Monthly cost of living for students in Poland
Monthly budget
| Cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €200 to €500 (dormitories from €120) |
| Food and groceries | €150 to €250 |
| Transport | €10 to €25 with student discounts of 50 percent |
| Utilities and phone | €50 to €90 |
| Health insurance | About €15 to €25 a month through the national fund |
Total: €500 to €900 a month.
By city
| City | Room rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | €300 to €550 for a room | Metro, trams and buses at 50 percent student discount. |
Offsetting costs with part-time work
No hourly limit for full-time students holding a temporary residence permit. At PLN 30.50 an hour minimum (2025), about €7, twelve to fifteen hours a week covers a meaningful share of living costs but never tuition.
Practical tips
- Poland has the largest number of universities in Central Europe.
- Student ID gives 50 percent off public transport and trains.
- Kraków is a UNESCO World Heritage city and a major student town.
- Poland is in the Schengen Area, so students travel across 29 countries without extra visas.
- English-track medical degrees are recognised in the EU, the UK and the US after licensing exams.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
Can international students work in Poland?
Yes. Full-time students with a temporary residence permit can work without restrictions on hours.
Is Poland cheap to live in?
Among the cheapest in the EU. Budget €500 to €900 a month including rent.
Is a Polish medical degree recognised?
Yes, across the EU automatically, and in the UK, the US and India after the relevant licensing exams.