Are there international schools in Kraków?

Yes. Kraków has several international schools offering English-language education from pre-school through to secondary level. The main options are American International School of Kraków (AISK), Britannica International School, and Dwujęzyczne Liceum Ogólnokształcące. Annual fees range from International school fees vary significantly by school and year group. The fee ranges and the correct selection criteria are covered in the Education and Schools Guide.

Can foreign children attend Polish state schools?

Yes. Children of foreign nationals legally resident in Poland have the right to attend Polish state schools free of charge. Registration requires proof of address registration (zameldowanie) and proof of legal residence. The primary barrier is language — instruction is in Polish and language support varies significantly between schools.

What documents are needed to enrol a child in school in Kraków?

For state schools: proof of address registration (zameldowanie), child's birth certificate, parents' residence document, and previous school records if applicable. For international schools: birth certificate, previous school records, proof of language proficiency where required, and completed application forms. International school applications often require 3-12 months lead time.

At what age does compulsory education begin in Poland?

Compulsory education in Poland begins at age 7 for primary school (szkoła podstawowa). Pre-school attendance for 6-year-olds (rocznik przedszkolny) is obligatory from age 6. Children must be enrolled in an appropriate school by the September following their 7th birthday.

Schools in Kraków for Foreigners: The Waitlist Problem Most Families Discover Too Late

Quick answer

International school places in Kraków are not available on arrival. There is a specific application window and a waitlist system. Most families discover this after they have already moved.

In this article

International school options in Kraków
The waitlist problem and when to apply
State school enrollment for foreign children
The documents required for enrollment
Common errors and their consequences for your child

Not sure how this applies to your specific situation? Check your situation →

Most foreigners relocating to Kraków with children discover the school registration requirements, international school waiting lists, and state school language barriers only after they have committed to a neighbourhood and a lease. School place availability is tied to district catchment areas, international school capacity is limited, and applications for the most in-demand schools close months before the academic year begins. This article covers what is available, what it costs, and what the registration process requires.

