Studying in Poland for Saudis is an attractive academic choice that combines a good European education with very low costs compared with the countries of Western Europe. Poland stands out as a growing study destination in Central Europe, as the universities of Poland comprise venerable academic institutions dating back centuries and offering diverse programs in English.
Poland is located in a strategic position between Germany and Eastern Europe, with a rich history, a distinguished culture, and beautiful cities such as Warsaw and Krakow.
Studying in Poland offers the advantage of very low cost, as the tuition fees and living costs are much lower than most European countries. The best universities of Poland offer programs in medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and business in English, which attracts thousands of international students annually.
Although the global rankings of the Polish universities are not very high, they offer an accredited European education at a fraction of the cost of the Western universities.
The Future Way website provides comprehensive information and specialized support for Saudi students wishing to explore the economical education opportunities in this rising European country that combines tradition and development.
Why study in Poland?
Studying in Poland offers unique advantages that make it an attractive destination for Saudi students seeking a European education at a reasonable cost.
Very low costs
The low costs are the greatest advantage of studying in Poland. The tuition fees at the best universities of Poland for the English programs range between 2,000 and 4,000 euros per year for the bachelor’s in most specializations, and between 3,000 and 6,000 euros for the master’s.
Even the medicine programs, usually the most expensive, range between 10,000 and 13,000 euros per year, which is a fraction of the cost of studying medicine in Britain or America.
The living costs are also very low compared with Western Europe, where the student can live on a monthly budget between 400 and 700 euros in the major cities. This makes the total annual cost of studying in Poland between only 7,000 and 15,000 euros, compared with 25,000-50,000 euros or more in the countries of Western Europe.
This affordability makes the European education available to a wider segment of Saudi students, with the possibility of obtaining an internationally recognized European certificate at a very reasonable cost.
European education quality
Despite the low costs, the most important universities of Poland provide an accredited European education that follows the European Bologna standards. Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004, and the Polish certificates are recognized in all EU countries and globally.
The Polish educational system follows the European model, with bachelor’s programs of 3-4 years and a master’s of 1.5-2 years.
Poland comprises venerable universities such as Jagiellonian University in Krakow, founded in 1364 (among the oldest universities in Europe), and the University of Warsaw, founded in 1816.
These universities have a long academic history, qualified professors, and modern facilities. Although the global rankings of the Polish universities are not very prominent (most of them between 500-1000 globally), they offer a solid education and accredited certificates.
Poland has produced many prominent scientists and thinkers throughout history, including Marie Curie (the first woman to win a Nobel Prize). The academic environment is relatively strict, which ensures a reasonable quality of education.
The best universities in Poland
Poland comprises a number of locally prestigious universities that offer diverse programs in English.
University of Warsaw
The University of Warsaw is the largest and most famous university in Poland; it was founded in 1816 and comprises about 44,000 students. It is located in the Polish capital Warsaw and is classified among the world’s best 300-400 universities.
It is famous for the diversity of its academic programs, which include the arts, social sciences, law, natural sciences, and mathematics.
Studying in Poland at the University of Warsaw offers a good academic environment in the vibrant capital. The university offers several master’s programs in English in specializations such as international relations, economics, and computer science.
The tuition fees are reasonable, ranging between 2,000-4,000 euros per year. Warsaw is a modern and developed city, completely rebuilt after World War II, and it offers wide cultural and economic opportunities.
The university’s location in the capital allows access to training and employment opportunities in Polish and international companies. The Old Town in Warsaw, listed on the World Heritage list, is beautiful and rebuilt with historical accuracy.
Jagiellonian University Krakow
Jagiellonian University in Krakow is among the most venerable universities in the world; it was founded in 1364 and is among the oldest universities in Europe.
It comprises about 35,000 students and is classified as the best university in Poland. Copernicus and Pope John Paul II studied there. It is famous for its excellence in medicine, law, physics, chemistry, and the arts.
Studying in Poland at Jagiellonian University offers an experience at a venerable historic university in the beautiful city of Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland.
The university offers several programs in English, especially in medicine, pharmacy, and science. The medicine program in English is among the most famous in Poland, attracting hundreds of international students annually.
The fees are about 11,000-12,000 euros per year for medicine, which is very reasonable compared with international standards. Krakow is a charming historic city that survived the destruction of World War II, and it is considered among the most beautiful cities in Central Europe. The living costs are lower than Warsaw, and the student life is active and diverse.
Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Wrocław University of Science and Technology represents the most important technical university in western Poland; it was founded in 1945 and comprises about 35,000 students.
