This month Equal Student Exchange (ESE) takes its readers Poland. As we aim to provide information to students from developing countries, this article will be one of the first of many to be written by students from developing countries.
The author of this specific article first learned about overseas study opportunities and scholarships through Equal Student Exchange (ESE) back in 2012. With this information, she was able to gain the opportunity to study at Uniwersytet Warszawski (the University of Warsaw) in Poland for 6 months in 2013 through an Erasmus Mundus sponsored program. Through this article she now contributes back to the ESE community by sharing her experience in Central Europe. As a result, we can now explore the many opportunities
available for students from developing countries hoping to study in Poland.
STUDY IN POLAND
By Kinanti Octavian Alif
Kraków, Poland, Market square seen from tower of St. Mary church. Cloth Hall and Town Hall tower. Photo: Pko
WHY
STUDY IN POLAND?
Since joining the EU in
2004, Poland has assumed an increasingly influential role in the region. This has
been demonstrated by the appointment of the Polish Presidency of the European
Union Council in the second half of 2011. The World Bank documented Poland as the
country with the fastest growing economy in the European region for several
years. Poland has since become the largest economy in the Central Europe. With a
population of about more than 38 million and a per capita income of $12,660 in
2012, Poland presents a rapidly emerging economy with a wide range of
opportunities.
As a country which has been
shaped by the trials and conflict of history, through its resilience Poland has
now emerged as one of the big players in Europe. This certainly raises great
interest to explore and study in the country. A range of options for study can
be found in the rapidly developing main Polish city centres. Many of these
cities while assuming an increasingly Western European metropolitanism, still
manage to maintain a distinctive Central European character.
Studying in Poland provides
a unique opportunity and experience that differs with experiences likely to be
gained in other European countries. Poland’s high quality tertiary education sector
is based on more than 650 years of experience. Various Poles graduating from
this educational system have gone on to establish their place in the history of
science and art: some examples, among others include Nicholas Copernicus,
Frederic Chopin, and Marie Currie. Today Polish universities continue the traditions of their predecessors
while adapting to a modern and often technology oriented modern world. Warsaw
University for example is ranked first in the Top Coder international IT
ranking.
In terms of living costs for students, living in Poland is considerably affordable
when compared with living costs in Western Europe even with the same quality of
life. The cost of entertainment and tickets to cultural events are also much
lower than the EU average. Poland’s growing popularity as study destination has
attracted about 25,000 (and rapidly rising) international students from more
than a hundred countries around the globe. In terms of security, Poland provides
a relatively safe place for international students of all races, beliefs and
origins.
For those who also seek adventures and cultural experiences, Poland should
not be overlooked. With the serenity of natural landscapes throughout the
country, many historical sites, and cultural events throughout the year, Poland
provides a wide range of possibilities. As an increasingly popular destination
for study, there will also be the chance to meet many new friends from around
the world to share the experience with.
POLISH EDUCATION SYSTEM
Since the 2007/2008 academic year, the Polish higher education system
has been divided into three stages: Bachelor (Licencjat, Inżynier), Master
(Magister), and Doctor (Doktor). This system applies to all fields of education
except Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry,
which are still based on two-stage system (Master and Doctor).
Bachelor (BA, Licencjat). Obtained following the completion of
3-3,5 year-long vocational/technical college studies.
Bachelor (BSc, Inżynier) Obtained following the completion of
3,5-4 year-long college studies in technical sciences, agriculture and economy.
Master (MA, MSc, Magister) Equivalent degrees: Master of Art, Master
Engineer, Master Engineer Architect, qualified physician, dental surgeon or
veterinarian. Granted following the completion of 5-6 year long uniform
university studies. The MSc may also be obtained following the completion of
2-2,5 years-long supplementary master's degree studies which may be taken by
persons with a college diploma.
Doktor (PhD, Doktor) A degree awarded to those who pass
doctoral exam and successfully defend dissertation. To qualify for the academic
degree of doctor one must hold a master or equivalent degree.
