The short answer: budget in three layers
The cost of studying in Poland depends mostly on your programme and your city. NAWA's official Study in Poland portal gives average tuition of about €2,000 to €2,500 a year for studies in Polish and about €3,000 a year for studies in English, with fields such as medicine costing considerably more. Housing is usually the largest monthly cost after tuition.
A useful way to plan is in three layers: one-off costs before and around your arrival, such as application, visa and residence fees; tuition, which is paid per semester or per year; and monthly living costs. The figures below are official amounts or published price lists checked on 18 October 2026. Where no reliable official figure exists, this guide explains how to estimate instead of guessing.
Tuition fees: what drives the price
Each university sets its own fees for foreign students, and they vary by programme, level, language and study mode. Fees are published in euros or złoty, and some universities quote per semester while others quote per year. Always confirm the currency, the period and whether the first instalment must be paid before you receive visa documents. For example, the University of Warsaw publishes a 2026/2027 fee table, and AGH University in Kraków lists its fees by programme.
Some foreigners do not pay tuition for full-time studies in Polish at public universities. Under Article 324 of the Law on Higher Education and Science, this includes EU and EFTA citizens living in Poland, holders of a permanent residence permit or EU long-term resident status, and several other groups. Most students from outside the EU on English-taught programmes pay fees, so check your status with the university.
Application, visa and residence costs
Several costs arrive before your first lecture. Some are fixed by law, such as the consular fee and the residence permit fee. Others are set by universities, exam providers, translators and insurers, so you will need to collect quotes.
Remember that costs come in a sequence: application and language exam first, then translations and authentication, then the visa, and later the residence permit in Poland. Spreading them over several months makes them easier to plan for.
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University application fee | Set by each university | Check the admission page; it is usually non-refundable. |
| NAWA statement for a school certificate | Free | Only needed for certificates outside the exempt groups. |
| B2 language certificate | Set by the exam provider | Choose a certificate on the official list. |
| Apostille or legalisation, translations | Varies by country and translator | Ask the university which documents need them. |
| National visa application | €200 since 1 January 2026 | An external service provider may add its own fee. |
| Travel medical insurance for the visa | Varies by insurer | Must cover at least €30,000 for the whole stay. |
| Residence permit for studies | PLN 340 | Paid when you apply in Poland. |
| Residence card | PLN 100 | Issued after a positive decision. |
Housing: usually the largest monthly cost
University dormitories are often the most affordable option. The University of Warsaw states that its dormitory places cost from about €110 to €250 (PLN 480 to 1,100) per person per month, depending on the room and building; its Hall of Residence No. 4 lists PLN 710 for a single room and PLN 580 per person in a double room for UW students. Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin publishes 2025/2026 rates of roughly PLN 635 to PLN 1,160 per person per month.
Private rental prices vary widely by city and district and are often higher than dormitory rates, so compare written offers that include utilities. Landlords commonly ask for a deposit and the first month's rent in advance. Dormitory places can be limited, so apply as soon as the university opens housing applications, and read the contract terms before you pay.
Everyday living costs: food, transport, phone and health
Official sources do not publish a single national figure for student living costs, and averages found online vary widely. The most reliable approach is to estimate from real prices: your university canteen, local supermarkets, the city's public transport price list and phone operators' offers. A valid Polish student ID gives access to student discounts on many transport services, and the details depend on the operator and your age.
Health insurance is a real monthly cost. Foreign students from outside the EU can sign a voluntary insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ); regional NFZ branches list a monthly contribution of PLN 55.80 for foreign students in 2026. Note that the residence permit test, more than PLN 1,010 a month after housing for a single person, is a legal minimum, not an estimate of what you will actually spend.
A practical budget template
Use the template below to build your own estimate. Fill in each line with a figure from an official or primary source, write down where the figure came from and the date, and add a reserve for unexpected costs such as replacing a laptop or travelling home in an emergency.
Keep this budget consistent with the financial evidence you present for the visa and residence permit. If your evidence shows less money than your own budget says you need, the consul or case officer may ask how you will cover the difference.
| Budget line | Where to find a reliable figure |
|---|---|
| Tuition (per year or semester) | The university's official fee table for your programme and year. |
| Housing | The dormitory price list, or written rental offers including deposit and utilities. |
| Food | University canteen prices and local supermarket prices for a typical week. |
| Public transport | The city operator's price list for student monthly tickets. |
| Phone and internet | Current offers from Polish mobile operators. |
| Health insurance | Your regional NFZ branch, or a written quote from a private insurer. |
| Study materials and fees | Programme requirements, student ID fee and any lab or field costs. |
| Residence formalities | PLN 340 permit fee and PLN 100 card fee, plus any translation costs. |
| Reserve | A buffer for emergencies and exchange-rate changes. |
Ways to reduce costs and plan for currency risk
Scholarships, tuition waivers and dormitory places make the biggest difference. NAWA and universities run funding programmes for some groups of international students, so check eligibility early because deadlines often fall before admission rounds. Our guide to PhD scholarships in Poland covers one route. If your income is in another currency, plan for exchange-rate changes by keeping a reserve rather than budgeting to the last złoty.
Planning to study in Poland? If you are applying from Bangladesh, Auranik's International Education & Admission Support can help compare programmes and intake timing, and our Scholarship Support can help with research and supporting documents. Education-related payments are coordinated subject to bank and foreign-exchange rules. For other situations, contact Auranik to discuss what assistance is available.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study in Poland for free?
Some foreigners can, for full-time studies in Polish at public universities, under Article 324 of the Law on Higher Education and Science. Most students from outside the EU on English-taught programmes pay tuition.
How much money do I need to show versus how much will I spend?
These are different questions. The amounts you must show are legal minimums set for the visa and residence permit. Your real budget depends on your rent, city and lifestyle, so build it from actual prices.
Are tuition fees paid per year or per semester?
It depends on the university. Some quote fees per year, others per semester, and some allow instalments. Check the fee table and payment rules for your programme.
Do I need NFZ health insurance?
A residence permit for studies requires health insurance under Polish rules or a policy covering treatment in Poland. Voluntary NFZ insurance is one option; a suitable private policy is another.
Can I rely on part-time work to pay for my studies?
It is risky to plan that way. Your funds must be documented before the visa and residence permit, and the right to work depends on your study mode and institution. See our guide to working while studying in Poland.
Read the guide →Community content reflects individual experiences and should not be treated as legal, immigration, financial or government advice.
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