Krakow

Krakow for students

As the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Poland, Krakow was the official capital of Poland until 1596. Today, it’s still a thriving hub of academic, economic and artistic activity, ranking 101st in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year.

Krakow possesses three world renowned universities, all of which are featured in the QS World University Rankings®. These are Jagiellonian University, Cracow University of Technology and AGH University of Science and Technology.

Of the three, Jagiellonian University earns the distinction of being the top university in Poland, having been ranked joint 309^th in the world.

Do you think Krakow deserves to be the Best Student City? Let us know your thoughts.

Best universities in Krakow - QS Best Student Cities ranking: 101st

More about Krakow

With three universities placing in the QS World University Rankings this year, Krakow earns its best score in the student view indicator, based on the responses of 85,000 students worldwide, ranking 78^th in the world.  It also scores well for desirability, placing 95^th in the world. Hardly surprising taking into account the city’s stunning architecture and rich cultural history.

To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.

Why study in Krakow?

Booming café culture

Home to many an artisanal coffee shop, students in Krakow are buzzing on caffeine while taking in the views of the city.

Interesting history

Krakow is a city with a rich history. Visit Krakow’s Old Town, one of the first ever urban UNESCO World Heritage sites, to experience the city’s history firsthand.

The green parks

Parks seem to be everywhere you go in Krakow. From the famous , packed full of winding paths, fir trees and greenery, to the vast expanse of Blona Common.

Near other European cities

If you fancy a weekend trip to explore more of Europe there are several popular cities just a train ride away, such as Budapest and Vienna.

Cost of studying in Krakow

Krakow ranks 110^th this year in the affordability ranking. Despite having the highest tuition fees of Polish student cities, Krakow’s  international tuition fees are much lower than in other European cities, such as London, Stockholm and Amsterdam.

International students living in Krakow can expect to pay around US$7,200 per year on average for tuition fees.

Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Krakow will need around £434 per month for living expenses, plus an additional £528 for accommodation in the city centre.

Life and culture in Krakow

Often called the prettiest of Poland’s cities, Krakow is situated on the Vistula river in the Lesser Poland area and dates back to the seventh century. 

Emerging from World War II as the only major Polish city to not suffer serious damage, Krakow is uniquely steeped in history, with incredible architecture everywhere you look. The city’s Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

If you’re looking to explore this stunning city, visit the Wawel Royal Castle – an iconic landmark which was home to three dynasties of Poland's monarchs. Or take a walk inside St. Mary’s Basilica, known for its impressive altarpiece and awe-inspiring stained-glass windows.

You can even combine historical sightseeing with some retail therapy by visiting the Cloth Hall, the world’s oldest shopping centre, dating back over 700 years. Wherever you choose to go, you will be surrounded by galleries, cafes, museums and restaurants.   

Careers in Krakow

Krakow has a strong economy and graduate jobs available in a range of fields. This year the city ranks a modest 111^th in the employer reputation indicator.

There are often roles available in the services sector, as this makes up a large proportion of Krakow’s economy. Other industries looking to hire skilled graduates include engineering, sales, IT and accounting and finance.

If you’re an EU citizen, you’ll be able to work in Poland for three months without a visa. After these three months have passed, you’ll need a temporary residence permit which lasts for three years.

Non-EU workers will need an employment offer from a Polish company in order to gain a work visa.