Questions and Answers

Q: What do I need to enroll?

A: To qualify all international applicants must first meet the minimum requirements for entry into higher education in their own country, have a matriculation certificate or equivalent document; command of English (at least on an intermediate level) is also required.
Some departments of the arts, physical education, departments preparing students for the teaching profession, and the like, organize additional aptitude tests.

All graduating from Polish institutions of higher education receive a Diploma Supplement. The Supplement is available free of charge and is issued in Polish, and on request in other languages (English, German, French, Spanish or Russian). Since Poland ratified the Lisbon Convention on Recognition of Degrees in 2004 recognition of Polish diplomas has become easier inter-nationally. For information on diploma recognition please visit www.buwiwm.edu.pl.

Q: When academic year starts and ends?

A: In most cases the academic year at Polish universities consists of 2 semesters of 15 weeks duration each.

Fall semester starts in the beginning of October and lasts till mid-February, with two-week break for Christmas holidays and with a one-week vacation period in February. Spring semester starts in mid February and lasts till the end of June, with one-week break for Easter holidays. Summer vacation lasts from the beginning of July to the end of September.

Q: Studying in Poland: How much does it cost?
A: In Poland full-time education at state institutions of higher education is free for Polish citiziens. It is also free for foreigners who commence studies in at state HEIs on terms applicable to Polish citizens. All other foreigners are required to pay tuition fees of no less than a PLN equivalent of:

• EUR 2000 per year for professional higher study, master's and postgraduate master's courses;
• EUR 3000 per year for doctoral, postgraduate and specialist courses and scientific, artistic, specialist and habilitation internships;
• EUR 3000 per year for vocational courses and apprenticeships;
• EUR 2000 per year for a language course, including a course preparing for study in Polish.

In justified cases the Rector of the HEI may, at the student's request, reduce the tuition fee or waive it altogether.

Q: Do I need to speak fluent Polish?
A: You do not need to because universities offer a large variety of study programmes in English. Nevertheless, you may learn Polish either for private everyday use for the time you stay in Poland, or for joining a university course in Polish. Courses of Polish language and culture or survival Polish with orientation programmes are organized by most universities hosting foreign students. This type of course can last for a few weeks just before the academic year or can run throughout the whole semester.
In case you choose Polish as the language of your studies, however, you will be required to prove your proficiency in Polish before you start your studies. Foreign students wishing to pursue studies in Polish are required to have a command of Polish, allowing them to understand lectures and other forms of tuition at universities see www.polonicum.uw.edu.pl.
Information on Polish language certificates is provided by the State Commission for Certification of Command of Polish as a Foreign Language (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).

Q: Are the study programmes accredited?
A: The State Accreditation Committee (www.pka.edu.pl), which has been operating
in Poland since January 2002, monitors and controls educational standards at state (public) and non-state (private) Polish institutions of higher education, and serves to improve and guarantee quality standards as well. 81% of the Polish state institutions of higher education have received outstanding and good ratings. The State Accreditation Committee has developed close co-operation with accreditation committees from other countries. The Polish quality assurance system complies with the ENQA Standards and Guidelines. There is also a voluntary accreditation system supervised by the academic community; accreditation procedures are carried out by commissions appointed by rectors of the different types of institutions of higher education. The voluntary accreditation system is considered the hallmark of high quality in teaching.

