Students coming to Poland for Erasmus can receive a monthly scholarship ranging from 540 to 750 euros, depending on their country of origin and the characteristics of their stay. The amount of funding is determined by the student’s home university in accordance with Erasmus+ program rules.
Key Takeaways
- The Erasmus scholarship is a partial subsidy for living and travel costs, not full coverage of student expenses.
- The monthly rate depends on the sending country and ranges from 540 to 750 euros.
- Living costs in Poland are relatively low, allowing most students to manage within the scholarship budget.
- Individuals with fewer opportunities, disabilities, or those choosing sustainable transport may receive additional funding.
- Finding accommodation early – preferably through a trusted platform like Nearby – is key to a peaceful and successful stay in Poland.
What is the Erasmus Scholarship?
The Erasmus scholarship is a lump-sum grant for students and doctoral candidates participating in international exchange within the Erasmus+ program. It aims to cover living and travel costs in the host country.
You Coming to Poland for Erasmus? Looking for an affordable student room in Warsaw without hidden fees? Check out our offer!
Erasmus Scholarship Amount for Students Coming to Poland
The scholarship amount received by an Erasmus+ participant depends on the country they are coming from. Countries have been divided into three groups based on the cost of living in the country of departure. Poland is classified as a country with low living costs.
Below is a table showing the approximate monthly Erasmus scholarship rates for students coming to Poland from selected countries.
| Sending institution’s country | Country group | Monthly rate (EUR) |
| Norway | Group I – highest living costs | 750 |
| Ireland | Group I | 750 |
| Iceland | Group I | 750 |
| Finland | Group I | 750 |
| Sweden | Group I | 750 |
| France | Group II – average costs | 600 |
| Austria | Group II | 600 |
| Belgium | Group II | 600 |
| Italy | Group II | 600 |
| Spain | Group II | 600 |
| Greece | Group II | 600 |
| Germany | Group II | 600 |
| Portugal | Group II | 600 |
| Cyprus | Group II | 600 |
| Netherlands | Group II | 600 |
| Malta | Group II | 600 |
| Croatia | Group III – lower costs | 540 |
| Czech Republic | Group III | 540 |
| Slovakia | Group III | 540 |
| Slovenia | Group III | 540 |
| Hungary | Group III | 540 |
| Bulgaria | Group III | 540 |
| Romania | Group III | 540 |
| Lithuania | Group III | 540 |
| Latvia | Group III | 540 |
| Estonia | Group III | 540 |
| North Macedonia | Group III | 540 |
| Turkey | Group III | 540 |
Note: The scholarship amount may vary depending on the decision of the specific university and the national Erasmus agency.
What Does the Erasmus Scholarship Cover in Poland?
The Erasmus scholarship is a lump sum and its main purpose is to cover the difference in living costs between the home country and the host country. For students coming to Poland, this primarily means subsidizing:
- accommodation costs (room, apartment, dormitory),
- food,
- local transportation,
- health insurance,
- basic educational materials.
However, this is not full cost coverage – the scholarship provides support, not full financing of life in Poland.
Additional Funding
For Participants with Fewer Opportunities
Students with fewer opportunities (e.g., low income, disability, or health problems) may receive additional funding.
- Additional social support: from 250 EUR per month.
- For people with disabilities: possible full coverage of costs related to additional needs (e.g., specialized transport, medical care).
Green Travel – Sustainable Travel
Erasmus+ promotes eco-friendly travel. A participant who chooses green travel (e.g., train, bus, or shared ride) may receive:
- a one-time bonus of 50 EUR,
- funding for up to 4 additional travel days.
How is the Length of Stay Calculated?
The Erasmus scholarship is calculated based on the number of days/months of stay. The minimum mobility length is 60 days for internships and 90 days for studies (unless combining forms – then shorter stays are possible).
Each participant receives a scholarship for full months, and the remaining days are calculated proportionally. Calculations are made using the official Erasmus+ distance and duration calculator.
