Introduction
Computer science has for many years ranked among the most popular fields of study in Poland. According to data from the Ministry of Education, in 2024 the programme was chosen by as many as 35.7 thousand applicants, placing it second overall (just behind psychology) in terms of popularity. This comes as no surprise—the prospect of an interesting career in IT and high salaries attracts large numbers of high school graduates every year. Despite temporary slowdowns, the Polish IT market is growing again—in the first half of 2025 the number of IT job postings increased by 68% year-on-year. Companies are investing heavily in areas such as artificial intelligence and automation, driving strong demand for IT specialists. It is estimated that the Polish IT sector still lacks tens of thousands of qualified professionals. For future graduates, this means one thing: a degree in computer science is a gateway to some of the most in-demand and best-paid professions, both in Poland and abroad.
Of course, the choice of university is crucial. A good institution provides modern education, industry connections, and a smoother entry into the job market. Below, we compare the best public universities offering computer science programmes in Poland (as of 2026), taking into account key criteria such as curriculum quality, industry collaboration, graduate careers and salaries, difficulty and educational standards, prestige and reputation, location (IT hubs), and availability of English-taught programmes. We also briefly mention outstanding private universities whose offer rivals that of the best public institutions.
Leading Computer Science Universities – Rankings and Profiles
In Poland, computer science is offered both at technical universities (polytechnics) and at traditional academic universities. In the latest Perspektywy University Rankings by Field of Study 2025, computer science programmes were evaluated separately for academic (university-type) institutions and technical (engineering-focused) institutions. The University of Warsaw ranked first among university programmes, while the Warsaw University of Technology was named the best in the engineering category. Close behind were the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków and Wrocław University of Science and Technology, both securing podium positions in their respective categories. Other top institutions include the Silesian University of Technology (Gliwice) and Gdańsk University of Technology, while among universities, high positions were also achieved by the Jagiellonian University and the University of Wrocław.
Below is an overview of selected top public computer science universities in Poland, along with their profiles:
Warsaw University of Technology (WUT)
City: Warsaw Profile: Technical university (polytechnic) Strengths (2026 perspective): The highest-rated computer science programme in Poland (1st place in the Perspektywy ranking). Strong industry links—students work on real projects with companies already during their studies. Graduates earn some of the highest salaries in the country (median of approx. PLN 14,000 per month after graduation).
AGH University of Science and Technology
City: Kraków Profile: Technical university (polytechnic) Strengths (2026 perspective): A leading technical university (2nd place in the ranking). Extensive cooperation with technology companies and its own research centres (including AI and cybersecurity). Around 75% of students start working before defending their diploma, and nearly all graduates quickly find employment in the field.
Wrocław University of Science and Technology (WUST)
City: Wrocław Profile: Technical university (polytechnic) Strengths (2026 perspective): A prestigious institution consistently ranked at the top. Close cooperation with global IT companies in Lower Silesia (including Capgemini, Credit Suisse, Nokia, Volvo). Strong student research groups, hackathons, and industry-driven projects. High graduate employability in the regional IT market.
Gdańsk University of Technology (GUT)
City: Gdańsk Profile: Technical university (polytechnic) Strengths (2026 perspective): The leading technical university in northern Poland (Top 5 nationwide). A modern Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics, with specialisations such as distributed systems and artificial intelligence. Graduates earn very high salaries—median of approx. PLN 14.9k gross per month one year after graduation. Proximity to the dynamic Tricity job market and global R&D centres.
University of Warsaw (UW)
City: Warsaw Profile: Academic university Strengths (2026 perspective): The highest-ranked university-level computer science programme in Poland. Strong international academic reputation—UW ranks 167th globally in Computer Science (QS 2025). Renowned for achievements in algorithms and success in ICPC programming contests. Offers modern curricula, including English-taught programmes such as Data Science and Business Analytics, highly valued by employers.
Jagiellonian University (UJ)
City: Kraków Profile: Academic university Strengths (2026 perspective): The oldest university in Poland, featuring a modern Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (2nd among universities). Strong theoretical foundations and very high faculty quality (top accreditations, A+ research category). Good cooperation with Kraków’s IT industry. Applied computer science graduates earn median salaries of around PLN 13.7k gross per month.
Legend: Polytechnic – technical university (engineering and master’s programmes); University – academic institution (bachelor’s and master’s programmes). Data sources: Perspektywy Ranking 2025, ELA Graduate Tracking Report 2024 (salary medians).
