Computer science studies have enjoyed enduring popularity among high school graduates for years – the promise of exciting careers and high salaries attracts many candidates every year. In today’s era of rapid technological advancement, choosing the right IT program can open the door to a bright career. Despite a temporary slowdown in the industry, the IT job market in Poland is picking up again – in the first half of 2025, the number of job offers increased by 68% year-on-year. Companies are especially investing in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, driving demand for specialists in these areas. The IT sector suffers from a shortage of talent rather than a surplus – it is estimated that Poland is missing as many as 50,000 qualified IT professionals, while in the entire European Union the deficit is counted in the hundreds of thousands. This is excellent news for future computer science graduates.
In this article, we will look at the best IT majors at Polish universities in 2025. We will discuss earning potential in Poland and abroad, ease of finding a job, prestigious universities offering these specializations, as well as current market trends. Whether you are interested in classic Computer Science, fascinated by the world of Artificial Intelligence, passionate about Cybersecurity, or see your future in Data Science, the IT industry offers broad opportunities for growth both in Poland and worldwide.
Computer Science – the classic choice with versatile prospects
Computer Science is the most traditional and universal IT field – the backbone of the tech industry. For years it has ranked among the most frequently chosen study programs in Poland. According to data from the Ministry of Education, in 2024 Computer Science took second place among the most popular majors (35.7 thousand applications), second only to psychology. Its popularity is fueled by the “excellent career prospects and the promise of attractive salaries” awaiting graduates. The job market eagerly absorbs computer scientists – employers in Poland still struggle with a shortage of programmers, administrators, and other IT experts.
Earning potential: Right at the start of their careers, computer science graduates can expect very attractive pay. The latest ELA study shows that graduates of Computer Science (master’s level) earn a median of over PLN 14,000 gross per month in their first year of work. Computer Science belongs to the most profitable fields of study – it consistently ranks among the majors guaranteeing the highest salaries for young professionals. Of course, much depends on individual skills and industry, but in general programmers are very well paid in Poland. Moreover, the Polish IT market is globalized – many specialists work for foreign companies or remotely. Abroad, salaries are even higher. For example, in Germany the average computer scientist earns around €5,500 per month, while in Poland it is about €2,500 (a more than twofold difference). In countries like the USA, entry-level programmers can expect $80–100k annually (over PLN 300–400k), and with 5–10 years of experience even $160–200k per year. Clearly, a computer science degree opens the door to some of the best-paid professions both in Poland and globally.
Job market outlook: A computer science degree almost guarantees employment – unemployment among programmers is negligible. Demand covers a wide spectrum of specializations: from software development, through system and network administration, to game development and mobile technologies. The IT services sector is growing rapidly in Poland – our country has become a hub for outsourcing and software development for companies worldwide. Analyses show that employers most often seek computer scientists – programmers in various languages (Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.), as well as database and cloud specialists. For graduates, this means plenty of job offers and freedom to choose an appealing career path. Still, it is worth remembering that competition among juniors can be strong – many students graduate each year, so internships, personal projects, and continuous skill development help secure the first job. Even so, experts agree that computer scientists remain among the most in-demand candidates on the labor market. The shortage of qualified IT staff means that good computer science graduates should have no trouble finding work matching their specialization.
Top universities: Computer Science is offered at most technical universities and general universities in Poland, but a few institutions stand out. In the latest Perspektywy University Ranking 2025, computer science at universities (master’s programs) and technical universities (engineering programs) was assessed separately. The University of Warsaw once again ranked 1st among master’s programs, while Warsaw University of Technology proved best in engineering programs. The top tier also includes AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków and Wrocław University of Science and Technology, both ranking on the podium in their categories. Among universities, high positions were also taken by Jagiellonian University in Kraków, University of Wrocław, and Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. As for polytechnics, Silesian University of Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, and Poznań University of Technology stand out. Choosing computer science at one of these universities guarantees excellent education quality and employer recognition. That said, computer science studies are available in almost every academic center – the key is to make the most of them through personal development, internships, and projects.
Artificial Intelligence – the future is happening now
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a major for those who want to be at the forefront of modern technology. AI is advancing at breakneck speed, and specialists who can design and implement intelligent algorithms are worth their weight in gold. No wonder that AI-related study programs are gaining immense popularity – it is currently one of the most sought-after fields in Poland. At top universities (especially in Warsaw and Kraków) competition for AI seats is fierce, with high entry thresholds. Applicants need excellent results in mathematics and computer science, but the reward is education in one of the most future-oriented domains.
