SWPS University
Warsaw, Poland
SWPS University
Warsaw, Poland
Founded
1996
Institution Type
Private Non-Profit
Total Students
17,800+
International Students
1,200+ from 80+ countries
Discover SWPS University: Poland's Leading Private Research University
Discover SWPS University: Poland's Leading Private Research University
SWPS University, originally founded in 1996 as the Warsaw School of Social Psychology, is a private non-profit university and one of the largest non-public higher education institutions in Poland. It was established by three renowned psychologists from the Polish Academy of Sciences: Prof. Andrzej Eliasz, Prof. Zbigniew Pietrasiński, and Prof. Janusz Reykowski.
The university operates twelve faculties across six campuses in major Polish cities: Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Katowice, and Kraków. SWPS offers programs in social sciences, humanities, law, design, and computer and information sciences, with over 12 programs taught entirely in English and more than 40 in Polish, covering 99 distinct specializations.
In 2023, SWPS was officially recognized as a comprehensive university by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education and joined the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA). The university holds the highest research rating (A+) from the Polish Ministry in psychology and political and administrative sciences, and consistently features in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.
Key Milestones
- 1996: Founded as the Warsaw School of Social Psychology by three professors from the Polish Academy of Sciences, launching its first five-year Master's program in psychology.
- 2002: Expanded nationally by opening new campuses in Wrocław and Sopot, followed by Poznań in 2003.
- 2016: Awarded the HR Excellence in Research logo by the European Commission, recognizing outstanding research and development environment.
- 2023: Granted full university status under Polish higher education law and joined the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA).
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
SWPS University maintains twelve faculties across its six campuses, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral programs in the social sciences, humanities, arts, and technology. The university's five institutes — Psychology, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Design — oversee more than 30 research centres and drive interdisciplinary doctoral and postdoctoral programs.
Faculty of Psychology (Warsaw)
The oldest and largest faculty at SWPS University, recognized with the highest A+ rating from the Polish Accreditation Committee. It conducts numerous national and international research projects in behavioral and cognitive neuroscience.
- Psychology (5-year Master's)
- Clinical Psychology
- Business Psychology
Faculty of Social Sciences (Warsaw)
Offers interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate studies covering management, human resources, public policy, and political and administrative sciences. Ranked first in Poland for social sciences by THE World University Rankings by Subject.
- Management and Leadership
- International Relations
- Public Policy
Faculty of Law (Warsaw)
Features leading legal professionals and specialists in Polish and international law. The faculty holds doctoral degree-granting rights in law and engages in research on legal design and access to justice.
- Law (5-year Master's)
- Internal Security
- Legal Design
Faculty of Humanities (Warsaw)
Established in 2001, this faculty specializes in culture and religion studies, literary studies, linguistics, and communication and media studies. It houses the unique Oriental Library with resources on East Asian culture.
- English Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Journalism and Social Communication
Faculty of Design (Warsaw) — School of Form
The newest faculty at SWPS, established in 2020, offering innovative programs in design and computer and information sciences. It emphasizes design for social innovation and interdisciplinary creative practice.
- Communication Design
- Computer Science
- Graphic Design
Faculty of Psychology (Wrocław)
One of the leading psychology research centers in Poland, offering specialized programs in clinical psychology and business psychology with a focus on human resources and organizational development.
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Business Psychology (HR Management)
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- Secondary EducationCompleted secondary school diploma or equivalent recognized in Poland
- English ProficiencyB2 level minimum — IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 72 or equivalent
- Application FeePLN 85 (PLN 150 for School of Form with aptitude test)
- Motivation LetterRequired for most programs, outlining academic goals and interests
- Admission InterviewMay be required depending on the program; can serve as language verification
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution
- English ProficiencyB2 level minimum — IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 70 or equivalent
- Application FeePLN 85 (PLN 150 for design programs)
- Academic AchievementsDescription of academic achievements and relevant experience
- Doctoral School (English Proficiency)TOEFL 87 or equivalent required for doctoral programs
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early to allow time for visa processing and accommodation arrangements.
The primary recruitment window for the October intake. Specific deadlines vary by program.
Some programs offer a February start. Check individual program pages for availability.
The English-language Doctoral School has its own recruitment schedule. Contact the Doctoral School Office for current deadlines.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a private non-profit university, SWPS charges the same tuition fees for both Polish and international students. Tuition varies by program and level of study, with English-taught programs generally ranging from EUR 5,900 to EUR 8,800 per year. Contact the university for the most current fee schedule for your chosen program.
| Fee Category | Polish-Taught Programs | English-Taught Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | From PLN 5,800 | From EUR 5,900 |
| Graduate Tuition (per year) | From PLN 6,500 | From EUR 6,500 |
| Design Programs — School of Form (per year) | Contact university | EUR 7,900 |
| Application Fee | PLN 85 | PLN 85 – PLN 150 |
| Total | Contact university for program-specific totals | Contact university for program-specific totals |
International Student Scholarship
SWPS University offers scholarships of up to 100% of the first year's tuition for international candidates with outstanding academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, or artistic talents. The scholarship can be extended in subsequent years if you maintain a GPA at least 0.1 higher than your class average.
