University of Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland
University of Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland
Founded
1816
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
36,000+
Faculties
25
Discover the University of Warsaw: Poland's Largest and Leading University
Discover the University of Warsaw: Poland's Largest and Leading University
Founded on 19 November 1816 by a decree of Tsar Alexander I, the University of Warsaw (Uniwersytet Warszawski) is the largest and highest-ranked university in Poland. It offers over 200 study programmes across 25 faculties, including 44 English-language programmes and 22 double degree partnerships with international institutions.
The university's history is deeply intertwined with Poland's national story. Closed and reopened multiple times during periods of Russian and German occupation, it served as a secret underground university during World War II when Nazi authorities shut down all Polish higher education institutions. Five of its graduates have won Nobel Prizes, and its alumni include composer Frederic Chopin and multiple heads of state.
Today, the University of Warsaw ranks among the top 3% of universities worldwide and holds the number one position in Poland. It employs over 8,000 staff members, including approximately 4,000 academic teachers, and is a member of the 4EU+ European University Alliance. The university maintains partnerships with around 1,000 foreign institutions across more than 50 countries.
Key Milestones
- 1816: Founded by decree of Tsar Alexander I with five original faculties: Law, Medicine, Philosophy, Theology, and Arts and Humanities.
- 1915: Reopened as a Polish-language university and admitted women for the first time in its history.
- 1918: Following Poland's independence, the university expanded rapidly to become the country's largest by the 1930s with over 10,000 students.
- 2016: Celebrated its 200th anniversary; the Polish Post issued commemorative stamps to mark the bicentennial.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The University of Warsaw is organized into 25 faculties spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and emerging disciplines such as medicine. Programmes follow the Bologna Process, offering three-year bachelor's degrees, two-year master's degrees, and long-cycle five-year master's programmes in select fields like law. Over 300 programmes are available, with more than 44 taught entirely in English.
Faculty of Economic Sciences
One of the most popular faculties among international students, offering rigorous programmes in economics, finance, and international business with strong quantitative foundations.
- Economics (BA and MA)
- Quantitative Finance
- International Business
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics
Regarded as one of the strongest technical faculties in Poland, known for producing top-performing students in international programming competitions and cutting-edge research.
- Computer Science (BSc and MSc)
- Data Science
- Mathematics
Faculty of Law and Administration
One of the university's founding faculties, offering comprehensive legal education including a five-year long-cycle master's programme and specialized graduate studies.
- Law (Long-cycle MA)
- Administration
- International and European Law
Faculty of Physics
Ranked among the top 75 worldwide by the Shanghai Ranking for Physics, this faculty conducts advanced research in quantum physics, astrophysics, and nuclear physics.
- Physics (BSc and MSc)
- Nuclear Energy
- Astrophysics
Faculty of Political Science and International Studies
Offers a broad range of programmes exploring governance, diplomacy, and global affairs, with several English-taught options popular among international students.
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Internal Security
Faculty of Psychology
Provides research-intensive psychology programmes with modern facilities, including a new dedicated faculty building currently under construction as part of the university's development plan.
- Psychology (Long-cycle MA)
- Cognitive Science
- Clinical Psychology
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary education with a diploma recognized in Poland (IB, EB, EU/OECD/EFTA diplomas accepted automatically)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ (or equivalent) for English-taught programmes
- Application FeePLN 85 paid via the IRK online recruitment system
- Application PortalOnline registration through the Internet Recruitment of Candidates (IRK) system at irk.uw.edu.pl
- DocumentsCertified copy of secondary school diploma, passport copy, passport-size photo, and health insurance proof
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted first-cycle degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in a relevant field
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 87+ for English-taught master's programmes
- TranscriptsOfficial academic transcripts with certified translation if not in Polish or English
- Additional RequirementsSome programmes require a motivation letter, CV, research proposal, or entrance interview
- Application FeePLN 85 paid via the IRK online recruitment system
Online registration via the IRK system launches for most first-cycle and long-cycle programmes.
Deadline for completing online registration for English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.
Admission results are published on personal IRK accounts. Qualified candidates have three days to submit documents.
The academic year officially starts in October. Orientation and Welcome Point services are available for international students.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition fees at the University of Warsaw vary by programme, level of study, and language of instruction. EU/EEA citizens studying in Polish may be eligible for free tuition on full-time programmes, while English-taught programmes and non-EU students are subject to tuition fees. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedules.
| Fee Category | EU/EEA Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (English programmes) | EUR 2,000 - 4,000/year | EUR 2,000 - 4,000/year |
| Tuition (Polish programmes) | Free (full-time) | PLN 3,000 - 9,500/year |
| Student Dormitory | EUR 75 - 140/month | EUR 75 - 140/month |
| Living Expenses (est.) | PLN 2,000/month | PLN 2,000/month |
| Total | Approx. EUR 2,900 - 5,680/year (English programmes + housing) | Approx. EUR 2,900 - 5,680/year (English programmes + housing) |
Rector's Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, participation in conferences, scientific competitions, and athletic accomplishments.
