Internships in Poland for students

If you want to broaden your career prospects and enter the European market, try an internship in Poland.

Learn more about internships

Why choose Poland?

Internship programs for students have been intensively developing in Polish educational institutions for a long time, which is why young people from all over Europe come every year.

They are popular among Ukrainians due to:

the demand from companies that are always looking for qualified specialists;
the prospect of employment — students often receive job offers after their internship;
cooperation between educational institutions and companies;
intercultural similarities, as Poland is our neighbor with whom we share common features: similar languages and mentality;
proximity to home — no need to fly across the ocean to find a high-paying job.

Who can participate in an internship in Poland

Full-time students

Those who study full-time typically do not need a separate work permit. These students already hold a student visa or a Karta Polaka (Pole’s Card), both of which allow for legal employment.

Honor students or average students

If a student plans to work while studying, they must balance it with their coursework. Maintaining academic performance is crucial, as failing grades can lead to expulsion—a mandatory condition of maintaining student status in Poland.

Part-time students

To work, part-time students must obtain a work visa and official work authorization. This category also includes students enrolled in language courses.

Minors

For Ukrainian students who have UKR status (similar to refugee status) or a residence card, the same rules apply as for Poles. This means that minors study and work according to certain rules.

“Part-time workers”

There are no specific requirements for specialties, meaning that students find programs based on their fields or preferences. They look for work in the same way as in Ukraine — on job sites, platforms, and in communities.

Participants in international programs

Erasmus+: Paid internships of up to 12 months through student exchange.
IAESTE and AIESEC are international organizations that assist with academic mobility in the fields of technical sciences, business, marketing, and social projects.

What opportunities does an internship in Poland offer?

Practical experience

An internship is primarily an opportunity to improve your skills. In most specialties, a diploma is not issued without completed internship credits.

Career start

The earlier a student starts, the more competitive they become in the European environment.

Connections and contacts

Communication is the driving force behind career advancement and successful cooperation.

Finances

Paid internships for Ukrainians are especially relevant in Poland, as the European market is less susceptible to risks and crises than the Ukrainian market.

Where are internships held in Poland?

There are many opportunities to work in this country thanks to cooperation between institutions and companies.

Cities

Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław, Cieszyn-Dęblin, and others.

Fields

Engineering, IT, finance, HR, marketing, logistics, and others.

Companies

Bosch, Deloitte, NETWISE PROSTA S.A, BREMBO POLAND, NIVEA Polska, Volvo Maszyny Budowlane and others.

Advice from AP University

It is more difficult to participate in an internship program than to enter university, but this option is available to anyone who follows the rules.

Follow the rules

Find out about internship opportunities at your educational institution (Biuro karier), choose a program, collect the necessary documents, and keep track of the application deadlines.

Be bold

Look for a job in Poland as if you were doing it in Ukraine. Poles do not care about nationality — only skills. But check the vacancies, because there are scammers among them. Websites where you can search for internships and jobs: https://www.pracuj.pl/, https://www.absolvent.pl/, https://students.pl/.

Learn the language more deeply

If you have enrolled in a Polish higher education institution, you already have a basic or high level of Polish. Soft skills are valued just as much as hard skills, so develop your communication skills and build a brilliant career.

Prepare for interviews

Study this topic, because in times of fierce competition, it is an integral part of life. Remember: looking for a job is also work, and getting one is also a challenge.

Ask for help

Our AP Courses exam center will help you prepare for language exams. Here you will find a variety of preparation options from experienced teachers who have also faced the challenge of the Certyfikat Języka Polskiego exam.

Interested in our training?

Submit your application and receive detailed information about our educational services from a manager.

Frequently asked questions about internships in Poland

Do I need to know Polish to participate in the program?

The main training in Polish educational institutions and internships in companies is conducted in Polish, but there are many English-language programs. It is best for Ukrainians to know these two foreign languages. This will give candidates twice as many chances to get into the program and develop in their chosen field, as well as enter the European market.

What are the English language requirements for internships?

Preferably, your English should be sufficient for professional communication, but for a first job or internship, B1-B2 level is sufficient. To get a serious offer, you will have to improve your English. This is especially true in foreign companies that focus on Western markets, where employees are either native speakers or have a B2-C1 level of proficiency.

What documents do I need to submit to participate?

The list and scope of documents depend on the cooperation between the university and the company where the internship will take place, or whether they cooperate with each other. If the student chooses the company themselves, the list will be different. It usually includes: a 2 or 3-party contract for a fixed term, as well as insurance: accident insurance (NNW) and civil liability insurance. For more information, please contact our center.

How long does an internship in Poland last?

In each case, the company and the university determine the terms of the internship or practical training themselves. Most programs are designed for 2-3 months. The duration is specified in the contract and agreement with the student, and since companies mainly hire senior students, the internship is extended with an offer for a full-time job.

How does the internship selection process work?

The selection process begins with an analysis of the applications and a logical thinking test conducted by the company’s HR specialists. Candidates are then invited for interviews. The selection process for interns is identical to that for regular vacancies, as they are considered potential employees who need to be “brought up” to the required level.

Are internships in Poland paid?

This point should be discussed at the interview stage, although if the university agency selects an internship for the student, it provides information about payment immediately. There are paid and unpaid options. An intern’s salary is lower than that of a company employee because there are no strict requirements for them, and the time spent at work is considered training rather than work.

Is accommodation provided during the internship?

Students have access to discounted accommodation in dormitories, and some landlords offer special conditions for renting accommodation in the private sector. More detailed information should be obtained from the educational institution or company.

Is it possible to combine an internship with studies?

Yes, most students are already working in companies by the end of their final year, gaining new experience and accumulating work experience. People from lower grades also get jobs. Depending on the university, under Polish law, students have the opportunity to work a certain number of hours in a full-time job.

What opportunities are available after completing an internship?

Companies often offer interns a job after completing their internship if the student has performed well and the team needs reinforcement. There are different situations. If an intern wanted to get a job but was refused, they should not be disappointed, because with a note about the internship on their diploma, they have every chance of getting a job in other companies.

What should I do if I have no experience in my chosen field?

Experience must be gained. Yes, the paradox of work and experience worries everyone who is at the beginning of their career, but this should not scare students. Internships were created precisely for this purpose. They are a way out of the paradox, allowing people to learn and work at the same time, and without them, gaining experience is much more difficult.