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Some people have already registered through university application systems, while others are waiting for their school-leaving exam results and wondering what to do next. Whatever stage you’re at right now, remember one thing: there is no single right path after leaving school. For some, a post-secondary school or full-time employment will be the best option, while for others, going to university will be a good choice.
What does the data tell us?
According to Statistics Poland (GUS), the number of students in the latest academic year (2024/2025) was 2.8% higher than in the previous year. As at 31 December 2024, there were 1,280,100 students enrolled at higher education institutions in Poland, an increase of 34,900 compared with the previous year. However, this was still significantly lower than almost a decade earlier, when the figure stood at 1,405,100 in the 2015/2016 academic year ([see the data from Statistics Poland](https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5488/8/11/1/szkolnictwo_wyzsze_w_roku_akademickim_2024-2025.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)).
Interestingly, women made up the majority of students in the 2024/2025 academic year, accounting for 58.2% of the total.
Which path will you choose?
You have several paths to choose from. The education system and labour market are more flexible than they were just a decade or so ago. This means you can combine different paths relatively easily, take some time to consider your options or focus entirely on your studies.
- University studies
If you feel that university is the right place for you, go for it! Remember that university applications open in June. Universities offer different modes of study:
- full-time studies (daytime): ideal if you want to focus on your studies and experience student life to the full;
- part-time studies (weekend or evening): a good option if you want to combine studying for a degree with work, gaining experience or pursuing other interests.
- Studying and working
Can you combine the two? Of course! More and more students are choosing to work from their first year at university. As well as improving your financial situation, you can gain experience and develop new skills (e.g. organising tasks or working as part of a team).
You do not have to start with a full-time job. Internships, work placements and even casual work are great ways to begin. Each of these opportunities gives you more than just something to add to your CV – above all, they help you develop your skills, find your direction and understand how the labour market works.
- Studying and gaining qualifications
If you already have specific careers in mind when starting university, it is worth considering additional qualifications. You do not need to take a second degree or attend a post-secondary school at the same time – you can choose market qualifications instead (e.g. the qualification: ‘Public speaking’ could be useful for those interested in business or journalism, while the qualification: ‘Planning and delivering conference services’ could benefit those who want to work in marketing).
Training courses, workshops or perhaps having your existing skills officially certified – all these options can give you an extra advantage in the labour market.
- Gap year, a year to consider your options.
Do you feel you need more time to make a decision? Have you no idea what you want to do in the future, and does choosing a degree course or a specific career right now seem pointless? Take a break, give yourself time to think and explore the labour market and different sectors.
However, a gap year is not a time for lazing around or doing nothing. It is an opportunity to, for example:
- travelling and volunteering,
- working in your home country or abroad,
- language and vocational courses,
- trying out different roles.
When you apply to university again a year later, you will have gained more knowledge and experience, and perhaps a clearer idea of what you want to do in the future.
University courses in one place
If you don’t want to visit each university’s website separately, take a look at the Integrated Qualifications Register (IQR).
What is it? It is a comprehensive official database containing a wide range of qualifications that can be obtained in Poland, including those awarded upon completion of university studies. The Register is linked to the POL-on database, giving you access to all current degree courses offered by higher education institutions in Poland.
How can you use it right now?
- Know what you want to study but not which universities in Poland offer it? Browse the Register, select higher education in the filters and enter a general field of study – you will get a list of universities offering courses in that field.
- Not sure which university is right for you? Every qualification page follows the same layout and provides a similar range of information, making it easier to compare degree courses.
- If any qualifications interest you, visit the universities’ websites to find out what else they offer (accommodation, additional courses, etc.).
- Take your time to make your decision – you now have a better understanding of the degree programmes available and an outline of your plans for the next few years.
Choose your development path
Studying at university has its pros and cons. You will spend several more years learning, and there will be costs involved (such as textbooks or student accommodation), not to mention the extra effort required. To make the most of your time at university, you need to be committed. However, remember that studying is not just about memorising facts. You will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, meet wonderful people, gain a clearer sense of your strengths and perhaps discover new competences.
A university degree will certainly open up further educational and career opportunities. It could also be the ideal path for you.
Check the sources
Statistics Poland (2025). Higher education in the 2024/2025 academic year. https://stat.gov.pl/files/gfx/portalinformacyjny/pl/defaultaktualnosci/5488/8/11/1/szkolnictwo_wyzsze_w_roku_akademickim_2024-2025.pdf (accessed: 16 June 2026)