- Eligibility: All enrolled students with high GPA and extracurricular achievements
- Type: Monthly stipend for the academic year
- Application: Apply through the university's student affairs office at the start of each academic year
NAWA Polish Government Scholarships
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers several scholarship programmes for international students, including the Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme for developing countries.
- Eligibility: International students from eligible countries, varies by programme
- Coverage: Tuition fee waiver plus monthly living allowance
- Application: Apply through the NAWA website (nawa.gov.pl) before programme-specific deadlines
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Warsaw's 126 buildings are spread across Warsaw, with two main campuses. The historic Main Campus on Krakowskie Przedmiescie street in the city centre features neoclassical palaces dating to the 17th century, while the modern Natural Sciences Campus on Banacha and Pasteura Streets houses science faculties with contemporary research facilities.
The historic heart of the university on Krakowskie Przedmiescie, featuring the Kazimierzowski Palace (Rector's seat), Uruski Palace, and the Auditorium Maximum lecture hall.
The award-winning Warsaw University Library in the Powisle neighbourhood features one of Europe's largest rooftop gardens and extensive collections of printed and digital resources.
Located on Banacha and Pasteura Streets, this modern campus houses the faculties of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Geology.
Housing and Dining
Student Dormitories
The university offers over 2,500 places in six student residence halls located in various districts of Warsaw. Monthly rent ranges from approximately EUR 75 to EUR 140 per person depending on the dormitory and room type.
- Six residence halls across Warsaw
- Study lounges, TV rooms, and computer rooms in each hall
- Shared and single room options available
Dining Options
Five on-campus canteens provide meals at discounted student rates. The surrounding Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Powisle neighbourhoods also offer a wide variety of affordable restaurants and cafes.
- Five student canteens across campuses
- Discounted meal prices for students
- Cafes and food outlets near all major buildings
Student Life at the University of Warsaw
Student Life at the University of Warsaw
Student life at the University of Warsaw is vibrant and diverse, with hundreds of student organizations, cultural events, and opportunities for personal development. The Students' Union plays an active role in university governance and organizes events throughout the academic year. International students benefit from the Welcome Point, which provides dedicated orientation and support services.
Warsaw: A Dynamic European Capital
Warsaw: A Dynamic European Capital
Living in Warsaw
Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is a dynamic and rapidly growing European city with a population of nearly 1.8 million. Known for its resilient history, thriving cultural scene, and booming tech sector, Warsaw offers international students an excellent quality of life at a fraction of the cost of Western European capitals. The city has an extensive public transport network of buses, trams, metro lines, and commuter trains.
Affordable Cost of Living
Warsaw is significantly more affordable than cities like London, Paris, or Amsterdam. Students can expect monthly living costs of approximately PLN 2,000 (around EUR 450), including food, transport, and entertainment.
Rich Cultural Scene
From the UNESCO-listed Old Town to world-class museums like the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the National Museum, Warsaw offers endless cultural experiences alongside a vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
Growing Tech and Business Hub
Warsaw is Poland's economic engine and a rising European tech hub, home to offices of Google, Samsung, Amazon, and numerous startups, offering excellent internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Central European Location
Warsaw's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Europe. Direct flights connect the city to major European capitals, and rail links provide easy access to Krakow, Prague, Berlin, and beyond.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Employers of Graduates
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The central information and support service for international students at UW, providing guidance on registration, accommodation, insurance, and adapting to life in Warsaw.
Non-EU students must obtain a student visa from a Polish consulate before arrival. The university's international office assists with documentation and residence permit applications.
EU students should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU students must purchase health insurance in Poland or provide proof of equivalent coverage.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Warsaw: Worldwide Rankings
University of Warsaw: Worldwide Rankings
The University of Warsaw consistently ranks as the top university in Poland and is recognized among the top 3% of universities worldwide. It appears in all major international ranking systems and is particularly strong in humanities, social sciences, and physics.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 101-150 |
| Physics | Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) | 51-75 |
| Modern Languages | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 101-150 |
| Business and Management | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #101 |
Features
The University of Warsaw, founded in 1816, is Poland’s largest and leading public research university, located in the capital city. It offers a comprehensive range of programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and more, following the Bologna system with bachelor’s, master’s, long-cycle, and doctoral studies. With over 36,000 students, 1,700 doctoral candidates, and 4,100 academic staff, it combines high-quality education with strong research activity. The university has an excellent reputation internationally and boasts a 94% graduate employment rate, reflecting its strong ties to the job market.
Accommodation
The University of Warsaw provides student housing in several residence halls (dormitories) across the city. Places are limited and priority is usually given to international exchange students, first-year students, and those in financial need.
Work While Studying
International students from the EU/EEA can work freely without a permit. Non-EU students enrolled in full-time studies at a Polish institution also have the right to work without a permit. Many students take part-time jobs or freelance work alongside their studies.
Co-op/Internship Participation
The University of Warsaw runs a Career Office (Biuro Karier) that helps students find internships, placements, and job opportunities. Some degree programs also include mandatory internships as part of the curriculum.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - July
Location
Krakowskie Przedmieście 26/28, 00-927 Warszawa, Poland
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