Life in Warsaw

Poland is a fascinating country that is at the geographical and cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. Today, there are 140 state (public) higher education institutions and 261 private (non-public) ones. The system divides them into university-type and non-university institutions. The university-type HEI offers at least one doctoral programme.

Students pursue their studies at universities, technical universities and academies from October to February and from February to June.

The first-cycle studies, as per guidelines of the Bologna Process in European higher education, last 3-4 years (180-240 ECTS) and give the student an equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree. The second-cycle studies, i.e. the Master’s degree programme, last 1.5 – 2 years (90-120 ECTS). Master’s degree holders may enter the third cycle studies, the doctoral programme.

Poland needs qualified employees.

Many Polish students work while studying. Foreign students can work part-time. Our Career Office offers professional assistance in finding part-time employment, paid and unpaid internships and help qualified students in finding appropriate employment after the end of studies.

Poland is an economy governed by free-market rules, additionally circumscribed by EU regulations. Current GDP is USD 27,700 and the current purchasing power parity is $1.052 trillion. The inflation rate in June 2017 was -0.8%.

Poland used to be an ethnically homogeneous place. International students change this: major educational centres of Warsaw, Poznan, Gdansk, Cracow and other are becoming more culturally diverse.

Cultural events in Poland happen daily: concerts, shows, exhibitions, outdoor events and sports events. Sightseeing is excellent. Also, numerous cinemas, restaurants, cafes, recreation and wellness centres are waiting for you.

Location: Central Europe

Distance to neighbouring countries from Warsaw

• Belarus 416 km,
• The Czech Republic 790 km,
• Germany 467 km,
• Lithuania 103 km,
• Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) 210 km,
• Slovakia 541 km,
• Ukraine 529 km

Language: Polish

Capital city: Warsaw

Major cities: Lodz, Cracow, Gdansk, Poznan, Wroclaw

Population: close to 38 500 000

Total area: 312 685 sq km

Local time: GMT + 1 hr

Currency: zloty (PLN)

Climate: Summers are warm and on average around 19°C, but at times temperatures can be over 30°C. Winters are relatively cold and normally the temperature is below 0°C, but sometimes it can be quite mild.