Your School Options in Kraków

Option	Language	Cost	Who It Suits
International school	English (primarily)	International school fees vary significantly by school and year group. The fee ranges and the correct selection criteria are covered in the Education and Schools Guide. Places are limited and demand from the SSC and technology sector workforce means waiting lists for popular year groups are common. American International School of Kraków (AISK) is the most established English-language international school in Kraków. It offers education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 following an American curriculum. Located in Lusina, south of the city centre. Annual fees in 2026 run from approximately Top-tier international school fees represent a significant annual cost. The full fee range and what it covers are in the Education and Schools Guide. Application should be submitted at minimum 6 months before the intended start date — popular year groups have waiting lists. Britannica International School offers English-language education from nursery through secondary, following a British-influenced curriculum. Located in central Kraków. Fees range from approximately International school fees vary significantly by school and year group. The fee ranges and the correct selection criteria are covered in the Education and Schools Guide. Smaller than AISK with a more central location making it practical for families living in the city centre or Kazimierz. Bilingual private schools — several Polish private schools offer bilingual programmes with significant English instruction alongside the Polish state curriculum. These provide a middle ground between full international school cost and Polish state school language immersion. Examples include schools operating under the Szkoła Językowa model. Fees typically range from State school integration class costs are significantly lower than international options but carry specific admission requirements. Employer Education Allowance Many multinational employers in Kraków's SSC sector include an education allowance in relocation packages. This typically covers international school fees partially or fully. Confirm whether your employer offers this benefit before choosing a school — it significantly changes the cost calculation. Polish State Schools — What Foreigners Need to Know Children of foreign nationals legally resident in Poland have the right to attend Polish state schools (szkoła podstawowa for primary, liceum or technikum for secondary) free of charge. The right applies to EU nationals automatically and to non-EU nationals with valid residence permits. Registration is managed by the local Urząd Miasta. You apply to your catchment area school — the school allocated based on your registered address. In Kraków, applications for the following September open in February or March. Late applications are accepted but catchment place availability is not guaranteed. The primary practical barrier is language. Instruction is entirely in Polish. Some schools in areas with higher foreign national populations have experience integrating non-Polish-speaking children and may provide additional language support. This varies significantly between schools — ask the school directly about their experience with non-Polish-speaking pupils before enrolling. Children under 10 typically adapt to Polish language instruction within 6–12 months. Older children — particularly those at secondary level — face a more significant challenge and the state school route is less suitable unless the family is committed to long-term residence and full Polish language integration. Documents Required for School Registration State school registration Proof of address registration (zameldowanie), child's birth certificate (with apostille and Polish sworn translation if non-EU), parents' valid residence document, previous school records if applicable, medical records (vaccination history). International school application Birth certificate, previous school records (last 2 years), reference from previous school, proof of language proficiency where required (school-specific), completed application form, application fee (typically significant fees–1,500 non-refundable). Pre-School and Nursery in Kraków Pre-school education (przedszkole) in Poland is available from age 3. Attendance is optional from age 3 to 5. From age 6, the rocznik przedszkolny (pre-school year) is obligatory before primary school begins at age 7. State nurseries and pre-schools are significantly cheaper than private options — monthly fees of significant fees–200 are typical for state provision versus significant fees–4,000 for private English-language nurseries. State pre-school places are allocated by the Urząd Miasta and demand in central Kraków districts exceeds supply. Applications open in February for the following September. English-language nurseries and pre-schools operate in several central Kraków locations. These are private facilities and fees reflect the cost — budget significant fees–4,000 per month. They provide an English-language environment while your family completes the administrative steps and decides on longer-term school provision. Not certain which steps apply to your family's situation? Every relocation is different. The free Situation Review takes five minutes and tells you exactly which administrative steps apply to your case. Start the Free Situation Review → Choosing a Neighbourhood with Schools in Mind School catchment areas in Kraków are tied to your registered address. If an international school or specific state school is your priority, confirm the catchment area or transport options before committing to a lease. Moving districts after signing a lease does not automatically transfer a state school place — you re-enter the allocation process for the new district. Districts with good access to international schools: Lusina and southern Kraków are closest to AISK. Central Kraków and Kazimierz have good access to Britannica. Most residential districts have adequate public transport to both schools but the daily commute with children is worth factoring into neighbourhood choice. Districts with good state primary schools: Krowodrza, Prądnik Biały, and Bronowice have generally well-regarded state primary schools and good transport links. Nowa Huta has good school provision at lower rental cost but a longer commute to the city centre. Common Errors When Choosing Schools as a Foreigner in Kraków Assuming international school places are available on arrival. Popular year groups at AISK and Britannica fill months in advance. Families that arrive without a confirmed school place may face several months of temporary provision. Apply before relocating if possible — both schools accept applications from families not yet in Kraków. Not checking catchment area before signing a lease. State school allocation is based on registered address. If the school you want is in a different catchment, you will not get a guaranteed place regardless of distance. Confirm catchment boundaries at krakow.pl before committing to a neighbourhood. Enrolling in a state school without understanding the language situation. The school will teach in Polish. The child will need to be immersed. Some schools have experience supporting non-Polish speaking children — others do not. Visit the school and ask directly about their approach before enrolling. Not checking whether your employer offers an education allowance. This benefit is standard in many corporate relocation packages in Kraków's SSC sector. The difference between a fully covered international school place and paying significant fees per year from personal income is significant. Confirm your entitlement before budgeting. What you must do before and after this step ← Consider This Before Choosing a Neighbourhood Renting in Kraków as a Foreigner School catchment areas are tied to your registered address. Understand the rental market and neighbourhood options before committing to a lease if school access is a priority. → Required for State School Registration Official Government Processes in Kraków for Foreigners State school registration requires proof of address registration (zameldowanie). Complete your official registration before applying for a state school place. ⚠ What you are avoiding: a gap in your child's education and a scramble for alternative provision that is significantly harder to resolve after arrival than before — most families face a delay of at least one full term International school applications in Kraków are made directly to each school. State school enrollment is through the relevant district Urząd Dzielnicy. The Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie at ul. Szlak 73 handles foreign qualification recognition. The specific schools, their locations, and application timelines are covered in the guide. The Education and Schools Guide covers the exact sequence, the correct documents, and the Kraków-specific requirements for your situation. ⚠ Kraków-specific: State school enrollment is through the relevant Urząd Dzielnicy for your specific Kraków district. The Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie at ul. Szlak 73 handles foreign qualification recognition. Which district office covers your address is covered in the guide. ⚠ Kraków-specific: Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie: ul. Szlak 73. Which district Urząd Dzielnicy covers your specific Kraków street address is covered in the guide. What you are avoiding: a gap in your child's education of at least one full term — with no guaranteed place available on arrival. Avoid a gap in your child's education and a scramble for alternative provision that is... The Education and Schools Guide covers the complete sequence for your situation in Kraków. Purchase Guide — PLN 145 View All Packages Administrative clarity for English-speaking foreigners living in Kraków. Navigate Articles Guides Situation review © 2026 Your Kraków Compass. All rights reserved. Secure checkout Secure payments by Payhip SSL secured

