Poland's PhD schools offer free tuition and a monthly stipend to all admitted candidates.
PhD opportunities in Poland
Why do a PhD in Poland?
- Every PhD school student receives a stipend
- No tuition in PhD schools
- Low living costs
Universities in Poland
Well-known research universities and institutes for PhD study in Poland include:
- University of Warsaw
- Jagiellonian University
- Warsaw University of Technology
- AGH University of Krakow
- Adam Mickiewicz University
Choose a university by your supervisor and research group, not the overall ranking — fit with the group decides most PhD outcomes.
PhD structure
PhD schools combine courses, an individual research plan, a mid-term evaluation and a thesis defence.
Fees and funding
Fees: PhD schools are free.
Main funded routes: NAWA programmes, PhD schools and project-funded positions.
Official starting points: NAWA
See PhD funding by country to compare routes across 46 countries, or estimate your budget with the study cost calculator.
Applying for a PhD in Poland
PhD schools recruit once or twice a year; NCN-funded projects also advertise PhD posts.
Language: Many schools offer English tracks.
Your application checklist
- CV with research experience and any publications
- Research proposal or statement written for the project or supervisor — see our research proposal guide
- Master's (and undergraduate) transcripts and degree certificates; for Pakistanis, HEC-attested copies
- Two or three academic references — see our recommendation letter guide
- English test score or proof of English-medium study, if required
- Interview preparation — see our interview guide
Student visas and work
Visa: Non-EU candidates apply for a national visa for study or research.
Working during your PhD: Students may work in Poland under simplified rules.
After your PhD
Graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit to look for work.
Open PhD opportunities in Poland
New listings are added every week — get weekly alerts.
This guide gives an overview for international applicants. Rules on fees, funding and visas change — always confirm the details on the university, funder and embassy websites before you apply.
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