Polish Language Courses
It’s no secret – to become a student at a Polish university, you must know the language, at least at a level that allows you to start your studies in Poland. Polish language courses for future applicants are a must! The earlier you begin, the better. Each university has different language requirements, and the better you know the language, the easier it will be to adapt to life and study in Poland. If you decide to learn Polish, there are many options: courses in Poland or in your home country; individual or group lessons; intensive or long-term courses; online classes; private tutoring or Skype lessons; or even self-study. Which is best depends on you – the main goal is results.
Polish language courses in Poland
Possible options for learning Polish in Poland:
Year-long preparatory Polish courses – “zerówka”. This is the best option for those with no or very weak language skills, and for applicants planning to study in demanding fields such as polytechnics or medical universities in Poland.
Summer intensive Polish courses. Perfect for those who already know the basics and want to improve, while also adapting to the environment before studies begin.
Private language schools in Poland. More suitable for working people than for students, though useful for those who have already started studying at a university but struggle with the language.
It’s important to note that learning Polish in Poland through a zerówka or intensive course is much more effective than courses in your home country. Being surrounded by the language – in shops, on signs, on the radio, in conversations with locals, in cafes and museums – speeds up learning enormously.
Year-long preparatory language courses – zerówka
Foreign applicants can join year-long preparatory courses in Polish or English at prestigious universities. These courses, known as zerówka, end with a certificate confirming the language level required for admission to any Polish university. Completing such a course is almost a guarantee of admission.
Zerówka programs at public and private universities teach language, Polish culture, traditions, and professional terminology. A zerówka includes two semesters, with classes Monday to Friday, 4-6 hours daily, in small groups.
Zerówka language courses – how to choose
When selecting a zerówka, consider:
Language of study. Zerówka is available in Polish or English. Choose Polish if you plan to study in a Polish-taught program; choose English if you’ll study in English. English zerówkas often include additional hours of Polish.
Field of study. This is the most important factor. During the zerówka, you learn not only the language but also professional terminology. For example, a technical zerówka (Warsaw or Kraków Polytechnic) covers math and physics vocabulary, while the program at Łódź University prepares students for medical studies.
Price. Courses cost €2000–€4000 per year, but preparation is better than losing time and money later.
Public or private? The key is that the final exam provides a certificate recognized by universities. If your chosen university has a zerówka program, that may be the best choice.
Advantages of zerówka courses
Certificate valid for admission to all Polish universities.
Language learning combined with cultural knowledge and study preparation.
Opportunity to attend university lectures.
Guaranteed admission to a Polish university.
Adaptation to a new country.
Fast, intensive learning of Polish/English to a high level.
Best option for beginners.
Open to future students and those planning to work in Poland.
Suitable for both full-time and part-time studies, especially if you aim for free education.
Summer intensive language courses in Poland
For those who already know Polish or English but want to improve before starting studies, universities offer 1-3 month summer intensive courses. Anyone can join, not only students.
General info:
Classes Monday-Friday, 4-6 hours per day.
Groups of 8-12 people.
Levels available: beginner (A0-A1), intermediate (B1-B2), advanced (C1).
Around 100 hours of Polish/English learning per month.
Courses end with a test and certificate.
During summer courses, students learn not only Polish or English but also take part in an adaptation program. It includes city tours, visits to museums and galleries, cultural events, and similar activities. The cost of summer language courses in Poland depends on the university, and the longer the course, the cheaper it is per month. The average monthly price is about €250. Quite often, these courses may be completely free for future students or offered as a bonus, for example, when paying for a full academic year in advance. Even if your language level is good, consider an intensive course before studies in Poland. We assure you – it will definitely not be a waste. On the contrary, it will make the beginning of your education much less stressful.
Obtaining higher education in Poland for Ukrainians, Belarusians, and candidates from other countries is a serious step, and it is worth making every effort to ensure the whole process goes as smoothly as possible. Start with learning the language! Learning Polish or English is not as difficult as it may seem – the key factor is motivation.
