In Poland, you can study free of charge at any state technical college (technikum) or secondary school (liceum ogółnokształcący) to obtain a secondary education. Teaching is conducted exclusively in Polish and you don’t need a certificate to prove your proficiency in the language.
👤 Who Can Apply?
International students can apply if they:
- Have completed basic general education
- Have a command of Polish at B1+ level (no certificate is required)
- Have enough money to live in Poland (800 PLN/Month + 2500 PLN return ticket)
- Have rented accommodation in Poland, or have been accepted into a dorm
Any foreigner, regardless of age, can study for free.
🎁 Benefits of Studying in Liceum
- Internationally recognized secondary school certificate
- Free education
- Opportunity to work while studying
- Possibility to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit
- 37% discount on public transport and trains (under 26 y.o.)
- Higher earnings if you’re under 26 y.o. (you don’t pay taxes to ZUS)
🔢 Step-by-step Guide
- Choose a liceum or technikum (If you’re over 18, look for Liceum Dla Dorosłych)
- Prepare all required documents (see list below)
- Submit your application by email
- Receive the admission decision letter or invitation in original
- Apply for a student visa
‼️ Not every secondary school is willing to issue an invitation to study for international students. Nor is there a centralised online system for submitting applications. You will need to contact the educational institution directly by email to find out whether they can issue you with an invitation for a student visa.
📑 Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Basic general education certificate with Sworn Translation to Polish
📅 Admission Period
Most liceums and technikums accept applications:
- from May to end of June for the October intake
- Many schools may still accept applications even after the admission period has closed
The academic year in Poland begins in October and runs until the end of June.