It specializes in engineering, technology, and the applied sciences, and it is among the most famous universities of Poland in the technical fields.
Studying in Poland at Wrocław University of Science and Technology offers a good engineering education at a low cost. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in English in specializations such as civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and computer science.
The fees range between 2,000-4,000 euros per year. Wrocław is a beautiful city in western Poland, close to the German border, and it is known for its waterways and many bridges.
The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2016, and it offers an active student life with reasonable living costs. The university has partnerships with Polish and European companies, which allows training and employment opportunities.
Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus) – إيطاليا
The programs in English
The best universities of Poland offer hundreds of study programs in English, especially to attract international students.
Medicine and pharmacy
Studying medicine in Poland is the most popular choice for international students, thanks to the relatively low cost and the accredited English programs. The most important universities of Poland, such as Jagiellonian University, the Medical University of Warsaw, the Medical University of Poznań, and the Medical University of Łódź, offer medicine and surgery programs in English with a duration of six years.
The annual tuition fees for the medicine programs range between 10,000 and 13,000 euros, which is much lower than the 30,000-60,000 dollars in Britain or America.
The programs are accredited by the European Union and the WHO, which means the possibility of practicing medicine in Europe after graduation.
However, Saudi students must verify the certificate equivalency requirements for practice in the Kingdom through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.
Admission to the Polish medicine programs is relatively easier than the Western universities, but the competition still exists. The pharmacy programs are also available in English, with a duration of five and a half years, at similar fees.
Engineering
The Polish technical universities offer diverse engineering programs in English at the bachelor’s and master’s level. The available specializations include civil, mechanical, electrical, computer, environmental, and architectural engineering.
The annual tuition fees range between 2,000 and 4,000 euros for the bachelor’s, and 3,000 to 5,000 euros for the master’s.
The Polish engineering education follows the European model, with a focus on the theoretical foundations and the practical application. Studying in Poland in engineering offers a reasonable education at a low cost, but students must be realistic about the quality of the facilities and resources compared with the leading Western universities.
The Polish engineering certificates are recognized in the European Union, but they may require equivalency for practice in the Kingdom. Job opportunities in Poland for engineers exist, especially with the increasing industrial investments, but the salaries are much lower than Western Europe.
Business administration
The best universities of Poland and the specialized business schools offer programs in business administration, economics, finance, and marketing in English. The well-known institutions include Kozminski University in Warsaw, SGH Warsaw School of Economics, and the Krakow University of Economics. The fees range between 3,000 and 6,000 euros per year for the master’s.
MBA programs in Poland are available at costs ranging between 8,000 and 15,000 euros for the full program, which is much lower than the Western European business schools. Studying in Poland in the field of business offers reasonable value for money, with the opportunity to get to know the growing Polish market.
However, the international reputation of the Polish business schools is not very strong, and the alumni networks are not as strong as the leading Western schools. The Polish economy is growing well, but the high-salary opportunities are limited compared with Western Europe.
The programs may be suitable for students looking for a European certificate at a low cost.
Admission requirements
The admission requirements for studying in Poland are distinguished by being more flexible and easier compared with the countries of Western Europe.
Ease of admission
Admission to the most important universities of Poland is relatively easier than the Western European universities, especially for the paid English programs. Most universities do not require very high academic GPAs, as a GPA of 70-75% in high school may be sufficient for admission to most programs.
Some competitive programs such as medicine may require higher GPAs (80-85%) and admission tests.
The application process is relatively direct, and it is often done online directly with the university. There are no complex centralized application systems as in some European countries. The application deadlines are usually in June-July for the programs that begin in October.
Studying in Poland is considered a good choice for students whose GPAs may not qualify them for admission to the prestigious Western European universities, but who wish to obtain an accredited European certificate.
However, students must be aware that the ease of admission may also reflect a lower level of selectivity and more flexible admission standards.
Language requirements
The English programs at the best universities of Poland require proof of English language proficiency, but the requirements are usually less strict than the Western universities. Most universities accept IELTS 5.5-6.0 or TOEFL iBT 70-80 as a minimum, which are lower scores than what the universities of Britain or America require.
Some Polish universities offer their own internal English language tests as an alternative to IELTS/TOEFL, or even accept certificates from high school proving study in English.
This flexibility facilitates admission, but it may also mean a varying language level among students. In addition to the language, studying in Poland requires submitting the translated and attested academic certificates, a valid passport, and personal photos.
Some programs such as medicine may require interviews or admission tests in the basic sciences.