The overview above presents only selected examples—in reality, the list of excellent computer science faculties is much longer. Highly regarded institutions also include the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice (4th among polytechnics), the Łódź University of Technology (known for its strong AI specialisation), and the University of Wrocław (whose computer science graduates earn record salaries—median approx. PLN 15.9k). Below, we discuss the key criteria worth considering when comparing these institutions.
Curriculum – Relevance and Alignment with the Job Market
Rapid technological progress necessitates continuous updates to computer science curricula. The best Polish universities ensure that their programmes keep pace with IT industry trends. For example, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering (AGH) in Kraków emphasizes that its curricula are constantly updated in cooperation with employers, ensuring students learn exactly what the market needs—from low-level hardware design and system and network administration to advanced topics in AI, data processing, and cybersecurity. Similarly, in 2019 the Warsaw University of Technology even renamed its programme at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering to “Applied Computer Science” to highlight its practical focus—emphasizing engineering skills over purely theoretical problems. The university’s declared goal is: “to educate highly qualified professionals whose competences meet current and future market needs.”
Across all leading faculties, new specialisations and courses reflecting global trends are being introduced. Today, classes in machine learning, artificial intelligence, data analysis, cloud computing, and network security are standard—often taught by industry practitioners. For instance, the Łódź University of Technology and the Warsaw University of Technology have launched highly rated AI and Data Science tracks within their computer science programmes, while Wrocław and Gdańsk Universities of Technology have introduced studies focused on big data. Universities also strive for international accreditations (e.g. ABET) and participation in programmes such as ERASMUS+, adding a global dimension to their curricula. As a result, graduates of top institutions leave university with up-to-date knowledge and skill sets highly valued by employers worldwide.
Cooperation with Companies – Internships, Projects and Hackathons
Hands-on experience gained already during studies is a major advantage of computer science programmes. Leading universities actively cooperate with the technology industry, offering students numerous opportunities to gain real-world experience. The Warsaw University of Technology involves companies directly in the educational process—some projects and laboratory classes are carried out in cooperation with IT industry partners. At universities such as AGH, several highly active student research clubs operate, organizing workshops, hackathons and meetings with company representatives, allowing students to gain practical knowledge and valuable professional contacts. Students build robots, develop applications, and analyse satellite data—while industry experts mentor them and recruit the most talented participants.
Many faculties, together with employers, fund specialist laboratories (e.g. AI, IoT or cybersecurity labs) and organize recurring programming competitions. For example, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology highlights its long-term cooperation with leading companies in Lower Silesia—such as Capgemini, Nokia, Volvo and Credit Suisse—which sponsor student projects, offer internships and act as programme partners. The effects are clearly visible on the labour market: top students are often hired by companies even before graduation. According to research, around 75% of computer science students at the AGH Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Automatics, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering (WIET) start working before completing their degree, often thanks to contacts gained during projects and internships, and 100% of AGH graduates work in jobs consistent with their education.
There is also no shortage of industry events on campus—IT job fairs, nationwide programming marathons (hackathons) and academic algorithmic leagues. Such events allow students to face real technological challenges and often lead directly to internship or job offers. For instance, the AGH “Mechaton” Hackathon attracts sponsors from across Poland every year, and winning teams frequently receive offers of further cooperation. As a result, the best computer science universities in Poland serve as true talent incubators, closely connected with the business environment. Graduates therefore leave university not only with theoretical knowledge, but also with a strong project portfolio and teamwork experience—an invaluable asset on the job market.
Graduate Employment and Salaries
Career prospects after completing a computer science degree are excellent—especially for graduates of renowned institutions. IT specialists are among the most sought-after professionals, and unemployment among programmers in Poland is negligible. Moreover, graduates of top faculties can expect above-average salaries already at the start of their careers. According to the latest Graduate Economic Outcomes (ELA) report, the median salary of newly graduated master’s degree holders in computer science exceeds PLN 14,000 gross per month in the first year of employment. By comparison, this level is unattainable for most other fields immediately after graduation.
Record-breaking results are achieved in particular by graduates of the leading universities. For example, computer science graduates from the University of Wrocław earned a median of PLN 15,912 gross per month in their first year after graduation—the highest result in the country (ELA data for the 2022 cohort). Slightly lower, but still very high, salaries were recorded for young engineers from the Gdańsk University of Technology (median approx. PLN 14,930). Very strong earnings were also reported among graduates of the Warsaw University of Technology (approx. PLN 14.7k for Applied Computer Science) and the University of Warsaw (Data Science – approx. PLN 13.8k). This means that top computer science graduates earn more than twice the national average already in junior positions. It is worth noting that salaries abroad are even higher—for example, in Germany the average IT specialist earns around €5,500 per month, while in the United States entry-level programmers earn $80,000–100,000 per year. The globalisation of the IT market means that many Polish specialists work remotely for Western companies, sometimes earning Western-level salaries.