Q: Do I need a visa? If so, how do I apply for one?
A: EU/EEA students do not need any Polish visa, however upon arrival to Poland they should apply for a temporary residence permit if they stay in the country longer then 90 days. Non EU/EEA students need to arrive in Poland with a student's visa obtained at a Polish Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. It is important to remember that visas are granted for a maximum of three months. In order to extend the stay in Poland, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit for specified period of time in Voivodeship office 45 days before visa expirattion date. For further assistance students are strongly urged to contact the International Relations Office of their university. More practical information about: coming to Poland, legalizing your stay, medical care and insurance, driving licence, addresses of diplomatic missions of in Poland is available at www.msz.gov.pl (Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Q: Is health insurance required?
A: Medical care in Poland is not free of charge. Health insurance is mandatory for all students for the entire duration of their stay in Poland. The students from non-EU/EEA countries are recommended to buy medical insurance in their home country or immediately after their arrival in Poland. Otherwise students are required to pay for any health service they get. Foreign students are also advised to purchase third party liability insurance and accident insurance.
EU citizens staying in Poland are legible for free health service, providing they present their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
EU citizens not having insurance in their country of residence and non-EU citizens may sign insurance agreement with the Polish Health National Fund (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) and purchase insurance for the monthly fee of 40 PLN.
Under bilateral agreements the citizens of the U.K., Sweden and Slovakia are entitled to free medical care. Under an agreement with the Czech Republic Czech students are entitled to necessary medical care in cases of sudden illness or accident. More information can be found on The National Health Fund website: www.nfz.gov.pl.

Q: Can I apply for scholarship?
A: All international students may apply for scholarships within bilateral agreements on direct cooperation offered through Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl) to one of the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Syria, Switzerland, Sweden, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, the Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Vietnam.
Scholarships for students from European Union are offered within the framework of the Socrates/Erasmus program (www.socrates.org.pl). In addition university scholarships are available for academic excellence.

Q: How do I find accommodation?
A: Most Polish universities provide accommodation for international students at their own dormitories, but the number of rooms is limited. The host university should help students in finding appropriate accommodation.
There is a possibility of renting a room or a flat in various parts of the city with other students. The prices differ depending on the standard, location and distance from the university. Accommodation in student dormitories costs about 400 PLN per month, shared flat from 1000 PLN to 1600 PLN per month.

Q: How much money do I need for living in Poland?
A: Depending on your personal situation, lifestyle and habits you may have different needs. In practice, you will need at least 1100-1300 PLN per month in order to cover the cost of decent accommodation, pay for the local transport, and even go out occasionally. This amount should cover the costs of rent, food, clothing, personal hygiene, local transport, study materials, telephone and other expenses - not the tuition fee however. Here is an approximate calculation of your monthly expenses: accommodation 400-600 PLN; food about 500 PLN; books and entertainment about 150-200 PLN; local transport about 65 PLN.

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Below you will find a list of sample prices of goods and services available in Poland:

• month's rent for a single room: 400-600 PLN
• meal (lunch) in the university canteen: 5-10 PLN
• meal in the city centre (grill bar, small restaurant): 10-30 PLN
• coffee in the city centre: 4-10 PLN
• beer (0,5 litre in a pub): 7-10 PLN
• theatre/cinema ticket: 15-30 PLN
• haircut: 30-100 PLN
• bread: 1,5-2 PLN
• butter: 4 PLN
• water (5 litres) 3,50 PLN
• milk (1 litre) 2-2,5 PLN
• orange juice (1 litre) 2-5 PLN
• apples (1 kilo) 1,5-4 PLN
• oranges (1 kilo) 3,5-5 PLN
• cheese (1 kilo): 10-30 PLN
• ham (1 kilo): 15-30 PLN
• chocolate (1 bar): 2-4 PLN
• rice (1 kilo): 2-3 PLN
• meat (1 kilo): 14-30 PLN
• fish (1 kilo): 13-30 PLN
• chicken (1 grilled): 10-15 PLN
  

The official Polish currency is zloty (PLN).

• 1 EUR = 3,65 PLN l 1 USD = 2,45 PLN
• 1 CHF = 2,20 PLN l 1 GBP = 4,90 PLN
  

The exchange rates of National Bank of Poland (January 2008). Actual rates on www.nbp.pl.

Polish education system

The structure of studies

Since 2007/2008 academic year Polish higher education system has been divided to three stages, which are: Bachelor (Licencjat, Inżynier), Master (Magister), and Doctor (Doktor). This system applies to all fields of education except Law, Pharmacy, Psychology, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine and Dentistry, which are still based on two-stage system (Master and Doctor).

