Study in Poland
Quick answer: Poland has no single national tuition fee for foreigners: each institution sets its own, and an Azerbaijani citizen usually pays even on a Polish-taught course. Since 2025 non-EU candidates must prove B2 in the language of instruction. Azerbaijan is on NAWA’s list of countries eligible for the Banach master’s scholarship.
Public and private institutions
Eurydice, using RAD-on data, lists 135 public and 199 non-public institutions for 2025. Private schools set their own fees; public universities offer free full-time study in Polish only where the law’s conditions are met.
For a closer look, read our pages on private universities in Poland and English-taught degrees in Poland.
Public university fees depend on the programme
| University | Programme (English) | Non-EU fee | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Warsaw | Machine Learning, master’s | €3,300 a year (free for EU students) | 2026/27 |
| University of Warsaw | Physics | €4,000 a year | 2026/27 |
| University of Warsaw | Global Management, International Finance | €2,500 a semester | 2026/27 |
| Warsaw University of Technology | Mechatronics, bachelor’s | €3,600 a semester | 2026/27 |
| Warsaw University of Technology | Robotics, master’s | €2,340 a semester | 2026/27 |
| Gdańsk University of Technology | Management, bachelor’s | 8,600 zł a semester | 2026/27 |
Source: rekrutacja.uw.edu.pl, students.pw.edu.pl (B.Sc.), students.pw.edu.pl (M.Sc.), pg.edu.pl — checked 11/2026.
Note the unit: the University of Warsaw mostly quotes per year, the Technology university per semester. Its 2026/27 application fee is 85 zł per programme, or 100 zł where an exam or non-language interview applies.
Rules in force since 2025
A law of 4 April 2025 targeted visa abuse. According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, candidates from outside the EU, EFTA, Switzerland and the UK must prove at least B2 in the language of instruction; Lazarski University says this has applied since 1 August 2025. Foreigners may not exceed 50% of students at any institution and must be registered in POL-on. A private university should be on the Interior Minister’s approved list, as your right to work depends on it.
School certificate recognition and scholarships
NAWA waives its recognition certificate for EU, OECD and EFTA school certificates, agreement countries (such as China and Ukraine) and IB/EB diplomas. Azerbaijan is not listed as exempt, so check NAWA’s agreements list. The certificate is free via SYRENA (syrena.nawa.gov.pl), does not guarantee admission, and has no stated processing time.
In the 2026 Banach call, Azerbaijan is in eligible country group 4, alongside Nigeria. It funds full-time master’s study in Polish (optionally after a one-year NAWA prep course) or English at partner universities. Your bachelor’s must date from 2024 or later (or finish by 15 July 2026), with B2. Holders get 2,500 zł a month for up to 12 months, a public-university fee waiver and a travel payment. The 2026 deadline was 8 May 2026, with results by 31 July 2026; the 2027 call is not out yet. More options: NAWA scholarships in Poland.
Residence permit, work and graduation
For a study-based temporary residence permit, the Office for Foreigners expects a student without dependants to have over 1,010 zł a month left once actual rent is paid. Azerbaijan falls under “other countries”, meaning 2,500 zł for the journey home and a 340 zł permit fee. NAWA puts real living costs from about 1,500 zł (around €330) a month, which is not a legal threshold. Full-time students on a Polish visa or study permit need no work permit while study stays the main purpose, with no official weekly cap; part-time (zaoczne) students are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
Does knowing Polish make my degree free?
No. Free study is reserved for specific groups such as EU citizens, permanent residents and Polish Card holders.
Which English certificate and score do I need?
The law sets B2 as the floor for non-EU candidates; the university chooses the certificate and score.
Can I stay in Poland after graduating?
Yes. Full-time graduates can receive the nine-month graduate permit once and work without a work permit.
Plan it with us
Weigh public and private options, NAWA recognition and Banach eligibility for your profile with EDDE Global. Book a free consultation.