Erasmus+ and other exchange programmes
We welcome international students and encourage our students to study abroad. International students, coming from our partner universities or on an individual basis, enjoy equal rights with CC students. At present we have student exchange agreements with over 70 universities in Europe, North America and Asia. Every year we are pleased to host individuals and groups of students coming from various countries.
We welcome international students and encourage our students to study abroad. International students, coming from our partner universities or on an individual basis, enjoy equal rights with Collegium Civitas students. At present we have student exchange agreements with over 70 universities in Europe, North America and Asia. Every year we are pleased to host individuals and groups of students coming from various countries.
The main exchange programme at Collegium Civitas is the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme, which facilitates student and teacher exchange between European universities. Under this EU-funded programme we collaborate with universities from Estonia, Germany, the Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, France, Holland, Hungary, Lithuania, Spain, Czech Republic, Norway, and other countries. If your university has not signed an Erasmus+ agreement with Collegium Civitas, you may request your International Office to do so.
All exchange students at Collegium Civitas may choose from courses in English and in Polish offer by any of the study programs. About 170 courses in English and over 250 in Polish are offered in each academic year:
Collegium Civitas Catalogue of Courses (EN) – academic year 2023/2024
Collegium Civitas Katalog zajęć (PL) – rok akademicki 2023/2024
The incoming students may also take Polish as a foreign language. Students usually earn 30 ECTS credits per semester. Collegium Civitas adheres to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Warsaw is a lively and lovely city with more than 250 thousand students. For practical information about accommodation, meals, urban transport, costs of living in Warsaw, please see our guide: Magical Tips for Students
Our staff and student organizations (with the Buddy Programme being one of the examples) help the incoming students in the adaptation process.
We invite all Erasmus+ participants to download the free Erasmus+ App: https://erasmusapp.eu
For guidelines for applicants see “How to apply” section.
The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) provides the general quality framework for European and international cooperation activities a higher education institution may carry out within Erasmus+. This document along with the Erasmus+ Student Charter and Policy Statement 2021-2027 set the framework of our activities in the Erasmus+ Programme:
Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2021_2027
Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education 2014 – 2020
Collegium Civitas Erasmus Policy Statement 2014-2020
The efforts to strengthen and develop international collaboration, multiculturalism, mutual respect and understanding, as well as sustainable development are the foundation of Collegium Civitas activities. Our mission is fully compatible with the values expressed through the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, with its provisions being observed in all the aspects of our work, as they constitute an integral element of Collegium Civitas policy. Thus, participation in Erasmus+ Programme is a natural path for us to follow in furthering our development and our mission. Please read our Erasmus+ Policy Statement for the years 2021-2027:
Collegium Civitas Erasmus+ Policy Statement 2021-2027
If you have any questions about coming as an exchange student to Collegium Civitas, feel free to write to our International Office: international@civitas.edu.pl
To learn more about Erasmus+, visit the programme website: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/node_en
How to apply?
If you are interested in studying at Collegium Civitas as an exchange student, please contact an Erasmus+ coordinator at your University or the International Office of Collegium Civitas: international@civitas.edu.pl
How to Apply?
If you are interested in exchange studying at Collegium Civitas, please contact the Erasmus+ coordinator at your University who will nominate you as an exchange student. The nomination should be sent to the International Office of Collegium Civitas: international@civitas.edu.pl
Deadlines for nominations:
Fall semester: August 1
Spring semester: December 1
Online application for incoming students
Once Collegium Civitas receives the nomination, you will be asked to register online here
Deadlines for student applications:
Fall semester: August 15
Spring semester: December 15
Housing: Collegium Civitas does not offer campus accommodation. We cooperate with different companies in Warsaw to provide the housing service for our students. More details: https://www.civitas.edu.pl/en/for-students/housing
Credits and Grading
Collegium Civitas adheres to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). We accept credits earned at participating universities while other ECTS institutions honor credits earned at our school.
European Credit Transfer System
Collegium Civitas adheres to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). We accept credits earned at participating universities while other ECTS institutions honor credits earned at our school.
To obtain ECTS credits for a given course, each student must earn at least a grade of “passing” (3.0 in Collegium Civitas). Depending on the required workload, courses at Collegium give 3 to 6 ECTS credits per semester, language classes give 3 or 6 credits.
Grading scale
The grading scale at Collegium Civitas is available here: Description of the institutional grading scale
Please, remember that the Lecturer has the autonomy to set the assessment criteria for a given course, including the percentage wages for separate tasks that are jointly assessed for the final grade (eg. active participation in classes, homeworks, project work, presentation, essay, final exam etc.). Thus, please kindly note that the final grade may reflect the performance throughout the semester and not only the performance at the final exam. In particular, the percentage conversion of the points obtained at the final exam may differ from the indicative percentage conversion given in the grading scale. The information about the assessment criteria for a given course is to be found in the syllabus.
