Study in Poland From Pakistan: Costs, Scholarships and Student Visa (2026)

Why do Pakistani students choose Poland?

Poland has become a popular pick for Pakistani students who want a European degree without the price tag of the UK, Germany’s blocked account, or Scandinavian rents. Public and private universities offer many English-taught bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, IT, engineering, and medicine. The country sits inside the Schengen area, so a Polish residence card lets you travel across much of Europe. Tuition is modest, living costs are among the lowest in the EU, and students may work part time during their studies.

How much does it cost to study in Poland from Pakistan?

A full year in Poland usually costs a Pakistani student between EUR 8,000 and EUR 14,000, including tuition and living. That makes it one of the cheaper European destinations. As always, the first year carries extra one-off costs like flights, the visa fee, and a housing deposit.

Here is the rough split:

• Tuition: EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 a year for most English-taught programs, with medicine higher.
• Living costs: EUR 4,800 to EUR 8,400 a year, or about EUR 400 to EUR 700 a month.
• One-off setup costs: EUR 1,200 to EUR 2,500 for flights, visa, insurance, and a deposit.

How much is tuition in Poland?

Tuition for English-taught programs in Poland typically runs from EUR 2,000 to EUR 6,000 per year. Business, humanities, and IT programs sit toward the lower end, while engineering and specialised programs cost a bit more. Medicine and dentistry are the exception and can cost EUR 10,000 to EUR 15,000 a year or more, since these are premium programs with heavy clinical training.

Are public or private universities cheaper?

Public universities often charge lower tuition and carry strong reputations, but places in English-taught tracks can be limited. Private universities may charge similar or slightly higher fees but tend to offer more English programs, flexible intakes, and support for international students. Both routes are legitimate, so compare the specific program, its accreditation, and its graduate outcomes rather than only the label.

What are the living costs in Poland?

Living costs in Poland are low by European standards, usually EUR 400 to EUR 700 a month. Warsaw and Krakow are the most expensive cities, while Lodz, Lublin, Katowice, and Poznan are cheaper.

What does a monthly budget look like?

• Rent in a shared flat or dorm: EUR 200 to EUR 400
• Food and groceries: EUR 120 to EUR 200
• Transport with a student pass: EUR 10 to EUR 25
• Phone and internet: EUR 10 to EUR 20
• Personal and social spending: EUR 60 to EUR 120

Student dormitories are the cheapest housing and are worth requesting early. Cooking at home and using discounted student transport passes keep monthly costs comfortable for most Pakistani students.

What scholarships are available for Pakistani students?

Several scholarships can reduce or remove tuition in Poland.

• NAWA, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange: runs government scholarship programs for international students, some covering tuition and a monthly allowance.
• University merit scholarships: many Polish universities offer tuition discounts or waivers to strong applicants, often awarded with admission or after a good first year.
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees: fully funded programs that sometimes include Polish universities, covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
• Bilateral and EU-funded programs: occasional schemes support students from partner countries.

A clear motivation letter and strong grades improve your chances. Apply early, because scholarship rounds often close before general admission deadlines.

How do you get a Poland student visa from Pakistan?

You apply for a national long-stay visa, called a type D visa, for study, and later convert it to a temporary residence card once you arrive in Poland. The process is handled through the Polish consulate and its appointed visa centre in Pakistan.

What are the steps?

• Secure admission and pay any required tuition deposit to get your acceptance letter.
• Gather your documents, including proof of funds, insurance, and accommodation.
• Book a visa appointment at the Polish consulate or its visa application centre.
• Attend the appointment, give biometrics, and submit your file.
• Wait for processing, then collect your passport with the type D visa.
• After arrival, register and apply for your temporary residence card within the required time.

How much money do you need to show for the visa?

You must prove enough money to cover tuition, living costs, and your return journey. In practice this usually means showing funds to cover living costs at a set monthly rate plus your tuition. The living cost figure is set by Polish regulations and is modest compared with Germany or Denmark, often a few hundred euros per month for the study period.

The money is usually shown through a bank statement in your name or a sponsor’s name, sometimes supported by a sponsorship letter and proof of the sponsor’s income. Always confirm the current amount and accepted formats with the Polish consulate, as figures are updated periodically.

What documents do you need?

A complete, honest file is the single biggest factor in a smooth approval. Prepare these carefully.

• Valid passport with enough remaining validity.
• University admission or acceptance letter.
• Proof of paid tuition or the required deposit.
• Bank statements and sponsorship documents proving funds.
• Health insurance valid in Poland and the Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation for your initial stay.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates, attested and, where needed, HEC verified.
• English proof such as IELTS, or a Medium of Instruction letter where the program accepts it.
• Completed visa form, photos, and the visa fee.

Can Pakistani students work in Poland?

Yes. Full-time students in Poland can generally work during their studies, and student status often allows work without a separate work permit during the academic year. Part-time jobs in hospitality, retail, IT support, and customer service are common. Wages are lower than in Western Europe, but so are living costs, so part-time work helps cover day-to-day spending.

Can you stay in Poland after graduation?

Yes. Graduates of Polish universities can usually apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work or start a business after finishing their degree. Poland has a growing IT, business services, and manufacturing sector that hires international graduates. After several years of legal residence and work, longer-term residence options open up. Rules change over time, so confirm the current post-study permit conditions before you plan your stay.

What is the application timeline?

Polish universities offer both October and, for some programs, February intakes. Working back from an October start, here is a sensible plan.

• 8 to 10 months before: shortlist programs and universities, check entry rules, and book IELTS if needed.
• 6 to 8 months before: prepare and attest documents, then apply for admission.
• 4 to 5 months before: accept your offer, pay the deposit, and apply for scholarships.
• 2 to 3 months before: arrange funds and insurance, then book your visa appointment and apply.
• 1 month before: confirm housing, book flights, and prepare for arrival and registration.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Applying for the visa too late and missing the intake.
• Choosing an unaccredited program, so check the university’s status carefully.
• Showing funds that appear suddenly with no history behind them.
• Skipping health insurance that is valid across Schengen.
• Ignoring the residence card deadline after arrival, which can cause legal problems.

A realistic example budget

Take Bilal, a student from Karachi starting a bachelor’s in computer science at a university in Lublin in October 2026. His tuition is EUR 3,000 a year. He budgets EUR 500 a month for living costs, which is EUR 6,000 a year. His first-year setup costs come to about EUR 1,800, covering flights, the visa, insurance, IELTS, attestation, and a dorm deposit.

So his first-year total lands near EUR 10,800. He wins a partial university scholarship worth EUR 1,000, bringing it closer to EUR 9,800. Once settled, he takes a part-time job in IT support that covers a good share of his monthly spending. By year two, with setup costs gone and part-time income in place, his out-of-pocket cost drops well below EUR 8,000.

Frequently asked questions