Employability after a computer science degree is almost guaranteed—virtually every solid graduate finds work in the profession. As mentioned earlier, 100% of WIET AGH graduates work in positions consistent with their education shortly after graduation. The same applies to other top institutions—due to the shortage of programmers, companies actively recruit students while they are still studying. As a result, at many faculties a significant proportion of students begin working in IT during their studies (often in the third or fourth year). Naturally, salary levels depend on specialisation and skills—for instance, developers of leading languages (Java, Python), AI specialists or cybersecurity experts can negotiate the highest rates. Overall, however, computer science graduates rank among the best-paid young professionals in the Polish labour market. This is confirmed by rankings—informatics has for years remained among the degree programmes that guarantee the highest salaries for young graduates.
Level of Difficulty and Quality of Teaching
Computer science studies at top universities are widely regarded as demanding, and not without reason. The curriculum is intensive—besides programming, students must master advanced mathematics (calculus, linear and discrete algebra), algorithms, hardware fundamentals, operating systems, networks, databases, and many other topics. At prestigious technical universities, the first year is often highly selective—as students jokingly put it, this is where the “filtering out” of the unprepared takes place. “More than half of the students have resits or conditional passes,” admits one Warsaw University of Technology student, adding honestly that had she known about the level of difficulty earlier, she might not have chosen the programme. Similarly, at other technical universities, difficult exams in mathematics and core subjects are the norm, requiring systematic and consistent work. In short, computer science studies are best suited to ambitious students with an analytical mindset who are not afraid of mathematics—as graduates themselves confirm.
These challenges, however, translate into a high quality of education. The teaching staff at leading faculties often consists of renowned professors and industry practitioners. Many units (e.g. the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics at UW, computer science faculties at WUT, WUST and AGH) hold scientific categories A or A+, reflecting excellence in both research and teaching. Computer science students have access to modern computer labs, specialised equipment (e.g. robotics, electronics and networking labs), and extensive library resources. Classes are often conducted in small project groups, facilitating close contact with lecturers. The best instructors strive to remain accessible—students frequently emphasize that technical universities offer consultations and support from academic supervisors (although, of course, experiences vary depending on the instructor).
Overall, student opinions on teaching quality are positive, although critical voices are also present. There are occasional complaints about outdated teaching methods used by some senior lecturers or an excessive focus on theory at the expense of practice (especially at universities). However, there are strong signs of improvement—curricula are being modernised, and younger staff members bring fresh approaches. Employers rate graduates of top institutions very highly, which is the best proof of educational quality. As one Warsaw University of Technology student put it: “If someone wants to gain useful knowledge instead of partying and meet great people, they couldn’t have chosen better.” Despite high demands, the atmosphere at computer science faculties is often highly inspiring—students motivate one another, participate in research clubs and learn from their peers. This fosters an environment conducive to developing talent. Many Polish students achieve success in international programming competitions (e.g. UW teams regularly win ICPC medals), which further confirms their excellent preparation.
In summary, the level of computer science education at top universities is high—students should be prepared for hard work, but in return they receive an elite education. These institutions educate specialists valued worldwide, which is the strongest possible recommendation of teaching quality.
Prestige and Reputation of Universities
University reputation plays an important role in the IT industry—a diploma from a well-known institution can help a graduate stand out on the job market, especially at the beginning of a career. In Poland, the most prestigious computer science faculties have long been considered those of the University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Technology, AGH University of Science and Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, and the Jagiellonian University, as confirmed by both national rankings and strong employer brand recognition. The Perspektywy Ranking places these universities at the top of computer science rankings every year, taking into account factors such as academic reputation (prestige), research output and graduate success. In 2025, computer science at WUT achieved the maximum ranking score (100), while the corresponding programme at UW also received 100 points in its category—both results reflecting top prestige within their respective groups.
On the international stage, Polish computer science universities are also increasingly visible. The University of Warsaw was ranked 167th worldwide in the field of Computer Science & Information Systems in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025—the best result among Polish institutions. The Warsaw University of Technology is also ranked among top global universities, placing in the 201–250 range worldwide for computer science in QS 2024. Other universities (UJ, AGH, WUST), while not always highly ranked globally, have gained recognition regionally. In the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU) 2023, computer science at UJ and WUT was listed in the 401–500 range worldwide, which also indicates a degree of international recognition.