Degrees granted

Bachelor (BA, Licencjat)
Obtained following the completion of 3-3,5 year-long vocational/technical college studies

Bachelor (BSc, Inżynier)
Obtained following the completion of 3,5-4 year-long college studies in technical sciences, agriculture and economy.

Master (MA, MSc, Magister)
Equivalent degrees: Master of Art, Master Engineer, Master Engineer Architect, qualified physician, dental surgeon or veterinarian. Granted following the completion of 5-6 year long uniform university studies. The MSc may also be obtained following the completion of 2-2,5 years-long supplementary mater's degree studies which may be taken by persons with a college diploma.

Doktor (PhD, Doktor)
A degree awarded to those who pass doctoral exam and succesfully defend dissertation. To qualify for the academic degree of doctor one must hold a master or equivalent degree.

Enrollment requirements

The requirements depend on a specific university decision, and should be verified on a website of the university of your choice. Usually it's neccesary to fill an application form, and enclose the transcript of secondary school (or college/university) results as well as the evidence of English profficiency (usually TOEFL results). Some universities require letters of recommendation, personal essays and other documents, listed on their websites. Art schools, as well as some physical education departments, and few other ones, organize additional aptitude tests.

Quality assurance

The Polish State Accreditation Committee is in charge of monitoring and controlling educational standards in Polish institutions of higher education. The Commitee is cooperating with accreditation offices in other countries. For more information see: www.pka.edu.pl

Recognition of diplomas

All the regulations regarding the validation of diplomas, and a list of countries which have signed an agreement of mutual recognition of diplomas with Poland, are available on the webpage of the Bureau for Academic Recognition and International Exchange (www.buwiwm.edu.pl).

The academic year

The academic year is divided into two parts: the fall semester (October-mid February), and the spring semester (mid February-June). Each of them ends with the examination period. Teaching is given in the form of lectures, classes, seminars, laboratory classes and discussion groups.

Examinations

To complete a semester successfully a student must receive passing notes for all examinations. The most common grading scale comprises the following marks: very good (5), good plus (4,5), good (4), satisfactory plus (3,5), satisfactory (3), failing (2). Under the European Credit Transfer System a certain number of credits is allocated to a given subject independently of marks received on exams.

Polish system in European higher education area

Poland has signed the Bologna Declaration along with 29 other countries, aiming to create the European Area of Higher Education. Institutions of higher education in Poland have implemented the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). They are also engaged in the international exchange of students, based on individual schools activity and programs like SOCRATES/Erasmus. The Diploma Supplement facilitates international recognition of completed education and acquired qualifications.

Why study in Poland?

For high quality of polish educational system

Polish university education system has a history of 650 years of educating high profile proffesionals. It resulted with a profit not only for Poland, but also for many countries all over the world, where the Poles brought their proffesionalism and the spirit of innovation. Want some examples? Ignacy Domeyko established the geology research in XIXth century Chile. Between 1872 and 1876 Ernest Malinowski built the world's highest located railroad in Peru. Bronisław Malinowski was a creator of modern anthropology. Ten Nobel Prizes were awarded to Polish artists, scientists and other public figures. Maria Skłodowska-Curie is one of only four laureates to receive a prize twice.

Polish academic traditions reach back to 14th century. The Jagiellonian University in Kraków was established in 1364, as the second university in Central Europe. Today's Polish universities continue the glorious traditions of their predecessors. Warsaw University is ranked first in the Top Coder international IT ranking, outperforming such great institutions like Massachusets Institute of Technology.

Polish specialists of all proffesions are highly appreciated by the recruiters worldwide. Especially Polish doctors, engineers, architects and IT specialists are acclaimed, but other Polish graduates are also considered to be fully prepared to compete on a global job market.