Enrollment requirements
The requirements depend on a specific university decision, and should be
verified on a website of the university of your choice. Usually it's necessary
to fill an application form, and enclose the transcript of secondary school (or
college/university) results as well as the evidence of English proficiency
(usually TOEFL results). Some universities require letters of recommendation,
personal essays and other documents, listed on their websites. Art schools, as
well as some physical education departments, and few other ones, organize
additional aptitude tests.
In general, the requirements for international students applying for
universities in Poland are as follows:
Admission Information for BA or BSC
(Bachelors) Candidates:
- Notarized
secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's
high school,
- Filled
out application form,
- 4
passport-size photographs,
- Copy of
candidate’s ID (passport),
-
Certificate of the English language proficiency optionally (unless the high
school courses were taught in English);
- Medical
certificate with no contraindication for studying,
- Admission
fee payment receipt.
Admission Information for MA
(Master) candidates:
-
Undergraduate program diploma or an official duplicate issued by the
university,
-
Candidate's CV with the details about the school and professional career
optionally,
- One
academic reference and one personal reference optionally,
- Filled
out application form,
- 4
passport-size photographs,
- Copy of
the candidate’s ID (passport),
- Proof of
English language proficiency (unless the first degree was taught in English),
- Medical
certificate with no contraindication for studying,
- Admission
fee payment receipt.
However a candidate might be
additionally asked to submit:
Notarized
secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's
high school (when applying for master program),
A
supplement to the undergraduate program diploma or a copy of the bachelor
thesis,
and other
documentation*
*since some universities have
additional various admission requirements, it is advisable to contact selected
University prior to submission of your application!
Important Note: In case a candidate requires a visa to
stay and study on the territory of European Union, he or she should apply for
selected program adequately earlier, so that decision concerning visa issuance
is made before the fall/spring semester begins.
The academic year
The academic year is divided into two parts: the fall semester
(October-mid February), and the spring semester (mid February-June). Each of
them ends with the examination period. Teaching is given in the form of
lectures, classes, seminars, laboratory classes and discussion groups.
Tuition Fees
In Poland full-time education at state institutions of higher education
is free for Polish citizens. It is also free for foreigners who commence
studies in at state HEIs on terms applicable to Polish citizens. All other
foreigners are required to pay tuition fees of no less than a PLN equivalent
of:
EUR 2000
per year for professional higher study, master’s and postgraduate master’s
courses;
EUR 3000
per year for doctoral, postgraduate and specialist courses and scientific,
artistic, specialist and habilitation internships;
EUR 3000
per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships;
EUR 2000
per year for a language course, including a course preparing for study in
Polish.
Polish system in European higher education area
Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration along with 29 other countries,
aiming to create the European Area of Higher Education. Institutions of higher
education in Poland have implemented the ECTS (European Credit Transfer
System). They are also engaged in the international exchange of students, based
on individual schools activity and programs like SOCRATES/Erasmus. The Diploma
Supplement facilitates international recognition of completed education and
acquired qualifications.
,Krakow,Poland.jpg)
PROGRAMS AND SCHOLARSHIP FOR
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
● The Polish Government offers numbers of
scholarship and fellowship intended for university students, researchers, or
lecturers for studying and doing research at Polish public universities and
institutions under either bilateral international agreements or a decision of a
Minister responsible for higher education. All international students may apply
for scholarships within bilateral agreements on direct cooperation offered
through Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).
Contact:
Bureau for Academic Recognition and
International Exchange
ul. Ogrodowa 28/30
00-896 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: + 48 22 826 7434
Fax: + 48 22 826 2823
e-mail: biuro@buwiwm.edu.pl
●
Scholarships
provided by Polish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in cooperation with the
European Union through the Foundation for the
Development of the Education System is Erasmus+. This is a
new program for 2014-2020 which replace and integrate all previous programs
including Erasmus, Erasmus Mundus, Comenius, Leonardo Da Vinci, Youth in Action, Grundtvig etc. This
program is to support education, training, youth and sport initiatives across
Europe.
