Erasmus guide Jagiellonian University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland.
Snapshot
Poland's oldest university (1364) and consistently top-ranked nationally — a research-intensive university with strong English-taught humanities, medicine, biotech, and international relations programmes.
Why students shortlist it
Historic public university in Krakow with strong law, humanities, medicine, political science and natural-science options. Good fit for students who want Polish academic life in a compact, culturally dense city.
Teaching languages: Polish (primary); English-taught courses and programmes available across most faculties
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
B2 English (CEFR) for English-taught courses; B2 Polish for Polish-taught. GPA equivalent ~3.0/4.0 minimum varies by partner agreement.
Nomination Process
Application via home university's Erasmus+ office, then nomination to UJ. Online application via USOSweb. Deadline: 15 May for winter semester, 30 October for summer. Learning Agreement signed by UJ coordinator before arrival.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Check partner portal for current deadlines | See exchange office application calendar |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm study program and course selections before departure
- Collect welcome packet from International Office upon arrival
- Attend the mandatory orientation week
- Activate university network account and library access
Academics
Course Registration
Course registration is completed online via the university student information system (e.g. USOSweb, UNIGRAZonline, SoleMOVE) after official admission.
Credit System
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) standard.
Grading System
Local national grading scale with corresponding ECTS grades provided on the final transcript of records.
Exam Culture
Written exams, oral assessments, or continuous course assignments at the end of each semester.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (PLN 80–150 admin) | Erasmus tuition fully covered. Universities may charge PLN 80–150 (~€20–35) admin fee at enrollment. Bilateral non-Erasmus students may pay reduced tuition (… |
| Full degree – international | PLN 0–5,000/semester | EU students in Polish-taught programmes: free. English-taught (medical, law): PLN 3,000–5,000/semester (~€680–1,130). Non-EU same rates for English tracks. M… |
EUR 0 tuition (PLN 80–150 admin)
Erasmus tuition fully covered. Universities may charge PLN 80–150 (~€20–35) admin fee at enrollment. Bilateral non-Erasmus students may pay reduced tuition (…
PLN 0–5,000/semester
EU students in Polish-taught programmes: free. English-taught (medical, law): PLN 3,000–5,000/semester (~€680–1,130). Non-EU same rates for English tracks. M…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for basic coverage
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Private student health insurance plans compliant with national visa requirements
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
International Relations Office
International Students Mobility Office (DMWZ), buddy programme, ESN UJ section running weekly events, Polish language survival courses for incoming students.
Student Union
Advocacy, representation, local discount cards, and university sports coordination.
Student Services (Jagiellonian)
Jagiellonian University student services hub: academic support, career, health, housing, disability, and practical student life guidance for all enrolled students.
Psychological Counselling (UJ)
Jagiellonian Safe Student Centre: free psychological counselling for stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and mental health issues. Crisis support also available.
Disability Support Office (UJ)
Jagiellonian University Disability Support Service: academic accommodations, assistance devices, and support for students with disabilities across all faculties.
Career Centre (UJ)
Jagiellonian University Career Office: career counselling, internship and job listings, CV workshops, employer events, and professional development for students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Polish language tandems
- ESN trips to Tatra Mountains, Auschwitz, Wieliczka
- Collegium Medicum simulation centre tours
- Open lectures at Collegium Maius
Buddy Program
International student buddy program coordinated by ESN and the International Office.
Sports & Recreation
- University sports institute offering low-cost training, fitness courses, and ski/mountain excursions.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend the central orientation meetings and campus tours
- Submit your arrival forms and finalize your learning agreement
- Obtain your student ID card and semester public transport pass
- Participate in ESN social gatherings and city integration games
Key Dates
Pre-arrival
May - June for Autumn semester
Nomination validation and visa application processing
Arrival & Orientation
September / February
Mandatory welcome sessions and first course adjustments
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.