Full-time studies at public universities are free for Polish citizens. The obligation of foreigners to pay fees for such studies depends on their status. As a rule, public universities may charge tuition fees, but the law provides for a number of exceptions – exemption from tuition fees on the basis of a foreigner’s legal status (e.g. if the foreigner has a permanent residence permit or a long-term residence permit, has a Polish identity card, has confirmed Polish origin or is the spouse of a Polish citizen) and knowledge of the Polish language (at least C1 level). Exemption from tuition fees may also be granted on the basis of an international agreement, an inter-university agreement or a decision by the Minister, the rector of a university, a PAN institute, a research institute, or NAWA.
Both Polish citizens and foreigners have to pay tuition fees for full-time studies at private universities and for part-time studies (regardless of the type of university). Please note that the site is for information only. For individual cases, please contact the competent bodies or seek professional legal advice.
Legal basis:
Act of July 18, 2018 on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2023 item 742 as amended).
Additional information:
Government information website for foreigner
National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)- homepage
NAWA – programmes for foreigners:
NAWA – Nostrification of diplomas
Information current as of: .
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