Students can go abroad for 3 to 12 months (including a complementary traineeship
period, if planned). The same student may receive grants for studying or being
trained abroad totalling up to 12 months maximum per each cycle of study.
Students must be registered in a higher
education institution and
enrolled in studies leading to a recognised degree or other recognised tertiary
level qualification (up to and including the level of doctorate). The mobility
is carried out in the framework of prior “inter-institutional agreements” between the sending and receiving
institutions, both of which must be holders of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (if located in a Programme country).
Students may be awarded an Erasmus+ EU
grant to help cover the travel and subsistence costs incurred in connection
with their study period abroad. Erasmus+
students - whether or not they receive an Erasmus+ EU grant - are exempted from
paying fees for tuition, registration, examinations and access to laboratory
and library facilities at the host institution. The payment of any national
grant or loan to outgoing students should be maintained during the study period
abroad.
The interested student should apply to
the international office and/or Erasmus+ office of his or her sending higher
education institution. The
office will inform him or her of the possibilities of studying abroad as well
as the modalities to apply and to receive an Erasmus+ EU grant.
For Joint Master Degrees (JMD) are
delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions – and
where relevant – other educational and / non-educational partners with specific
expertise and interest in the study area(s) / professional domain(s) covered by
the joint programme.
Between 13 and 20 student scholarship
holders and 4 invited scholars/guest lecturers per intake can, indicatively, take part. In
addition to the student scholarship holders, self-funded students can also be
enrolled.
Students
must be at Master's level, staff of the participating organisations, invited
scholars (guest lecturers) from Programme and Participating countries. Students or scholars should contact the
consortium offering the Master Course for more information on courses and application procedures 
.
.
For
Doctoral Studies many opportunities are
offered to doctoral candidates and researchers through the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions 
. In addition, a limited number of
fellowships will be offered to doctoral candidates to participate in Erasmus
Mundus Joint Doctoral Degrees. Conditions to participate are the same as for
Joint Master Degrees. Doctoral
candidates or scholars should contact the consortium offering the Joint
Doctoral Courses for more information on courses and application procedures .
. In addition, a limited number of
fellowships will be offered to doctoral candidates to participate in Erasmus
Mundus Joint Doctoral Degrees. Conditions to participate are the same as for
Joint Master Degrees. Doctoral
candidates or scholars should contact the consortium offering the Joint
Doctoral Courses for more information on courses and application procedures .
● University scholarships as follow are
also available for academic excellence:
John Paul
II Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships are available to individuals
enrolled in:
●
5-year
straight-to-master’s programs
●
3-year
undergraduate programs
●
2-year
master’s programs
●
doctoral
programs
●
research
projects
The foundation covers accommodation in
the John Paul II Foundation House (men) or a residence hall of the Catholic
University of Lublin (women), administration fees, living expenses and minor
personal expenses. Scholarships are awarded for nine months (October to June).
Contact:
ul. Boczna Lubomelskiej 2
20-070 Lublin, Poland
Phone: + 48 81 532 2059
Phone: + 48 81 532 1510
e-mail: dom.jana.pawla@jp2f.opoka.org.pl
Krzysztof
Skubiszewski Scholarship
Funded by Krzysztof Skubiszewski,
Poland’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs after 1989, the scholarship is open
to candidates from Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Baltic states,
Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region. The recipient is awarded a
one-year internship during the 2011/2012 academic year at the University of
Warsaw (or another Polish university) in the fields of law, political science,
or contemporary history. The aim of the scholarship is to promote democracy,
human rights, and the rule of law. The scholarship is open to candidates who
have successfully defended their doctoral thesis (or who have other significant
academic achievements) or who can demonstrate significant achievements in the
field of public welfare.
