POLAND

POLAND:
ABOUT POLAND:
Geography of Poland
Location: Central Europe, east of Germany
Population: 38,500,696 (July 2008 est.)









Languages: Polish
Literacy: Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 99.8%
male: 99.8%
female: 99.7% (2003 est.)
Country name: conventional long form: Republic of Poland
local short form: Polska
local long form: Rzeczpospolita Polska
Government type: republic
Capital: Warsaw









Economy
Poland has pursued a policy of economic liberalization since 1990 and today stands out as a success story among transition economies. In 2007, GDP grew an estimated 6.5%, based on rising private consumption, a jump in corporate investment, and EU funds inflows. GDP per capita is still much below the EU average, but is similar to that of the three Baltic States. Since 2004, EU membership and access to EU structural funds have provided a major boost to the economy. Unemployment is falling rapidly, though at roughly 12.8% in 2007, it remains well above the EU average. Tightening labor markets, and rising global energy and food prices, pose a risk to consumer price stability. In December 2007 inflation reached 4.1% on a year-over-year basis, or higher than the upper limit of the National Bank of Poland's target range. Poland's economic performance could improve further if the country addresses some of the remaining deficiencies in its business environment. An inefficient commercial court system, a rigid labor code, bureaucratic red tape, and persistent low-level corruption keep the private sector from performing up to its full potential. Rising demands to fund health care, education, and the state pension system present a challenge to the Polish government's effort to hold the consolidated public sector budget deficit under 3.0% of GDP, a target which was achieved in 2007. The PO/PSL coalition government which came to power in November 2007 plans to further reduce the budget deficit with the aim of eventually adopting the euro. The new government has also announced its intention to enact business-friendly reforms, reduce public sector spending growth, lower taxes, and accelerate privatization. However, the government does not have the necessary two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, and thus may have to water down initiatives in order to garner enough support to pass its pro-business policies.
















Currency: zloty (PLN)


Why Poland:
Why choose Poland?
Polish educational system provides high quality services. That is proven by the success of Polish professionals working all over the world, acclaimed as perfectly educated, creative and effective. Studies in Poland cost much less than in most European countries, and cost of living is much lower.

Do I have to speak Polish?
There are English courses available for international students, so you don't have to speak Polish. If you prefer to study in Polish you will have to graduate a Polish course before you start studying. Courses are organizes at several Polish universities.
What are the tuition fees at Polish institutions?
The minimal tuition fee is 2000 euro a year. Although, universities may set higher amount for particular courses, so you should verify the cost of studying at University of your choice.
What are the living expenses in Poland?
The living expenses in Poland are much lower than in most EU countries. The amount of 200-400 Euro should cover the monthly costs of accommodation, food and transport.
Is Poland safe?
Poland is a safe country. According to statistics, it's one of the safest within the EU. Nevertheless, precautious behavior is necessary, as anywhere in the world.
Is health insurance necessary?
Yes, you have to obtain a health insurance policy.If you're not a EU/EEA citizen you have to obtain an insurance policy in Polish National Health Fund. The cost estimates from 36 to 279 PLN, depending on a number of medial procedures included. Health insurance is necessary to legalize your stay in Poland.
How will I find housing?
International Office of the University of your Choice will help you to find a place in a student's dormitory. If no place is available, or if you prefer to live by yourself, you may find housing on private market. There are many possibilities, including renting a room, sharing an apartment or renting an own flat. Most Universities have their own accommodation databases, connecting students with homeowners free of charge. In real estate agencies it's necessary to pay a fee (usually equivalent to a monthly rent).
How do I legalize my stay in Poland?
If you're a EU/EEA citizen you need no visa to travel to Poland. You just need to register your stay in local Voivodship's Office within 91 days from the date of crossing the Polish border. Citizens of other countries must apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit in a local Polish consulate.
All international students must acquire a temporary residence certificate in the local Municipal Office's Population Registry Bureau. This must be done within 3 days from the date of crossing the Polish border.
Are any scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for students with proven Polish origin, and for students from Belarus who are subject to a political repression. It's necessary to apply for a scholarship in a Polish consulate in your country of origin. The consulates provide all the necessary information. Other scholarship offers may be available in certain Universities. You should check it out in a course search engine and in the International Students office of the University of your choice.
EDUCATION SYSTEM:
For high quality of polish educational system
Polish university education system has a history of 650 years of educating high profile professionals. It resulted with a profit not only for Poland, but also for many countries all over the world, where the Poles brought their professionalism 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.
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).

