Erasmus in Poland: Cities, Education, Study Requirements, Activities, Housing and Universities

Are you planning your Erasmus in Poland? Here we mention the most important details to know, including the best cities to study in, options and requirements for studies, what to do during your time in the country, information about the different accommodation options you have and about the best Universities to go on exchange.

The Pearl of the East, as Poland is also known, is a destination that allows you to get into the unique Polish culture while living in a multicultural environment with other students from different parts of the world. We invite you to learn about all aspects of your Erasmus in Poland!

Popular Erasmus Cities in Poland

Poland is home to several cities that are popular destinations for students who want to go on Erasmus and get into a culture different from their own. Warsaw, the capital, captivates with its fusion of modernity and history. Its museums, parks and nightlife provide a dynamic urban experience. Krakow, on the other hand, is a cultural gem with its impressive old town and proximity to Auschwitz, recalling both the beauty and shadows of the past. There’s also Gdansk, located on the Baltic Sea coast, and offering a unique combination of Hanseatic architecture and a maritime atmosphere. We continue with Poznan, with its student charm, noted for its artistic atmosphere and lively cultural scene. Wroclaw, known for its bridges and charming squares, is a young and dynamic city, perfect for students.

WARSAW Warsaw is the capital of Poland and its largest city. It is one of the favourite destinations for foreign and Erasmus students due to the prestige of its universities, its atmosphere and history, and because it is relatively cheap. In addition, it is home to the famous Vistula River and is very well connected to other major cities in Europe. Looking for stud

KRAKOW Krakow is a city that leaves no one indifferent. It may seem small at first glance, but it is very pretty, interesting and full of charming corners. This city perfectly combines history with architecture and leisure activities. Also, many students move to this Polish city every year, therefore the student atmosphere is a lot of fun. Are you looking for stude

LODZ This city is the third-largest in Poland, known for having been the core of the country's textile industry. It is located in the centre of the country, between Warsaw and Wroclaw. It is not usually recognized for being a pretty city, but it has a lot to offer students. Every year it welcomes thousands of young people who come here for their Erasmus. During t

POZNAŃ The city of Poznan is located in western Poland, a few hours from Warsaw, Wroclaw and Berlin. This colourful city has medieval origins and is located on the Varta River. It has a very beautiful historic centre, with old and modern architecture, and you can reach almost all the interesting places in the city in less than 30 minutes. The student atmosphere in

Study in Poland: a guide for international students

Basic requirements for international students in Poland

These are some of the requirements and formalities that you will most likely have to do:

If you come from a country outside the European Union/EEA, you’ll most likely have to apply for a student visa to be able to stay in the country for an extended period of time.
To apply for the exchange you have to submit a transcript of your academic record, a motivation letter and fill out the Learning Agreement choosing the subjects you’ll take.
In some cases, it’s requested to prove that you or a guarantor have sufficient funds to pay for the stay.
You must have health insurance covering the duration of your stay (it’s advisable to have the confirmation translated into English or Polish). If you’re from the European Union, we recommend that you get the European Health Insurance Card.
Most universities require a language certificate, stating that you have at least a B1 level in English or Polish.

Why study in Poland?

Compared to many other European destinations, the cost of living in Poland is low. This makes it more affordable for students to manage their expenses and enjoy various experiences without excessive financial pressures. The currency is the zloty and the exchange rate generally favors the euro.

Poland has an active cultural scene ranging from music and art festivals to year-round sporting events. Students can immerse themselves in a dynamic culture that celebrates creativity and expression.

Poland's geographical location in the heart of Central Europe facilitates travel to other parts of the continent. Exploring neighbouring cities and absorbing European diversity becomes an integral part of the experience.

Several destinations in the country stand out for their lively student nightlife. Some of them are Poznan, Krakow and Wroclaw, and they have a large number of bars and nightclubs, as well as organized parties that you will be able to enjoy during your stay.

Best things to do in Poland as a student

During your study time in Poland, you should take the opportunity to visit the diverse cultural sites. Visiting the Old Town of Krakow, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you back to medieval times with its cobblestone alleys and the imposing Market Square. In addition, the National Museum in Warsaw offers a deep insight into Polish and European history through its extensive collections. Also worthy of note are historic sites such as the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Auschwitz concentration camp and the Wooden Architecture Trail.

Exploring the natural beauty of Poland is a must. The Carpathian Mountains, with their rugged peaks and scenic trails, are ideal for hiking and winter sports enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Masurian Lakes region offers a tranquil getaway for those looking to relax by the water and participate in water activities.

Participate in local festivals that reflect Polish traditions. The Rose Festival in Wroclaw or the Grape Harvest Festival in Zielona Gora are examples of events that allow you to delve deeper into authentic Polish culture and celebrations. You can also take part in international festivals, such as the Song Festival in Warsaw and the International Film Festival in Krakow.

Finally, try the delicious Polish food! Probably the most famous dish is the pierogi, but we encourage you to also try others such as "Zurek", "Kotlet schabowy", "Sernik", and a student favourite: "Zapiekanka". You’re going to be able to taste some of these delicacies in the canteens of the universities at cheaper prices than in restaurants.