The quality of the system is guaranteed by State Accreditation Committee, which monitors all Polish higher education institutions. According to its control results, over 80% of the Polish universities have outstanding and good rankings.

For low costs of studying and living

Although Poland undergoes through a process of rapid economic development, the cost of living is still significantly lower than in most of the EU countries. A total amount of 200-400 Euro is enough to cover the basic cost of accomodation, food and transport. The cost of entertainment and participation in cultural events are also much lower than EU average. The basic cost of studies is also very competitive. The minimum rate is 2000 Euro a year, what's a few times lower than the EU average.

For rapid economical development

Since 15 years Polish economy has significantly been growing. The GDP growth rate average for past few years is around 5%. The unemployment level decreases very quickly, falling from almost 20% in 2004 to 11 % in 2007, and is expected to reach 8% by the end of 2008. In 2006 and 2007 the wages were growing in a yearly rate of 15%. Poland is now a true 'European Tiger' in terms of civilization progress. This makes Poland a perfect place to live, study, and work in the future.

For high level of personal security

Is spite of popular image, Poland is much safer than most of the European countries. Even the nordic countries, considered as very safe, have much higher crime rate than Poland. It's perfectly safe in here for international students of all races, beliefs and origins.

For outstanding culture and entertainment offer

Polish culture is well known in the world, for both historical heritage and present achievements. Five Polish writers were rewarded with Nobel Prize. Historical composers like Karol Szymanowski, Fryderyk Chopin and Ignacy Paderewski, and present ones like Henryk Górecki, Witold Lutosławski or Krzysztof Penderecki wrote new chapters in the history of music. Academy Award winners Andrzej Wajda, Janusz Kamiński, Roman Polański, Golden Palm winner Krzysztof Kieślowski and many other film industry artists are recognized all over the world. Polish cultural institutions provide high quality entertainment for all tastes. The number of festivals, bookfairs, concerts, gigs, and other kinds of entertainment is massive. There's also something for sport fans. In 2012 Poland will host the UEFA European Football Championships. On of the most important sport events in the world will attract thousands of fans from all Europe.

Living in Poland

Working in Poland

In Polish cities it's easy for a student to find a part-time job. The wages increase systematically, so many Polish students choose paid studies and start working. Although the permission to work in Poland depends on your country of origin.
EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of European Union and EEA countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) are eligible to work in Poland without a work permit.

Citizens of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

If you're a citizen of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, you may work in Poland without a work permit for 3 months in a period not longer than 6 months. Declaration of employment must be registered by the employer in the local job centre.

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Non-EU citizens studying in Poland are allowed to work in July, August and September. For the rest of the year a work permit is needed. Acquiring a work permit is very unlikely, as it's only granted if no EU citizen is found to fill the vacancy. Formalities must be done by the employer. International students are not allowed to work on a student visa basis.

Legalizing your stay

EU/EEA citizens

UE and EEA citizens do not need a visa to stay in Poland. After no longer than 91 days of stay they need to visit local Voivodship Office and register. The applicant must prove that he's subject to a public healthcare insurance, and has enough money to cover the cost of stay in Poland.

Non- EU/EEA citizens

Non EU and EEA citizens must apply for a long term visa in their local Polish consulate. The certificate of enrollment is required. The visa is valid for no longer than 12 months and must be revalidated in a local Voivodship Office. The visa allows to stay in Poland, and for the first three months also on other Schengen Agreement member countries. It's also possible to apply for a residence permit. In order to acquire the permit, international students must have a valid health insurance policy and enough money to cover the costs of stay and return to the country of origin.

All international students must apply for a temporary residence certificate within 3 days from the date of crossing the Polish border. In order to apply, it's neccesary to visit the local Population Registry Bureau in the Municipal Office.

