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Student cost calculator in Poland
Planning to study in Poland and want to know how much you will need each month? The student cost calculator sums all the main expenses: housing, food, transport, tuition, phone and leisure. It also subtracts scholarships and part-time earnings, showing the real financing needed from family or a loan.
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How the student cost calculator works
The calculator sums all the student monthly expenses: 1. The housing cost follows from the chosen type: parents = 0 zl, dorm = 750 zl, room = 1100 zl, flat = 2000 zl (average values for Poland 2026) 2. Tuition is only counted for a private university 3. Total monthly cost = sum of all expenses 4. Yearly cost = monthly cost x 10 (academic year = 10 months) 5. Need = Monthly cost - Scholarship - Extra earnings (a negative value means a surplus)
Example: student in a dorm, public university, Krakow
The student lives in a dorm (750 zl/month), spends 700 zl on food, 150 zl on transport, 65 zl on phone, 200 zl on leisure, 150 zl on other. Public university — tuition 0 zl. Total: 2015 zl/month. Yearly cost (10 months of the academic year) = 20,150 zl. Without a scholarship or extra earnings, parents have to top up 2015 zl/month.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a student month cost in Poland in 2026?
The average student month costs from 1800 zl (parents, public university) to 4500 zl+ (flat, private university). Students in dorms spend on average 2200-2800 zl/month.
How much does a dorm place cost in Poland?
A place in a 2-person room of a state dorm usually costs 400-900 zl per month. In Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw prices are higher. Private dorms can cost 1000-1800 zl for a single room.
Is studying in Poland paid?
Full-time studies at public universities are free for Polish and EU citizens. Part-time studies or private universities are paid — tuition is usually 800-2500 zl per month.
What scholarships can students in Poland receive?
Students can apply for a rector scholarship (about 600-1200 zl/month), a social scholarship (about 400-1000 zl/month), a scholarship for disabled students (up to about 800 zl/month) plus grants and foundation scholarships.
Is it worth working during studies?
A part-time job can greatly ease the budget. Students under 26 are exempt from PIT, so they keep more income. It is worth keeping a balance though — too much work can lower academic results.
How much does a student spend on food per month?
Cooking themselves, a student spends about 500-700 zl per month. With more use of the canteen and ready meals — about 700-1000 zl. Regular restaurant meals can raise the budget to 1200-1500 zl.
What is included in a student transport cost?
The main transport costs are a monthly public transport pass (usually 30-80 zl for students with a discount) and occasional trips home (100-300 zl/month). A student ID gives a 50% discount on domestic PKP and PKS travel.
What does a student budget look like step by step?
The scheme: add up fixed costs (housing + tuition) + variable (food, transport, phone) + discretionary (leisure) + buffer (other). Subtract income (scholarship + work + family support). A negative result is the financing need.
Is it worth taking a student loan?
The BGK student loan is one of the cheapest available (about 50% of the NBP rediscount rate). It is paid out throughout the studies and repaid after graduation. Consider it if you have no other income source, but mind the long-term interest costs.
Are the calculator results binding?
No. The calculator uses average estimated values for the Polish market in 2026. Actual costs depend on the city, lifestyle and individual circumstances. Check current housing offers in your city.
The housing values are averaged estimates for all of Poland in 2026. Actual costs may vary depending on the city, standard and individual circumstances. The calculator is indicative.
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Student budgetPLN 2,015.00Total monthly cost (PLN)
- Housing cost (PLN)
- PLN 750.00
- Yearly cost — 10 months (PLN)
- PLN 20,150.00
- Financing need (PLN/month)
- PLN 2,015.00