So you're planning your Erasmus+ in Poland, and you've heard about "the grant." But how much money are we actually talking about? When do you get it? Is it enough? And what about all those stories you've heard about grants being delayed or not covering everything?

Let's get real about money. This guide will tell you exactly how much you'll get from Erasmus+, when you'll get it, what additional funding might be available, and most importantly – whether it's enough to live on in Poland. Because understanding the financial reality is crucial for planning your exchange. You don't want to be halfway through your semester and realize you're broke.

The reality check: The Erasmus+ grant is helpful, but it's not a full scholarship. It's designed to help with additional costs of studying abroad, not to cover everything. You'll need additional money from savings, family, or other sources. But the good news? Poland is affordable, so your grant goes further here than in many Western European countries.

How Much Is the Erasmus+ Grant?

The grant amount depends on your country of origin:

Grant Amounts by Country Group

Erasmus+ divides countries into three groups based on cost of living:

Group 1 (High cost of living): 520 EUR/month

  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Luxembourg
  • Norway
  • Sweden

Group 2 (Medium cost of living): 470 EUR/month

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Cyprus
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Spain

Group 3 (Lower cost of living): 420 EUR/month

  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Estonia
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Poland (as destination)
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia

How it works: The amount you receive depends on where you're coming FROM, not where you're going TO. So if you're from Germany (Group 2), you get 470 EUR/month regardless of whether you go to Poland, France, or anywhere else.

Reality check: These are the standard amounts, but they can vary slightly. Some universities might have slightly different amounts, and amounts can change from year to year. Always check with your university for exact amounts.

Additional Grant Supplements

You might be eligible for additional money:

Disadvantaged students: +250 EUR/month

  • For students from disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Criteria vary by country/university
  • Usually based on financial need
  • Requires separate application

Green travel: +50 EUR (one-time payment)

  • If you travel to Poland by train, bus, or carpool (not plane)
  • One-time payment, not monthly
  • Must prove green travel (tickets, etc.)
  • Encourages environmentally friendly travel

Special needs: Additional support

  • For students with disabilities
  • Covers additional costs related to disability
  • Amount varies based on needs
  • Requires documentation

Pro tip: If you think you might qualify for additional support, ask your international office. Don't assume you don't qualify – you might be surprised.

Total Grant Amount: Examples

Let's calculate some real examples:

Example 1: Student from Germany (Group 2)

  • Base grant: 470 EUR/month
  • Duration: 5 months (one semester)
  • Total: 2,350 EUR
  • With green travel: +50 EUR = 2,400 EUR total

Example 2: Student from Spain (Group 2) with disadvantaged status

  • Base grant: 470 EUR/month
  • Disadvantaged supplement: +250 EUR/month
  • Total per month: 720 EUR/month
  • Duration: 5 months
  • Total: 3,600 EUR

Example 3: Student from Denmark (Group 1)

  • Base grant: 520 EUR/month
  • Duration: 10 months (full year)
  • Total: 5,200 EUR

Reality check: These are the grant amounts, but remember – you still need additional money. The grant helps, but it doesn't cover everything.

When Do You Get Paid?

Payment schedules vary, but here's what to expect:

Payment Methods

Most common methods:

Monthly payments:

  • Most common method
  • You receive the grant each month during your stay
  • Usually paid around the same date each month
  • Requires you to be physically present in Poland

Two installments:

  • Some universities pay in two parts
  • Usually: 80% at the start, 20% at the end
  • Or: 50% at start, 50% mid-way

One payment:

  • Less common
  • Full amount paid at the start
  • Requires careful budgeting

Pro tip: Payment methods vary by university. Check with your international office to know exactly when and how you'll be paid.

Payment Timing

When payments start:

  • Usually after arrival – Most universities pay after you've arrived and registered
  • Can be delayed – Sometimes takes a few weeks after arrival
  • Requires registration – You usually need to be registered at the host university first

Reality check: Don't expect to be paid immediately upon arrival. It usually takes a few weeks. Bring enough money to cover your first month.