Earning potential: AI and machine learning specialists can count on above-average salaries, often even higher than standard programmers. In Poland, professionals working in AI (e.g. as machine learning engineers or data scientists) at junior level start with salaries of several to a dozen thousand PLN, and these amounts grow quickly with experience. Already, AI specialists are among the best paid in the industry – Just Join IT analyses show that artificial intelligence ranked among the most in-demand specializations in the first half of 2025, which translated into rising pay offers. At top tech companies in Poland, AI experts often earn PLN 10–20k gross per month, with even higher rates on B2B contracts. Abroad, salaries are truly impressive – in large Western corporations, experienced AI specialists can earn over $100–150k annually. Even entry-level AI professionals starting a career in the USA can receive $80–100k annually (about PLN 25–35k per month). In short, AI pays off – in Poland and globally, it is one of the highest-paying fields in IT.
Job market outlook: Demand for AI specialists is skyrocketing. More and more companies are implementing AI-based solutions – from intelligent assistants and data analysis systems to autonomous vehicles. Leading job boards consistently indicate a dynamic increase in demand for AI/ML experts in recent years. In 2025, we are witnessing a true “AI gold rush” – companies are intensely seeking talent to leverage AI for process automation and innovation. For graduates, this means job opportunities across many sectors: from global tech giants and AI startups, through banking (customer data analysis, scoring models), industry (machine learning in production), healthcare (AI in diagnostics), to the public sector. In Poland, many R&D centers are working on artificial intelligence (e.g. Google, NVIDIA, and other companies have AI teams here), alongside domestic firms (e.g. in computer vision, natural language processing, etc.) that eagerly hire AI graduates. Competition for junior positions may be noticeable, since demand is high, but AI skills are unique enough that a good candidate will quickly find a job. What’s more, AI competencies are universal worldwide – Polish specialists easily find employment in other EU countries or the United States, since the AI talent shortage is a global phenomenon. In short, mastering artificial intelligence makes you highly sought-after in the job market of the future.
Best Universities
Programs related to AI are offered by an increasing number of universities in Poland – often as a separate “Artificial Intelligence” degree, a specialization within Computer Science, or a master’s program track. Among the leaders in AI education is Poznań University of Technology, which offers modern specializations in intelligent systems within Computer Science and Automation. University of Warsaw has launched an interdisciplinary program in Artificial Intelligence that combines computer science, mathematics, and even elements of linguistics – and enjoys great prestige. AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków is also among the frontrunners, developing programs focused on the practical applications of AI across different fields. In addition, Wrocław University of Science and Technology has been conducting AI research for years (e.g., in robotics), while Warsaw University of Technology and Lodz University of Technology both offer highly rated AI specializations within computer science. It is also worth noting that some private universities are active in this field (e.g., National-Louis University in Nowy Sącz, WSB Academy in Dąbrowa Górnicza, etc.). When choosing an AI program, it is important to review the curriculum – the best ones combine solid theoretical foundations (algorithms, mathematics, statistics) with hands-on laboratory courses, ensuring that graduates can build real-world solutions. Prestigious universities often collaborate with businesses (hackathons, internships), further increasing career prospects in this exciting field.
Cybersecurity – Guardians of the Digital World
Cybersecurity is a major for those who want to defend systems and data from cyberattacks. In the digital age, nearly every company and institution needs security specialists – from network security administrators and SOC analysts to ethical hackers testing system resilience. The growing number of online threats makes cybersecurity one of the most important and future-proof IT specializations. Crucially, the market has faced a huge shortage of security experts for years. Global estimates point to a shortage of 3–4 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide, and many companies struggle to fill vacancies. For students, this means one thing – those who master cybersecurity will be worth their weight in gold.
Earning Potential: Cybersecurity is also one of the best-paid IT fields. In Poland, entry-level specialists can already start with salaries of around PLN 8,000–12,000 gross, while experienced security engineers and analysts can earn PLN 15,000–20,000 and more (often on B2B contracts). Reports show that Security roles are among the top-paying jobs in IT, alongside Architecture, DevOps, and Data Science. Rising threats and staff shortages drive salaries higher – companies are even willing to pay retention bonuses. Abroad, salaries are significantly higher. For example, a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in a large company in the U.S. or Western Europe can earn several hundred thousand dollars or euros annually. Of course, reaching such positions takes years, but it illustrates the salary ceiling in this field. Even as a mid-level cybersecurity specialist with a few years of experience, working for an international corporation can mean annual earnings of PLN 100,000–150,000 (e.g., in the UK or Germany). In short, cybersecurity offers very high salaries, increasing with experience – making this career path financially rewarding both in Poland and abroad.