Contact:
ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28
00-927 Warsaw, Poland
Phone: + 48 22 552 2555
Fax: + 48 22 552 2222
stypendia.studium@uw.edu.pl
The Lane
Kirkland Scholarship Program
The Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program is
funded by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation and administered by the
Polish-U.S. Fulbright Commission. Its main objective is to share Polish
experiences in economic, social and political transformations within the
framework of a two-semester extended study program (for holders of Master’s
degree) in Polish institutions of higher education and two- to four-week
professional internships in governmental and private institutions. In the
2010/2011 academic year scholarships included 1,750 PLN (for 9 months),
education-related costs, accommodation in Poland, a return ticket, and academic
materials. Computers leased to students become their property after the
completion of the program.
Recruitment:
The recruitment process is announced in
January with the application deadline in March. Approximately 50 of the best
candidates are selected by an independent committee. The recruitment process
has three phases and includes formal and substantive evaluation of proposals
and interviews with:
●
academic
teachers
●
experts,
politicians, government employees
●
managers
●
NGO
leaders, animators of cultural and civic activity
●
journalists
Contact:
Urszula Sobiecka
Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program
Coordinator.
u.sobiecka@fulbright.edu.pl
skype: urszula.sobiecka
The
Stanisław Grabski Scholarship Program
A monthly scholarship of up to 1,500 PLN
is available to students interested in economic trends in the countries of the
former Soviet Union.
Terms and
conditions:
●
residence
in a country of the former Soviet Union;
●
Polish
roots;
●
status of
graduate student of economics at a Polish university.
The program is funded by the Polish
National Bank. Find out more
Castle Książ (Fürstenstein), Poland - Photo Attribution: Drozdp
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES IN POLAND
● Classical Universities:
University of Białystok • www.uwb.edu.pl
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz • www.ukw.edu.pl
University of Gdansk • www.univ.gda.pl
University of Silesia in Katowice • www.us.edu.pl
Jagiellonian University in Krakow • www.uj.edu.pl
Maria Curie-Skłodowska University
• www.umcs.lublin.pl
John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin • www.kul.lublin.pl
University of Lodz • www.uni.lodz.pl
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn • www.uwm.edu.pl
University of Opole • www.uni.opole.pl
Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan
• www.amu.edu.pl
University of Rzeszów • www.univ.rzeszow.pl
University of Szczecin • www.us.szc.pl
Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun
• www.umk.pl
University of Warsaw • www.uw.edu.pl
Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University • www.uksw.edu.pl
University of Wroclaw • www.uni.wroc.pl
University of Zielona Góra • www.uz.zgora.pl
● Universities of Technology
University of Technology and Life Sciences • www.utp.edu.pl
Gdynia Maritime University • www.am.gdynia.pl
AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow • www.agh.edu.pl
Kazimierz Pułaski Technical University of Radom • www.pr.radom.pl
The Main School of Fire Service • www.sgsp.edu.pl
Warsaw University of Technology • www.pw.edu.pl
● Medical Universities
Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow • www.cm-uj.krakow.pl
Medical University of Warsaw • www.wum.edu.pl
● Universities of Economy
Cracow University of Economics • www.uek.krakow.pl
Warsaw School of Economics • www.sgh.waw.pl
● Universities of Arts
Ludwik Solski State Drama School in Cracow • www.pwst.krakow.pl
Polish National Film, Television And Theatre School in Łódź • www.fi
lmschool.lodz.pl
Aleksander Zelwerowicz State Theatre Academy in Warsaw • www.at.edu.pl
Frederic Chopin University of Music • www.chopin.edu.pl
Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław • www.asp.wroc.pl
● Polish Language and Culture Course
The School of Polish Language and Culture, The Jagiellonian University
in Krakow
• www.uj.edu.pl/SL
The Centre of Polish Language and Culture for Foreigners ”Polonicum”,
University of
Warsaw • www.polonicum.uw.edu.pl
USEFUL INFORMATION
● Official website from the Ministry of Science and
Higher Education of Poland.
● Study Fun Poland. You can
use the advanced search to find university in Poland. They can help you with
your studies in Poland including free advice to study in Poland. Feel free to
contact them, contact@studyfun.pl
Most Grunwaldzki we Wrocławiu zaraz po zachodzie słońca Wacki4
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