Take this with you
- At the end of 2025 Poland had 1,322,800 students, 42,700 more than a year earlier.
- Student numbers have been rising since 2020/2021.
- 306,600 graduates received diplomas in 2024/2025.
- In October: scholarship applications, study regulations, exam session dates.
The numbers from Statistics Poland
According to Statistics Poland's (GUS) publication 'Higher education in the 2025/2026 academic year', at the end of 2025 there were 1,322,800 students at Polish universities — 42,700 more than a year earlier. This continues a rise observed since the 2020/2021 academic year.
In 2025/2026 there were 345 higher education institutions (according to the POL-on register). In 2024/2025, 306,600 graduates received diplomas, 14,600 more than a year before.
What it means for applicants and students
Growing student numbers also mean more people combining study with work or returning to university years later. For them, part-time studies and postgraduate courses are key. Remember that public universities may charge for, among other things, part-time studies, while full-time studies in Polish are free for Polish citizens.
- Working students have Labour Code rights if they study with their employer's consent — including paid time off for classes and 21 days of training leave in the final year.
- Many universities still run supplementary recruitment for postgraduate and part-time studies in October.
- Students can apply for social and merit scholarships under university rules — deadlines usually fall in October.
What to watch in the first month
The first weeks are for paperwork: student ID, a university system account, choosing groups and electives, and for some students scholarship and dormitory applications. Put exam session dates in your calendar straight away and read the study regulations: rules on passing courses, absences and conditional enrolment in the next semester.
Sources & further reading
Prepared with AI assistance using the sources below. Editorial standards ↗
