Author of the article
Yaroslav Lanetsky
Universities in Poland present an advantageous option for Ukrainians seeking to obtain quality higher education without significant expenses, a diploma recognized in EU countries, and prospects for employment in Europe. Thanks to high academic standards, affordable prices, and cultural proximity, Poland is becoming an increasingly popular destination for study among young people from Ukraine. However, many applicants face challenges during the admission process due to a lack of understanding of the procedure and requirements of Polish law, the language barrier, or the absence of certain documents.
To avoid errors and confusion in documents, guarantee admission to Polish public and private higher education institutions, quickly resolve issues with accommodation and legalize your stay in the country, seek assistance from the specialists at Real Consult. We provide expert advice on the selection of universities, admission, study, and accommodation. We offer reliable support for applicants and students throughout their stay in the country, ensuring enrollment in free education in Poland. We assist with documents in Gdańsk, Warsaw, Krakow, and other cities, including Gdynia, Reda, Rumia, Sopot, Borkowo, Żukowo, Pruszcz Gdański, and more.
Why Ukrainian Students Aspire to Obtain Higher Education Abroad
The full-scale invasion of Ukraine has led to a significant wave of refugees. Ukrainians have been massively moving to European countries in search of safety and refuge. Since obtaining temporary protection status allows legal residence and study in Europe, the number of Ukrainian students in European universities has increased. But even those graduates who finish school in Ukraine strive to obtain higher education abroad, particularly in Poland. This is entirely understandable.
Firstly, education in Poland for Ukrainians is an excellent opportunity to continue their studies in a safe country not far from home, which allows for frequent visits with relatives. Secondly, similar cultural traditions and a relatively simple language facilitate and accelerate adaptation.
Other reasons why Ukrainians choose to study abroad:
- High quality of education – European universities offer modern academic programs that meet international standards and provide access to the latest scientific research and technologies.
- New opportunities – a European diploma allows internships in international companies, which improves career prospects.
- Wide selection of specialties – various universities offer specialized programs and courses not available in Ukraine, helping to acquire unique skills.
- Foreign language acquisition – studying and living in another country allows learning a new language and improving English skills.
European universities offer international students scholarships and financial aid programs that help save money and make studying abroad more affordable.
Studying in Poland for Ukrainians is one of the simplest and easiest ways to obtain a European higher education and gain work experience in foreign companies. Moreover, the cost of education at Polish universities is almost the same as in Ukraine, and the program is structured so that students have free time for part-time work.
Another advantage of studying in Poland is the opportunity to obtain a residence and work permit in Europe. And thanks to convenient transport connections between Ukraine and Poland, travel is quick and unimpeded.
In connection with the war in Ukraine, the Polish authorities have adopted certain legislative acts according to which Polish universities offer special support programs for Ukrainians. For this reason, studying in the country has become more accessible, and admission to universities is possible without exams, ZNO (External Independent Assessment), and tests.
Is Free Education Possible at Polish Universities for Ukrainians
According to the norms of Polish law, free education in Poland for Ukrainians is possible, but under certain conditions. Thanks to government initiatives and the support of higher education institutions, Ukrainian citizens who fled to Poland during the war and received temporary protection status PESEL UKR can receive education at public universities free of charge.
Options for free education:
- At public universities with a Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card) – Polish origin allows admission to a university on a state-funded basis.
- At public universities with a PESEL UKR number – provided that the education is conducted in Polish (the required language proficiency level for admission is no lower than B1).
- At technical colleges (technikums) – Ukrainian graduates of the 9th and 10th grades with a school leaving certificate grade point average of at least 8 can enroll in any specialty.
- On a competitive basis – a state-funded place can be obtained only with a high school leaving certificate grade point average and NMT (National Multi-Subject Test) results, knowledge of Polish at the B2 level, and successful completion of two entrance exams.
- Knowledge of Polish at the C1 level – possession of the relevant certificate from the State Commission gives the right to enroll in public universities free of charge.
Scholarships and grants offered by Polish public and private universities for Ukrainians are also available. Studying for free under such conditions is possible if the scholarship amount fully covers the cost of education. However, most often, higher education institutions create programs that provide discounts for Ukrainians or cover only part of the tuition fees.
Scholarships for education can be issued by Polish universities, international organizations, charitable foundations, and the Polish government. To receive a scholarship, you must meet certain requirements, mainly regarding academic performance, Polish language proficiency, and the availability of recommendations.
Admission Requirements for Free Studies at Universities in Poland
Each Polish university sets its own requirements for free admission. Some universities require ZNO/NMT (External Independent Assessment/National Multi-Subject Test) results, others require passing exams or an interview, while still others simply ask for a package of documents. At the same time, many higher education institutions require mandatory prior online registration, which, among other things, allows for booking места in dormitories.
Main admission requirements for universities for Ukrainians:
- Graduates of the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades under the age of 18;
- Possession of a Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card) or PESEL UKR number;
- Polish language proficiency level – not lower than B1 (must be confirmed by an exam, a relevant certificate, or a language interview with a university representative);
- List of documents – high school diploma with supplement, passport, documents confirming legal status, and others depending on the specific requirements of the university.