Delays and Problems

Common issues:

  • Administrative delays – Paperwork takes time
  • Bank transfers – Can take a few days
  • Missing documents – If you haven't submitted everything
  • Registration delays – If you haven't registered yet

How to handle delays:

  • Bring extra money – Have enough for 1-2 months
  • Stay in contact – Check with international office if delayed
  • Be patient – Delays are common but usually resolved
  • Have backup plan – Don't rely solely on grant timing

Pro tip: Always have a financial buffer. Don't plan to arrive with no money and expect the grant to cover you immediately.

Is the Grant Enough?

The short answer: Usually not. Here's the reality:

What the Grant Covers

The grant is designed to help with:

  • Additional living costs – The extra costs of living abroad
  • Travel expenses – Getting to and from Poland
  • Cultural activities – Exploring, traveling, experiences
  • Additional expenses – Things you wouldn't have at home

The grant is NOT designed to cover:

  • All living costs – It's a supplement, not full support
  • Tuition fees – But you don't pay tuition anyway (that's separate)
  • Everything – You'll need additional money

Reality check: The grant helps, but it's not a full scholarship. You'll need additional money from savings, family, or other sources.

Living Costs in Poland

Here's what things actually cost (for reference):

Accommodation:

  • Student dormitory: 400-800 PLN/month (€90-175)
  • Shared apartment: 800-1,500 PLN/month (€175-330)
  • Private apartment: 1,500-3,500 PLN/month (€330-770)

Food:

  • Groceries: 300-800 PLN/month (€65-175)
  • Eating out: Varies widely
  • Student restaurants: 15-30 PLN/meal (€3-7)

Transport:

  • Monthly pass: 50-110 PLN/month (€11-24)
  • With student discount: 25-55 PLN/month (€6-12)

Other expenses:

  • Phone/internet: 50-100 PLN/month (€11-22)
  • Entertainment: 100-400 PLN/month (€22-88)
  • Personal care: 50-150 PLN/month (€11-33)

Total monthly costs (frugal student): ~1,000-1,500 PLN (€220-330) Total monthly costs (moderate student): ~1,900-2,500 PLN (€420-550)

Reality check: The grant (420-520 EUR/month) covers a significant portion, but not everything. You'll need additional money, especially for accommodation and initial setup costs.

Budgeting with the Grant

How to make it work:

If you get 420 EUR/month (Group 3):

  • That's about 1,800 PLN/month
  • Covers: Basic accommodation (dorm), food, transport, basics
  • You'll need extra for: Travel, entertainment, unexpected costs

If you get 470 EUR/month (Group 2):

  • That's about 2,000 PLN/month
  • Covers: Basic accommodation, food, transport, some entertainment
  • You'll need extra for: Travel, nicer accommodation, more activities

If you get 520 EUR/month (Group 1):

  • That's about 2,200 PLN/month
  • Covers: Comfortable student life
  • You'll need extra for: Travel, savings, unexpected costs

Pro tip: The grant goes further in Poland than in Western Europe, but you still need a budget. Track your spending, especially in the first month, to understand your actual costs.

Additional Funding Sources

If the grant isn't enough, here are other options:

University Scholarships

Many universities offer:

  • Additional Erasmus+ scholarships – Extra funding for exchange students
  • Merit-based scholarships – For students with good grades
  • Need-based aid – For students with financial need
  • Travel grants – Help with travel costs

How to find:

  • Check university website – Look for scholarships section
  • Ask international office – They know what's available
  • Ask home university – They might have additional funding

Pro tip: Don't assume there's no additional funding. Many universities have scholarships that students don't know about. Ask!

National Scholarships

Some countries offer:

  • National Erasmus+ supplements – Additional funding from your country
  • Government scholarships – For students studying abroad
  • Regional funding – Some regions offer additional support

How to find:

  • Check your country's education ministry – They might have programs
  • Ask your home university – They might know about national programs
  • Research online – Look for scholarships in your country

Reality check: National scholarships vary widely by country. Some countries offer generous additional funding, others don't. Check what's available in your country.

Part-Time Work

If allowed, you can work:

  • EU students – Can work in Poland without restrictions
  • Non-EU students – May need work permit (check visa conditions)
  • University restrictions – Some universities limit work hours

Types of work:

  • Teaching/tutoring – English, your native language, etc.
  • Hospitality – Bars, restaurants, cafes
  • Retail – Shops, stores
  • Online work – Freelancing, remote work

Pro tip: Part-time work can supplement your income, but don't overdo it. Remember you're there to study and experience the culture, not just work.

