Universities in Krakow 2026 - admission and study for foreigners
Krakow is one of the strongest academic cities in Poland. Foreign students choose it for Jagiellonian University, technical and economic universities, medical programs, cultural life and a student atmosphere that is easier to navigate than in some larger capitals.
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Why Krakow is popular for study
Krakow combines old academic tradition, a large student population and many universities in one city. For foreigners this is useful because there are public universities, private schools, medical and technical fields, programs in Polish and selected programs in English.
The city is also practical for everyday life: public transport is developed, many services are close to the center, and students can choose between dormitories, rooms and apartments. At the same time, popular districts can be expensive, so housing should be checked early.
Main universities in Krakow with official websites
Jagiellonian University
One of the oldest and most recognized universities in Poland. Strong in medicine, law, international relations, languages and natural sciences.
- medicine and Collegium Medicum
- law
- international relations
- philology
- natural sciences
Official website
AGH University of Krakow
Strong technical university for engineering, IT, robotics, energy and materials science.
- IT
- engineering
- robotics
- energy
- materials science
Krakow University of Technology
Good choice for architecture, construction, transport, mechanics and engineering fields.
- architecture
- civil engineering
- transport
- mechanics
- engineering
Krakow University of Economics
University focused on economics, finance, management, logistics and international business.
- economics
- finance
- management
- logistics
- international business
Jagiellonian University Medical College
Medical part of UJ. Important for applicants interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and health sciences.
- medicine
- dentistry
- pharmacy
- public health
- medical sciences
University of the National Education Commission, Krakow
University for education, psychology, social sciences, languages and humanities.
- pedagogy
- psychology
- social sciences
- languages
- humanities
Map of universities in Krakow
The map helps you understand where the main university areas are and how convenient transport and housing may be.
Before renting housing, check the distance to your faculty, not only to the main university building.
Which Krakow university to choose by field
| Field | Universities to check first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Jagiellonian University Medical College | The main medical route in Krakow, with separate recruitment rules and program pages. |
| IT and engineering | AGH University, Krakow University of Technology | Strong technical profile, engineering laboratories and practical fields. |
| Economics and business | Krakow University of Economics | Focused on finance, management, logistics, economics and international business. |
| Law, languages, humanities | Jagiellonian University | Strong academic reputation and broad choice of classic university fields. |
| Education and social sciences | University of the National Education Commission | Pedagogy, psychology, social sciences and language programs. |
| Creative fields | Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Music | Specialized artistic education, portfolio or audition may be required. |
Study in Polish and English in Krakow
More programs and often lower cost
Most programs are in Polish. If you know Polish well, you can choose from more fields and sometimes study on better financial terms.
Study in PolishConvenient for foreigners
English-language programs are useful for foreigners who do not yet speak Polish, but they are often paid and require language proof.
Study in EnglishCost of study and life in Krakow
Costs depend on the university, program, language of study and housing format. Krakow can be cheaper than Warsaw in some areas, but student demand is high.
| Expense | What a student should consider |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Public, private, English-language and medical programs may have very different fees. |
| Housing | Dormitory, room or apartment should be checked early, especially before the academic year. |
| Transport | Student discounts and monthly tickets can reduce regular costs. |
| Food and daily life | Budget depends on lifestyle, district and whether the student cooks at home. |
| Documents | Translations, application fees, insurance, visa or residence-card expenses should be included. |
Pros and cons of studying in Krakow
- strong academic tradition;
- many public universities;
- very student-focused atmosphere;
- beautiful historical city;
- international environment;
- many cultural and social activities;
- more compact than Warsaw.
- housing should be searched early;
- rent can be expensive in popular districts;
- strong programs can be competitive;
- the city center can be noisy and tourist-heavy;
- English-language programs are often paid.
Other universities and academies in Krakow
| University or academy | Profile | Official website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Agriculture in Krakow | Agriculture, biotechnology, ecology, nutrition, natural sciences | urk.edu.pl |
| Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow | Art, design, painting, graphics, conservation | asp.krakow.pl |
| Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Krakow | Music, vocal studies, conducting, composition, instruments | amuz.krakow.pl |
| Academy of Physical Education in Krakow | Sport, physical education, tourism, rehabilitation | awf.krakow.pl |
| Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow | Theology, philosophy, history, journalism, social sciences | upjp2.edu.pl |
| Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University | Private university: law, international relations, medicine, architecture, security | ka.edu.pl |
| WSB Merito University in Krakow | Business, management, IT, finance, practical fields | merito.pl |
| Ignatianum University in Krakow | Pedagogy, psychology, social sciences and humanities | ignatianum.edu.pl |
| AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow | Theatre, acting, directing and stage arts | ast.krakow.pl |
How to choose a university in Krakow
1. Choose the field
Start from the program, not only from the university name. The best school depends on medicine, IT, economics, humanities or creative fields.
2. Check the language
Polish-language programs require Polish. English-language programs may require a certificate and usually have separate fees.
3. Count the budget
Include tuition, housing, transport, food, documents, insurance and first-month expenses after arrival.
Main mistake when choosing a university in Krakow
The most common mistake is choosing only by the university name. For a foreign student, the real decision should include the program, language of study, admission deadline, tuition fee, housing, transport to the faculty, visa or residence-card path, and the documents required after arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Which universities are in Krakow?
Krakow has Jagiellonian University, AGH, Krakow University of Technology, Krakow University of Economics, medical, artistic, pedagogical and private universities.
Can a foreigner apply to a university in Krakow?
Yes. Foreigners can apply if they meet the requirements of the selected program and submit the required documents on time.
Are there English-language programs in Krakow?
Yes. Selected universities offer programs in English, especially in medicine, business, international fields and some technical areas.
Is Krakow good for international students?
Yes. Krakow has a strong student atmosphere, many universities and international life, but housing and deadlines should be planned early.
Where to go next
If you are considering Krakow, compare it with other cities and prepare admission documents in advance.
Need help choosing a university in Krakow?
EmigracjaPL helps foreigners compare universities in Krakow, admission rules, documents, study language, housing and budget.
Contact usMain EmigracjaPL sections for moving to and living in Poland
These are the main topics foreigners most often face after moving to Poland: legal stay, residence card, study, work, documents and everyday adaptation. Choose the direction that fits your situation and move to the practical guide.