Last reviewed: 2026-06-11
Applying to study in Poland follows a broadly similar shape at most universities, but the exact requirements, documents and deadlines are set by each institution. Use the steps below as a map, then confirm every detail on the university's own admissions pages.
The general steps
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1. Choose a programme
Browse English-taught programmes by field, city, level and tuition. Shortlist a few that match your background and budget.
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2. Check the entry requirements
Each programme lists its own requirements — typically a recognised prior diploma (secondary school for Bachelor's, a Bachelor's for Master's), an English-language certificate, and sometimes a specific subject background or entrance test. Read the programme page on the university site carefully.
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3. Prepare your documents
Common documents include your diploma and transcripts, a passport, a language certificate and a photo. Many universities require your foreign diploma to be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by a sworn (certified) translation. This can take weeks — start early.
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4. Apply through the university's platform
Create an account on the university's admission system, register for your chosen programme and upload your documents. See our application platforms guide for how IRK, DreamApply and own portals differ.
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5. Pay the fees
Expect a registration/application fee, and — for most non-EU students at public universities and at private universities — tuition. See the tuition & costs guide.
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6. Receive your decision & enrol
If accepted, you'll get an admission decision and instructions to enrol, usually including submitting original documents. You'll then receive the documents needed for your visa or residence application.
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7. Arrange your visa or residence & travel
Non-EU students normally need a student visa and/or residence permit. Begin this as soon as you're admitted — see the visa & residence guide.
Tip: deadlines for English-taught programmes are often earlier than you'd expect, and some universities admit on a rolling first-come, first-served basis. Apply as early as the cycle allows.
Documents you'll commonly need
- Secondary-school diploma (Bachelor's) or higher-education diploma (Master's), plus transcripts
- Legalisation / apostille of your diploma where required
- Sworn translation of documents into Polish or English where required
- Proof of English proficiency (certificate, or prior education in English)
- Valid passport and passport-style photo
- Proof of fee payment
The exact list — and whether apostille or translation is needed — depends on the university and your country, so always check the official requirements.
Where to look next
Start from a programme or university page on this site: each university page summarises its admission platform, deadlines and contacts and links straight to the official admissions site. Browse all universities or all programmes to begin.