In general, the process is simpler and less demanding than the other European countries.
The tuition fees
The tuition fees in Poland are among the lowest in Europe, which makes it an attractive destination for students with limited budgets.
Among the cheapest in Europe
The annual tuition fees for the English programs at the best universities of Poland range between 2,000 and 4,000 euros for the bachelor’s in most specializations (arts, social sciences, engineering, science), and between 2,500 and 5,000 euros for the master’s.
These fees are much lower than most European countries, where the fees may reach 10,000-20,000 euros or more in Western Europe.
The Polish programs (taught in the Polish language) are free even for international students, but learning Polish to the required level takes at least a preparatory year.
Most Saudi students choose the paid English programs for the ease and clarity of the path. Studying in Poland offers good value for money in terms of obtaining an accredited European certificate at a low cost.
However, one must balance the low cost with the academic reputation and the quality of the facilities and resources, which may be lower than the leading Western universities.
The medicine programs
The medicine programs are the most expensive in Poland, but they are still much cheaper than most countries. The annual tuition fees for the human medicine programs in English range between 10,000 and 13,000 euros, depending on the university.
Over six years (the duration of the medicine program), the total cost for the tuition fees alone ranges between 60,000 and 78,000 euros.
This seems like a lot, but it is much lower than the 180,000-300,000 pounds or more for studying medicine in Britain, or 200,000-400,000 dollars in America. In addition to the low living costs in Poland, studying medicine becomes a comparatively economical choice.
Pharmacy is slightly cheaper, between 9,000 and 11,000 euros per year. Dentistry ranges between 10,000 and 12,000 euros per year, and veterinary medicine between 6,000 and 8,000 euros per year.
The most important medical universities of Poland attract many students from the Middle East and Asia who are looking for European medical certificates at a reasonable cost.
Living costs
The living costs in Poland are among the lowest in the European Union, which lightens the financial burden on students.
Warsaw and Krakow
In Warsaw and Krakow, the two largest Polish cities, the monthly living costs for the student range between 500 and 700 euros, including housing (250-400 euros for a room in student housing or a shared apartment), food (150-250 euros), transport (20-30 euros with a student discount), and personal expenses (80-120 euros).
Warsaw is slightly more expensive than Krakow, but the difference is not large. Student housing is available and relatively cheap, but the quality may be basic. Food and services in Poland are very cheap compared with Western Europe, where one can have a meal in an ordinary restaurant for 5-8 euros.
Public transport is efficient and cheap. Studying in Poland offers low living costs that enable students to live comfortably on a limited budget. The total annual cost of living ranges between 6,000 and 8,400 euros, which is much lower than the 12,000-20,000 euros or more in Western Europe.
The Polish cities
In the other Polish cities such as Wrocław, Poznań, Łódź, and Gdańsk, the living costs decrease further, where the monthly budget ranges between 400 and 600 euros. Housing is cheaper (200-350 euros), and life in general is less expensive.
These cities offer a quieter and more authentic Polish experience, with good universities and very tempting living costs.
Wrocław, for example, is a beautiful city vibrant with student life. Gdańsk on the Baltic Sea is a beautiful historic coastal city. Poznań is an important economic center in western Poland.
All these cities offer a good quality of life at a very low cost.
In general, Poland is among the cheapest EU countries to live in, which makes it an excellent choice for students with limited budgets.
The Polish language
The Polish language represents an important aspect of the experience of studying in Poland, despite the availability of the English programs.
The English programs
The best universities of Poland offer hundreds of programs in English at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate level, which facilitates studying in Poland for Saudi students without the need to learn Polish in advance. These programs were designed specifically to attract international students and are an important source of income for the universities.
However, learning the basics of the Polish language is useful for daily life, as most Poles, especially the older generation outside the major cities, do not speak English fluently.
The young and the educated in the major cities usually speak English reasonably. The universities provide free or cheap Polish language courses for international students.
The Polish language is relatively difficult for Arabic speakers, with a complex grammatical system and difficult pronunciation, but learning the basic phrases facilitates communication and shows respect for the local culture.
Mastering Polish opens wider job opportunities in Poland after graduation.
The visa
Traveling to study in Poland for Saudi students requires obtaining a student visa through clear procedures.
Saudi students must apply for a national student visa (Type D) from the Polish embassy or consulate.
The required documents include a valid passport, an admission letter from a recognized Polish university, financial proof showing the ability to bear the costs (about 700 euros per month), proof of residence in Poland, health insurance, and a good-conduct certificate.