- Coverage: Up to 100% of first-year tuition
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic, athletic, or artistic achievements
- Renewal: Maintain GPA 0.1 above class average
Alumni Discount and Financial Aid
Children of SWPS University alumni receive a 5% tuition discount for every year of their program. Additional social scholarships, support for students with disabilities, and discounts for full-year advance payments are also available.
- Alumni Discount: 5% per year for children of SWPS graduates
- Social Scholarships: Available for students with financial need or disabilities
- Student Loans: Low-interest national loans with deferred repayment and possible forgiveness
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The main SWPS University campus in Warsaw is housed in the historic former High Voltage Apparatus and Devices Factory built in the 1920s, located in the Praga district. The carefully renovated industrial buildings combine heritage architecture with modern interiors, offering spacious classrooms, lecture theatres, computer labs, research laboratories, and interpretation booths.
The flagship campus blends 1920s industrial heritage with modern academic facilities in Warsaw's vibrant Praga district.
Libraries on all campuses provide books, journals, and electronic databases, including the unique Oriental Library on the Warsaw campus.
Spacious lecture halls and seminar rooms feature modern AV equipment, computer labs, and simultaneous interpretation booths.
Housing and Student Services
Accommodation Options
SWPS University partners with private student residences near the Warsaw campus that follow a coliving philosophy, offering comfortable rooms with modern common areas, coworking spaces, and community managers.
- Private student residences from EUR 140–400 per month
- Shared apartments available from EUR 220–350 per month
- Dedicated Student Housing Office assists with accommodation search
Campus Services
All campuses provide free internet, computer access in libraries, first aid stations, defibrillators, and full accessibility for students with special needs. The Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Clinic is also based on campus.
- Free Wi-Fi and computer labs on all campuses
- Full accessibility for students with disabilities
- Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Clinic and psychological support
Student Life at SWPS University
Student Life at SWPS University
SWPS University fosters a vibrant and diverse student life across all six campuses, with a growing international community of approximately 1,200 students from over 80 countries. The university supports a wide array of student organisations, athletic activities, artistic pursuits, and cultural events.
Warsaw: A Thriving European Capital
Warsaw: A Thriving European Capital
Life in Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland's capital and largest city, offers a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. As a major European hub, it provides international students with affordable living costs, excellent public transport, a thriving cultural scene, and growing career opportunities across technology, business, and creative industries.
Affordable Living
Warsaw's living costs are well below the Western European average. Students can expect monthly expenses of around EUR 300 excluding accommodation, with housing from EUR 140 per month.
Cultural Richness
From the UNESCO-listed Old Town to world-class museums, theatres, and a vibrant nightlife, Warsaw offers endless cultural experiences for students to explore.
Growing Job Market
Warsaw is Poland's economic engine, home to numerous multinational companies, tech startups, and international organizations, providing strong internship and career opportunities for graduates.
Excellent Connectivity
Warsaw Chopin Airport connects to major European cities, and the city's metro, tram, and bus network makes daily commuting easy and affordable for students.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Sectors and Opportunities
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
The international admissions office assists students with visa applications and documentation. Poland allows university graduates to stay for one additional year after graduation to seek employment.
International students are required to purchase adequate medical insurance for the duration of their studies. The university provides guidance on meeting both university and Polish visa insurance requirements.
SWPS offers English Preparatory School and Polish Preparatory School programs for candidates who wish to improve their language proficiency before starting their degree program.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
SWPS University in Worldwide Rankings
SWPS University in Worldwide Rankings
SWPS University consistently features in major international rankings and is the only non-public Polish university included in the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects. The university ranks first in Poland for International Outlook in the THE World University Rankings and holds leading positions in psychology and social sciences.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | Shanghai GRAS | 2nd in Poland |
| Sociology | Shanghai GRAS | 1st in Poland (ranked 150–200 globally) |
| Social Sciences | THE World University Rankings by Subject | 1st in Poland |
| International Outlook | THE World University Rankings | 1st in Poland |
Features
One of our strategic goals is to continuously advance the internationalization of research and education, while fostering an organizational culture that is sensitive to cross-cultural differences. We are members of various international organizations, such as the International Association of Universities, European University Association, European Union of Private Higher Education, and European Council for Doctoral Education, etc.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
January - August
Location
Chodakowska 19/31, 03-815 Warszawa, Poland
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