Savings and Family Support

Most students rely on:

  • Personal savings – Money saved before going
  • Family support – Help from parents/family
  • Student loans – If available in your country
  • Combination – Mix of sources

Reality check: Most Erasmus+ students need additional money beyond the grant. It's normal and expected. Plan ahead and save if possible.

Managing Your Budget

Here's how to make your money last:

Create a Budget

Track your expenses:

  • Accommodation – Fixed cost, plan for it
  • Food – Can vary, but plan a monthly amount
  • Transport – Usually fixed (monthly pass)
  • Entertainment – Set a limit
  • Travel – Budget for trips
  • Emergency fund – For unexpected costs

Pro tip: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet. Track your spending, especially in the first month, to understand your actual costs.

Save Money

Ways to stretch your budget:

Accommodation:

  • Choose dormitory – Usually cheapest option
  • Share apartment – Split costs with roommates
  • Live outside city center – Usually cheaper

Food:

  • Cook at home – Much cheaper than eating out
  • Shop at discount stores – Biedronka, Lidl, Aldi
  • Use student restaurants – Bar mleczny (milk bars) are cheap
  • Buy seasonal – Seasonal produce is cheaper

Transport:

  • Get student discount – Significant savings
  • Walk or bike – Free and healthy
  • Use monthly pass – Usually cheaper than single tickets

Entertainment:

  • Use student discounts – Available everywhere
  • Find free activities – Parks, free events, student activities
  • Travel smart – Budget airlines, hostels, group travel

Pro tip: Living like a local saves money. Cook at home, use public transport, find free activities. You'll save money and have a more authentic experience.

Common Budget Mistakes

Avoid these:

  • Not budgeting – Spending without tracking
  • Underestimating costs – Things cost more than expected
  • Not having emergency fund – Unexpected costs happen
  • Overspending early – Spending all your money in the first month
  • Not planning for travel – Travel costs add up

Reality check: Budget mistakes happen, but you can avoid the worst ones by planning ahead and tracking your spending.

Grant Payment Issues

Sometimes things go wrong. Here's how to handle it:

Delayed Payments

If your grant is delayed:

  • Contact international office – Ask about status
  • Check if documents are missing – Sometimes that's the issue
  • Be patient – Delays are common but usually resolved
  • Have backup money – Don't rely on exact payment dates

Pro tip: Delays are frustrating but usually temporary. Stay in contact with your international office and have enough money to cover delays.

Payment Problems

If there's a problem:

  • Contact immediately – Don't wait
  • Check bank details – Make sure they're correct
  • Check documents – Ensure everything is submitted
  • Ask for help – International office can help resolve issues

Reality check: Payment problems are rare but can happen. Most are resolved quickly if you communicate and provide needed information.

Grant Reductions

In some cases, grants can be reduced:

  • Early departure – If you leave early, grant might be reduced
  • Not completing exchange – If you don't finish, you might need to repay
  • Academic issues – If you fail courses, might affect grant
  • Misconduct – Serious issues can result in grant cancellation

Pro tip: Read your grant agreement carefully. Understand the conditions, and make sure you meet them to avoid problems.

The Bottom Line

The Erasmus+ grant is helpful financial support, but it's not a full scholarship. It's designed to help with additional costs of studying abroad, not to cover everything. You'll need additional money, but the good news is that Poland is affordable, so your grant goes further here than in many countries.

The key takeaways:

  • Grant amounts vary – 420-520 EUR/month depending on your country
  • Additional supplements available – For disadvantaged students, green travel, etc.
  • Payments usually monthly – But can be delayed, so have backup money
  • Grant helps but isn't enough – You'll need additional money
  • Poland is affordable – Your grant goes further here
  • Budget carefully – Track spending and plan ahead

The reality check: The grant is a significant help, but don't expect it to cover everything. Plan to have additional money from savings, family, or other sources. Budget carefully, and you'll be fine. Poland is affordable, and with good budgeting, you can have an amazing Erasmus+ experience without breaking the bank.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) The financial side of Erasmus+ can seem daunting, but with good planning and budgeting, you'll be fine. The grant helps, Poland is affordable, and you'll have an incredible experience. Just plan ahead, track your spending, and enjoy your time in Poland!