Healthcare

It's mandatory for international students to have a health insurance in Poland. EU/EEA citizens are allowed to exercise their healthcare rights on a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) basis. Citizens of other countries must buy the commercial insurance policy covering the healthcare costs in their countries, or pay for a voluntary policy in Polish National Healthcare Fund. The policy cost ranges from 36 PLN to 279 PLN monthly, depending on a number of medical procedures included. To get a policy it's neccesary to present the university certificate of enrollment, student ID card, the temporary residence certificate and passport with valid visa or residence permit. More information on http://www.nfz.gov.pl/ue/?katnr=5&dzialnr=2&artnr=716&czartnr=2.

Scholarships

Studies in Poland cost 2000 Euro yearly as a minimum, but it's neccesary to check out the price of the course of your choice, as it may by higher, depending on particular university's decision. Scholarships are available for students with proven Polish origin. For graduate students the amount is 850 PLN, for postgraduate students 1270 PLN a month. All students from Belarus who are subject to political repression may participate in Kalinowski Scholarship Fund, offering 1270 PLN a month. The scholarship application must be posted to local Polish consulate before coming to Poland. Polish consulates provide all the neccesary information.

Practising religion

Although the Roman Catholic Church is the dominant religious institution in Poland, practising other religions is possible. Poland has a history of religious tolerance. The hate crimes on religious basis are very rare. Orthodox, Greek Catholic and protestant churches are present in almost all big cities, as well as muslim prayer centres. Jewish Kehillas are available in ten cities. Many other religious societies are active, and their institutions available.

Personal safety

The crime rate in Poland is much lower than in EU countries, and significantly lower than in the USA. This applies to most kinds of crime, including murders, car theft, rapes and robberies. The safety level is high. Although, common sense behaviour is neccesary. One should avoid walking at night in most dangerous locations, keep an eye on personal belongings, remember about locking the apartments, and do not leave opened cars, or unprotected bicycles on the streets.

Poland in short

• Official name: Republic of Poland /Rzeczpospolita Polska
  (short form: Poland/ Polska)
• Independence: 11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)
• Government type: republic
• Location: Central Europe
• Border countries: Belarus 416 km, 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: Gdańsk, Kraków, Łódź, Poznań, Wrocław
• Population: 38 518 241 (July 2007)
• Total area: 312 685 sq km (304 465 sq m - land, 8220 sq m - water)
• Climate: temperate with cold, cloudy, moderately severe winters with frequent precipitation; mild summers with frequent showers and thundershowers
• Local time: GMT + 1 hr
• Executive branch: head of state: President Lech Kaczynski (since December 2005); head of government: Prime Minister Donald Tusk (since November 2007)
• Member of the European Union: Since 2004
• Religions: Roman Catholic 89,8%, Eastern Orthodox 1,3%, Protestant 0,3%, other 0,3%, unspecified 8,3%
• Monetary unit: zloty (PLN)
• Approximate exchange rates: 1 EUR = 3,59 PLN; 1 USD = 2,45 PLN; 1 CHF = 2,17 PLN; 1 GBP = 4,87 PLN; 100 JPY = 2,19 PLN (actual exchange rates: www.nbp.pl)
• GDP - per capita: 14 400 USD (2006)

General information about Poland

GEOGRAPHY

Poland is located in the very centre of Europe. With the total area of 312,679 km² (120,728 sq mi) it’s the seventh biggest country on the continent. Polish population is over 38,5 million people. The capital city is Warsaw (around 2 million inhabitants). Poland borders 7 countries: Germany on the west, Czech Republic and Slovakia on the south, Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania on the east, and Russia on the north.

Most of the country is located on lowlands. On the south there are upland areas with two major mountain chains – the Carpathians (Karpaty) and the Sudetes (Sudety). The Baltic sea coastline on the north measures 770 km. The longest river, Vistula (Wisła) is 1,047 km (678 miles) long.

The highest point of Poland is the peak of Rysy, 2,499 metres (8, 199 ft) in elevation. The lowest point in Poland is at 2 metres (7 ft) below sea level, located in the Vistula Delta.

