Top Private Universities In Poland 2025
In recent years, private universities in Poland have gained significant recognition for their role in shaping the future of higher education. These institutions are becoming a hub of innovation. They offer a more personalised learning approach and international-standard education.
Today, we will explore 10 top private universities in Poland and why they may be the ideal choice for students. We evaluate them based on key factors such as academic reputation, quality of student resources, and international collaboration opportunities.
Overview of Private Universities in Poland
The rise of private universities in Poland can be traced back to the early 1990s. In 1996, Poland’s first private university, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, was established.
At that time, Poland engaged in a democratic transition, which led to the foundation of a democratic government. This allowed private universities to emerge based on the growing demand for higher education. Private funding, business partnerships, and increasing collaboration with international institutions are also the reasons behind the growth of these institutes.
Poland’s private universities have played a significant role in advancing academic research. They provide various academic programmes that attract domestic and international students. These institutes have also contributed to the global academic community by focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.
Benefits of Studying at a Private University in Poland
Choosing to study in Poland’s private universities has many unique advantages. Here are some key benefits that make private universities in Poland attractive to local and international students.
Small Class Sizes & Faculty Interaction
Smaller class sizes promote close student-faculty collaboration. With lower student-to-faculty ratios, students benefit from more personalised learning. Some private universities often prioritise mentorship opportunities, giving students direct access to experienced professors’ direction.
Exclusive Campus Resources
Private higher education in Poland has many resources that enhance academic and extracurricular experiences. These institutions often invest in research centres, advanced technologies, and global networking platforms to ensure students can access the latest innovations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many private universities in Poland offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities for both domestic and international students. These financial packages are designed to make education accessible to talented individuals with any background.
Top 10 Private Universities in Poland
Below, we present an overview of Poland’s top 10 private universities by highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out.
Top 10 University at a Glance
- Kozminski University
- Lazarski University
- Vistula University
- WPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
- University of Social Sciences (Społeczna Akademia Nauk – SAN)
- Collegium Civitas
- Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (AFMKU)
- Polonia University in Częstochowa
- Gdansk College of Health
- University of Computer Sciences and Skills in Lódz
1. Kozminski University
Kozminski University is the best private university in Poland. It is a business school-based university located in Warsaw, the capital of Poland. This institute was named after Leon Kozminski, an entrepreneur and Polish professor of economics.
Kozminski University mainly focuses on business programs and offers management and financial management courses. They also offer various Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs and Ph.D. programs in both English and Polish. So, it’s a great place for students with an entrepreneurial focus.
Key Departments:
- Business
- Finance
- Management
- Law
- Economics.
Tuition Fee: €8,000–€12,000 per year for international students.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years for master’s, 3-4 years for PhD.
Established: 1993.
Total Programs: 60+.
Total Students: 9,000.
Total Faculty: 250+.
Scholarships: Available for both merit and need-based students.
Location: Warsaw.
2. Lazarski University
Lazarski University is one of the popular private universities in Poland, and it has innovative educational standards. In the beginning, it had two faculties: the Faculty of Law and Administration and the Faculty of Economics and Management. Later, in 2017, it started the Faculty of Medicine, making it the second private university in Poland to educate doctors.
Lazarski can also be a better option for medical or chemical research students. Its medicine faculty features the Basic and Pre-Clinical Research Centre, the Basic Medical Sciences Laboratory, and the Morphological Sciences Laboratory.
Key Departments:
- Law
- Business
- Economics
- International Relations
Tuition Fee: €6,000–€10,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years for master’s, 3-4 years for PhD.
Established: 1993.
Total Programs: 50+.
Total Students: 4,500.
Total Faculty: 200+.
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships available.
Location: Warsaw.
3. Vistula University
Here, we have another of the best private universities in Poland. Vistula University was founded in 1991 as the University of Insurance and Banking. The next year, the Ministry of National Education of Poland registered it as a non-public higher education institution.
This institute ranked fourth in the Perspektywy 2024 university rankings. The Vistula also attracts international students. Currently, it has students from more than 100 countries. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, engineering, and postgraduate study programs in both full-time and part-time modes.
Vistula University focuses on MBA programs and doctoral studies. It also has a Research and Science Centre where students can have an innovative experience.
Key Departments:
- International Relations
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Tourism
Tuition Fee: €4,000–€8,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1992.
Total Programs: 70+.
Total Students: 5,000.
Total Faculty: 150+.
Scholarships: Available for top-performing students.
Location: Warsaw.
4. SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
SWPS was granted a university status under Polish law in 2015. It is one of the largest private universities in Poland. SWPS has five campuses in major Polish cities: Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Sopot, Katowice, and Poznan. Most of these campuses have a strong student culture.
