AWFiS Gdansk
Gdańsk, Poland
Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS)
Gdańsk, Poland
Founded
1969
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
~4,200
Olympic Medals
14
About Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS)
About Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (AWFiS)
Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego i Sportu im. Jędrzeja Śniadeckiego w Gdańsku (AWFiS) is a public higher education institution in Poland dedicated to physical education, sport, rehabilitation, tourism, and recreation. Its origins date back to 1952, when a Physical Education Technical School was established, followed in 1957 by a Teacher Training College for Physical Education.
The university is located in the scenic Gdańsk-Oliwa district, surrounded by rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. In addition to its main campus, AWFiS manages specialized facilities such as the National Sailing Centre (Narodowe Centrum Żeglarstwa) in Górki Zachodnie, a recreational centre in Radunia, and the historic Dworek Ludolfino manor house.
AWFiS is recognized as one of the leading sports universities in Central and Eastern Europe, featured in the Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments from 2020 to 2025. It plays a central role in the Pomerania region as the only sports university, often co-organizing international and national sporting events.
Key Milestones
- 1952: Physical Education Technical School established in Gdańsk, laying the foundation for the future university.
- 1969: Formally established as an independent higher education institution for physical education and sport.
- 1973: Named after Jędrzej Śniadecki, a renowned Polish physician and chemist, honoring his contributions to physical culture.
- 2020: First appearance in the Shanghai Ranking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments (Top 300).
Academic Structure and Programs
Academic Structure and Programs
AWFiS offers a full spectrum of study levels including bachelor's (first-cycle), master's (second-cycle), doctoral (third-cycle), and postgraduate studies. Programs span physical education, sport, physiotherapy, tourism and hospitality, cosmetology, and occupational therapy, with many specialized tracks available.
Sport
Combines a sports career with academic knowledge in various aspects of sport, offering coaching specializations in Olympic disciplines taught by experienced practitioners and national team coaches.
- Coaching Specializations (Football, Swimming, Judo, etc.)
- Motor Preparation
- Sport and Dynamic Shooting
Physical Education
Focuses on human motor skills with an interdisciplinary approach to physical culture, covering methodology, pedagogy, and practical sports instruction at both bachelor's and master's levels.
- Bachelor's in Physical Education
- Master's in Physical Education
- Physical Fitness in Special Forces
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
Provides comprehensive training in rehabilitation sciences, preparing graduates for careers in clinical physiotherapy, health promotion, and occupational therapy practice.
- Physiotherapy (Long-cycle Master's)
- Occupational Therapy
- Sport Diagnostics
Tourism and Hospitality
Prepares graduates for managerial roles in the global tourism industry, combining economic knowledge with specialized subjects in strategy, finance, marketing, and hotel management.
- Tourism and Hospitality (Bachelor's and Master's)
- Management in Tourism Business (English-taught)
- Tourism and Recreation
Health and Wellness Sciences
Covers cosmetology, dietetics in sport and recreation, personal training, and fitness, preparing students for careers in the growing health and wellness industry.
- Cosmetology (Bachelor's and Master's)
- Dietetics in Sport and Recreation
- Personal Trainer and Fitness
Doctoral and Postgraduate Studies
Offers advanced research programs in sport and fitness sciences, supporting scholars in exercise physiology, biomechanics, genetics in sport, and health-oriented physical activity.
- Ph.D. in Sport and Fitness Sciences
- Postgraduate Specialist Programs
- Sport Management (Master's, English-taught)
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate (Bachelor's)
- Secondary School CertificateLegalized/apostilled secondary school-leaving certificate or equivalent entitling university admission in issuing country
- English ProficiencyB2 level (CEFR) certificate required; EU/OECD/EFTA country graduates may be exempt
- Entrance ExamOnline interview checking knowledge about the field of study (for non-EU/OECD/EFTA applicants)
- Medical CertificateOccupational medicine certificate confirming no contraindications to undertake studies
- Admission FeeEUR 18
Graduate (Master's)
- Bachelor's DiplomaLegalized and recognized diploma from first-cycle (undergraduate) studies entitling to second-cycle admission
- English ProficiencyB2 level (CEFR) certificate required
- Document EquivalenceCertificate stating equivalence of foreign diploma with the Polish first-cycle diploma
- Passport and VisaValid passport, visa, or residence permit authorizing stay in Poland
- Medical CertificateOccupational medicine certificate confirming fitness for studies
First admission round for international students. Check the IRK online system for exact dates each academic year.
Second admission round available if places remain. Tuition fee must be paid within 14 days of the end of the admission round.
First-year tuition must be paid in full in advance before receiving the acceptance letter for visa application.
International exchange students apply through their home institution's Erasmus+ coordinator.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
AWFiS offers affordable tuition compared to many Western European universities. International candidates applying for programs in foreign languages pay tuition for all programs. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedule as rates are updated annually.
| Fee Category | Polish Students (PLN) | International Students (PLN) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (per year) | Free (full-time public) | Contact university for current rates |
| Admission Fee | PLN 85 | EUR 18 |
| Dormitory (monthly) | PLN 820 | PLN 820 |
| Health Insurance | NFZ covered | Required (private or EHIC) |
| Total | Contact university for current total | Contact university for current total |
Rector's Scholarship
Merit-based scholarship available to students who achieve outstanding academic results or notable sporting achievements during their studies at AWFiS.
