In 2014, there were 36.000 foreigners studying in Polish universities on both undergraduate and master’s courses. Most of them – almost 1.7 thousand – chose the University of Warsaw. For many years our University has enjoyed the highest popularity among foreign candidates.

The number of students in the world exceeds 170 million. 2.5% from among them (i.e., 4.5 million) choose to study abroad. The preferred destinations of these young people are United States, Great Britain, China, France, Austria and Germany. The most keenest “voyagers” are the Asians – Chinese, Indians and Koreans. The interest in studying in Poland increases every year – since the year 2000, the number of foreign students in Poland increased fivefold, and their share in the general number of students – over four times.

Where?

In the ranking of Polish universities enjoying the highest popularity among foreigners in 2014, the University of Warsaw bested the Jagiellonian University and the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów, which both host over 1.5 thousand foreign students. The universities of Masovia are most popular, with 1/3 of all foreign students in Poland. The list of the 50 most international universities includes 36 public universities.

What?

Medical, economic and social faculties are among the most frequently selected by foreigners who come to Poland to study. International students at the University of Warsaw show preference for international relations, management, finance and accounting.

Who?

In 2014, the most represented nations in Polish universities were Ukrainians, Belarusians, Norwegians and Spanish, and from non-European countries – US citizens, Saudi Arabians and Chinese. Also in the University of Warsaw the highest share of foreigners is of Eastern European origin. Another group which comes here in large numbers are the Spanish.

The report „Foreign Student in Poland 2014” was prepared by the Prespektywy Education Foundation. This annual publication is a part of the Study in Poland programme, managed by the foundation and the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland. The data refers to students of undergraduate and graduate (master) courses; it does not cover international students who come to Poland for a one-semester or one-year exchange. The number of participants of various scholarship programmes in the University of Warsaw reaches around 1.4 thousand annually. So, each year the University of Warsaw hosts over 3 thousand international students.