Student’s progress evaluation
Depending on the specific course students’ performance can be evaluated on the basis of:
- written or oral exams,
- final papers,
- teamwork tasks,
- oral presentations,
- empirical projects,
- theses,
- practical work or other specific tasks,
- in-class active performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at the frequently asked questions along with answers :) about student exchange at Collegium Civitas.
● CAN I APPLY TO COLLEGIUM CIVITAS AS A FOREIGN/INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
If you are an exchange student from a university with which Collegium Civitas has a student exchange agreement and have been formally selected by your home university you can study at Collegium Civitas for free enrolling in courses of your own choice (or recommended by your university) taught in English or in Polish (if you know Polish well enough).
● I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY TO COLLEGIUM CIVITAS AS AN EXCHANGE STUDENT: WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You should contact your International Office (or equivalent) or Departmental International Coordinator at your home university. If there is an exchange agreement with Collegium Civitas they will be able to give you the necessary information as well as application deadlines. You may also contact the Collegium Civitas International Office at international@civitas.edu.pl to find out whether your university has an exchange agreement with us; if it does not, you may think of coming to study at Collegium Civitas as a One Semester Program (based on tuition fee).
● CAN I APPLY AS A NON-EXCHANGE STUDENT TO A PROGRAM OR TO COURSES TAUGHT IN ENGLISH AT COLLEGIUM CIVITAS?
Yes. Collegium Civitas offers the One Semester Program to all non-exchange students who wish to come to our university, take a certain number of courses, earn about 30 ECTS per semester, take part in all extracurricular activities , make friendship with students of Collegium Civitas, and enjoy living in Warsaw for a semester. Attention! This program does not entitle participants to obtain student rights (no student ID is granted). Candidates who hold a student status at their home universities are advised to get an ISIC card which entitles its holder to use benefits of student status.
● CAN I RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT FROM COLLEGIUM CIVITAS TO FUND MY STAY IN POLAND?
If you are an Erasmus student you will receive a scholarship from your home university and, of course, you will not have to pay any tuition fees at Collegium Civitas. If you are an exchange student (on the basis of a bilateral agreement between Collegium Civitas and your university) you will not have to pay tuition fees at CC. If you are not an Erasmus (or exchange) student, try to obtain a scholarship from foundations or other institutions. As to possible Collegium Civitas scholarships, we regret to inform you that Collegium Civitas is unable to provide any to exchange students. We are a non-profit university and we keep our tuition fees as low as possible so that many students from different countries may afford to come and study with us.
● WILL I NEED A VISA TO STUDY IN POLAND?
EU citizens studying under the Erasmus+ or Exchange Program do not require a visa. Visa nationals (non-EU passport holders) will normally require a visa. Collegium Civitas will provide the appropriate documentation to support students with their visa applications. For more information about visa requirements, please, check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Poland: https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/visas.
● HOW DO I FIND ACCOMMODATION IN WARSAW?
Collegium Civitas does not offer campus accommodation. We cooperate with different companies in Warsaw to provide the housing service for our students. More information about accessible accommodation is available via the following link: https://www.civitas.edu.pl/en/for-students/housing
You can rent a flat or a room in a so-called student-flat (the flat which is co-rented by students) or a room in a house/flat occupied by its owners. We advise to take the first option, as in the second one you should be ready to conform to the owners’ requirements. Before signing the contract, you should always ask about the smallest details concerning your life in the house/flat.
Living in a student-flat is likely to be less complicated. Depending on a situation there could be single, double or even more bedded rooms. Before taking the final decision check out the flat you intend to live in. Do not rent a flat without seeing it first.
The sooner you start looking for your accommodation the better. You can use the Internet, local papers or you can find information on “the announcement boards” located in the Collegium Civitas hall or in every Warsaw University’s building. The cost of such accommodation in Warsaw depends on the area and standard, and ranges from 350 to 700 Euro per month. Finding accommodation in Warsaw might take a while. Be prepared for overnight in a hotel or cheaper place like Youth hostel. We can recommend Okidoki Hostel situated in the city center and close neighbourhood of Collegium Civitas. Please visit www.okidoki.pl for more information and reservation.
If you need help in finding accommodation in Warsaw, please contact the International Office at international@civitas.edu.pl.
● WHAT IS THE POLISH CURRENCY?
Before the arrival, don’t forget to arrange your Polish currency. The local currency is Polish Zloty. Please, make sure you have some local Polish currency or a credit/.debit card, so you can pay for anything you need during your first few days in Poland.
● WHERE IS COLLEGIUM CIVITAS LOCATED?
Collegium Civitas is located in the very center of Warsaw, in the Palace of Culture and Science on the 12th floor. The entrance to the building is from the side of Marszalkowska Str.
The university address is:
Collegium Civitas
Plac Defiald 1, XII floor
00-901 Warsaw
● HOW DO I GET MY STUDENT ID?
The Student ID will be issued after the beginning of the academic year. Use your Student ID to get discounts for public transport, museums and other services.
Important! You need to provide the International Affairs and Promotion Office with your photo and current residential address in Warsaw in advance to get your student ID in time.
● WHERE CAN I GET A HEALTH INSURANCE?