The enrollment of Ukrainians in Polish higher education institutions takes place on general terms through a competition. In case of admission to private universities, Ukrainian students may receive a scholarship or a tuition fee discount.
Studies at higher education institutions in Poland are mainly conducted in Polish, but there are also English-language study programs and courses.
Citizens of Ukraine with a Karta Polaka or temporary protection status PESEL UKR can enroll in public universities for free. For this, it is usually not necessary to take exams or provide ZNO/NMT results. However, some universities have exactly these requirements for admission on a competitive basis.
If you plan to apply to Polish higher education institutions, it is advisable to find out in advance when open house days will be held at the selected universities to obtain complete and up-to-date information on admission requirements. You should also start learning Polish in advance to avoid problems with enrollment on a state-funded basis and further studies.
Our specialists provide support to applicants during admission and study in Poland, help choose a university and submit documents, and advise on all issues related to legalization, study, accommodation, and obtaining a work permit in the country. If you want to avoid mistakes and guarantee admission to a Polish university, contact us for help.
Karta Polaka for Free Studies in Poland for Ukrainians
The Karta Polaka significantly simplifies admission to higher education institutions in Poland. This is a document that confirms Polish origin and an individual’s affiliation with the Polish nation. It does not automatically grant Polish citizenship or a residence permit but allows the use of certain privileges.
Ukrainians with a Karta Polaka have the right to study and work in Poland under the same conditions as Poles.
What the Karta Polaka gives to Ukrainians:
- Permission to reside or obtain a Karta Pobytu (residence card);
- Official employment;
- Right to open a sole proprietorship (działalność gospodarcza);
- Simplified procedure for obtaining Polish citizenship and a permanent residence permit;
- Discounts on public transport and railway travel;
- Right to free education in Poland;
- Free processing of a student visa;
- Opportunity to receive scholarships and social benefits.
At the same time, while the Karta Polaka allows obtaining higher education for free, it does not guarantee admission to a university. Applicants will enroll on general terms on an equal footing with Poles.
To obtain a Karta Polaka, it is necessary to prove Polish origin. To do this, you need to provide documents confirming that your relatives are or were Polish, for example, parents’ birth certificates, grandfather’s passport, etc.
Requirements for obtaining a Karta Polaka:
- Knowledge of the Polish language at a conversational level – the interview with the consul is conducted in Polish;
- Knowledge of Polish history and Polish traditions (religious and national holidays, dishes, prominent figures, key historical dates, etc.);
- Provision of relevant documents – application, proof of Polish origin, and other documents stipulated by law.
To obtain a Karta Polaka, you need to contact the voivodeship office, undergo an interview, and, if the decision is positive, sign a Declaration of Affiliation with the Polish Nation. The processing of the application takes 1-2 months. The service is free of charge.
To enroll in a university without ZNO or NMT on a state-funded basis, you need to choose public universities. Private higher education institutions can only provide Ukrainians with tuition fee discounts.
What is Pesel UKR and How is it Related to Studying in Poland?
PESEL UKR is a special registration number that identifies Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection status in Poland, granted in connection with the hostilities in Ukrainian territory after February 24, 2022.
Pesel (Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludności – Universal Electronic Population Register) is a unique 11-digit number. It is issued to every foreigner who obtains a temporary or permanent residence permit in the country.
Possession of PESEL UKR grants Ukrainians the right to enroll in Polish public universities for free, receive medical services and social benefits, and find official employment. Education on a state-funded basis is conducted in Polish. Also, some universities allow Ukrainians who have enrolled in a Ukrainian university but have not completed their studies to continue their education in Poland.
A free place is not granted automatically. Ukrainians enroll on equal terms with Poles and must pass a competition.
Requirements for admission with Pesel:
- Polish language proficiency at a level not lower than B1-B2;
- Passing an exam or interview – depending on the university and specialty;
- Enrollment on a competitive basis;
- Availability of necessary documents – high school diploma with supplement and sworn translation, proof of legal stay in the country, confirmation of entry into Poland after February 24, 2022, and others;
- ZNO results and high school diploma grade point average – some universities will pay attention to this data to make a decision on enrollment.
To make studying in Poland accessible for Ukrainians without a Karta Polaka, it is mandatory to obtain PESEL UKR. To do this, contact the relevant regional authority with the necessary package of documents. The registration process takes several days. And if you want to speed up the procedure and avoid mistakes, get help from specialists who deal with legalization issues.
Advantages of Free Education in Poland
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Thanks to simplified admission to universities, affordable tuition fees, and a convenient geographical location, Poland is becoming an increasingly popular country for Ukrainians seeking higher education abroad.
The country has many public and private universities offering various specialties, study programs, and courses. Moreover, the Polish education system meets European standards, allowing Ukrainians to obtain a diploma recognized in EU countries. And the possibility of free education in Poland provides additional advantages. Namely:
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Accessibility of quality education without significant expenses;
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High level of knowledge – new skills, learning foreign languages, etc.;
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Valuable experience, allowing internships in European companies;
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Career prospects – the opportunity to find employment in Europe.
