English-Taught PhD Programmes in Poland: Costs and Options

If you want to do a PhD in Poland in English, it is possible, but the offer is smaller than for bachelor or master study. You will find the most options at large public universities, medical schools, technical universities, and research institutes. Costs, entry rules, and language tests vary by programme, so always check the university admissions page and the programme page first.

How common English-taught PhD study is

English-taught PhD programmes exist in Poland, but they are not the default. Many doctorates are tied to a specific research project, doctoral school, or supervisor, and the language can depend on the department.

In practice, you will see three main formats:

• Doctoral schools that accept international candidates and allow research and supervision in English.
• Project-based PhD places funded by grants, where the research team works in English.
• Individual doctoral study linked to a supervisor who agrees to guide you in English.

Some fields are more active than others. English-taught offers are more common in:

• medicine and health sciences
• biology, biotechnology, and life sciences
• engineering and computer science
• physics, chemistry, and materials science
• economics, management, and some social sciences

Humanities and law may also have English-supervised options, but the number is usually smaller. The exact offer changes every year, so use the university's admissions website, doctoral school website, and institute pages to check what is open now.

What tuition usually looks like

PhD tuition in Poland depends on your status, the type of doctoral place, and whether the position is funded. There is no single national price for all programmes.

Typical patterns are:

• Some doctoral schools have no tuition, especially when the place is funded or the candidate receives a scholarship.
• Some places charge tuition, especially for self-funded international students.
• In grant-funded research projects, the candidate may receive a stipend instead of paying tuition.

For EU and EEA students, the situation is often better in public universities, but it still depends on the exact admission route. For non-EU students, tuition is more common if you are not funded by a doctoral scholarship, grant, or project.

Instead of relying on general numbers, check these sources:

• the university's fee schedule
• the programme or doctoral school page
• the call for applications for that year

If the page is unclear, write to the doctoral school office or admissions office and ask whether the place is tuition-free, funded, or self-paid.

Language requirements

Most English-taught PhD paths ask for proof that you can study and write research in English. The exact proof depends on the university.

You may be asked for:

• an IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or similar test
• a previous degree taught in English, with an official letter if needed
• an interview in English
• a writing sample or research proposal in English

Some universities also require Polish if you will teach classes, work with patients, or use local archives and documents. In other cases, English is enough for the PhD itself, but Polish can help with daily life and wider campus work.

Common academic documents include:

• master's degree diploma
• transcript of records
• CV
• research proposal
• motivation letter
• reference letters

For foreign documents, check whether the university asks for an apostille, legalisation, or sworn translation. The admissions page should say exactly what they accept.

How to find the right university

Start with the field, not the city. For a PhD, the supervisor and research team matter more than the name of the city. Read recent publications and see whether the group works in English.

Useful places to search are:

• university doctoral school pages
• faculty and institute websites
• programme catalogues on university admissions pages
• national scholarship or research project calls

When you compare options, look at:

• research topic fit
• funding and stipend rules
• tuition, if any
• language of supervision and seminars
• entry requirements and deadlines

Do not send the same message to every university. A short, focused email works better. Introduce yourself, name your degree, say which topic you want to research, and explain why you are writing to that group.

How to approach universities

Before you contact a professor or doctoral school, prepare a short package. This helps you look clear and serious.

• your CV
• your diploma and transcript
• a short research idea, usually 1 to 2 pages
• your English test result or proof of English-medium study
• a brief note on your academic background

In your first email, keep it simple:

• who you are
• what you studied
• your research topic
• why you are interested in that university or group
• whether you need a funded place or a self-funded option

Ask one or two direct questions only. For example, ask whether the group accepts PhD candidates in English and whether there is an open call this year. If the answer is yes, the university may send the next steps, which can include an interview, documents, and a formal application portal.

Remember that contact with a professor does not replace the official application. The admissions office or doctoral school still makes the final decision through the formal process.

Common questions

Can I do a PhD in Poland only in English?

Sometimes yes, but not always. Many universities allow supervision, writing, and seminars in English, yet some local rules or teaching duties may require at least basic Polish.

Are English-taught PhD programmes in Poland free?

Some are free, especially if they are funded by the university, a doctoral school, or a research project. Others charge tuition. Check the programme page and the official fee rules for that specific university.

Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?

In many cases, yes. It is often a good idea to contact a possible supervisor early, even if the final application goes through the doctoral school or admissions office.

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.

You stay visible to universities that are looking for PhD candidates like you, without sending the same message again and again.