Here is the list of the most popular insurance companies in Poland:
· PZU
· Vienna Insurance Group
· Allianz
· WARTA Insurance and Reinsurance Company
The offices of the companies are placed around all Warsaw. You just need to pick up the company and find the location of their office in the internet.
● HOW CAN I DO ENROLMENT FOR COURSES AND FIND MY TIMETABLE?
You need to log onto the Student Online Services: http://wu.civitas.edu.pl
Your login and password will be provided to you by the Collegium Civitas staff.
Student Online Service contains the most important information about your schedule, marks, courses handbooks etc.
● WHEN DO THE ADAPTATION DAYS START?
Usually the adaptation days start on the first week of study. To find out more you can contact the International Affairs and Promotion Office. We recommend to come to Poland a couple of days before your lecture to figure out any issues with the university. Our students’ societies and the Buddy Program also may provide different activities before the beginning of the academic year.
● WHAT IS THE PASSWORD TO WI-FI?
You will receive a code card along with your student ID card. The codes will enable you access to Wi-Fi, computer lab, e-mail and document management system.
Other Information
Upon your arrival get in touch with the International Office. You will be asked to take part in the Orientation Day, which is usually scheduled at the beginning of each semester.
First steps after arrival at Collegium Civitas
Upon your arrival get in touch with the International Office. You will be asked to take part in the Orientation Day, which is usually scheduled at the beginning of each semester.
Once in Warsaw you will get a login and a password to the Collegium Civitas Student Online Services. All further information concerning your study and other practical information you will find there.
Collegium Civitas offers courses of Polish as a Foreign Language to all incoming foreign students. You do not have to take it, but it may be a good idea to enroll! For further information please contact the International Office.
Student Identity Card
The Student ID (pol. legitymacja studencka) is the most important document. If you want to use libraries, reading rooms and to get discounts (like 50% off on city transportation tickets/passes), you will have to present your student ID card. Also, cinemas, theaters, museums, national bus lines and certain clubs offer discounts for students.
To get the student ID you need to be officially enrolled as a Collegium Civitas student and provide the International Office with a photo and residency address in Warsaw. At the beginning of each semester you need to have the ID validated to confirm your enrollment.
How to Enroll on Specific Courses
Upon your arrival, please visit the International Office and enroll in courses. You need to write down the titles of the chosen courses, the lecturers’ names, the number of ECTS points for each course and your student ID number (available at IO).
You are entitled to attend your first classes and – if you find them not really interesting – you have a possibility of dropping a course you do not like. If for any reason you decide to drop a course, or if you want to enroll on an extra course, you should fill in a Modification Card on-line. Remember that you are allowed to submit the Modification Card only once, and only within a strictly defined period of time at the beginning of semester.
If you have any questions about studying at our university as an exchange student, feel free to write to the International Office: international@civitas.edu.pl
Temporal residency permit
Check how to obtain the residence permit.
EU/EEA citizens
An EU citizen can enter Poland with his/her ID document (a valid travel document e.g. passport, or another document certifying his/her identity and citizenship). For stay up to 3 months no legalisation of stay will be necessary. For stays exceeding 3 months, an EU citizen will have to obtain a temporary residence permit (Karta pobytu obywatela UE). In case of students, the residence permit is issued for one year. The residence permit – once issued – will also entitle its bearer to take up work. The residence permit and the right to work also extends to the immediate family – i.e. spouse and children. This document will be issued by the Department of Citizens Affairs of the Voivodeship Office (province administration, in Polish Urzad Wojewodzki). Charge for issuing of the residence permit is 30 Polish zloty (ca 7 Euro). Temporary residence permits will be granted to Union citizens who have health insurance and sufficient resources to cover their expenses without needing social security support. Documents that have to be submitted by the student to the Voivodeship Office in order to obtain the residence permit:
- copy of the travel document (passport or other ID document)
- health insurance document
- official letter of acceptance from the Polish university (with information about the planned period of study)
- declaration about sufficient resources to cover the subsistence costs in Poland
- 2 photographs
- Application form (Wniosek o zezwolenie na pobyt, in Polish)
Institutional Erasmus Co-ordinators at Polish universities will help students to obtain the residence permit. Citizens of the EEA countries are subject to the same conditions as the EU citizens. The citizens of Switzerland can enter Poland only on the basis of a valid passport.
Non-EU/EEA citizens
A citizen of a non-EU/EEA country can enter the territory of Poland on the basis of a valid travel document (passport) and a visa (if required). A citizen of a non-EU country has to obtain the visa from the consulate of Poland in his/her country of residence. The short-term visa entitles to stay in Poland up to 3 months, the long-term visa – up to 1 year. The prolongation of visa in Poland is only possible in case of a force majeure or situation impossible to foresee while applying for the visa in the consulate. The visa can be prolonged only once. It is therefore necessary to apply for a visa in a consulate for the whole planned period of stay in Poland. For details please contact the Polish Consulate in your country. Persons who have received a visa for the whole period of stay in Poland are not obliged to apply for a residence permit for their stay in Poland.