The climate is moderate. The average summer temperature ranges from 20 °C (68 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F). Winters are cold – the average ranges from 3 °C (37,4 °F) in the northwest to –8 °C (17,6 °F) in the northeast.

HISTORY

First Polish state was recognized in second half of Xth century, when the Piast dynasty connected a few territories ruled by local Slavic tribes. In 966 Poland was baptized, and in 1025 the first king- Bolesław Chrobry – was enthroned. In the twelfth century Poland was divided to a few smaller states. The reunification took place in 1320. In 1385 Poland and Lithuania formed a commonwealth. The common Polish-Lithuanian state (named the Republic of Both Nations) became one of the biggest and strongest countries in Europe. The crisis emerged in the half of XVIIth century with the Swedish invasion, which caused a serious social and economical damage. Between 1772 and 1795 Poland went through a series of wars, ending with partitioning the country between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. The independence was lost for 123 years.

In 1918 Poland regained its sovereignity as a parliamentary republic. The borders were formed after three years of wars against Germany, Soviet Russia, Czechoslovakia, Lithuania and Ukrainian forces. In 1926 Józef Piłsudski, the most popular leader and World War hero, organized a coup, transforming the country to presidential republic.

In September 1939 Poland was attacked by joint German (1 IX) and Soviet (17 IX) forces. Until 1945 the country was occupied. Over 6 000 000 people (half of them Polish Jews) perished. Polish troops fought against Germany on numerous fronts of World War II.

Between 1945 and 1989 Poland was ruled by communist governments installed by Soviet Union under the name of People's Republic of Poland. The country had some social and economical achievements, but human rights were abused and many civil liberties suspended. In 1989 the indepentent trade union „Solidarność” under the leadership of Lech Wałęsa has overthrown the regime. Poland built the democratic institutions and joined the international organizations: NATO in 1999 and European Union in 2004.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

Poland is a parliamentary republic. Prime Minister and Council of Ministers led by him are the leading institutions. The President is a head of state and is elected every five years in a popular election. The Parliament is bicameral and consists of a 460-member Sejm (the lower house) and a 100-member Senat. The elections take place every four years. Sejm is elected under d'Hondt proportional representation method, with 5% election threshold, and Senat under plurality voting system with 2-4 Senators elected from each constituency. There are four major parties represented in the Parliament: moderate right-wing Civic Platform, right-wing Law and Justice, centrist Polish People's Party and social democratic Left and Democrats. The current President of Poland is Lech Kaczyński (Law and Justice). The Prime Minister is Donald Tusk (Civic Platform). The country is ruled by the coalition of Civic Platform and Polish People's Party.

ECONOMY

After 1989 Poland came through a shock therapy liberal project by Leszek Balcerowicz, the then Minister of Finances. It caused serious social damages, as in other former Eastern Bloc countries, although Poland was the first of them to regain the pre-1989 GDP level. Since last 15 years Polish GDP grows rapidly, with an average rate of 5% per year. The inflation rate is low and the wages have grown in a yearly rate of 15% for the past two years. The unemployment, very high until 2004, is rapidly decreasing. Right now its level is 11 %, but it's expected to fall beneath 8% in two years time. These economical factors, along with the modest living costs, make Poland an attractive location for both studying and working.

Why poland ?

Poland is a fascinating country that serves as the geographical and cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. Located at the center of the Northern European plain, Poland has been a nation of survivors since the foundation of the first Polish state more than 1000 years ago. Through its turbulent history its people have managed to maintain their identity, and today, the country enjoys a crucial position as the largest of the former Eastern European states and the most populous new member of the European Union.

• On the 21 December 2007 Poland joined The Schengen Area. As a result passport checks are abolished on Poland's borders to Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Lithuania. It practically means that persons admitted to the Schengen Area can travel hassle-free between 24 countries of the Schengen Area without internal land and sea border controls, from Portugal to Poland and from Greece to Finland.

