New Language Requirements for Admission to Polish Universities

In 2025, Polish universities updated their admission rules for international students. Now language proficiency is not just a formality but an official requirement for enrollment. Universities require applicants to present a document confirming knowledge of the language at a level not lower than B2. Let’s look at what has changed, which certificates are accepted, and how AcademGo helps students successfully meet these requirements.

What Changed in 2025

Read more about the previous rules here.

The main update is a single B2 language standard for all applicants, regardless of the program or field of study.

✔️ Universities no longer accept B1-level certificates, even for humanities programs.
✔️ A B2 level according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) is mandatory for both Polish- and English-taught programs.
✔️ The certificate or official exam result must be uploaded during the application process.

In addition, the list of accepted exams has become shorter: universities now accept only official international tests or state exams that comply with CEFR requirements.

Who the New Requirements Apply To

These changes apply to all international students, regardless of their country of origin.

✔️ Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs — all require a minimum of B2 level.
✔️ Even applicants to preparatory (foundation) courses must already have at least B2 proficiency at the time of admission, rather than improving their level during the course.
✔️ The only applicants exempt from providing a certificate are:

– native speakers of Polish or English,
– graduates of Polish schools or universities,
– graduates of international programs where the language of instruction was English.

English-Taught Programs

The following certificates are accepted for programs conducted in English:

✔️ IELTS Academic — overall score of at least 5.5, with no specific component requirements.
✔️ TOEFL iBT — minimum total score of 72 points.
✔️ TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) — minimum score of 510 points.
✔️ Cambridge English: First (FCE) — B2 level (minimum 160 points).
✔️ Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) — C1 level, accepted without restrictions.
✔️ Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) — C2 level, accepted without restrictions.
✔️ Pearson PTE Academic — minimum score of 59 points.
✔️ SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing — minimum score of 500 points.
✔️ ACT English — minimum score of 21 points.
✔️ IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) — accepted if the entire program was completed in English and the diploma is provided.

❗️All listed certificates and exams confirm English proficiency at B2 level or higher, according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). Other forms of confirmation — such as internal university tests, course completion letters, interviews, or certificates from private schools — are not accepted and cannot replace an international exam.

Learn more about studying in Poland in English.

How to Confirm Your Language Level

The language certificate must be issued by an official testing center accredited by an international organization or by the Ministry of Education of Poland. The document must clearly state a proficiency level of at least B2 according to the CEFR scale.

Universities have the right to reject certificates issued more than two years ago. When submitting your application, a copy of the certificate should be uploaded to the university’s online admission system, and the original must be presented upon request to verify authenticity.

Language exams can be taken both in person and online. Some official tests are available in a remote format under online proctoring and are recognized by Polish universities. These include TOEFL iBT Home Edition, Pearson PTE Academic Online, IELTS Online, and Cambridge Linguaskill. All of them are conducted under video supervision, and the certificates issued are fully equivalent to their on-site versions.

Exam Deadlines and Validity

✔️ The certificate must be obtained before submitting your application to the university.
✔️ Universities accept applications only when all required documents, including proof of language proficiency, are provided.
✔️ It is recommended to take the exam at least 3–4 months before the start of the admission period.
✔️ IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge certificates are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
✔️ State exams in Polish, confirming a B2 level, are valid indefinitely.

How to Prepare for a Language Exam

You can prepare for your language exam by taking specialized courses at Polish universities or accredited language centers. Most universities recommend starting preparation early, as retaking an exam can take additional time and involve extra costs.

AcademGo helps students choose the most effective preparation programs for IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge exams, as well as Polish language courses that lead to successful completion of the official state exam. All programs are selected individually, based on the requirements of each university and the application deadlines.

How AcademGo Helps With Admission

AcademGo provides full support throughout the entire university admission process in Poland:

✔️ consulting on language level requirements;
✔️ assisting with exam registration at official testing centers;
✔️ helping select B2-level preparation courses;
✔️ checking documents before submission;
✔️ guiding students through the admission process until the official acceptance letter is received.

With AcademGo’s assistance, students avoid mistakes when choosing exams and submit their applications in full compliance with university admission regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions