Studying law in Poland can be a good path if you want a degree in Europe and you are ready for a selective admission process. Most students start with a long-cycle law degree, and some universities also offer law-related bachelor's and master's programmes in English.
This guide explains the main study levels, common entry requirements, typical costs, and how to start your application. Always check the university's admissions page, because rules can change by programme and year.
What law studies in Poland look like
In Poland, full law is often taught as a long-cycle master's programme. That means you usually study one continuous programme after secondary school, not a separate bachelor's and master's path.
- Long-cycle law - usually the standard route to become a lawyer, judge, prosecutor, or notary later on.
- Bachelor's level options - some universities offer related fields, such as administration, international relations, or legal studies, but these are not the same as a full law degree.
- Master's level options - some universities offer advanced legal or law-related master's programmes, often in English.
If you want to practise law in Poland later, you should check whether the programme is recognised for your career goal. Professional paths usually have extra exams and training after graduation.
Admission requirements
For undergraduate entry to a long-cycle law programme, universities usually ask for a secondary school diploma that gives access to higher education in your country. They also often want proof of English if the programme is taught in English.
- School diploma - your final secondary school certificate.
- Transcript or grades - some universities look closely at marks, often especially in languages, humanities, or social sciences.
- English proof - typically IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or a school certificate accepted by the university.
- Motivation documents - some programmes ask for a motivation letter or interview.
- Passport and application form - standard for most international applicants.
For master's level law or law-related studies, universities usually ask for a relevant bachelor's degree and transcripts. If the programme is in Polish, you may also need Polish language proof.
For some regulated professions, the university may ask for extra documents or may limit entry places. Check the programme page early, because law can be competitive.
English-taught and Polish-taught options
You can find both English-taught and Polish-taught programmes in Poland, but the exact offer depends on the university. English-taught law is more common at private universities and at international-facing public universities, while Polish-taught law is still the main route.
If you choose English-taught study, check what the degree prepares you for. Some programmes are broad legal studies, while others are international law, European law, or business law.
If you choose Polish-taught study, you may need strong Polish before you begin. Some universities offer preparatory language courses, but you should confirm this directly with the school.
- English-taught - easier if you do not yet study in Polish.
- Polish-taught - often more common and may fit local legal careers better.
- Mixed options - sometimes the first year is in English and later modules use Polish or both languages.
Tuition and living costs
Tuition in Poland depends on the university, the language of study, and whether you are an EU or non-EU student. Public universities are often cheaper than private ones, but fees still vary a lot by programme.
Typical yearly tuition ranges for international students can be:
- Public universities - often lower for EU students and higher for non-EU students, especially in English-taught programmes.
- Private universities - often higher, but sometimes with more English-taught options.
- Law and law-related programmes - usually among the more expensive humanities and social science degrees.
Instead of relying on one national number, check the programme page and the university's fee rules. Some universities list separate fees for EU, non-EU, and students with a residence status in Poland.
For living costs, plan for rent, food, local transport, books, and health insurance. Costs are usually lower outside the biggest cities, but they still depend on your lifestyle.
- Student room or shared flat - often the biggest monthly cost.
- Food and daily costs - plan a realistic monthly budget, not just tuition.
- Insurance and visa costs - may apply depending on your nationality and stay length.
Application timeline and documents
Most universities open applications many months before the start of the academic year. If you want to start in autumn, begin early so you have time for document legalisation, translations, and visa steps if needed.
A practical timeline looks like this:
- 6 to 12 months before study - check programmes, entry rules, and language requirements.
- 4 to 8 months before study - prepare documents, translations, and English proof.
- 2 to 4 months before study - submit the university application and wait for admission results.
- After admission - arrange accommodation, payment, insurance, and visa or residence steps if needed.
Common documents include:
- passport
- secondary school diploma or bachelor's diploma
- transcripts
- English or Polish language proof
- motivation letter, if requested
- photo and application form
- legalised or apostilled copies, if required
If you need a visa or residence permit, check the Polish national immigration authority and the Polish consulate or embassy in your country. Do not wait until the last minute, because processing can take time.
How universities choose candidates
Universities in Poland usually choose candidates based on documents, grades, language level, and place availability. Some programmes use a first-come, first-served system if you meet the requirements, while others rank applicants.
For law, competition can be stronger than for many other subjects. Good grades and complete documents can help, but no university can promise you a place.
- Academic fit - your previous study must match the level of the programme.
- Language level - you must meet the required English or Polish level.
- Document quality - missing or unclear papers can slow down or stop your application.
- Interview or test - some universities use one, especially for smaller or English-taught programmes.
Read the admissions page carefully and contact the university if something is unclear. Always trust the official programme page over general advice.
Common questions
Can I study law in Poland in English?
Yes, some universities offer law or law-related programmes in English. The offer is not the same everywhere, so check the exact programme page before you apply.
Do I need Polish to study law?
Not always. English-taught programmes may not need Polish at entry, but Polish is often very useful for daily life and future legal work in Poland.
Is there one fixed tuition fee for all students?
No. Fees depend on the university, the programme, the language of study, and your status as EU or non-EU. Always check the university's admissions page for the current fee list.
How Eduuro helps
Create a free profile with your field, education, English level and documents, and admissions offices that search for exactly that can find you and write first.
That makes it easier for universities to discover you when they are looking for students who match their programme.
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.