What are policial schools and why should a foreigner study there?

What is a post-secondary school?

A post-secondary school (Szkoła policealna) is an educational institution in Poland that offers vocational education to individuals who already hold a secondary education certificate. These schools train specialists in various fields and enable students to acquire professional skills within 1 to 2.5 years.

There are both public and private post-secondary schools. However, all of them follow the core curriculum of the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Poland.

Attention! All post-secondary schools must be registered in the (RSPO) registry. They provide officially recognized diplomas. If a school is not on the list, it is not official and cannot provide a corresponding diploma/certificate upon graduation.

How much does it cost to study at a post-secondary school?

Studying at a post-secondary school can be either free or paid, depending on the school, region, and circumstances. Tuition fees may range from 100 to 200 PLN per semester. Even with free education, there might be a charge for enrollment or insurance.

Holders of a residence card or a Polish Card have an additional opportunity to register as unemployed with the labor office. In such cases, the government covers the course costs and provides a stipend.

Who can enroll in a post-secondary school?

Anyone of legal age with a general secondary education certificate can enroll in a post-secondary school. This includes both Polish citizens and foreigners. Foreigners may be required to provide a sworn translation of their certificate, and in some cases, an apostille in addition to the translation.

What professions can be learned in post-secondary schools?

The full list of professions available in post-secondary schools is extensive. Note that these schools teach specializations that are currently in demand in the Polish labor market.

Professions can be categorized as follows:

- Medical professions: paramedic, nurse, physiotherapist, pharmacist, dental assistant, podiatrist, rehabilitation massage therapist, and more.

- Information technology: programmer, network administrator, cybersecurity specialist.

- Economics and finance: accountant, bank employee, sales manager.

- Hospitality and tourism: hotel administrator, travel agent.
Beauty services: cosmetologist, hairdresser, makeup artist.

- Technical professions: electrician, mechanic, builder.
You can choose a profession based on your interests or the duration of the course, which varies from 1 year to 2.5 years for different specializations.

How to enroll in a post-secondary school?

Before applying, it is important to know that the form of study can vary: full-time, evening, or part-time.

Admission requirements can vary greatly. For instance, entrance exams are usually not required, but there are exceptions. Therefore, it is recommended to visit the website of the selected school and check the specific admission details. You can choose a school and course online.

You will need the following to enroll:

- A secondary education certificate with a sworn translation.
- A document confirming legal residence in Poland, such as a humanitarian visa, residence card, Polish Card, passport, etc.
- 2 photos (3.5x4.5 cm).
- A medical certificate – a health check for the chosen specialization.
- Knowledge of the Polish language – at least basic level, but some schools offer free Polish language courses for foreign students.

Important! After graduation, a post-secondary school issues a certificate of Polish language proficiency at the B1 level. This certificate is an official document and can be considered when applying for Polish citizenship.

Education in post-secondary schools is conducted in Polish, so at least basic understanding is required initially.

If all the documents are collected, you can proceed with the enrollment. The process of enrolling in a post-secondary school looks as follows:

1. Choosing a program. Decide on the school, study format, specialization, and duration.

2. Submitting an application for enrollment – online or at the school's office (you may have to be placed on a waiting list if demand is high).

3. Providing documents.

4. Taking entrance exams – if required.

5. Paying tuition – if applicable.

Enrollment in post-secondary schools takes place in summer (July–September) and winter (December–February). Classes begin in September for summer admissions and in February–March for winter admissions.

How is studying at a post-secondary school conducted?

Depending on the format, classes may take place on weekdays – during the day or evening at least three days a week – or on weekends. The workload also depends on the format. Weekends require more time, while weekdays require more frequent attendance.

Education typically includes both theory and practice, as well as a state qualification exam. After completing the course, students receive certificates with a list of subjects studied. However, the certificate may not be sufficient to confirm qualifications.

To confirm qualifications, you need to pass a state exam. After passing successfully, graduates receive a diploma and a European certificate, allowing them to work in their field within the EU.

A post-secondary school certificate (świadectwo ukończenia szkoły policealnej) enables foreigners to work in Poland without a work permit.

The experience of a Belarusian student

Nastya studied to become an operator of postal and banking services in Poznan. The education was free and lasted one year. Practice and the medical examination were paid for separately (300 and 100 PLN, respectively). She noted that she studied not for employment purposes:

“My motivations for attending a post-secondary school were twofold:

To obtain a certificate of Polish language proficiency at the B1 level, which would be considered when applying for citizenship.
Adaptation in Poland. I started studying right after moving. I wanted to immerse myself in the Polish language immediately. The education was supposed to reduce my anxiety and help me adapt.

The second expectation was not met. All the teachers turned out to be Ukrainians, so I didn’t get into a Polish-speaking environment. However, I received a very important document that will help me in further legalization,” Nastya shares.

Why go to a post-secondary school?

The answer is simple: there are many reasons. While for Polish citizens, post-secondary schools mainly serve as a means of acquiring a profession, foreigners may prioritize other goals. Among the opportunities that post-secondary schools offer for foreigners are:

The chance to learn Polish and obtain a certificate of language proficiency at the B1 level. This document will be useful when applying for citizenship or other legalization processes.

Employment opportunities in Poland and the EU without a work permit. Not only in the obtained profession but for any job in general.

Obtaining a profession in a short time – 1 to 2.5 years.
The ability to obtain a student ID (legitymacja szkolna), which provides discounts and benefits (check based on your age and location).

Socialization and adaptation in the country – connections with classmates and teachers help to settle in Poland.

The possibility of applying for a temporary residence permit (karta czasowego pobytu) under certain conditions. Note that a residence permit obtained through a post-secondary school counts for only half the required stay period in Poland when applying, for example, for residency.

Conclusion

Post-secondary schools in Poland provide opportunities for quick professional training and employment, even for foreigners. At the same time, they offer an excellent chance to learn Polish and integrate into the environment. If you plan to stay in Poland long-term, consider studying at a post-secondary school as one of the steps toward legalization. Choose an interesting specialization – and take advantage of the opportunities!

Reloaction.io is ready to assist in the legalization processes with free step-by-step guides and personal consultations. Register on the platform and don’t forget to read the helpful blog!