- Eligibility: High academic performance or sporting distinction
- Coverage: Monthly stipend (amount varies annually)
- Application: Apply through the university's student affairs office
Erasmus+ Mobility Grant
EU-funded mobility grants available for incoming and outgoing exchange students through the Erasmus+ program, supporting international study and internship opportunities.
- Eligibility: Students from Erasmus+ partner institutions
- Coverage: Monthly grant covering living expenses during exchange
- Application: Apply through your home university's Erasmus+ office
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
AWFiS is located in the picturesque Gdańsk-Oliwa district, offering purpose-built teaching and research facilities for sports science. The campus features 5 outdoor sports fields, 13 gyms, 2 sports halls, 1 swimming pool, and 5 specialized laboratories for exercise physiology, biomechanics, and health psychology.
The central academic building housing lecture halls, administrative offices, and the International Students Office on Kazimierza Górskiego Street.
State-of-the-art indoor facilities including 13 gyms and 2 large sports halls for training in basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and more.
The World Sailing-certified National Sailing Centre in Górki Zachodnie serves as a premier marina and training hub for water sports.
Housing and Dining
Student Dormitory
The on-campus dormitory at 33 Czyżewskiego Street offers approximately 362 places in Blocks B and C with double rooms, shared bathrooms, and kitchen facilities.
- Double rooms with shared bathroom
- Kitchen equipped with refrigerator and stove
- Monthly cost: PLN 820 per place
Sports and Research Facilities
The campus includes extensive sports infrastructure and modern research laboratories conducting advanced studies in exercise physiology, genetics in sport, and health-oriented physical activity.
- 5 outdoor fields (football, rugby, athletics)
- Swimming pool and tennis courts
- 5 specialized research laboratories
Student Life at AWFiS
Student Life at AWFiS
Student life at AWFiS is vibrant and deeply connected to sport and physical culture. Students can develop their passions through research clubs, the Student Self-Government Council, the AZS-AWFiS Sports Club, and the Neptun Folk Dance Ensemble, among other organizations.
Gdańsk – A Historic Baltic City
Gdańsk – A Historic Baltic City
Life in Gdańsk
Gdańsk is a vibrant port city on the Baltic coast of Poland, part of the Tri-City metropolitan area alongside Sopot and Gdynia. With over a thousand years of history, stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture, beautiful beaches, and a thriving cultural scene, Gdańsk offers an exceptional quality of life for students.
Tri-City Metropolitan Area
Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia form a dynamic urban corridor along the Baltic coast, connected by the Fast Urban Railway (SKM), offering beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Home to the European Solidarity Centre, the historic Long Market, St. Mary's Church, and numerous museums celebrating the city's maritime and Hanseatic history.
Affordable Cost of Living
Gdańsk offers a lower cost of living compared to Western European cities, making it an attractive destination for international students on a budget.
Baltic Beaches and Nature
The Oliwa district where AWFiS is located offers proximity to Oliwa Park, the Oliwa Cathedral, and sandy Baltic beaches, ideal for outdoor recreation and water sports.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Paths and Sectors
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
Located in Room 16 of the main building, the office assists international students with enrollment, visa documentation, and academic support throughout their studies.
A volunteer student organization that provides orientation, buddy programs, and practical assistance for incoming international students at GUPES.
The university issues acceptance letters for visa applications and provides guidance on health insurance requirements, including private insurance or the European Health Insurance Card.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
AWFiS Gdańsk is recognized internationally for its contributions to sport science research and education. As a specialized sports university, it appears in subject-specific rankings rather than general global university rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Sport Science | Shanghai Ranking (GRSSSD) | 201-300 globally |
| Physical Education | Perspektywy (Poland) | #1 in Poland (2019) |
| Physiotherapy | Perspektywy (Poland) | #2 in Poland (2019) |
| Overall Sports University | Perspektywy (Poland) | #2 in Poland (2019-2025) |
Features
AWFiS Gdańsk is a public university specializing in physical education, sport, rehabilitation, and tourism. Located in the scenic Oliwa district, it offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and postgraduate programs with diverse specializations such as coaching, physiotherapy, wellness, and tourism management. The campus features modern sports infrastructure, including indoor and outdoor facilities, laboratories, and the renowned National Sailing Centre in Górki Zachodnie. With international partnerships, Erasmus exchanges, and strong research activity in sports sciences and health, AWFiS plays a vital role in promoting physical culture and community wellness across the Pomeranian region.
Accommodation
AWFiS has its own student dormitory housing on-campus (Blocks B & C, ~362 places) with double rooms, shared bathrooms, kitchens..
Work While Studying
Students (including non-EU) may work part-time while studying, though specific rules depend on immigration status.
Co-op/Internship Participation
AWFiS has a Biuro Praktyk Zawodowych (Office for Vocational/Professional Internships) that coordinates required or optional internships across multiple study programs.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
March - July
Location
Kazimierza Górskiego 1, 80-336 Gdańsk, Poland
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