Scholarships for Studying in Poland
Poland is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students—not only because of its high academic standards and modern campuses but also thanks to the wide range of scholarships and grants available for foreigners. Whether you are planning to apply for a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree, Poland offers numerous opportunities for free education or significant tuition fee reductions.
In this guide, you will learn about government scholarships, university grants, and international programs that allow you to study in Poland—often completely free of charge and with monthly financial support.
Fully-funded Scholarships and NAWA Grants
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers various scholarship programs for international students. These government scholarships are considered some of the most prestigious and generous in Poland, as they cover not only tuition fees but also living expenses.
The Stefan Banach Scholarship Program
This program is aimed at students from developing countries and covers the full cost of tuition for Master's programs at public universities. In addition to tuition, the program provides a monthly scholarship of approximately 1500 PLN to cover living expenses. To apply, you need to have a Bachelor's degree and a language proficiency level of at least B2 or higher in Polish or English.
Poland My First Choice
This program is designed for students from EU countries and several other partner countries. It covers two years of study in a Master's program in Poland. As part of the program, free education is provided at public universities along with a monthly stipend, making it an excellent choice for international students with high academic achievements.
The General Anders Scholarship Program
This scholarship is available for applicants with Polish roots (for example, holders of the Pole's Card, "Karta Polaka"). It provides full funding for studies in Bachelor's or Master's programs, as well as support for completing a preparatory course in the Polish language if needed.
The POLONISTA Program
This program is aimed at students who want to study the Polish language, culture, and philology. It supports both full educational programs and short-term internships in Poland. This is an excellent option for those planning to work in linguistics, translation, or cultural studies.
International Programs at Polish Universities
In addition to national funding, Poland actively participates in international academic mobility programs. These programs allow students to study in Poland with financial support, often provided through their home universities or European organizations.
✔️ Erasmus+
This well-known European program enables students from EU and partner countries to study in Poland for one or two semesters. The program includes:
- Full coverage of tuition fees during the exchange period
- A monthly scholarship (the amount depends on the student's country of origin)
- No need to pay any fees at the host university in Poland
Students apply through their Erasmus coordinator at their home institution.
✔️ Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)
Poland also participates in Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree programs. These are highly competitive programs that include:
- Full coverage of tuition fees
- A monthly stipend for living expenses
- Study in at least two different countries, including Poland
The programs vary depending on the field of study, but the most popular ones are in Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Healthcare, and International Relations.
✔️ Bilateral Agreements
Many Polish universities have bilateral agreements with institutions from countries such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, India, and Vietnam. These agreements often allow students to study for free or at a reduced cost, and sometimes include assistance with accommodation and meals. To get information about these agreements, it is recommended to contact the International Office of your home university.
University Grants and Scholarships
In addition to government programs, many Polish universities offer their own grants and scholarships for international students. These types of financial support can partially or fully cover tuition fees and may also include additional living allowances.
✔️ Academic Merit Scholarships
Polish universities actively support students with high academic performance. These scholarships are awarded for:
- High GPA (usually starting from 4.5 out of 5 on the grading scale)
- Participation in scientific research or competitions
- Winning academic olympiads or international competitions
The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the university but typically ranges from 500 to 1500 PLN per month. For example, the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology offer special grants to the top students in their faculties.
✔️ Sports Scholarships
Polish universities value student achievements in sports, so many institutions offer sports scholarships. These are available for students who:
- Hold sports titles or awards
- Represent the university in national or international competitions
- Actively participate in university sports clubs
The scholarship can reach up to 1000 PLN per month and includes support for competition preparation, travel expenses, and equipment.
✔️ Community Engagement Scholarships
Many universities encourage students who are actively involved in student clubs, event organization, and volunteer projects. Participation in university life not only provides experience and skills but also opens up opportunities for financial support.
For example, at Lazarski University, active students receive up to 30% tuition discounts. At Vistula University, the Vistula Merit Scholarship program allows the best students who are deeply involved in university life to cover up to 100% of tuition fees.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
To successfully apply for a scholarship in Poland, you need to follow several key steps:
Document Preparation
The list of required documents may vary depending on the program, but typically includes:
- High school diploma or university degree (with Apostille or legalization)
- A motivation letter explaining why you chose Poland and the specific program
- Recommendation letters (from teachers or employers)
- Language proficiency certificate (Polish or English)
- A copy of your passport
Application Process
In most cases, applications are submitted online through:
- The university's website — if you are applying for internal scholarships
- The NAWA portal — for government programs
- The Erasmus+ platform — for international exchange programs
Deadlines and Important Dates
It's crucial to keep track of application deadlines:
- NAWA typically opens applications from November to February
- Erasmus+ — one year before the start of the program
- University scholarships — deadlines depend on the institution
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Scholarship
To successfully obtain a scholarship for studying in Poland, it is crucial to prepare your motivation letter thoughtfully. It should clearly outline your academic goals, reasons for choosing Poland, and your future plans. It's recommended to include examples of your participation in research projects, volunteer programs, or student clubs to stand out from other candidates.
Recommendation letters from teachers or employers also play an important role. They should highlight your strengths, academic or professional achievements, and provide specific examples of your successes.
To confirm your language proficiency, you may provide certificates such as IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (minimum 79) for English-taught programs, and B2/C1 for Polish-taught programs. To further improve your chances, consider attending preparatory courses at Polish universities.
Apart from academic achievements, universities value active participation in student life and volunteer projects. This demonstrates your engagement and willingness to grow.
Finally, carefully study the requirements of the chosen program, application deadlines, and the list of necessary documents. This will help you avoid mistakes and increase your chances of success.
Scholarships for studying in Poland are a great opportunity to receive a European education almost for free. AcademGo specialists are ready to help you at every step: from choosing the right program to successfully submitting your documents. With us, studying in Poland becomes a reality!
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