Option

Language

Cost

Who It Suits

International school

English (primarily)

International school fees vary significantly by school and year group. The fee ranges and the correct selection criteria are covered in the Education and Schools Guide. Places are limited and demand from the SSC and technology sector workforce means waiting lists for popular year groups are common.

American International School of Kraków (AISK) is the most established English-language international school in Kraków. It offers education from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 following an American curriculum. Located in Lusina, south of the city centre. Annual fees in 2026 run from approximately Top-tier international school fees represent a significant annual cost. The full fee range and what it covers are in the Education and Schools Guide. Application should be submitted at minimum 6 months before the intended start date — popular year groups have waiting lists.

Britannica International School offers English-language education from nursery through secondary, following a British-influenced curriculum. Located in central Kraków. Fees range from approximately International school fees vary significantly by school and year group. The fee ranges and the correct selection criteria are covered in the Education and Schools Guide. Smaller than AISK with a more central location making it practical for families living in the city centre or Kazimierz.

Bilingual private schools — several Polish private schools offer bilingual programmes with significant English instruction alongside the Polish state curriculum. These provide a middle ground between full international school cost and Polish state school language immersion. Examples include schools operating under the Szkoła Językowa model. Fees typically range from State school integration class costs are significantly lower than international options but carry specific admission requirements.

Employer Education Allowance Many multinational employers in Kraków's SSC sector include an education allowance in relocation packages. This typically covers international school fees partially or fully. Confirm whether your employer offers this benefit before choosing a school — it significantly changes the cost calculation.

Polish State Schools — What Foreigners Need to Know

Children of foreign nationals legally resident in Poland have the right to attend Polish state schools (szkoła podstawowa for primary, liceum or technikum for secondary) free of charge. The right applies to EU nationals automatically and to non-EU nationals with valid residence permits.

Registration is managed by the local Urząd Miasta. You apply to your catchment area school — the school allocated based on your registered address. In Kraków, applications for the following September open in February or March. Late applications are accepted but catchment place availability is not guaranteed.

The primary practical barrier is language. Instruction is entirely in Polish. Some schools in areas with higher foreign national populations have experience integrating non-Polish-speaking children and may provide additional language support. This varies significantly between schools — ask the school directly about their experience with non-Polish-speaking pupils before enrolling.

Children under 10 typically adapt to Polish language instruction within 6–12 months. Older children — particularly those at secondary level — face a more significant challenge and the state school route is less suitable unless the family is committed to long-term residence and full Polish language integration.

Documents Required for School Registration

State school registration
Proof of address registration (zameldowanie), child's birth certificate (with apostille and Polish sworn translation if non-EU), parents' valid residence document, previous school records if applicable, medical records (vaccination history).