Job Market Prospects: Here the situation is clear – a cybersecurity graduate should not have trouble finding a job. The number of cyber incidents grows year by year, and companies report a lack of qualified staff to protect their systems. Security specialists are in high demand in banking and finance (protecting transactions and customer data), telecommunications, energy (critical infrastructure), public administration, e-commerce, healthcare – essentially anywhere that valuable data is processed or large IT networks operate. As a cybersecurity graduate, you could work in data centers, incident response teams, companies developing security software and hardware, act as a security auditor, and later advance to IT security manager roles. Importantly, opportunities exist not only in big cities – small and mid-sized businesses are also starting to invest in IT security (often outsourcing these services, creating demand for consulting firms employing experts). In Poland in 2025, an additional factor is the implementation of EU regulations (e.g., NIS2), which force many sectors to increase cybersecurity spending – generating even more jobs. Globally, as already mentioned, the talent gap is massive, meaning experienced specialists can pick from offers worldwide. Remote cybersecurity jobs are also possible (though sometimes requiring certifications and trust). In summary: employment prospects in cybersecurity are excellent now and for the foreseeable future.
Best Universities: Cybersecurity programs (often called “Cybersecurity” or “IT Security,” sometimes offered as specializations) are run by several universities in Poland. According to OtoUczelnie, they include University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, and Wrocław University of Science and Technology. These renowned institutions are worth considering, as they provide modern curricula, experienced faculty, and often access to labs or industry collaboration (e.g., PW has strong expertise in cryptography and information security, while AGH runs a Cybersecurity Center). Other universities, including economic and private ones, have also launched such programs – e.g., WSB Academy (Dąbrowa Górnicza) and the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw. In Kraków, cybersecurity is also offered by the KEN University, while the Military University of Technology is renowned for its Cryptology and Cybersecurity track. When choosing, it is important to check whether the program includes practical training in penetration testing, networks, cryptography, etc., as these skills are crucial on the market. The Perspektywy ranking for security programs (2023) listed University of Warsaw and WSB Academy at the top, confirming that both a leading public university and a strong private school can provide high-quality education. Ultimately, however, certifications (e.g., CEH, CISSP) and continuous training also matter greatly in this field, so it is worth picking a university that provides solid foundations and opportunities for further development.
Data Science and Data Analysis – In the World of Big Data
Data Science and related majors in data analysis and Big Data are relatively new but rapidly growing study paths. We live in the age of Big Data – companies are collecting massive amounts of information and urgently need people who can extract insights from it. A Data Analyst / Data Scientist combines the skills of a programmer, statistician, and business analyst – processing data, building models (often using AI elements), and helping to make data-driven decisions. In 2025, the demand for data specialists is higher than ever. We are seeing over a 30% year-on-year increase in job offers in Data/Business Intelligence, making this one of the most promising career paths.
Earning potential: A career in Data Science can be very lucrative. In Poland, the median salary of a junior data analyst is around PLN 8,000–10,000 gross per month, but at the mid/senior level salaries reach PLN 12,000–18,000 (often more with B2B contracts). According to various reports, the average salary of a data scientist in Poland is about PLN 10,000–17,000 per month (depending on experience). Interestingly, even fresh master’s graduates in data science enjoy high salaries right after graduation – for example, at the University of Warsaw, the Data Science and Business Analytics program gave graduates a median of around PLN 10,700 gross per month, comparable to Computer Science or Computer Science and Econometrics. Abroad, data specialists are also generously rewarded. In EU countries such as Germany or the Netherlands, experienced data scientists often earn EUR 5,000–7,000 per month. In the United States, salaries can exceed USD 100k per year. In general, “data is gold” – those who can tame massive datasets can count on very attractive pay on the job market.
