Student Budget Calculator
Plan your monthly student budget in Poland. Covers housing, food, transport, and entertainment with student discounts.
Student Living Costs and Budget Planning for Poland
Poland is one of Europe's most affordable student destinations, but costs vary significantly depending on your city and lifestyle. A student in Warsaw needs approximately 3,500-5,000 PLN per month, while Lublin or Katowice students can live comfortably on 2,500-3,500 PLN. This calculator helps you plan a realistic student budget that accounts for housing, food, transport, books, and social life — with built-in student discount rates.
University dormitories (akademiki) are the cheapest housing option at 400-800 PLN per month, but spaces are limited and conditions vary. Many international students prefer shared apartments through platforms like Domkaspot, where a room in a 2-3 person flat costs 1,200-2,000 PLN including utilities. The student discount card (legitymacja studencka) unlocks 51% off public transport, making commuting from more affordable neighborhoods a smart strategy.
Part-time work is a realistic option for funding your studies. EU students can work without restrictions, while non-EU students on student visas can work up to 20 hours per week. Popular student jobs in Poland include English tutoring (40-80 PLN per hour), hospitality work, and IT freelancing. This tool helps you see exactly how part-time income and scholarships offset your monthly expenses.
- Apply for the rector's scholarship (stypendium rektora) if you maintain good grades — it pays 500-1,500 PLN per month and is available to international students.
- Get your student ID (legitymacja studencka) immediately — it gives 51% off public transport and discounts at cinemas, museums, and many restaurants.
- Buy a semester transport pass instead of monthly — it saves an additional 10-15% on already discounted student rates.
- Cook at home using budget supermarkets like Biedronka and Lidl — a student can eat well for 600-800 PLN per month compared to 1,500+ PLN eating out.
- Join your university's ESN (Erasmus Student Network) chapter for free events, travel deals, and a ready-made international social circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about student budget calculator
Polish universities offer several scholarships: rector's scholarship for academic achievement (500-1,500 PLN/month), social scholarship for financial need (400-1,200 PLN/month), disability scholarship, and sports scholarship. International students can apply for NAWA, Erasmus+, and bilateral government scholarships. Apply early — deadlines are usually in October.