IT degree courses — how to choose and where to study
IT degree courses are today one of the broadest categories of study in Poland — from classic computer science, through cybersecurity, to data science and artificial intelligence. The problem is that under the label "computer science" hide a dozen very different career paths, and picking one at random often ends in disappointment in the first year.
The most popular IT degree courses in Poland
Before choosing a specific university, it's worth distinguishing the main variants of the field:
- Computer science (general) — a broad program: algorithms, databases, programming, networks.
- Applied computer science / software engineering — more practice, team projects, work methodologies (Agile, Scrum).
- Cybersecurity — system protection, penetration testing, risk management.
- Data science / data analytics — statistics, machine learning, working with large datasets.
- Artificial intelligence — increasingly a separate degree or specialization, heavily mathematical.
Choose based not only on which topic is trendy, but on your own strengths — are you drawn to maths and theory, or to practically building products?
Where to study computer science in Poland
The most commonly chosen technical universities include Warsaw University of Technology, AGH in Kraków, Wrocław University of Technology, Gdańsk University of Technology, and universities such as University of Warsaw (Faculty of MIM) and Jagiellonian University. When choosing a school, check not only rankings but also: the curriculum, the number of hands-on programming hours, industry partnerships (internships) and graduate reviews in the ELA database (nauka.gov.pl).
Admission to these degrees usually favours an extended matura in maths plus computer science or physics — worth planning ahead when picking your high-school class profile.
Full-time, part-time, or private universities
More and more people wonder whether IT degrees have to be studied only at public universities in full-time mode. In practice, well-run programs are also offered by private universities and part-time tracks, which let you combine studying with a first job — for example, a development internship. When choosing such a path, though, pay special attention to accreditation, the faculty teaching practical subjects, and graduate reviews in databases like ELA, since program quality can vary a lot between schools, even with a similar degree name.
How much do IT professionals earn in Poland
IT salaries vary widely by specialization, experience and city. Below are approximate ranges based on market data (wynagrodzenia.pl, industry reports):
| Specialization | Junior | Mid/Senior |
|---|---|---|
| Backend developer | PLN 5,500–8,500 | PLN 10,000–20,000+ |
| Data scientist / ML engineer | PLN 6,000–9,000 | PLN 12,000–22,000+ |
| Cybersecurity specialist | PLN 6,500–9,500 | PLN 12,000–20,000+ |
| QA tester | PLN 5,000–7,500 | PLN 9,000–15,000 |
These are approximate gross ranges, heavily dependent on location and employment type (employment contract vs B2B) — treat them as a reference point, not a guarantee. We break down developer salaries in detail in a separate article: how much a programmer earns in Poland.
What a first job after an IT degree looks like
Graduates of IT programs rarely start out as fully independent specialists — the typical path is first an internship (often paid, though below market rates), then a junior role with a mentor, and only after 1–2 years more independence. Employers pay attention not just to university grades, but above all to personal projects, hackathon participation, or GitHub activity — these often matter more for landing that first offer than the degree itself.
University or a bootcamp?
A common question these days is whether IT degrees are even necessary given coding bootcamps promising a job in a few months. There's no single answer — it depends on whether you want solid theoretical foundations (university) or a fast entry into a practical trade (bootcamp). We cover this in more depth in bootcamp or a computer science degree.
Worth knowing too: programming skills are today one of the most reliable tickets to remote work — many IT companies hire developers fully remotely, regardless of where they live.
How to check whether IT is right for you
Before investing several years in an IT degree, check whether your aptitude profile actually matches analytical, systematic work requiring patience. The free next.movv test, based on the RIASEC model, shows in 10 minutes whether your career type fits technical and analytical jobs — or whether other paths suit you better. Take it on the homepage at nextmovv.com.
It's an orienting tool — the final decision is best discussed with a career counsellor or IT teacher, and ideally tested with a simple coding project before applying.
Bottom line
IT degrees today offer some of the broadest career opportunities in Poland, but choosing a specific specialization should come from your own strengths, not just salary rankings. Check the curriculum, teaching format and graduate reviews before committing to a specific university.
Frequently asked questions
Which IT degree should I choose?
It depends on your interests: general computer science gives broad foundations, while cybersecurity and data science are narrower specializations with growing market demand. Check a specific university's curriculum before deciding.
Do I need to know maths to study computer science?
Yes, most IT degrees require an extended matura in maths, and maths itself (algebra, statistics) is a major part of the curriculum, especially in data science and AI specializations.
Is it better to study computer science or do a bootcamp?
University gives more solid theoretical foundations and is recognised by larger companies; a bootcamp lets you enter a practical trade faster. The choice depends on your goals and how much time you can invest.
How long do computer science degrees take in Poland?
Standard first-cycle studies (engineering or bachelor's) take 3.5–4 years, and second-cycle (master's) studies add another 1.5–2 years.