When and how is the Scholarship Paid?
The scholarship is paid by the home university before departure or shortly after arrival. Typical schedule:
- 80% of the amount – transfer before or right after the start of mobility.
- 20% of the amount – after return and settlement of documents (e.g., certificate of stay, final report).
The participant signs a financial agreement with the university, where the payment conditions are precisely specified.
Living Costs in Poland – What Will the Scholarship Cover?
Poland remains one of the cheapest European Union countries in terms of living costs. An average student needs monthly:
- Accommodation (single room): 800-1500 PLN (~180-340 EUR)
- Food: 600-1000 PLN (~135-225 EUR)
- Public transport: 50-100 PLN (~11-23 EUR)
- Other expenses (hobbies, clothes, cleaning supplies): 200-400 PLN (~45-90 EUR)
Total average cost of living for a student in Poland: 1600-3000 PLN, or 360-680 EUR per month
Advice from a Nearby Specialist
“The most common mistake of students coming to Poland for Erasmus is looking for accommodation too late. We recommend starting the search at least 2 months before arrival – that’s when the choice of rooms and apartments is the largest. At Nearby, we offer verified offers tailored to the Erasmus scholarship budget.”
Example: a Student from Spain Coming to Warsaw
- Erasmus monthly rate: 600 EUR
- Stay: 5 months
- Total scholarship: 5 × 600 EUR = 3000 EUR
- Estimated monthly expenses: 2400 PLN (~550 EUR)
- Surplus: about 50 EUR/month – may be enough for trips or small pleasures
Coming to Poland for Erasmus and looking for accommodation? We’ll help you!
Hundreds of Erasmus students have already trusted Nearby to find stress-free accommodation in Poland. We offer verified student rooms in Warsaw and full support in English. Book online and sleep peacefully before your trip.
Summary – Key Information
- The Erasmus scholarship in Poland ranges from 540 to 750 EUR per month.
- Students from countries with high living costs, such as Norway, Ireland, or Sweden, receive the most.
- Additional allowances are possible for people with fewer opportunities, disabilities, and those traveling ecologically.
- Living costs in Poland are relatively low, so the scholarship covers a significant part of monthly expenses.
- It’s worth arranging accommodation in advance – preferably with the help of professional companies like Nearby.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I come to Poland for Erasmus for only 30 days?
Yes, but only for short-term mobilities such as doctoral internships or blended mobilities. For studies, the minimum period is usually 2 or 3 months.
2. Who can help me if I have a problem during my Erasmus stay in Poland?
Each sending and receiving institution has an Erasmus coordinator who is responsible for supporting the student. You should contact them in case of organizational, academic, or financial difficulties.
3. Will the Erasmus scholarship cover all my travel costs to Poland?
No, the Erasmus scholarship is not a full reimbursement of travel costs. It’s a lump-sum grant that partially compensates for travel costs, accommodation, and living expenses.
4. How long does it take to receive the scholarship after arriving in Poland?
Usually, the university pays 70-80% of the amount within a few days of starting mobility. The remaining part is paid after return and approval of required documents.
5. Can a student from Luxembourg apply for a higher Erasmus scholarship?
Yes, since Luxembourg is in the group of countries with high living costs, its citizens receive a higher monthly rate – up to 750 EUR. The exact amount depends on the decision of the sending institution.
6. What happens if my stay in Poland is shorter than planned?
In such a case, the university will calculate the amount of scholarship due proportionally to the number of days actually spent (e.g., 30 days). Unused funds must be returned.
7. Do I have to find accommodation in Poland myself, or will the university help me?
Universities often offer places in dormitories, but students can also look for housing on their own. It’s worth using the help of companies like Nearby, which specialize in accommodation for Erasmus students.
8. Do I need to report my travel costs to the coordinator?
There’s no obligation to report them in detail, as Erasmus is based on a lump sum. However, in case of additional funds (e.g., green travel), the coordinator may ask for proof of the means of transport.