Ukrainians in Poland can enroll in a university for free without ZNO or NMT. To do this, you need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary package of documents. To learn more about the admission requirements for Polish universities on a state-funded basis, contact our specialists. We will advise you on any issues regarding legal status, education, and employment in the country, provide answers to all your questions, and help guarantee admission to a university.
Disadvantages of Free Education in Poland for Ukrainians
Free education has not only advantages. Among the main disadvantages of enrolling on a state-funded basis in Poland for Ukrainians, one can name the problems that arise due to moving to another country.
What are the difficulties of studying at Polish universities:
- High competition – free education is not granted automatically; you need to pass a competition along with other applicants;
- Language barrier – teaching at universities is in Polish, and English-language programs are mostly paid;
- Living expenses – to study in Poland, you need to find accommodation, and this requires additional funds.
At the same time, free universities in Poland for Ukrainians allow turning any disadvantage into an advantage. Thus, high competition for a desired specialty encourages diligent study at school to improve the level of knowledge, and studying in a foreign language allows learning a new language and practicing conversational Polish or English, which will be useful for those who intend to travel frequently in Europe, live, or work in European countries. As for housing, places in dormitories are available for Ukrainians, so you can save money. And the learning process does not take up all the time, so students can find a job or part-time work.
Universities in Poland Offering Free Education
In total, there are over 450 higher education institutions in Poland. Among them, over 130 are public, and the rest are private. Only public universities offer free education in Poland, so you should primarily pay attention to them. At the same time, you can also consider private universities for admission. Although education here will not be completely free, it is possible to receive a scholarship that compensates for part of the course cost.
Ukrainians with a Karta Polaka, Karta Pobytu (residence card), and PESEL UKR number have the right to study at III-IV level accredited higher education institutions that have permission from the state to accept foreigners.
The Bologna education system provides for a 3-year bachelor’s degree, a 2-year master’s degree, and a doctoral degree (3-4 years). You can study for free only at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
The best universities in Poland for Ukrainians:
- University of Warsaw – a wide selection of programs.
- Jagiellonian University in Krakow – medicine, law, and philology are the most popular specialties.
- Krakow University of Economics – has the largest research center in the country and offers programs in English.
- University of Silesia in Katowice – a good option for those wishing to study pedagogy, art, and natural sciences.
- University of Wrocław – popular fields include chemistry, sociology, biotechnology, and others.
- Vistula University in Warsaw – one of the largest international universities in Poland. Offers paid internships.
- Maria Curie-Skłodowska University – one of the largest in the country, which annually accepts Ukrainians with exceptional achievements in sports and science. Offers popular fields such as psychology, tourism, and economics.
- Lodz University of Technology – one of the best and oldest technical universities in Poland. Has over 600 partner universities worldwide.
Public universities in Poland for Ukrainians offer various programs that can be studied after the 11th grade. Applicants can also attend Polish language courses to improve their knowledge and increase their chances of enrollment.
Free Study Programs at Polish Universities for Ukrainian Students
Higher education institutions in Poland support state programs for Ukrainians and offer their own. Most often, they all involve the provision of scholarships and grants for education.
Among the main programs:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships – an international exchange program that allows Ukrainian students to study in Poland for one or two semesters and receive a scholarship.
- Teraz Wrocław – support for Ukrainian students at Wrocław universities is provided by the city authorities.
- Projects of international foundations. Polish universities cooperate with various organizations and foundations that provide financial assistance to Ukrainians.
- University programs. Some universities create special programs that allow Ukrainians to study for free at the bachelor’s or master’s level. These programs may change and be limited in time.
If you are interested in studying on a state-funded basis, choose public universities. They offer many specialties and study programs to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. And those who intend to study at private universities can always apply for a scholarship to compensate for part of the tuition costs.
Real Consult specialists will help you choose a university and study program, find accommodation, and оформлять documents for legal residence in Poland. We provide services in Gdańsk and also assist applicants in other cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Gdynia, Reda, Rumia, Sopot, Borkowo, Żukowo, Pruszcz Gdański, etc.
Our services:
- Obtaining a student visa, Karta Pobytu, Karta Polaka, PESEL UKR;
- Support during admission to higher education institutions;
- Preparation of documents for studying on a state-funded basis;
- Assistance in choosing a university based on specialty, tuition fees, city, etc.;
- Electronic registration of the applicant at a Polish university;
- Translation of foreign documents;
- Submission of documents to the university admissions committee on behalf of the applicant by proxy;
- Booking a place in a dormitory and finding other accommodation in Poland;
- Assistance in learning Polish online before entering a university;
- Consultations on admission, study, accommodation, employment, medical insurance, and other issues.
Our specialists will provide information on which universities in Poland are available for Ukrainians for free, which documents are important to collect, how to quickly register and enroll in a university without ZNO/NMT results and exams. For consultation, contact us by phone, via Telegram, Viber, WhatsApp, or fill out the form on the website.
We guarantee admission to public and private universities. We will help Ukrainians with a Karta Polaka or PESEL UKR obtain a state-funded place in their desired specialty.