Master of Physics & Astronomy

Nicolaus Copernicus University
Physics & Astronomy
Masters
Physical Science & Math
Public University
Poland

The Master of Physics & Astronomy at Nicolaus Copernicus University is a 2-year program taught in English in Torun. Students combine advanced physics with astronomy and astrophysics at a research-oriented level. The curriculum covers quantum theory, relativity, astrophysics, optics and observational methods. Teaching mixes lectures, laboratories, computing classes and work with astronomical data. Graduates learn to model physical systems and analyze observations of stars, galaxies and the Universe. It suits students with a physics or astronomy bachelor’s degree who want research or technical careers.

Course Details

Category	Details
Time	Full Time
Campus	Toruń
Duration	2
Deadline-Date	tbc,04-August,
Fee Per Year	10000
Application Fee	85
Currency	pln
Intake Link	https://www.umk.pl/en/erasmus/students/Academic_Calendar_2023-2024.pdf
Deadline Link	https://www.fizyka.umk.pl/en/candidates/programme-in-english/
Intakes	February
Program language requirement	B2,IELTS minimum 5.5 pts,ISE Digital above 80 pts,(TOEFL) in the Internet-Based Test (iBT) version minimum 72 pts,(TOEIC) minimum 785 pts in Listening & Reading and 150 pts in Speaking and 160 in Writing,(PTE Academic) in on-site and online version minimum 59 pts

Who can Choose this program?

Bachelor’s in: Physics, Astronomy, Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Mathematics with Physics, or Related Fields