• Thanks to its location, Poland occupies a special place in European Union. Poland's border on the river Bug became the EU's eastern border. In the wider geographical and geopolitical sense Poland occupies a central position. More and more foreign investment from Western Europe is to be shifted to Poland, as well as from the US and Asia. Poland's geographic location facilitates the logistics activities and forecasts indicate an increase in the number of immigrants to the country.
  

• Polish institutions of higher education are participating to international student exchange programmes like Socrates / Erasmus and engaging in bilateral agreements an individual exchange programmes pursued by particular schools. All these initiatives enhance the development of relations between Polish and foreign institutions of higher education. The number of Polish institutions of higher education awarded an Erasmus University Charter is approaching 200 and the mobility of Polish students is growing rapidly.
  

• Poland, the largest country among the newest members of the European Union has one of Europe's youngest populations - half of its citizens are less than 35 years old. Out of nearly 39 million Poles almost 2 million are university students

• Poland's education market has been the most dynamically developing one in Europe during the last ten years. The number of higher education institutions has increased five fold while the number of students quadrupled. Each year almost half a million young people begin their education at universities and colleges.

• Polish academic traditions reach back to 14th century, some of the Europe's oldest universities can be found here. The Jagiellonian University of Cracow was established in 1364. Nicholas Copernicus and Marie Skłodowska-Curie are among great names of Polish scientists known and admired worldwide.

• Today's Polish universities continue the glorious traditions of their predecessors. Warsaw University is ranked first in the Top Coder international IT ranking, it outperformed such great institutions as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A representative of Poland also leads the Top Coder individual ranking.
  

• Polish universities offer high quality studies and are an integral part of the European education space. All leading universities offer programmes thought in English, these include medicine, engineering, humanities, business and finance. Poland takes active part in the Bolonia Process. Thanks to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) students can be fully mobile, and continue education in other countries.

• Universities have some special offices to take care of the needs of every international student. Specially assigned Polish students help newcomers to adjust to their new environment.
  

• Phenomenon unique to Poland's education market is the large share of it in the hands of private institutions of higher education. The composition of the Polish market is comparable to that in the USA. There are now about 310 privately owned universities and colleges in Poland and 138 state schools of higher learning. Thanks to high level of competition the cost of studying is lower than in other European countries.
  

• Students who decide to study in Poland in English can do so at one of more than 100 institutions. These include universities, technical universities, higher schools of engineering, agricultural academies, academies of economics and numerous other higher vocational colleges and teacher training colleges. HEI's in Poland emphasize the application of scientific knowledge for future professional needs. Strong focus is placed on fundamental and applied research, as well as on creative and artistic work.
  

• Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) who as the first in modern times developed a heliocentric theory of the Solar System and Maria Skłodowska-Curie who discovered polonium and radium in 1898 are the world-famous Polish scientists. Nowadays Polish scientist are responsible for such break-troughs in science as: discovery of the practical implementation of blue laser, the design of the technology for the manufacture of the smallest synthetic diamonds in the world, construction of an artificial heart or designing nano-cristals for the purpose of 3G mobile telephony system. Aleksander Wolszczan, Polish astronomer graduate of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, was the first to prove the existence of a planetary system in the Universe outside of our Solar System.
  

• Studying in Poland offers a wonderful opportunity to get to know the rich culture of the country, to see splendid historical monuments and to enjoy some of Europe's largest and most unspoilt natural habitats. Thirteen sites in Poland have been put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. One of them, the Białowieża Forest, is the biggest naturally afforested area in Europe and the last remaining section of primeval forest, with some species of flora and fauna unmatched anywhere else in Europe. It's, for example, the habitat of the European bison, the continent's largest mammal. Another UNESCO site which arouses excitement and admiration is Malbork Castle, erstwhile headquarters of the Teutonic Order and the largest Gothic fortress in Europe. Also Wieliczka Salt Mine, the world’s oldest commercial enterprise still in business, became a destination for tourists from all over the world. Today’s mine is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers 350 km long, 2 km of which are accessible to visitors.