Cost of Studying in Poland 2026 — Tuition, Accommodation and Living

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for both domestic and international students, offering high-quality education at costs significantly below Western Europe. But how much does it actually cost to study in Poland in 2026? This guide breaks down every major expense — from tuition to accommodation to everyday living — to help you plan your student budget accurately.

Tuition Fees

Public Universities for Polish and EU Citizens

In Poland, full-time (stacjonarne) programmes at public universities are free of charge for Polish citizens and EU residents who pass the recruitment process. This covers the majority of bachelor's, master's and integrated programmes at universities such as the University of Warsaw (UW), Jagiellonian University (UJ), AGH University of Kraków and Warsaw University of Technology (PW).

Part-time (niestacjonarne / zaoczne) programmes at public universities charge tuition: typically 1 500–6 000 PLN per semester depending on the field of study.

Private Universities

Private universities (uczelnie prywatne) charge tuition for all students. Annual tuition in 2026:

• Humanities, social sciences, business: 6 000–14 000 PLN per year
• Engineering, IT: 8 000–16 000 PLN per year
• Medicine, dentistry (private): 40 000–120 000 PLN per year

International Students (Non-EU)

Non-EU students at public universities pay tuition fees, which vary by institution and programme:

• Humanities and social sciences: 1 500–4 000 EUR per year
• Engineering and natural sciences: 2 000–5 000 EUR per year
• English-taught medicine programmes: 8 000–15 000 EUR per year

However, some non-EU students may study free under bilateral agreements or scholarship programmes (Polska Agencja Akademicka, NAWA scholarships).

Accommodation Costs

University Dormitory (Dom Studencki / Akademik)

The cheapest housing option. Priority is given to students from outside the city and those with low family income. Monthly costs in 2026:

• Warsaw: 400–800 PLN per month
• Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań: 350–700 PLN per month
• Smaller cities (Lublin, Rzeszów, Białystok): 250–500 PLN per month

Most dormitories offer single and shared rooms, shared bathrooms and common kitchens. Applications are made through the university system — apply early as demand exceeds supply in Warsaw.

Private Rental (Pokój / Mieszkanie)

Renting a room in a shared flat is the most common option for students who don't get a dormitory place. Monthly rents in 2026:

• Warsaw (shared room in a flat with others): 1 200–2 000 PLN per month including bills
• Kraków, Wrocław: 900–1 600 PLN per month
• Poznań, Gdańsk: 800–1 500 PLN per month
• Smaller cities: 600–1 000 PLN per month

Food Costs

Students in Poland typically manage food costs in the range of 700–1 400 PLN per month, depending on whether they cook at home or rely heavily on university canteens (stołówki) and restaurants.

• Self-catering (shopping and cooking): 600–900 PLN per month
• University canteen meals: 10–18 PLN per meal — some offer subsidised student menus at 8–12 PLN
• Budget restaurants and milk bars (bary mleczne): 15–25 PLN per main meal
• Coffee shop / café: 12–20 PLN per coffee

Transport

All major Polish cities have extensive tram, bus and metro networks. Students pay reduced fares (ulgowe bilety):

• Warsaw: Monthly student transit pass — 65 PLN (zones 1+2)
• Kraków: Monthly student pass — 50 PLN
• Wrocław, Poznań: Monthly student pass — 45–55 PLN

Intercity travel: PKP (national rail) offers 37–49% student discount on standard tickets. A Warsaw–Kraków train ticket with student discount costs approximately 70–120 PLN.

Books, Materials and Fees

Budget 500–1 500 PLN per academic year for textbooks, course materials, printing and university administrative fees (opłaty administracyjne, typically 50–200 PLN per year at public universities). Many students use electronic resources, library borrowing and second-hand textbook marketplaces (e.g., Olx, Tablica) to reduce costs.

Monthly Student Budget Summary

Funding Your Studies

Students with good grades may receive the stypendium rektora (rector's scholarship) of 600–1 800 PLN/month. Need-based social scholarships provide 600–1 500 PLN/month. Many students also work part-time — Polish law allows full-time students to work on umowa zlecenie (civil contract) without restrictions, and minimum wage for 2026 is 30.50 PLN/hour gross.

Plan your student budget for any Polish city with the student cost calculators at Liczbnik.pl — enter your university city and lifestyle preferences for a personalised monthly estimate.