Intakes in Poland

Poland is a large country having a vibrant culture, a rich history, and having the nature of welcoming people. Poland is attracting more and more students every year. The country offers top-class education at affordable tuition fees as well as an affordable cost of living. Higher education in Poland has a good reputation, and the country is home to more than 400 institutions in which many of which have started offering programs in the English language for international students. It offers plenty of social and cultural opportunities. So those who are looking forward to study in Poland should also know about the intakes in Poland.

Intakes in Poland

There are two main study intakes in Poland, Winter intake and Summer intake.

6 Steps to Study in Winter intake in Poland 2022

To study in universities in Poland in this coming winter intake, the first thing you will require is an action plan. Here is an application timeline to give you an idea of how to plan for your studies in Poland.

Step 1: Start Now..!! January 2022

• Start your process early by August, make a list of 7-8 universities that you wish to apply to. Do some research with the help of university websites and note courses available, application requirements, due dates etc.
• By September, get knowledge of bank loan options and scholarships to support your studies financially.
• Do some initial research online on different types of accommodation options in Poland.

Step 2: Appear for the standardized exams: February 2022 to March 2022

• Start your preparation for required standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc depending on the requirements of the course and university.
• Register for GMAT/GRE in the months of June or July, at least before three months of the test date.
• Registration for TOEFL/IELTS should be done at least a month prior to the test date.
• Appear for the required tests in September and do plan for buffer time in case you need to reattempt for the test.

Step 3: Now its time to apply for the universities: March 2022 to April 2022

• Shortlist the universities and prepare for your application. 
• Prepare your statement of purpose by presenting your strengths and goals. Think hard about what makes you unique as a student.
• Request your professors and direct managers for 2 to 3 reference letters. 
• Start preparing your SOP and essays. Give at least a month’s time to arrange and structure these documents accordingly.
• Jut ensure you apply before the deadlines of the universities are near.

Step 4: Final decision: April 2022 to May 2022

• Don’t take much time in replying to college emails. 
• Give yours for personal/video interviews. These are scheduled in the months of January to March.
• Once you get your letter of acceptance, make your decision quickly.
• Depending on the deadline, inform the universities about your final decision.
• You will need to pay a non-refundable deposit to confirm your seat in the college.

Step 5: Study Visa and Finance part: June 2022 to July 2022

• Search and start applying for external scholarships in Poland(if required).
• Apply for a student loan, after you receive your  Letter of acceptance.
• Collect your paperwork for your student visa. Check requirements of student visa
• Apply for a study visa on time by keeping in the mind the time taken for visa processing.

Step 6: Get ready to leave your home country: July 2022 to August 2022

• Book airline tickets.
• Arrange your International Debit/Credit card.
• Collect all your important documents and their photocopies, to take along with you in Poland.
• Confirm the things from your Pre-departure checklist.

6 Steps to Study in February intake in Poland 2023

If you are planning to go to universities in February intake in Poland 2022, here is a complete guide for you.  Where to start from, When to apply for February 2022 intake in Poland, and all about the last dates to apply this intake in Poland.

Step 1: February Intake 2023 - Start Now!

• Most institutions have a policy of first come first served, so you need to start your application process early. Keep in mind the deadlines for February 2023 intake and start your preparation accordingly.
• Before that, shortlist the colleges and universities in Poland that you are interested in. Do thorough research on the list of colleges in Poland for February 2023 intake and then, see what are the courses available in Poland, see the ones that fit your career goals. Each university in Poland will have its own due dates, so keep that in mind and plan your activities accordingly.

Step 2: Take standardised Exams - June 2022 to August 2022

• Start your preparation for required standardized tests like IELTS,  TOEFL GMAT, GRE, and SAT, before two months. Take exams according to your university requirements.
• You should sit for your IELTS or TOEFL exam, latest by August 2022, before applying for the colleges.
• Remember that it will take around two weeks for the results of the test to be announced. We recommend you keep a  buffer month, in case you need to reattempt the exam

Step 3: Time for university application: September 2022 to November 2022

• Look for February Intake colleges in Poland 2022, shortlist the colleges and Universities before the due dates for the respective institutes. Prepare your final and complete application. 
• Request your professors or Managers for the 2-3 reference letters for submitting.
• Start preparing your Statement of Purpose (SOP). It must present you as a unique student and it should be highlighting your strengths.
• Start all these processes for your documentation at least a month before the due date of the application.
• Most probably February Intake colleges in Poland 2023 will have their deadline in the month of December, but you should always be checking the university website for updated deadlines. Apply before the due date.

Step 4: Acceptance Letters and Interviews: November 2022 to December 2022

• Colleges will send it to the mail after your application is reviewed. Do not delay to reply to them. Give your personal or video interviews as scheduled by the university.
• If you are accepted into the institution, take a quick decision. Reply to them as soon as you make the decision. Some university follows first come first serve policy, so do not wait for the deadlines to reply.
• You will have to deposit a non-refundable amount, for confirming your seat in the college/university.

Step 5: Apply for study Visa/Education Loan/scholarships - November 2022 to December 2022

• As soon as you get the Letter of acceptance, apply for a student’s loan if required, without any delay. Some official procedure takes a long time to process, and the student should always take this into consideration before planning for the timeline.
• Collect all the documents required for your student visa application. Apply for a student visa for Poland in time.
• If required, apply for an external scholarship as well, as soon as you get the confirmation of admission from the college/university in Poland.

Step 6: Tickets and Departure - January 2023

• You are almost ready to fly! Book airline tickets. Most of the classes will start in early February, so it is advisable to enter Poland by January and look for accommodations.
• Before flying, collect all the necessary documents such as transcripts and their photocopies.
• Arrange an international Credit / Debit card before leaving your home country, and ensure that you have marked every checkbox in your pre-departure checklist.

Important points regarding intakes in Poland

There are various aspects you should consider as an international student, lets us see what there are:

Universities

You should check that if your chosen universities accept the applications of international students for both semesters. As some of the universities in Poland do not take admission in both the intakes. So you need to do some research on specific universities or courses to find out which intakes are available for you.

Acceptance Rate

Many students apply for the fall intake because the size of the class is much larger than the spring intake. So, the universities accept more application forms of international students in fall intake as compared to spring intake.

Job Opportunity

Campus recruitment usually occurs during the second year, which means you will have completed three semesters if are in the fall class, and two semesters for the spring class. More job changes in the spring semester.

Conclusion

Winter intake is the most preferable intake, but you will also not be losing out on much if you apply for Summer. If your favorite course is available only during summer, don't think twice and apply for summer intake only.

In terms of education and research facilities offered by Poland universities, there may not be any key differences between these two semesters. Do remember to check the intakes for which admissions are open and make the decision accordingly.