Post-Secondary Schools in Poland: Questions and Answers

It happens: you come to Poland for work, and then start thinking about further education. This is especially common among driven Ukrainians who never rest on their laurels and are always looking for ways to get more out of life.

It is precisely when you begin exploring educational options in Poland that the term "post-secondary school" (szkoła policealna) comes up.

What are these institutions, what qualifications do they offer, and how can you enroll? In this article we answer all the popular questions about post-secondary schools in Poland and the opportunities they offer for Ukrainians.

What are post-secondary schools? What types are there?

Post-secondary schools are vocational training institutions whose programs focus primarily on acquiring practical skills (this sets them apart from university education, which places heavy emphasis on theory). Ukrainians often compare post-secondary schools to colleges, polytechnics, or trade schools.

Post-secondary schools can be public or private. Public schools typically offer free tuition. Private schools may have both paid and free programs running simultaneously.

All officially accredited post-secondary schools (both private and public) issue state-recognized diplomas or certificates. This is not a higher education degree, but for many job openings such a document goes a long way toward landing the position you want.

People of all ages study at post-secondary schools, though working students aged 25+ very often make up the majority of the groups. Since this audience tends to be busy during weekday daytime hours, post-secondary schools offer not only daytime groups but also evening and weekend classes. Some schools even offer a correspondence (distance) format.

Who can enroll in a post-secondary school?

As a rule, anyone between the ages of 18 and 60 who holds at least a full general secondary education certificate may apply. Both Polish citizens and foreigners can study at post-secondary schools. This type of education gives Ukrainians the opportunity to quickly obtain a new qualification (or a Polish diploma in a field they already graduated from in Ukraine). An added bonus for Ukrainian citizens is that the majority of post-secondary schools offer free Polish language courses for enrolled students. Generally, a basic communicative level of Polish is required at the time of admission, and you can improve your language skills throughout your studies.

It is also worth noting that post-secondary schools are so oriented toward foreign students that some even have Ukrainian-language pages on their websites and provide consultations in Ukrainians' native language.

How do you enroll in a post-secondary school? What documents are required?

Applications can be submitted to most post-secondary schools throughout the year, while enrollment takes place at the start of the autumn or spring semester. As a rule, applicants do not sit any entrance exams, nor is a specific grade point average required. You simply fill in the application form (available on the schools' websites) and submit it together with the other required documents. Given these conditions, it is advisable to submit your documents well in advance, as there are many applicants and the number of places is limited. The list of required documents may vary between schools — some institutions require that documents be translated into Polish (check this requirement before applying). The standard package of documents typically includes:

• an application form stating the chosen field of study;
• a passport (for Ukrainians — a foreign travel passport, copy of the document);
• a certificate of full general secondary education (original or notarized copy);
• a medical certificate confirming that you have no contraindications to studying;
• 2 photographs (size 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm).

How long does the program last?

Programs run from 1 to 3 years, depending on the field of study and the study format. Upon completion you will take a vocational qualification exam and receive your diploma, which you can then use to find employment in your chosen profession.

Tuition fees at post-secondary schools

How much does studying at a post-secondary school cost? As already mentioned, most schools offer free tuition, though exceptions exist (terms and costs depend on the school, program, region, etc.). In addition, some institutions may ask you to pay for insurance and/or an enrollment fee.

What programs are available at post-secondary schools?

The range of programs at post-secondary schools is very broad. Upon graduation you can receive a diploma in fields such as: ■ Archivist ■ Assistant for people with disabilities ■ Veterinary technician ■ Make-up artist / beautician ■ Interior decorator ■ Child caregiver ■ Dietitian ■ Dental technician ■ Occupational therapist ■ Cosmetologist ■ Massage therapist ■ Medical caregiver ■ Office manager ■ Caregiver for the elderly ■ Security officer (person and property protection) ■ Podiatrist ■ Rehabilitation specialist / physiotherapist ■ Accounting specialist ■ Electronics technician ■ Postal and financial services technician ■ Dental assistant ■ Dental hygienist ■ Sterilization technician ■ Fitness instructor ■ Florist

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of programs. If your nearest post-secondary school does not offer the specialization you are looking for, it may well be available at another institution.

Study conditions and process at post-secondary schools in Poland

As already mentioned, you need to know the language at least at a basic level, since classes are conducted in Polish. We also strongly recommend taking your studies seriously from the very moment you enroll. Unfortunately, in Ukraine some of us have witnessed a rather lax attitude toward discipline in educational institutions. At a post-secondary school you need to be aware that irresponsibility has real consequences. Absences from class will result in actual fines. Other penalties for truancy include visa cancellation, deportation, and even a ban on entering Schengen countries. The reason for such strictness is simple — the state invests both human and financial resources in your education, and in return it expects students to respect the established rules.

Where in Poland are there post-secondary schools?

In every major city — and beyond. Post-secondary schools operate in Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow, Poznan, Gdansk, Gliwice, Bydgoszcz, Lodz, Gdynia, and many other cities.

Advantages and disadvantages of studying at post-secondary schools in Poland

What are the benefits of studying at post-secondary schools? The main advantages include:

• no strict age restrictions;
• the opportunity to obtain a European diploma;
• acquisition of practical knowledge and skills — your diploma or certificate will reflect what you actually KNOW HOW TO DO;
• while studying at a post-secondary school it is easier to legalize your stay or obtain a student visa.

Among the disadvantages:

• there is no grouping by level of preparation — if you fall behind or do not fully understand everything in Polish, you will need to put in extra effort;
• the program lasts longer than vocational courses (though you will also gain considerably more knowledge and skills).

Post-secondary school and work: what are the "perks"?

A post-secondary school is the ideal study option for combining education with work. What does completing a post-secondary school give Ukrainians in Poland? Here are the undeniable advantages of combining work with post-secondary school:

• you receive a higher hourly rate than others (this is linked to the tax system) — for example, the standard rate may be 19 PLN/hour net, while the student rate on the same job is 23 PLN/hour net;
• we have already mentioned this, but it bears repeating: at a post-secondary school you not only gain a qualification but also learn Polish, which will unquestionably boost your standing at your next job application or promotion;
• post-secondary schools offer only those programs for which there is genuine market demand, so you will be able to find employment immediately after graduation.

In many Gremi Personal job listings, employers offer assistance with enrolling in post-secondary schools, because companies genuinely benefit from having more qualified and better-adapted employees. If you do not have time for a 1–3-year program but still want to acquire a new profession, you can enroll in the UDT School from Gremi Personal. See the link for details.

On our website you can read useful articles, and on our channel — watch videos about life and work in Poland. Looking for a job? Call us at +38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003 or +38 (050) 334-93-51 or +48 525 275 003.