UNIVERSITIES:
• Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan
• Adam Mickiewicz University
• AGH University of Science and Technology
• Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University
• Bronisław Markiewicz State School of Higher Vocational Education In Jaroslaw
• Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw
• Cracow University of Economics
• Cracow University of Technology
• Częstochowa University of Technology
• Eugeniusz Piasecki University of Physical Education in Poznan
• Gdansk University of Technology
• Jagiellonian University
• Karol Adamiecki University of Economics in Katowice
• Kazimierz Wielki University
• Kielce University of Technology
• Kozminski University
• Lazarski University
• Maria Curie-Sklodowska University
• Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education
• Medical University of Lodz
• Medical University of Lublin
• Opole University of Technology
• Poznan University of Economics
• Poznan University of Medical Sciences
• Poznan University of Technology
• Pultusk Akademy of Humanities
• Technical University of Lodz
• University of Silesia in Katowice
• University of Agriculture in Krakow
• University of Lodz
• University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
• University of Warsaw
• University of Wroclaw
• University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw
• Warsaw School of Economics
• Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities (SWPS)
• Warsaw University of Life Sciences
• Warsaw University of Technology
• Wroclaw Medical University
• Wroclaw University of Economics
• Wroclaw University of Technology
Study Programs:
• Master of Science in Engineering
• MSc in Civil Engineering
• MSc Electrical and Computer Engineering
• MSc in Automatics Control and Robotics
• MSc in Aerospace Engineering
• MSc Computer Science
• Master of Global Production Engineering and Management
• Erasmus Mundus Master in Advanced Robotics - EMARO
• Erasmus Mundus master's programme M.E.S.C. - Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
• Erasmus Mundus Master Optics in Science and Technology OpSciTech
• MSc Advanced Computational Mechanics
• MSc Oil and Gas Technology
• MSc Combustion Engines
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• MSc Transportation Management and Railway Vehicle Engineering
• MSc Road Engineering
• MSc Computational Engineering
• MSc Computer Aided Design in Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Thermal Power Systems and Installations
• MSc Applied Computer Science
• A Development Economics
• Graduate MA Programme in International Relations
• MA Quantitative Finance
• MA Philosophy of Being, Cognition and Value Studies in English
• MA Psychology Studies in English
• MA American Studies
• MA International Economics
• MA International Business Programme
• MA Studies in Political Science
• MSc Management - specialization: logistic management
• MSc Mining and Geology - specialization: mining engineering
• MSc Electronics and Telecommunications - specialization: control and measurements systems
• MSc Electronics and Telecommunications - specialization: network and services
• MSc Mechatronics - specialization: mechatronics design
• MSc Physics - specialization: Physics of Carbon
• MSc Physics – specialization: Organic Microelectronics
• MSc Mathematics – specialization: Education
• MSc Mathematics - specialization: Finance and Insurance
• Master of Science in International Business Economics
• Master of Arts in International Relations
• Agroecology
• Master of Business Administration
• MSc Corporate Finance and Accounting
• MSc International Business
• BSc/MSc Computer Modelling and Simulation (CMS)
• BSc/MSc Intelligent Energy (IE)
• BSc/MSc Business and Technology (BT)
• BSc/MSc Biotechnology for Environmental Protection (BI)
• M.A. in Language and Communication in Media and Politics
• M.A. in English Philology
• M.A. in English and Celtic Studies
• European Master's Degree in Human Rights and Democratisation (E.MA)
• European Masters in Science of Performative Creativity (MSPC)
• International Master in Balkan Studies, IBS
• Master Program in Political Science, AMU/Master Program in European Studies, EUV
• International Master Programme in Chemistry, SERP-Chem
• MBA in Management for Central and Eastern Europe
• MSc in Civil Engineering
• MSc in Small Business Economics & Management (SBE&M)
• MSc in Control Engineering and Robotics, specialization: decision systems
• MSc in Electronics and Telecommunications, specialization: computer electronic systems
• MSc in Electronics and Telecommunications, specialization: radio communication systems and networks
• MSc in Informatics, specialization: distributed applications and internet services
• MBA – Healthcare
• MBA in Strategy and Programme Management
• MBA Sports Management
• Master in Graphic Art Studies
• Materials Chemistry
• Industrial Design
• Graphic Design
• Joint Master Degree in European Business and Finance
• MSc in Computer Science, specialization: modelling and visualisation in bioinformatics
• MSc in Mathematics, specialization: mathematical methods in informatics
• MSc in Finance
• MBA Executive Study Programme in Management
• MSc in Business and Management
• MSc Electronics and Telecommunication
• MSc Electrical Engineering
• MSc Technical Physics
• MSc Information Technology
• MSc Management
• MSc in Chemical Technology
• MSc in Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• MSc Architecture and Town Planning
• MSc Control Engineering and Robotics
• MSc Mechanics and Mechanical Engineering
• MSc Informatics
• MSc Mathematics
• International Masters Degree Programme in European Studies (IMPREST)
• International Masters in Economy, State and Society (IMESS)
• MA in European Studies (including Central & Eastern European Studies,
• Master in European Studies (The Process of Building Europe)
• MA in American Literature
• MA in English Literature
• MA in TESOL Methodology/Applied Linguistics
• MSc in Biotechnology
• MA in Euroculture
• MA in Transatlantic Studies
• MSc in Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry
• European Master of Public Health (EUROPUBHEALTH)
• Alliance for Business Education International Master in Management
• Master in Finance
• European MBA
• EURO*MBA
• Master in International Business and Management (full-time/part-time)
• Forest Information Technology
• The European Master's Programme in Consumer Affairs EURECA
• MSc Information Systems in Management
• MSc Restoration and Management of Environment
• MSc in the Economics and Organization of Enterprises
• MA English Studies
• Psychology in English Programme
• Master of Business Administration
• MA in International Business: Business in Central and Eastern Europe/International Business Management
• Warsaw Executive MBA
• MSc Geodesy and Satellite Navigation
• MA Political Sciences and International Relations
• MSc Environmental Protection
• MSc Aquaculture and Aquariology
• Post-Graduate Studies - The Executive MBA Programme in Business Management
• MA English Philology
• MA Ecohydrology
• MA International Marketing Management
• MA International Relations - specialization: american studies and mass media
• MA Development Economics
• MA Computer Science
• MA Informatics and Econometrics
• MA Administration
• MSc Biotechnology
• MA Geology and Environmental Management
• MA Tourism
• MA Geography and Environmental Management
• MA Political Science
• MA International Relations
• MSc Mathematics
• Msc Computer Science
• MSc Chemistry
• MSc Computer Physics
• MSc Theoretical Physics
• MSc Experimental Physics
• MSc Managerial Economics
• 4-year MD Programme
• 6-year MD Programme
• 5-year DDS Programme
Admission Requirements:
General Admission Requirements
In general, the requirements for international students applying for universities in Poland are as follows:
Admission Information for BA or BSC (Bachelors) Candidates:
• Notarized secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's high school,
• filled out application form,
• 4 passport-size photographs,
• copy of candidate’s ID (passport),
• certificate of the English language proficiency optionally (unless the high school courses were taught in English);
• medical certificate with no contraindication for studying,
• Admission fee payment receipt.
Admission Information for MA (Master) candidates:
• Undergraduate program diploma or an official duplicate issued by the university,
• candidate's CV with the details about the school and professional career optionally,
• one academic reference and one personal reference optionally,
• filled out application form,
• 4 passport-size photographs,
• copy of the candidate’s ID (passport),
• proof of English language proficiency (unless the first degree was taught in English),
• medical certificate with no contraindication for studying,
• Admission fee payment receipt.
However a candidate might be additionally asked to submit:
• Notarized secondary school certificate or an official duplicate issued by the candidate's high school (when applying for master program),
• A supplement to the undergraduate program diploma or a copy of the bachelor thesis,
• and other documentation*