The processing usually takes 4-8 weeks. The visa fees are about 35 euros. After arrival in Poland, one must register with the local authorities to obtain a temporary residence permit valid for the duration of the study program.
Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the study and full-time during the holidays. The Polish procedures are relatively simpler than the countries of Western Europe, and the Polish government welcomes international students as a source of income for the universities and the local economy.
Life in Poland
Studying in Poland offers a life experience in a developed European country at a low cost.
Life in Poland is distinguished by relative safety, cleanliness, and good organization. Poland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen area, which facilitates travel to other European countries.
The major Polish cities are modern and developed, with good infrastructure and efficient public transport. The Polish nature is beautiful, from forests and lakes to the Tatra Mountains in the south.
The Polish culture is rich in history and traditions, with a strong heritage in music (Chopin), literature, and the arts. The Polish food is delicious and tasty, with dishes such as pierogi and goulash.
The Polish people are generally friendly and hospitable, but there may be some reserve at first.
There are small Muslim communities and mosques in the major cities, but halal food is relatively limited. Polish society is traditionally conservative and overwhelmingly Catholic, but the major cities are more open and diverse.
The Polish weather is cold in winter (below zero for months) and moderate in summer, which may be a challenge for Saudi students.
The recognition of certificates
The subject of the recognition of the Polish certificates is very important and must be taken into account before making the decision to study.
The certificates from the best universities of Poland are recognized in all EU countries by virtue of Poland’s membership in the Union and the Bologna agreements. They are also generally recognized globally, as the Polish universities are accredited academic institutions that follow European standards.
For Saudi students, the accreditation of the university and the program from the Saudi Ministry of Education must be verified, especially if they are scholarship recipients or plan to work in the Kingdom.
Most of the main Polish universities are accredited, but direct verification is advised. For regulated professions such as medicine, pharmacy, and engineering, there may be equivalency requirements or additional exams for practice in the Kingdom.
Students must contact the competent professional bodies (such as the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties for medicine) to verify the equivalency requirements.
In general, the Polish certificates have a reasonable value, but they are not as strong as certificates from leading Western universities in the global labor market.
Frequently asked questions about studying in Poland for Saudis
How much does studying medicine in Poland cost?
The fees are 10,000-13,000 euros per year for 6 years, i.e. 60,000-78,000 euros in total, in addition to living costs of 500-700 euros per month.
Is the Polish certificate recognized?
Yes, it is recognized in the European Union and globally. The equivalency for the regulated professions in the Kingdom must be verified.
What is the best university in Poland?
Jagiellonian University in Krakow is the most venerable, and the University of Warsaw is the largest.
How much is the living cost?
400-700 euros per month depending on the city, among the cheapest in Europe.
Is admission easy?
Yes, relatively easier than Western Europe, with less strict GPAs and language requirements.
Is studying in Poland cheap?
Yes, Poland is among the most affordable study destinations in Europe for international students compared with the countries of Western Europe.
- Tuition fees: they often range between 1,500 and 6,000 euros per year for most of the bachelor’s and master’s programs in English (the medical specializations cost more).
- Living costs: they are considered very low; the student needs on average between 400 and 800 euros per month to cover housing, food, transport, and personal expenses.
What are the disadvantages of studying in Poland?
- The language barrier: the Polish language is difficult to learn. Although the study may be in English, you will need Polish in daily dealings, especially outside the major cities.
- The harsh weather: winter is long and bitterly cold, and the sun is absent for long periods, which may affect the mood of some people.
- Bureaucracy: the government procedures and paperwork clearance (such as extracting and renewing residence permits) are characterized by slowness and complex routine.
- Low wages: if you plan to work part-time as a student, the salaries in Poland are much lower compared with countries such as Germany or the Netherlands.
The cheapest universities in Poland?
The precise cost differs according to the specialization and the academic degree, but this list comprises the most prominent public universities known for their low fees:
- University of Wrocław: its fees start from about 1,500 to 3,000 euros per year.
- University of Łódź: the cost of its programs ranges between 1,800 and 3,000 euros per year.
- Warsaw University of Technology: an excellent choice for the engineering specializations with fees ranging between 2,000 and 4,000 euros per year.
- Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań: its fees start from about 2,500 euros per year.
- AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow: the fees range on average between 1,700 and 3,500 euros per year.
Conclusion
Studying in Poland represents an economical choice for obtaining a European certificate. The Future Way academy website provides support for students in their academic journey to Poland, the country of low costs and rich history.