Job opportunities: Data analysis has the advantage of being applicable in virtually every sector of the economy. Data science graduates can choose from opportunities in finance (risk analysis, big data in banking), marketing (customer behavior analytics, market segmentation), e-commerce (basket analysis, personalization), industry (sensor data analysis, Industry 4.0), medicine (bioinformatics, patient data analysis), the public sector (open data, smart cities), and many others. The demand for data analysts is global – companies compete for talent as the volume of data grows exponentially, while skilled professionals who can extract valuable insights are in short supply. 2025 trends show that the Data Science/BI area is among the fastest-growing IT specializations in Poland (job postings up 34% year-on-year). Employers seek candidates proficient in programming languages (Python, R, SQL), able to use big data tools (Hadoop, Spark), familiar with machine learning techniques and data visualization. For graduates, building a project portfolio (e.g., through Kaggle competitions or university projects) is important – it makes entering the job market easier. Overall, employment prospects are excellent: more and more organizations are building their own data science departments or using specialized providers, so a good data analyst will not be out of work. At the EU level, this is also a shortage occupation – initiatives such as the European Data Strategy foresee a growing data market and rising demand for specialists in all member states. Importantly, data analysis skills complement other IT fields (e.g., AI, cloud), so graduates can flexibly develop their careers in various directions.
Top universities: Data Science programs are most often offered as master’s degree specializations or interdisciplinary programs. In Poland, pioneers included the Warsaw School of Economics (Data Analysis – Business Methods), Warsaw University of Technology (Data Science specialization at the Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science), and Wrocław University of Science and Technology and Gdańsk University of Technology, which launched big data programs. Today, the University of Warsaw offers an English-language Data Science and Business Analytics program, highly valued by employers. The AGH University of Science and Technology offers Computer Science and Data Analysis, combining CS with data science. The University of Economics in Katowice has launched an Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program, while similar programs can be found at Czestochowa University of Technology and the Wrocław University of Economics. Many economics universities also add Big Data tracks within IT in Economics or Economics programs. These studies are often run in cooperation with companies (case studies, internships), which makes entering the market smoother. When choosing a data science program, it’s worth paying attention to the curriculum – key courses include machine learning, databases, programming, and statistics. It’s also a plus if the university offers access to large datasets and computing power (e.g., clusters) for projects. Finally, it’s worth noting that analytical skills can also be developed in other fields (e.g., mathematics, econometrics, physics) supplemented with data science courses – but a dedicated program provides the most complete path for a future “data master.”
Summary – prospects in Poland, the EU, and globally
In 2025, IT studies in Poland are an investment that almost guarantees a solid career. Programs such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Data Science offer young people not only a fascinating education but also real opportunities for well-paid jobs right after graduation. Poland’s IT sector is developing dynamically and integrating with the global market – our companies are creating innovative solutions, while foreign corporations are locating technology centers here. Graduates of top Polish universities are on par with their peers abroad, as evidenced by Poland’s growing role as a technology hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
It’s important to note that a Polish university degree provides the opportunity to pursue a career across the European Union – within the single labor market, our IT specialists can freely take jobs in Germany, the Netherlands, or Scandinavia, often on very favorable terms. EU countries are actively seeking skilled IT workers, and the talent shortage is evident in most of them. The same is true globally – Polish IT professionals are valued in London, Dublin, Silicon Valley, and Singapore. Many young graduates choose to gain experience abroad or work remotely for international companies, which further boosts their earnings and skills.
Market trends in 2025 clearly point to the growing importance of specializations such as AI, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and DevOps. These are the areas with the greatest expected talent shortages and the largest corporate investment budgets. Young people who now choose a path aligned with these trends can expect dynamic career growth in the coming years. Of course, the key to success will be continuous learning – the IT industry evolves rapidly, so completing a degree is just the beginning. However, solid foundations from university (algorithms, data structures, mathematics, software engineering principles, etc.) allow graduates to adapt much faster to new technologies.
Finally, a little motivation: by choosing IT studies, you invest in yourself on multiple levels. You gain not only a future-proof profession and financial stability but also become part of a global community of engineers and innovators who are truly changing the world. Whether you will be building innovative applications, AI that saves lives, securing critical systems, or analyzing data on an unimaginable scale – the IT industry is wide open to you. Poland has excellent universities and tech companies, the European Union actively supports digital skills development, and the global market awaits more talented specialists. Choose wisely a program aligned with your interests and strengths, and soon you will join the ranks of young professionals shaping the digital future. Good luck! 🖥️🚀