court may cost less. The approximate prices of some items are listed below: milk 1.80 PLN/liter chicken 8-10 PLN/kg bread 2 PLN/kg eggs 0.3 - 0.4 PLN/each butter 2 - 3 PLN/200g rice 3-4 PLN / 0.5 kg cheese 11 - 20 PLN/kg potato 1 PLN /kg meat 8 - 20 PLN/kg fruits 3 - 15 PLN /kg Food prices may differ from one store to another as well as from the season. Fruit and vegetables are cheaper in the summer than in the winter. We suggest that you check which store in your area offers the most reasonable prices. Most grocery stores are open 8.00 am- 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday. On Saturday they close early afternoon. Some stores are open on Sundays. Why to choose Poland for Higher education? There are at least five good following reasons why you should choose Poland as a country to study: A very good quality of studies for low price , Poland is a dynamically developing member state of European Union with young society, strong economy and good prospects for the future, Study programs provided in English language, International students can apply for legal work during studies Poland is beautiful, safe and friendly country to live, study and work what is the language of instruction (English or Polish)? Study programs offered by Polish Universities cooperating with Polish Council are of highest standards of quality and all are delivered in English language. Lectures are given by top reputed lecturers in full accordance with study programs proposed to candidates. However, at least strong basics of local (Polish) language are required for living and working in Poland. All institutes of higher education working closely with Polish Council provide intensive courses of Polish as a foreign language. Tuition fees for Higher studies in Poland? Tuition fee for studies in Poland is relatively low and very reasonable when compared to Canada, US, Australia or European countries like France, Germany, UK, Ireland or Scandinavian countries. Diplomas and degrees are well recognized in more than 50 countries, including Australia, Canada, US, UK, Sweden, as well as all member countries of European Union. The cost of Tuition Fee per year ranges from 2500 Euro up to 9000 Euro (for MD courses) per year depending on the course selection. Living expenses in Poland (Per month)? Living expenses in Poland are much lower than in most EU countries. The amount of 250-500 Euro should cover the monthly costs of accommodation, food and transport. However, there are examples when international students manage to live on much tighter budget, all depends on standards of living. Is Poland is safe for International Students? Poland is a very safe and friendly country to live, study and work. According to statistics, it's one of the safest countries within the EU. Poles are known for their hospitality, which is reflected in official regulations governing the rights of foreigners to study and live in Poland. Everybody is allowed to cross the Polish border, regardless of skin color, religious faith or social and political views. Poland is a member of the European Union, NATO and OECD. In 2008 Poland became a member of Schengen pact. For students studying in Poland and holding stay permit, it means they can move freely within 26 EU member state countries, without need for any additional visa. This free movement excludes countries like UK, North Ireland, Finland and Sweden. Is work is allowed for International Student? International students that study on daily basis can legally work in Poland. There are no limitations in terms of maximum number of working hours allowed to students per week. However international students must not by any chance neglect their studies. Depending on skills, position, nature and place of work, students can earn from 2,5 to 8 Euros per hour. All Polish Council partners, including Universities and career offices will assist the graduates to seek right placement as per their education qualifications. What is the cost of Health Insurance? For safety reasons and in order to legalize their stay in Poland, all international students have to get health insurance policy. It is highly recommended to purchase insurance policy in Polish National Health Fund (NFZ). The monthly cost of this policy amounts to equivalent of 8 Euro. Student has also an alternative of signing policy agreement with other insurers available on the market. What is the cost of accommodation per month? International student can expect rent ranging from 80 to 200 Euro per month. There are many possibilities, including renting a room, sharing an apartment or renting an own flat. Most Universities provide dormitories. Are any scholarships available? There is a good number of Polish, EU and University scholarships that are available for international students.  Am I allowed to travel to other EU countries during holidays? Yes, indeed. You are allowed to go to other EU member states for your holidays, but only on basis of Schengen visa or Temporary Residence Card. Requirements for student visa If you would like to study in Poland, one has to meet certain requirements. They are not more complicated than those in your own country.  First of all you need to complete higher secondary level of education in your country. Then only you will be able to study in Poland. For Post graduate you need to complete bachelor degree equivalent to Polish standard. Secondly you need to have a knowledge of Polish Language. Student Visa A filled-in visa application to apply for a student visa to Poland. The procedures may vary depending on the country you come from. However, some of the requirements remain the same for all the countries and they include: Valid passport Official letter of acceptance to a school in Poland A short CV Your school certificates and diplomas Evidence of proficiency in the language in which you wish to study Confirmation of having the funds for studying and living in Poland Health insurance A photo LEGALIZE PERMIT FOR YOU TO STAY IN POLAND Another condition you need to fulfill to be able to study in Poland is 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. Once in Poland, in order to prolong your stay, you need to apply for a Temporary Stay Card –  HEALTH INSURANCE Moreover, if you decide to study in Poland, you need to get a doctor’s certificate confirming that you can freely undertake study in the field of your choice. Additionally, you need to be insured during your total stay in Poland. The health service in Poland is not free to public and therefore you should hold an insurance policy in the event of an illness or an accident.  Language profilicacy You do not have to be fluent in Polish in order to begin studies in Poland. The knowledge of English, French or German suffices. In order to apply for a given course, you will need to present a document confirming your knowledge of a foreign language at a sufficient level to participate in the classes. According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, you would have to have one of the following certificates: FCE, CAE or CPE for studies in English, DEFL B2 for studies in French or Zertificat Deutsch Plus 3 for German studies. Some Universities do not require certificates as they conduct their own language tests as part of their admission procedure.