Language Requirements at Polish Universities
Studying in Poland attracts international students due to its affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and the opportunity to earn a European degree. Polish universities offer programs in both Polish and English, allowing students to choose the most suitable format of study.
However, a key admission requirement is proficiency in the language of instruction. To become a student at a Polish university, you must demonstrate knowledge of either Polish or English at the required level.
Polish Language: Requirements and Preparation
Many public universities in Poland offer programs taught in Polish. Therefore, knowledge of the Polish language is a mandatory requirement for admission to most programs.
✔️ Who Needs to Take the Polish Language Exam?
The Polish language exam is mandatory for all applicants enrolling in programs taught in Polish. This applies to both public and private universities if the program is not offered in English. The only exceptions are international programs at private universities, such as Lazarski University or Vistula University, where instruction is entirely in English, and Polish language proficiency is not required.However, to study tuition-free at public universities, students must confirm their C1 level in Polish with a state-issued certificate and successfully pass the competitive selection process.
✔️ What Level of Polish Language is Required?
To apply for Bachelor's and Master's programs at Polish universities, the required level of Polish proficiency depends on the program and the university:
- The minimum required level is B2. Most universities accept students into Polish-taught programs if they can provide proof of B2 proficiency. This is the standard level necessary to understand academic lectures, complete written assignments, and communicate effectively with professors.
- The C1 level is required for tuition-free studies at public universities. To be eligible for free education in public institutions, international students must demonstrate C1 proficiency. This advanced level proves the ability to understand complex academic texts, participate in discussions, and write scientific papers in Polish. Additionally, students must pass a competitive selection process for budget spots, as the number of places is limited.
✔️ Which Exams are Accepted?
- Egzamin Certyfikatowy z Języka Polskiego jako Obcego — This is the state exam, recognized by all Polish universities.
- University Internal Exams — Some universities (e.g., Lazarski University and Vistula University) conduct their own Polish language proficiency tests.
- Certificates from Language Schools — These must be accredited by the Polish Ministry of Education.
How Does It Work?
When submitting application documents, the applicant registers for the internal test, which is conducted by the university to assess the applicant's English proficiency. The exam typically consists of two main parts:
- Written Part (grammar test or essay on a given topic)
- Oral Part (interview to evaluate speaking skills)
Depending on the university, the test can be held on-campus or online, significantly simplifying the process for international students residing outside of Poland.
Advantages of the Internal Test:
✔️ Cost Savings – International exams like IELTS or TOEFL can cost between 200 and 300 EUR, while the internal test is usually much cheaper.
✔️ Flexible Scheduling – Internal tests are often held several times a year, unlike international exams with limited dates.
✔️ Fast Results – Test results are typically available within one to two weeks, speeding up the admission process.
Disadvantages of the Internal Test:
✘ The certificate is only recognized at the university where it was taken. If a student decides to transfer or apply to another institution, they will likely need to take an international exam.
✘ Some universities limit the number of attempts to take the internal test within one academic year.
What If You Don't Have a Certificate?
If the applicant does not have an international English certificate, they can take the internal test at the university. This exam allows them to prove their English proficiency directly at the institution and gain admission. The test format includes written and oral parts, and the results are accepted only at the specific university where the test was taken. It is a convenient option for those who missed international exam deadlines or want to save on exam costs.
Another option for preparation is to enroll in a preparatory course at the university or a language school. These programs help improve language skills to meet the requirements of Bachelor's or Master's programs. Preparatory courses can be held on-campus or online, allowing international students to study remotely. Furthermore, successfully completing such courses often facilitates passing the internal exam at the university.
Exceptions and Special Cases
To enroll in Polish universities, students are generally required to have proficiency in Polish or English at a B2 level. However, there are exceptions and special cases that allow some students to bypass certain requirements:
1. Applicants from OECD, EFTA, EU, and English-speaking Countries
Students from countries that are part of the OECD (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia), EFTA (Norway, Switzerland), EU, as well as all English-speaking countries, are exempt from the nostrification process when applying to Polish universities. This means that their high school diplomas and degrees are automatically recognized in Poland, and there is no need for additional confirmation of education levels. Additionally, students who completed high school in English—regardless of their country of residence—are also exempt from this requirement.
2. Internal Exams Instead of International Certificates
Some universities offer the opportunity to take an internal language test, which exempts applicants from the need to present international certificates such as IELTS or TOEFL. This is especially relevant for private universities and English-taught programs, where certification requirements may be more flexible.
3. Polish Language Proficiency at C1 Level for Free Education
To apply for tuition-free studies at public universities, students must confirm their C1 level in Polish through the state exam (Egzamin Certyfikatowy z Języka Polskiego jako Obcego). This certificate allows applicants to compete for free spots on equal terms with Polish citizens, but it also requires successful completion of a competitive selection process.
Preparatory Courses (Foundation Year)
For international students planning to study in Poland, an excellent starting point is the "Zerówka" preparatory course (Polish: Zerówka). This is an intensive one-year program designed to help students achieve the Polish or English language proficiency required for university admission.
The Zerówka program includes daily classes from Monday to Friday, where students learn grammar, speaking skills, academic writing, and specialized subjects (medicine, engineering, law, and more). The program runs from October to June, with some universities offering a spring intake from March to February. Throughout the year, students complete between 500 and 720 academic hours, allowing them to reach a B2 or C1 level.
Graduates of these courses receive a certificate recognized by all Polish universities, which exempts them from language entrance exams. Moreover, the Zerówka course grants the right to obtain a student visa and residence permit, as well as the ability to work legally without hourly restrictions. For example, with a minimum wage of €7 per hour, students can earn around €840 per month, covering their living expenses.
Leading universities such as Vistula University, Lazarski University, Collegium Civitas, and SWPS University offer Zerówka courses, making them an ideal choice for a successful start in Poland.
Learn more about the "Zerówka" preparatory courses in Poland in our dedicated article.
Frequently Asked Questions