The university ensures a high-quality education in various fields, especially Psychology, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law. It is also a preferred choice for international students. Currently, it has over 1,200 international students from around 60 countries.
Key Departments:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Law
- English Studies
Tuition Fee: €5,000–€7,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1996.
Total Programs: 80+.
Total Students: 17,000.
Total Faculty: 300+.
Scholarships: Available for outstanding students.
Location: Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, and Katowice.
5. University of Social Sciences (Społeczna Akademia Nauk – SAN)
University of Social Sciences is another top private university in Poland. The USS is another large university in Poland with four campuses. It ensures quality education in various fields of study. In recent years, this institute has ranked 8th-11th among private universities in Poland, according to Perspektywа University ratings.
USS mainly focuses on building entrepreneurs. According to employers, it is recognised as one of the best educational institutions. The university has many industrial partners, which allows it to offer its students at least two-month internships at various industries and companies.
Key Departments:
- Management
- Information Technology
- Philology
Tuition Fee: €4,500–€7,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1994.
Total Programs: 50+.
Total Students: 16,000.
Total Faculty: 200+.
Scholarships: Available for merit and need-based students.
Location: Łódź.
6. Collegium Civitas
Collegium Civitas University was established in 1997, but it has earned a deserved reputation as an exceptional place to study social and political sciences in English. This attracts the most international students, who come from more than 60 nationalities.
This institute also offers two of the most demanding MA programmes: MA in International Relations and MA in Political Science. The university has the right to grant PhD degrees in Sociology, Politics, and Administration.
Key Departments:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Sociology
Tuition Fee: €5,000–€8,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1997.
Total Programs: 30+.
Total Students: 2,000.
Total Faculty: 100+.
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are available.
Location: Warsaw.
7. Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (AFMKU)
Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University (AFMKU) claims to have built its state-of-the-art Campus with around 10,000 students and offers 27 fields of study. It has also signed almost 70 agreements with foreign higher education institutions in countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, England, Finland, and France.
AFMKU is committed to preparing you to face present and future challenges in international business. They offer International Business, a first-cycle programme run by the Faculty of Law, Administration, and International Relations. You can gain skills to stand out in your future career through their unique learning environment.
Key Departments:
- International Business
- Law
- Tourism
- Social Sciences
Tuition Fee: €3,500–€6,500 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 2000.
Total Programs: 40+.
Total Students: 8,000.
Total Faculty: 300+.
Scholarships: Merit-based and need-based scholarships are available.
Location: Krakow.
8. Polonia University in Częstochowa
PUC is one of the oldest and well-recognised business schools in Poland. It is renewed for the study of Bachelor’s and Master’s in Business courses. Polonia University offers students internships, foreign trips, career counselling, and individual guidance.
Polonia University is also known for its ERASMUS programs. Additionally, job placement is a major feature of this university, which provides full assistance for internships and campus placements. Polonia’s campus is remarkable, with modern designs that create an enjoyable educational atmosphere.
Key Departments:
- Business Management
- International Relations
- Economics.
Tuition Fee: €2,500–€5,000 per year.
Undergraduate Duration: 3 years.
Postgraduate Duration: 1-2 years.
Established: 1992.
Total Programs: 35+.
Total Students: 3,000.
Total Faculty: 150+.
Scholarships: Financial aid and scholarships for both local and international students.
Location: Częstochowa.
9. Gdansk College of Health
Gdansk College of Health educates specialists in dietetics, cosmetology, and physiotherapy. This institute is recognised as a training centre for specialists in health sciences. It also offers students the opportunity to undergo professional internships.
The College of Health has contributed to many innovative solutions in cosmetology and physiotherapy. Their advanced learning modules and wide range of facilities attract students from worldwide to enrol in their health care programs.
Key Departments:
- Dietetics
- Cosmetology
- Physiotherapy
Tuition Fee: Approximately €2,000 – €3,000 per year (varies by program)
Undergraduate Duration: 3 to 4 years (depending on the program)
Postgraduate Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Established: 1999
Total Programs: 10+ (across undergraduate and postgraduate)
Total Students: Around 1,000
Total Faculty: Approximately 50+
Scholarships: Available (Merit-based, Need-based, International)
Location: Gdańsk, Poland
10. University of Computer Sciences and Skills in Lódz
The UCSS is recognised for its advanced technological programs like databases, internet portals, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and genetic algorithms. They provide professional knowledge that enables them to work in the real world.
The institute focuses on Computer Science and allows enrolment through a selective process. The acceptance rate ranges from 80% to 89%. International students seeking to achieve professional computer skills can apply here.