LIVING IN POLAND:

A very important aspect of studying in a new city is finding a place to stay. Some people like busy areas, some like it nice and quiet. Some like to live with others, some do not. Take your time to find the place you want, or, if you do not care for the hassle, just ask the university for a place to stay. You will usually end up living with a bunch of international students from around the globe.
Dorm
A major benefit of living on campus is easy access to everything including libraries, sports facilities and computers. On-campus housing can also be cheaper. Low-cost accommodation and meals are available in the dormitories of various universities.
Many student residences have double and single rooms with shared kitchen, toilet and bathroom. Most also have laundry rooms. Since the number of places is limited, it is recommended that you contact the university service at least two months in advance.
Flat:
Private accommodation should be planned carefully. The price depends on factors such as distance from the city centre as well as the quality of the apartment. Check if the price includes utility charges. Rental agreements can be concluded for a fixed term.
Climate
The geographical location and surface features are the two most important factors determining the climate of Poland. The climate has transitional character between the maritime and continental climates. Winters are sometimes mild and sometimes cold, similarly the summers are cool and rainy or hot and dry. Generally, summer is usually warm and the most pleasant time to visit, but the plentiful sunshine is mixed together with rain. Spring starts in March with temperatures varying from -1 to +20 °C, until about April or May. July is the hottest month, but the rest of the summer is also quite warm with temperatures from 21 to 32 °C. Initially warm September is the beginning of Poland's autumn. Thereafter, the days become more cold until December, when winter begins and the temperature drops from a few degrees below zero to sometimes - 20 °C. Winter lasts from December to March and includes shorter or longer period of snow. In the high mountains snow lies till May.
Costs of living
Average costs of living in Warsaw
The official Polish currency is the Polish zloty (PLN)..


