Why Poland is the Rising Star of Education Abroad
Education has always been important in Poland. The history of higher education in the country is a story of persistence in the face of adversity. This backdrop has shaped Poland into one of the rising stars of higher education today.
The first Polish university was founded in Krakow in 1364, the second oldest in all of central Europe. The university played a critical role in the Polish Renaissance, producing notable thinkers. Nicolaus Copernicus was one such alumni, and his heliocentric model of the universe turned the world on it’s head and opened the doors for modern navigation and astrology.
In the mid-1800s Poland was partitioned between its neighbors. The occupiers made every effort to squash Polish culture, including limiting access to higher education — especially for women. In Warsaw, Poles responded by forming the “flying university”, an illegal underground university taught at rotating locations around the city. It admitted students regardless of race, gender, or politics. This practice lasted over 20 years, from 1882 to 1905 and produced prominent alumni including Marie Curie, the pioneer of radiation research.
After World War II during Nazi occupation, high schools and higher education institutes were closed. The primary school curriculum was also severely curtailed. Heinrich Himmler wrote of Polish schooling under the Reich: “The sole purpose of this schooling is to teach them simple arithmetic, nothing above the number 500; writing one’s name; and the doctrine that it is divine law to obey the Germans.” Obviously, this limited schooling would not suffice. The Secret Teaching Organization sprang up to help fill this gap. They succeeded in educating some 1,5 million students. The Flying Universities were also reinstated, and helped educate future leaders such as Pope John Paul II.
During communist control of Poland education became a tool of propaganda. The tradition of Flying Universities was once again reinstated. The lecture halls gave dissidents a platform and helped speed Poland`s transition to democracy.
Today Poland is undergoing a new renaissance. Since the end of communism, Poland’s GDP per Capita has grown more than any other European peer. It has become an economic powerhouse and is still one of the fastest-growing European economies. Poland has also become a major destination for in-the-know travelers. Tourism is increasing quickly at about 6% year-on-year. Poland’s 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a major draw. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow have become hotspots for foodies, coffee lovers, and party-goers. Unsurprisingly, education has also undergone a boom. In the two decades following the end of communism — 389 new universities were founded. Enrollment skyrocketed. In 1990 there were 400 thousand students. By 1995 the number had doubled and at the turn of the century, it had quadrupled.
Poland’s revival has caused foreign students to flock to the country. In the five year period before 2018, the number of international students grew 102%. Students are discovering Poland has a lot to offer. Firstly, Poland is cheap. Tuition costs about $2,300 a year at public institutions. Our StudEU student cost of living index also shows Poland is 49% cheaper than the USA. You can get a dorm room for as low as $100 per month, a movie might cost $3, and the national health care costs just $17.50 p/m! StudEU’s research in 2020 found 775 English language degree programs in Poland. 310 of these are bachelor’s programs. A comparison with a study by the European Association for Internationalisation (2017) as well as StudEU’s own experience, shows this to be one of the highest numbers in Europe. Recognition of foreign education to seek admission is also comparatively easy. There are no AP courses needed nor minimum grade requirements.
Situated at the heart of Europe, Poland is a beautiful country of bustling urban centers, deep-rooted culture, and lush landscapes. Its historical relationship with education is as fascinating as it’s future is bright. Undoubtedly, Poland is an up and coming destination to study abroad in Europe!