International school application
Birth certificate, previous school records (last 2 years), reference from previous school, proof of language proficiency where required (school-specific), completed application form, application fee (typically significant fees–1,500 non-refundable).

Pre-School and Nursery in Kraków

Pre-school education (przedszkole) in Poland is available from age 3. Attendance is optional from age 3 to 5. From age 6, the rocznik przedszkolny (pre-school year) is obligatory before primary school begins at age 7.

State nurseries and pre-schools are significantly cheaper than private options — monthly fees of significant fees–200 are typical for state provision versus significant fees–4,000 for private English-language nurseries. State pre-school places are allocated by the Urząd Miasta and demand in central Kraków districts exceeds supply. Applications open in February for the following September.

English-language nurseries and pre-schools operate in several central Kraków locations. These are private facilities and fees reflect the cost — budget significant fees–4,000 per month. They provide an English-language environment while your family completes the administrative steps and decides on longer-term school provision.

Not certain which steps apply to your family's situation?

Every relocation is different. The free Situation Review takes five minutes and tells you exactly which administrative steps apply to your case.

Start the Free Situation Review →

Choosing a Neighbourhood with Schools in Mind

School catchment areas in Kraków are tied to your registered address. If an international school or specific state school is your priority, confirm the catchment area or transport options before committing to a lease. Moving districts after signing a lease does not automatically transfer a state school place — you re-enter the allocation process for the new district.

Districts with good access to international schools: Lusina and southern Kraków are closest to AISK. Central Kraków and Kazimierz have good access to Britannica. Most residential districts have adequate public transport to both schools but the daily commute with children is worth factoring into neighbourhood choice.

Districts with good state primary schools: Krowodrza, Prądnik Biały, and Bronowice have generally well-regarded state primary schools and good transport links. Nowa Huta has good school provision at lower rental cost but a longer commute to the city centre.

Common Errors When Choosing Schools as a Foreigner in Kraków

Assuming international school places are available on arrival. Popular year groups at AISK and Britannica fill months in advance. Families that arrive without a confirmed school place may face several months of temporary provision. Apply before relocating if possible — both schools accept applications from families not yet in Kraków.

Not checking catchment area before signing a lease. State school allocation is based on registered address. If the school you want is in a different catchment, you will not get a guaranteed place regardless of distance. Confirm catchment boundaries at krakow.pl before committing to a neighbourhood.

Enrolling in a state school without understanding the language situation. The school will teach in Polish. The child will need to be immersed. Some schools have experience supporting non-Polish speaking children — others do not. Visit the school and ask directly about their approach before enrolling.

Not checking whether your employer offers an education allowance. This benefit is standard in many corporate relocation packages in Kraków's SSC sector. The difference between a fully covered international school place and paying significant fees per year from personal income is significant. Confirm your entitlement before budgeting.

⚠ What you are avoiding: a gap in your child's education and a scramble for alternative provision that is significantly harder to resolve after arrival than before — most families face a delay of at least one full term

International school applications in Kraków are made directly to each school. State school enrollment is through the relevant district Urząd Dzielnicy. The Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie at ul. Szlak 73 handles foreign qualification recognition. The specific schools, their locations, and application timelines are covered in the guide.

The Education and Schools Guide covers the exact sequence, the correct documents, and the Kraków-specific requirements for your situation.

⚠ Kraków-specific: State school enrollment is through the relevant Urząd Dzielnicy for your specific Kraków district. The Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie at ul. Szlak 73 handles foreign qualification recognition. Which district office covers your address is covered in the guide.

⚠ Kraków-specific: Kuratorium Oświaty w Krakowie: ul. Szlak 73. Which district Urząd Dzielnicy covers your specific Kraków street address is covered in the guide.

What you are avoiding: a gap in your child's education of at least one full term — with no guaranteed place available on arrival.

Avoid a gap in your child's education and a scramble for alternative provision that is... The Education and Schools Guide covers the complete sequence for your situation in Kraków.

Purchase Guide — PLN 145 View All Packages