1 EUR = 3,50 PLN
1 USD = 2,80 PLN
All the costs listed below are estimated only. Actual costs of living will vary depending on individual needs and lifestyle. We estimate that 1500 PLN per month is a minimum to cover housing costs, meals, city transportation and some personal expenses.
1. Housing costs
Accommodation in a dormitory (limited number of places available for SWPS students) – 430 PLN
A room in a shared flat - starts from 500 PLN monthly
A studio in the city centre - starts from 1400 PLN monthly
The prices vary depending on location, size and living standards.
2. Food
Estimated cost - 400-600 PLN monthly
Lunch at a fast food restaurant - 15-20 PLN
SWPS offers meals at moderate prices e.g. 10-15 PLN for lunch.
3. Basic products - some example prices
Loaf of bread - 2,5 PLN
Milk - 2,5 PLN (1 litre)
Eggs (10) - 4,50 PLN
Ham - from 20 PLN per 1 kg
Cheese - from 20 PLN per 1 kg
Washing detergent - from 5 PLN per 400 grams
4. Entertainment
Cinema - 12-22 PLN
Theatre - 20-100 PLN
Concerts - around 100 PLN
Clubs (entrance fee) - 20-30 PLN
5. City Transportation
30-day city card that allows travel on all means of transport - 39 PLN (student rate)
90-day city card that allows travel on all means of transport - 98 PLN (student rate)
Single ticket valid for one ride (bus, tram or underground) - 1,40 PLN (student rate)


VISA :
STUDENT VISA


Waiting time for obtaining this type of visa is one month.

After obtaining the Acceptance letter one can apply for a student visa.

REQUIREMENTS:
• One application form completed and signed by applicant.

• Two recent passport-size photographs not older than six months.
Passport, valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay.
• 
Previous passport(s), if any.

• Photocopy of the current applicant’s passport and all previous Polish visas a Schengen visas should be attached.
• Acceptance letter from the Polish university, Confirmation of enrollment and the fee receipt, information about the accommodation in Poland.
• Sponsorship formal obligation of your sponsor (Affidavit), certified by notaries act in Pakistan, proof of sufficient financial means of your sponsor (proof of income and bank statements) or Polish or foreign official scholarship.
• English Language test such as:


* TOEFL {Test of English as a Foreign Language} (minimum score of 550 points for the paper Based Test or 213 points for the Computer Based Test)

* IELTS {International English Language Testing System} (Band 6.0) 

School certificates, mark sheets.
• Statement of fix deposit account in Pakistan of applicant with at least 5000 EURO per studying year.
• Possible proofs of health insurance for the whole period if stay in Poland or travel health insurance for the first 3 months of stay.
• Return ticket (open) to Pakistan.


INFORMATION FOR THE FOREIGNERS

Any foreigner traveling to the Republic of Poland in order to begin or continue his/her studies, partake in medical research or any other kind of trainings, should posses an amount of 1,600 zlotys or its equivalent in foreign currency, so as to be able to cover the costs of living and lodging for each month of his/her stay.
Documents, with which the foreigner, as stated in the act, is able to prove his possession of the above mentioned amount, necessary to cover his/her costs of living and lodging, are as follows:
Bank statement issued by a financial institution, with one of its branches being located on the territory of the Republic of Poland; the bank statement should prove the foreigner’s possession of an amount not less than that declared above, stamped and singed by an eligible bank staff member and issued not (sooner/later) than one month prior to crossing the border; traveler’s cheques; credit card, with which the foreigner is able to pay on the territory of the Republic of Poland, along with a bank statement declaring the limit of the credit card; debit card issued by a bank, which the foreigner will be able to use on the territory of the Republic of Poland, along with an up-to-date bank statement declaring the state of the bank account or an official bank letter, in which the same information will be included; original copy of the invitation, as stated in article 16 of the act dated 13 June 2003, in regards to foreigners; document proving that the foreigner is eligible and has been granted a scholarship.

In case when a declaration, as stated in the act proclaims that a foreigner will begin his/her studies, partake in medical research or other forms of training, on the grounds of payment, a proof of payment covering the first year of studies or its full term, if the studies will take less than one year, is also necessary; or a statement proving the possession of funds in the amount sufficient to cover the cost of studies, provided in the declaration.


NOTE:

The Consulate might ask for additional documents if found necessary.
Application are only accepted and processed after submission of all documents. If visa form is not filled in completely or the above conditions are not met, no visa will be issued. The
Applicants are kindly asked to note that compliance with the aforementioned condition dos not automatically guarantees that visa will be issued.

Students must obtain a Polish visa in order to enter and stay in Poland legally. Visa approval to access Poland gives right of stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland only. Students intending to study in Polish University needs below mentioned documents to obtain the polish student visa.