New Nostrification Rules for Studying in Poland
Nostrification in Poland is an essential process for international students planning to study at Polish universities. As of July 1, 2025, updated regulations have come into force governing the recognition of foreign educational documents. This article provides a detailed overview of the nostrification procedure, its necessity, and key features to help you successfully prepare for university admission.
What is document nostrification?
Nostrification is the official process of recognizing foreign school certificates, diplomas, and other educational documents in Poland. It confirms that your document meets Polish standards and grants the right to continue your education or work in a relevant profession. According to the updated rules effective from July 1, 2025, nostrification is required for applying to both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, if your document is not subject to automatic recognition.
When is nostrification required?
- If you are applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program in Poland with a foreign certificate or diploma.
- If you plan to work in a regulated profession in Poland that requires proof of qualifications.
- If your document is not on the list of automatically recognized qualifications (e.g., those from EU, EFTA, OECD countries or countries with bilateral agreements).
How do the new rules differ from the old ones?
The new nostrification regulations, effective from July 1, 2025 under the Act of April 4, 2025, have significantly changed the process of recognizing foreign educational documents in Poland compared to previous regulations. In the past, school certificate nostrification was often handled by regional education authorities, which could be time-consuming and required in-person submission of documents.
Now, the process is fully centralized and handled by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) through the online SYRENA platform, making it more convenient and transparent. Applications are submitted exclusively online, and results are issued in PDF format with a qualified electronic signature, within 60 days, free of charge, and only in Polish. These changes simplify the process but require applicants to carefully follow all instructions and deadlines.
Who does not need nostrification to study in Poland?
Some international applicants are exempt from nostrification due to international agreements or recognition standards. According to the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), nostrification is not required if your document:
- Was issued in an EU, EFTA, or OECD country
- Falls under an international agreement on education recognition (e.g., with Ukraine or China)
- Is an IB (International Baccalaureate) or EB (European Baccalaureate) diploma
- Is listed in the KWALIFIKATOR system, which confirms automatic recognition
Before submitting your documents to a university, check their status in the KWALIFIKATOR system or consult the admissions office.
When is nostrification mandatory?
Nostrification is required for documents issued in countries not included in the categories listed above. Starting July 1, 2025, NAWA issues individual recognition certificates for foreign high school diplomas and degrees. The procedure is mandatory if:
- Your document was issued in a country that does not have an automatic recognition agreement with Poland
- You are applying for a bachelor’s or master’s program that requires proof of equivalency
- Your diploma or certificate is not listed in the KWALIFIKATOR system
For example, documents from CIS countries (except Ukraine), Asia, Africa, or Latin America often require nostrification.
How does the nostrification of a high school certificate work in Poland?
To have your high school certificate recognized in Poland, you must submit an application through the SYRENA system, starting July 1, 2025. The main steps are:
1. Document preparation:
- A scan of your high school certificate
- Transcript or diploma supplement (if available)
- Previous educational certificate (e.g. proof of completing 9th grade)
- Translation into Polish (a sworn translation is required if the document is not in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian)
- Passport or ID (page with personal data only)
- Document confirming a change of surname (if applicable)
- For minors – a statement from parents or legal guardians
- For refugees – a document confirming refugee status
2. Submitting the application:
- Register at syrena.nawa.gov.pl
- Fill out the form with your personal details and certificate information, upload your scans
- Activate the application via the link sent to your email
3. Processing and result:
- NAWA reviews the application within 60 days of receiving the complete set of documents
- The result is issued as a PDF file with a qualified electronic signature
- The certificate is issued free of charge and only in Polish
Nostrification of a Bachelor's Diploma for Master’s Admission
To apply for a master’s program in Poland, nostrification of your bachelor’s diploma is required if it was issued in a country not included on the list of automatically recognized qualifications. The process is similar to high school certificate nostrification:
- Required documents: Bachelor’s diploma, transcript, translation (if needed), passport, and documents confirming a name change (if applicable)
- Submission: Through the SYRENA system, with activation via email
- Processing time: Up to 60 days
- Result: An official electronic certificate from NAWA confirming diploma equivalency
If your diploma was issued in an EU, EFTA, or OECD country or under an international agreement, check with the university if additional verification is required. Some universities may request confirmation even for automatically recognized documents.
Is nostrification always required for university admission in Poland?
Nostrification is not always required for admission to a Polish university. If your certificate or diploma is on the list of automatically recognized qualifications (e.g. from EU countries, IB, EB, or countries with bilateral agreements), it’s usually enough to provide the original document and a translation, if needed. However:
- Universities may have their own requirements, so always check with the admissions office
- For documents from third countries, nostrification via NAWA is mandatory
- If you're applying for regulated professions (e.g. medicine, law), nostrification might be required even with international agreements
Use the KWALIFIKATOR system or contact NAWA at syrenahelp@nawa.gov.pl to verify if your document is automatically recognized.
Helpful tips for successful nostrification
- Review the SYRENA guide: Read the official instructions on NAWA’s website before applying
- Check scan quality: All documents must be clear, in color, and uploaded as PDF or JPG files (max. 3 MB)
- Monitor your email: You’ll receive important notifications and the activation link by email
- Respect deadlines: You have 14 days to complete any missing documents and 30 days to download the final certificate
The new nostrification rules in Poland simplify the process through the digital SYRENA platform and clear instructions. Prepare in advance to avoid delays, and contact your university or NAWA for further guidance. Good luck with your application!
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