Key Departments:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
Tuition Fee: Approximately €1,800 – €2,500 per year (varies by program)
Undergraduate Duration: 3 to 4 years (depending on the program)
Postgraduate Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Established: 1997
Total Programs: 15+ (including undergraduate and postgraduate)
Total Students: Around 2,000+
Total Faculty: 100+
Scholarships: Available (Merit-based, International)
Location: Łódź, Poland
Private vs public universities in Poland
When choosing a university in Poland, students often consider the differences between private and public institutions. Understanding key differences can help students decide which type of institution aligns best with their educational goals.
- Funding and Poland University Fees: Public universities receive financial support from the government, which allows them to offer lower tuition fees. Private universities depend primarily on tuition fees and private funding. This caused higher tuition fees for students.
- Program Offerings and Quality: Private education in Poland often attracts those seeking specialised programs. Sometimes, private institutions offer innovative programs that are designed to meet demands. On the other hand, public universities provide a wide range of programs with a strong focus on research.
- Campus Life and Facilities: Public universities typically have larger campuses with vast facilities. Though generally smaller, private universities may provide more modern facilities and tailored support services. However, their campuses may not offer the cultural diversity found in public universities.
Top 20 Private Universities in Poland
Here’s a comprehensive list of Poland’s top 20 private universities other than the ones already mentioned in the Top 10, including university names, locations, established years, and website links.
| University Name | Location | Establishment Year | Website |
| Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) | Warsaw | 1906 (Private 1991) | sgh.waw.pl |
| Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University | Krakow | 2000 | afm.edu.pl |
| University of Economics and Human Sciences | Warsaw | 2002 | vizja.pl |
| WSB Universities | Multiple Locations | 1994 | wsb.pl |
| University of Business in Wroclaw | Wroclaw | 1997 | handlowa.eu |
| University of Information Technology and Management | Rzeszow | 1996 | wsiz.rzeszow.pl |
| Academy of Finance and Business Vistula | Warsaw | 1992 | vistula.edu.pl |
| University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz | Lodz | 1993 | ahe.lodz.pl |
| WSB-NLU (Nowy Sacz Business School) | Nowy Sacz | 1991 | wsb-nlu.edu.pl |
| Krakow University of Economics | Krakow | 1925 (Private 2004) | uek.krakow.pl |
| Katowice School of Economics | Katowice | 1993 | gwe.pl |
| University of Security in Poznan | Poznan | 2004 | bezpieczenstwo.edu.pl |
| Wroclaw School of Banking | Wroclaw | 1998 | wsb.wroclaw.pl |
| European University of Business | Poznan | 2003 | europejska.edu.pl |
| Higher School of Banking | Gdansk | 1998 | wsb.gdansk.pl |
| Academy of Management and Administration in Opole | Opole | 1994 | wsm.opole.pl |
| University of Lower Silesia | Wroclaw | 1997 | dsw.edu.pl |
| Higher School of International Relations and Social Communication | Chelm | 2001 | wsrr.pl |
| Warsaw University of Business | Warsaw | 2001 | wmsb.edu.pl |
| WSFiZ in Bialystok | Bialystok | 1993 | wsfiz.edu.pl |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Private University in Poland
Selecting the right private university in Poland can significantly shape your academic and professional future. Below are some important considerations to guide you in choosing a university in Poland.
- Academic Fit: Before choosing a university, research private institutions in Poland with courses, faculty expertise, and specialised courses available. Consider whether the university offers specialised programmes that match your ambitions.
- Financial Considerations: Tuition fees at private institutions can vary significantly, so evaluating the total costs is important. You can consider the scholarships offered by Polish private universities, grants, and student loans.
- Campus Life: Student life at Polish private universities can play a vital role in your overall university experience, so consider the university’s diversity, the types of extracurricular activities available, and the institute’s support services.
Application Process for Private Universities in Poland
Private university admission in Poland generally has common admission requirements. For undergraduate admissions, applicants typically need to present:
- A high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL scores), especially for international students.
- Academic transcripts.
For postgraduate admissions, the key requirements often include:
- An official institute’s bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- Academic transcripts showing previous university-level coursework.
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
The application process usually involves several important steps, such as submitting an online application, submitting supporting documents, paying application fees, and following deadlines.
It’s essential to check the specific deadlines for your chosen university. Many universities have deadlines from October to mid-February for winter intake and from February to June for spring intake.
Conclusion
In exploring the top private universities in Poland, we have highlighted institutions known for strong academic programs, excellent facilities, and supportive learning environments. These universities stand out for their diverse offerings and commitment to quality education. Whether you prioritize specialized fields, international networks, or innovative learning methods, Poland’s private universities offer rich opportunities.
Selecting the right university is a personal journey, and we hope this guide has provided valuable insights. Consider what matters most to you in a learning experience, and feel free to share your thoughts or experiences about the top private universities in Poland in the comments below!
