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Higher education in Poland

Degree structure in Poland

Degree structure in Poland

Short overview

Poland has two million students enrolled in over 400 higher education institutions. Since its foundation, Poland has served as the geographical and cultural crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe. 

Types of institutions

There are two main categories of higher education institutions in Poland:

  • University-type institutions
    These institutions offer studies in the humanities, sciences, medical sciences, economics, pedagogy, the arts, and military studies; 
  • Professional higher education institutions
    These institutions educate students in specific professional areas and prepare them for practicing a profession.

Types of programmes

Poland has the following degree structure:

  • Professional degree of licentiate or engineer (Bachelor)
    • professional higher studies (3-4 years)
  • Professional master’s degree [magister] or an equivalent degree (Master)
    • master’s studies (5-6 years)
  • Professional master’s degree or an equivalent degree (PhD)
    • postgraduate master’s studies (2-2.5 years)
  • Doctorate degree
    • Doctoral studies (3-4 years)

Overview degree structure

 Additional information about the degree structure / qualification framework

Find a programme or institution

Short Overview of PL

Capital Warsaw
Language(s) Polish
European Union 1 May 2004
Schengen Area 21 December 2007 
Population 38,1 million
Area 312.685 km²
Density 122 km²
Currency Zloty
Time Zone UTC+1
  Summer UTC+2
Calling code +48
   
Touristic information

Higher education in...

More information about higher education in the following countries:

European Degrees

Higher education programmes award degrees that should refer to a level in the overarching Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area, which organises higher education in three sequential levels or cycles: the so-called Bachelor-Master-Doctorate system

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Recognise your degree

National authorities and/or institutions are responsible for the recognition of foreign qualifications (diplomas). This procedure is called the credential evaluation: recognition for professional purposes, for the purpose of further studies or for the right to use a national title or degree.

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Quality Assurance

European models of quality assurance can include assessment and accreditation procedures at either programme, subject or institutional level. Every model has to be in line with the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area.

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Qualifications Framework

The Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area is an essential instrument in understanding European programmes and the degrees awarded. It puts forward the so-called Bachelor-Master-Doctorate system.

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Bologna Process

The Bologna Process has brought about and is still shaping the European Higher Education Area. This Area should ensure mobility of students and staff, employability of graduates, global competitiveness and international attractiveness of higher education.

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