Additional Information

Category	Details
Scope of the program	Graduates work as physicists, astronomers, research assistants or scientific data analysts. Employers include universities, observatories, research institutes and space-related organizations. Technology and optics companies hire them for instrumentation and R&D roles. Strong modelling skills lead to careers in software, data science, finance and consulting. Others move into teaching, science outreach or planetarium and museum work. Further study is possible in doctoral programs in physics or astronomy.
Program entry requirement	1) In case of application to first (BA) or long-cycle (MA) studies – the original of secondary school (maturity) certificate and transcript of grades, entitling a candidate to undertake university-level study in country in which the certificate / document was issued; ( should any external/uniform examination is necessary to pursue university level education in the country of origin, NCU also requires a proof of taking such an examination as it stipulated by the Polish education law). 2) In case of application to second-cycle (MA) studies – the higher education diploma (MA, BA, engineer diploma or equivalent) and transcript of grades obtained during the course of study, entitling a candidate to continue university-level study in country in which the diploma was issued, or original of the certificate confirming graduation from studies and containing information on level, programme and profile of studies, obtained professional title and result defined in words together with statement, in which candidate undertakes to present the original or certified copy of the higher education diploma within 30 days from the day of its issuance, under pain of removal from the list of students. 3) A personal questionnaire, which includes candidate’s photo, printed out from candidate’s individual registration account in the IRK system and signed by the candidate (available at the candidate’s individual registration account in section “Enrollment applications” under the chosen field of study accessible through the link “Documents and further steps”); 4) A legalisation (authorisation) or apostille (if the document was issued by an institution operating in the educational system in a country that is a party to the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, concluded in The Hague, 5 October 1961) of the original of secondary school (maturity) certificate and transcript of grades or the higher education diploma and transcript of grades – depends on the level of studies; 5) Original sworn translations into Polish language (or English language if a candidate undertakes studies provided in English) of legalised/signed apostille secondary school (maturity) certificate and transcript of grades or the higher education diploma and transcript of grades (in case of other than sworn translation – translation legalized by the authorised institution in the country where the documents were issued) – depends on the level of studies; 6) A document stating that the certificate / diploma entitles to undertake or continue university-level study in country in which the certificate / diploma was issued (with translation into the language of instruction of studies chosen by the candidate. Please check if your diploma entitles you to undertake first-cycle/ long-cycle/second-cycle studies in Poland; 7) Information of NAWA director on recognition of the secondary education certificate/foreign maturity diploma, university diploma in Polish education system for graduates from countries outside of EU, EFTA, and countries who have not signed an agreement on recognition of educational qualifications with Poland. https://syrena.nawa.gov.pl/wniosek/wstep#. For other graduates from remaining countries an automatic recognition statement generated from NAWA Qualificator System - https://kwalifikator.nawa.gov.pl/ 8) For studies in English – English Language Proficiency Certificate at minimum B2 level. As specified in the Ministry Regulation https://study.cm.umk.pl/wpcontent/uploads/2018/08/Rozporzadzenie-EN.pdf 9) For studies in Polish – Polish language certificate at a minimum B2 level unless specified otherwise in the qualification criteria in IRK Admission System. Detailed list available in Polish. 10) The University will require an eligibility statement from the document issuing educational institution if in any doubt concerning educational documents. 10) Other do
Required GPA	Bachelor’s: 2.5 CGPA or equivalent (may vary by program).
GRE Required	No GRE required for admission to this master's program at Nicolaus Copernicus University.
GMAT Required	No GMAT required for admission to this master's program at Nicolaus Copernicus University.
Application Process	How to Apply to Study in Poland? When applying to polish universities, students should keep in mind these crucial steps: 1. Select the course you want and university first. 2. Visit the website of the former university to obtain the application. 3. Complete the application and look for further information, such as exam requirements and other information on admissions for students from abroad. 4. Enroll in and complete the necessary test. 5. Enclose the completed application form and any other documents, such as the academic criteria. 6. Proof of funding for your research (such as bank balance). 7. Standards for proficiency in English (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL Scores). 8. Foreign Student Health Insurance. 9. The acceptance letter will be sent to your mail by the university once it checks your application and supporting documentation. 10. After receiving the acceptance letter, you have a deadline for paying your deposit. 11. Attend that particular university on the given day.
Available Scholarships	https://studyabroadupdates.com/scholarships/
Program accreditation	Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) holds positive accreditation from the Polish Accreditation Committee (PKA). Founded in 1945, it is one of the largest universities in Poland, comprising 16 faculties including 3 medical faculties at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz. NCU obtained research university status in 2019, one of only ten Polish universities to do so, and ranks among the top 5 universities in Poland and top 4% worldwide (QS Rankings). It received the HR Excellence in Research award from the European Commission in 2015. Since 2020, NCU has been a member of the Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE) alliance, one of the first European Universities initiatives.
Living expenses	Living Expenses in Poland • Monthly Budget: Generally ranges between €400 and €600 per month (approx. PLN 1,500 – 2,500) to live a moderate student life. • Accommodation: Highly affordable on-campus university dormitories cost roughly PLN 400 – 600 (€90 – €140) per month. A private 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center can average around PLN 2,300 (~€540). • Visa Proof of Funds: To clear your student visa requirements, you must present an accessible bank statement showing a baseline liquidity of approximately PLN 8,000 (~€1,850) in addition to your paid tuition receipts.
Visa Process Details	1. Passport: Valid passport with old ones if available (Mandatory). 2. CNIC / B-Form / FRC: ID and family relation documents (Mandatory). 3. Photographs: Biometric/passport-sized photo (Mandatory). 4. Offer Letter: Official unconditional admission letter (Mandatory). 5. Tuition Fee Receipt: Deposit, payment, or scholarship proof (Mandatory/Conditional). 6. Academic Documents: Transcripts and degrees with attestations (Mandatory). 7. Language Certificate: IELTS, TOEFL, or language proof (Conditional). 8. CV / Resume: Updated resume with gap details (Mandatory/Conditional). 9. SOP / Motivation Letter: Study plan and home ties explanation (Mandatory/Conditional). 10. Financial Documents: Bank statements, income, and funds proof (Mandatory). 11. Sponsor Documents: Sponsor ID, relation, affidavit, and income proof (Conditional). 12. Accommodation Proof: Housing booking or address (Mandatory/Conditional). 13. Insurance: Travel/health insurance (Mandatory/Conditional). 14. Police Certificate: Character certificate if required (Conditional). 15. Medical Certificate: Medical/TB/polio clear certificate (Conditional). 16. Translations / Legalization: Certified translations or attestations (Conditional). 17. Previous Refusals: Refusal letters with explanations (Mandatory if applicable). 18. Travel History: Visas, stamps, and travel proof (Conditional). 19. Family / Home Ties: Property, business, or family return proof (Recommended). 20. Country-Specific: e-Konsulat form / appointment confirmation (Country-specific). 21. Country-Specific: Proof of accommodation and return travel means (Country-specific). 22. Country-Specific: Insurance meeting Polish national visa rules (Country-specific).
Part timework	Part-Time Work in Poland • Hours: Enrolled full-time international students face no restrictions on working hours. You can work part-time, full-time, or freelance without needing a separate work permit. • Average Pay: The statutory minimum wage is PLN 30.50 per hour gross. • Tax Benefits: Students under the age of 26 working on a mandate contract (umowa zlecenie) are exempt from both social security (ZUS) and income tax up to a high income threshold, allowing you to take home nearly 100% of your gross earnings.
Post-study work opportunity	Post-Study Work Opportunities • 1-Year Stay-Back Permit: Non-EU graduates of Polish higher education institutions can apply for a 1-year temporary residence permit extension specifically designed to give you an open window to hunt for a job. • Full Work Permit Transition: Once you land a professional contract matching your credentials, you seamlessly transition into a multi-year Temporary Residence Card (Karta Pobytu) tied to your employer. • The EU Blue Card Pathway: Highly qualified specialists who secure a position with a salary at or above 150% of the national average (~PLN 10,500/month gross) qualify for a premium EU Blue Card valid for up to 4 years.

What are the admission requirements for the Master's in Physics & Astronomy at Nicolaus Copernicus University?

The admission requirements include a higher education diploma (MA, BA, or equivalent) and transcripts, a personal questionnaire with a photo, legalized translations of documents, a language proficiency certificate at minimum B2 level, and proof of entitlement to pursue university-level studies in your home country.

How long is the Master's in Physics & Astronomy program at Nicolaus Copernicus University?

The Master's in Physics & Astronomy program is a full-time program that lasts for 2 years, spanning 4 semesters.

What are the tuition fees for the Master's program at Nicolaus Copernicus University?

The tuition fee for the Master's program is PLN 10,000 per year. There is also an application fee of PLN 85.

What are the living expenses for students in Poland?

Living expenses in Poland generally range between €400 and €600 per month, which is approximately PLN 1,500 to 2,500. Accommodation in on-campus dormitories costs around PLN 400 to 600 per month, while renting a private apartment outside the city center can average around PLN 2,300.

Are there part-time work opportunities for international students in Poland?

Yes, enrolled full-time international students face no restrictions on working hours and can work part-time, full-time, or freelance without needing a separate work permit. The average pay is around PLN 30.50 per hour gross.