Prestige is not only about rankings—it is also about networks and achievements. Many faculties boast notable alumni working at global tech giants such as Google, Microsoft or Meta, as well as outstanding student achievements. Teams from the University of Warsaw have dominated the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) for years, most recently winning a bronze medal at the 2024 World Finals, an achievement on a global scale. Student research clubs from the Silesian University of Technology and AGH regularly win international robotics and algorithmic competitions. Such successes significantly strengthen the reputation of these institutions within the IT community.
In employer rankings and reputation surveys, Polish technical universities (such as WUT, WUST and AGH) and leading universities (UW, UJ) consistently appear as institutions whose graduates are the most sought after. For example, in the Universum 2022 survey, employers from the technical sector rated graduates of WUT and AGH highest. That said, in the IT industry, skills and experience matter more than the university name alone—therefore, prestige should be treated as an added bonus rather than a goal in itself. Nevertheless, choosing a recognised university often gives students better development opportunities and a stronger start in the job market, which translates into faster career growth.
Location – The Importance of IT Hubs
The location of a university can have a surprisingly significant impact on future employment opportunities. This is because the Polish IT market is concentrated in several major centres—the so-called technology hubs. Studying near such a hub makes it easier to secure internships, attend industry events and find a first job.
Currently, the largest IT centre in Poland is Warsaw, which accounts for more than one quarter of all IT job postings nationwide. It is therefore no surprise that two of the leading universities—the Warsaw University of Technology and the University of Warsaw—are located there, providing access to the broadest job market. Warsaw is home to headquarters and branches of many global corporations (including Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Goldman Sachs), numerous startups, and a wide range of industry events. Kraków and Wrocław rank next in terms of the number of IT job offers, followed closely by the Tricity (Gdańsk–Gdynia–Sopot). Each of these cities hosts strong institutions educating IT specialists: AGH and the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Wrocław University of Science and Technology and the University of Wrocław in Wrocław, and Gdańsk University of Technology in Gdańsk. This is no coincidence—academic cities attract technology companies seeking access to local talent.
It is also worth mentioning Upper Silesia (the Katowice conurbation). Traditionally associated with heavy industry, the region is now dynamically developing its IT sector, hosting numerous shared services and R&D centres (e.g. IBM, Rockwell Automation, Fujitsu). The Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice and nearby universities supply specialists for the Silesian IT market, which is among the fastest-growing in the country. Similarly, the Poznań region has its own smaller technology hub (with the e-commerce sector, led by Allegro, among its key players), and the Poznań University of Technology and Adam Mickiewicz University provide skilled graduates to local companies.
Proximity to an IT hub gives students more opportunities for internships and part-time work during their studies. For example, in Kraków—where the number of IT job offers is nearly as high as in Warsaw—around 75% of AGH computer science students work before completing their degree, as mentioned earlier. Large cities also offer easier access to technology meetups and conferences (e.g. meet.js, PyData), which helps build professional networks. Of course, studying outside a hub does not eliminate opportunities—the IT market is strong throughout Poland, and remote work opens doors regardless of location. Nevertheless, choosing a university in a major centre (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, the Tricity, Silesia) means investing in access to a vibrant technology ecosystem, which can accelerate the start of a career.
In summary, location is a factor worth considering. For many graduates, their first job is a continuation of an earlier internship at a nearby company—something to keep in mind when deciding where to study.
Computer Science Programmes Taught in English
The IT industry is global in nature, which makes proficiency in English essential—also in an educational context. An increasing number of Polish universities offer computer science programmes taught entirely in English, which is attractive both to international students and to Poles planning an international career.
At most leading technical universities, English-taught tracks or even full degree programmes are available. For example, the Warsaw University of Technology (Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology) offers full-time first- and second-cycle studies in Computer Science taught in English. Similarly, the Wrocław University of Science and Technology provides Applied Computer Science in English (a seven-semester engineering programme), while the Silesian University of Technology offers English-taught Informatics programmes at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Gdańsk University of Technology, Poznań University of Technology, Łódź University of Technology, and Opole University of Technology have also expanded their offerings to include English-taught computer science programmes—often as separate specialisations or dedicated tracks for international students. Typically, English-taught studies involve tuition fees (for EU applicants these are sometimes symbolic, amounting to a few thousand PLN per semester, and higher for non-EU students), but they provide a unique opportunity to study in an international environment without leaving Poland.
