Krakow is one of Poland's best known student cities. It has many universities, a strong international scene, and a busy old town with a lot of student life. If you want to study there, the main things to check are the programme page, entry rules, housing options, and what documents the university asks for.
Below is a simple overview of what Krakow is known for, what it may cost, and how to make yourself easier to find for admissions offices.
Main universities and what they are known for
Krakow has several public and private universities. The most well known include Jagiellonian University, AGH University of Krakow, Krakow University of Technology, Cracow University of Economics, Pedagogical University of Krakow, and the University of Agriculture in Krakow. There are also art, medical, and private higher education schools.
- Jagiellonian University - one of the oldest universities in Europe, known for humanities, law, medicine, social sciences, and research.
- AGH University of Krakow - strong in engineering, computer science, mining, materials, and technical fields.
- Krakow University of Technology - known for engineering, architecture, and applied sciences.
- Cracow University of Economics - a common choice for economics, management, finance, and business.
- Pedagogical University of Krakow - education, teaching, and social sciences.
- University of Agriculture in Krakow - agriculture, food, environmental, and veterinary related fields.
Private colleges in Krakow may also offer business, IT, design, and language programmes. Always check the university's admissions page for the exact language of instruction, entry rules, and document list.
English-taught study in Krakow
Many universities in Krakow offer some courses in English, especially at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level. This is common in business, IT, engineering, medicine, international relations, and some social science fields.
English-taught programmes can still have different rules from Polish-taught ones. You may need proof of English, such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or another accepted certificate. Some programmes accept a previous degree taught in English, but not all do.
Check these points on the programme page:
- language of study
- required diploma or school certificate
- subject grades needed
- English level accepted
- whether there is an entrance exam, interview, portfolio, or test
If you are coming from another country, also check how your documents must be legalized, translated, or recognized in Poland. The university admissions office or Poland's official education and immigration pages are the right sources for this.
Costs of living in Krakow
Krakow is usually cheaper than many Western European student cities, but it is not the cheapest city in Poland. Compared with smaller Polish cities, rent in Krakow is often higher, especially near the center and near popular campuses.
Typical monthly costs vary a lot by lifestyle and location, but many students budget for:
- shared room or flat share: often the cheapest private option
- studio flat: usually much more expensive than sharing
- food and basic shopping: moderate, with supermarkets and local markets
- public transport pass: usually affordable for students with valid status
- phone, internet, and personal spending: depends on your habits
For the most accurate current prices, check the university housing office, private rental sites, and the city transport website. If you are comparing cities in Poland, Krakow is often seen as more expensive than many medium-sized university towns, but still below the cost of many large cities in Western Europe.
Student housing in Krakow
Most students in Krakow choose between a university dormitory and a private flat. Dorms are usually the lowest-cost option, but places can be limited and rules differ by university. Some universities reserve dorms for students from outside Krakow or for new students first.
Private housing gives you more freedom, but it usually costs more. If you rent privately, watch for the total monthly cost, not just the rent. Ask about:
- utilities
- internet
- deposit
- agency fee, if any
- contract length
When possible, read the contract carefully and check whether it is in Polish, English, or both. Never send money before you confirm the landlord, the apartment, and the contract details.
Transport and getting around
Krakow has a good public transport system with trams and buses. Many students use it every day to get to campus, the city center, and housing areas. Student discounts are often available if you have the right Polish student status or another accepted document.
The city is also walkable in the center, and cycling is growing in some areas. For daily life, most students combine walking with public transport. If you live farther from campus, check travel time before you sign a rental contract.
For tickets, routes, and student discounts, use the official Krakow public transport website or the city transport operator. Rules can change, so do not rely only on old posts or social media.
Part-time work and student life
Many international students try to work part-time in Krakow, especially in hospitality, retail, delivery, customer support, IT, or online work. But your right to work depends on your nationality, residence status, and study level. Always check the Polish immigration authority and your university's international office for the current rules.
If you want to work while studying, think about:
- your class schedule
- your language level in Polish and English
- whether your visa or residence permit allows work
- tax and contract rules
Krakow has a very active student life. There are museums, cafes, events, language exchanges, sports clubs, and student organizations. The city is international, so it can be easier to meet other students than in many smaller places. Still, joining student groups is the fastest way to make friends and learn how the city works.
How to get noticed by admissions offices
If you want universities in Krakow to find you, make your profile clear and complete. Admissions teams often search by field, level, grades, language, and documents. A strong profile can help them understand quickly whether you match a programme.
Good things to include are:
- your field of interest
- your current or last education
- your English level
- your diplomas and transcripts
- any test scores, if you have them
- whether you want a bachelor's, master's, or other programme
Also watch university admissions pages and programme deadlines. Some programmes fill early, while others stay open longer. The exact dates and entry steps change by university and year, so always check the official page for the programme you want.
Common questions
Is Krakow a good city for international students?
Yes, for many students it is a strong choice. It has many universities, a large student population, and a busy city life. It is also a good place for English-taught study in several fields.
Is Krakow expensive for students?
It is usually more expensive than smaller Polish cities, especially for rent. But it is often still cheaper than many Western European cities. Your costs will depend mostly on housing, food, and how central your flat is.
Can I work while studying in Krakow?
Maybe, but the rules depend on your citizenship and residence status. Check the Polish national immigration authority and your university before you start work. Do not rely on general advice from friends.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents. Admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Check the university's own admissions page and the official immigration site of the country before you act on anything here.