Some universities have also launched English-taught computer science programmes, although these are fewer in number. The University of Warsaw, for instance, offers the prestigious English-language master’s programme Data Science and Business Analytics, and its Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics has recently launched an English-taught master’s track in Machine Learning. The Jagiellonian University has traditionally offered computer science mainly in Polish, but its English-language portfolio includes related programmes (such as Computational Intelligence and Data Mining within applied mathematics). Overall, however, it is the technical universities that lead the way in the internationalisation of computer science education.
The advantages of studying in English are clear: mastery of professional terminology, ease in building relationships with international students and lecturers, and preparation for working in multinational teams. For international students, English-taught programmes are often the only option for studying in Poland—hence, for example, English-language groups at the Warsaw University of Technology include students from all over the world. It is also worth noting that a degree completed in English is often viewed favourably by global companies, as it demonstrates a graduate’s language proficiency.
Of course, regardless of the language of instruction, most top universities also offer study abroad opportunities (Erasmus and other exchange programmes), where courses are taught in English. One could therefore say that by 2026, Polish IT education is already highly internationalised. Those who wish can complete their entire engineering degree in English in Poland, while those who prefer Polish-taught studies will still acquire English terminology through literature and project work.
Outstanding Private Universities
The Polish IT education landscape is not limited to public institutions. In recent years, several private universities have gained recognition for the high quality of their computer science programmes. Foremost among them is the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJATK) in Warsaw—a non-public, specialised university established through cooperation between the governments of Poland and Japan. PJATK regularly ranks just below the leading technical universities in national rankings; in 2025, its computer science programme placed 8th in Poland, ahead of many public institutions. The academy is highly regarded by employers, students and the media for its educational quality. PJATK’s programmes are developed in consultation with industry, and its graduates perform exceptionally well on the labour market—according to ELA data, their median salary one year after graduation reaches PLN 13,600 gross, placing them 4th among all computer science graduates nationwide. This shows that a strong private university can successfully compete with public institutions in terms of quality and outcomes.
Other private initiatives are also worth mentioning. The WSB University in Dąbrowa Górnicza, a private business school, ranked 6th in Poland in the category of master’s-level computer science, thanks in part to modern specialisations (e.g. data science) and active cooperation with regional industry. Another interesting example is the University of Business – National Louis University in Nowy Sącz, which has been offering computer science programmes since the 1990s and also appears in rankings of top institutions, becoming a pioneer of IT education outside major metropolitan areas. In addition, recognised private business-oriented universities, such as Kozminski University in Warsaw, are beginning to launch their own IT-related programmes (e.g. artificial intelligence in management). While these programmes are not yet fully comparable to those offered by technical universities, the growing competition in the private sector is good news for applicants—it means greater choice and more innovative approaches to education.
In summary, when it comes to computer science education, public technical universities and academic universities continue to lead the way, offering the most comprehensive resources and the highest prestige. However, the best private universities are increasingly able to match their quality and are worth considering, especially for those seeking an alternative, practice-oriented educational path with strong links to business.
Conclusion – Making a Conscious Choice in an IT Career Path
Choosing a university is a decision that can shape an entire IT career. A reputable institution provides solid foundations, access to technology and a valuable professional network—but it is worth remembering that the university name alone does not guarantee success. The IT industry values skills, passion and continuous self-development above all else. Therefore, regardless of whether one chooses a top technical university in a major city or a smaller institution, the key is to make the most of the study period: learn through practice, get involved in projects, seek internships and develop personal interests (programming, AI, cybersecurity—whatever one is passionate about).
As the comparison above shows, the best computer science universities in Poland today offer modern curricula, strong industry links, excellent graduate outcomes and international recognition. Such a starting position provides a clear advantage—it makes it easier to secure a first job and accelerates career development. Ultimately, however, success depends on individual effort. In the technology sector, learning does not end with a diploma—it is only the beginning.
When choosing a course of study, make the decision consciously: analyse curricula, talk to students, and consider where you feel you will thrive. A good university can be a springboard, but how high you jump depends on you. Invest wisely in your education—the rewards, in the form of a fulfilling job and growth in a dream industry, will surely make the years of study worthwhile. Best of luck on your computer science journey!
Sources: Perspektywy Ranking 2025; ELA Report 2024; informational materials from WUT, AGH and WUST; Bankier.pl; Spider’s Web; Pomaturze.pl (PJATK).