The Best Scholarships in Poland for International Students

Poland has raised to become an increasingly popular study destination in recent years. Boasting universities with centuries of history behind them paired with cutting-edge facilities and reasonable tuition fees, the country has it all. Another key factor contributing to Poland’s attractiveness is the availability of a variety of scholarships designed to support the educational dreams of international students. In this guide, we’ll talk about the diverse ranges of scholarships and financial aids designed for international students. We’ll delve as well into the specifics of each program. And lastly, we’ll find out how to get a scholarship to fund your studies in Poland.

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Why Choose Poland for Higher Studies?

Poland emerges as an optimal choice for international students for several compelling reasons. Hosting over 1.2 million students across almost 400 universities, Poland provides diverse programs in both Polish and English.

Another argument in favor of the higher education in Poland is its geographical location in the heart of Europe. Students can benefit from accredited institutions and access to EU-grade study programs with abundant opportunities for internships.

Next is the country’s cultural richness, the affordability of the living cost and the excellent career prospects after graduation. From the artistic vibe of Kraków to the entrepreneurial opportunities supported by Academic Incubators of Entrepreneurship, Poland provides a holistic educational experience that extends way beyond academics.

You can further dig into the subject by reading our guide on the compelling reasons to study in Poland.

Types of Scholarships International Students Can Obtain in Poland

In Poland, there is a diverse array of scholarships available for international students. That makes it an attractive destination for those seeking financial support. The government, various foundations, and universities themselves offer scholarships. And their availability extends to students of Polish origin, including those with disabilities. It applies as well as to international students from both EU and non-EU countries.

This inclusive approach is a distinctive feature of Poland’s scholarship landscape. Scholarships are not only numerous but also defined within bilateral agreements. Most of them are often financed by either the Polish or foreign partner’s government. These agreements aim to foster exchange in specific fields of study. And the scholarship amount is contingent upon the nature of the research undertaken.

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) plays a pivotal role in delivering many of these scholarships. Additionally, the University of Warsaw offers special terms for scholarship opportunities. This comprehensive support system, coupled with the unique bilateral agreements, underscores Poland’s commitment to making education accessible and diverse for both local and international students.

How Can I Get a Full Scholarship in Poland?

To secure a scholarship in Poland, foreign students must abide to the following requirements:

Hold a Pole’s Card: The Pole’s Card is a document confirming the foreigner’s belonging to the Polish nation. Holding a Pole’s Card is important, as eligibility for certain scholarships is granted to foreign students who possess it.

Have a Residence Status: Foreign students residing in Poland under a temporary residence permit or visa can qualify. Moreover, the condition is for them or their family members meet the stipulated provisions of Polish law.

Pursue Academic Studies: Students must engage in academic-level studies in Poland. This necessitates the completion of secondary education and the possession of a leaving certificate for admission to a university institution.

Have Submitted Equivalent Certificates: Merely possessing an equivalent leaving certificate or diploma does not automatically qualify students for a scholarship. Nostrification procedures must be undertaken to establish the authenticity of certificates or diplomas, ensuring compliance with Polish law. Learn more about this nostrification procedure in our article on the higher education system in Poland.

Have a Valid Visa and Medical Check-up. Prior to entering Poland, students must hold a valid visa and undergo a medical check-up. Adhering to these requirements guarantees that foreign students can apply for scholarships in Poland, aligning with the country’s regulations and fostering a fair and transparent selection process.

Here are some of the most popular scholarships’ programs to check out to study in Poland:

CEEPUS Exchange Program

The CEEPUS exchange program, stands for “Central European Exchange Program for University Studies”. It’s a collaborative initiative involving 16 Central and Eastern European countries, including Poland. This multilateral exchange program facilitates student mobility within a transnational Central European university network. It’s comprised of at least three higher education institutions from a minimum of two different contractual countries.

Students participating in CEEPUS benefit from an exchange program, which duration ranges from 3 to 10 months. During this time, they are exempted from paying tuition fees and receive a comprehensive grant from the host country. The amount of grant they receive depend on the cost of living in that country.

To be eligible for the CEEPUS scholarship, exchange students must be nationals of a CEEPUS member country. The program therefore emphasizes on subject-specific networks. Also, it operates with a lean management structure, overseen by the Joint Committee of Ministers, which convenes annually to make strategic decisions. This initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering educational cooperation and cultural exchange among participating nations in Central and Eastern Europe.

For more information, including a list of the current networks, visit www.ceepus.info.

Visegrad Scholarship Program

The International Visegrad Fund manages the Visegrad Scholarship program. It offers 1-4 semester scholarships for Master and Post-Master degrees to students from countries such as Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine. It is also accessible to nationals of V4 countries (Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) and V4 neighboring nations.

Applicants who have completed at least 4 semesters of university studies are eligible to obtain this funding. They can therefore engage in various disciplines and language courses for up to 4 semesters. They can do so at more than 190 higher education institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Since its establishment in 2000, the International Visegrad Fund actively supports the regional cooperation among civil society organizations in fields like Culture, Education, Innovation, Democratic Values, Public Policy, Environment and Tourism, and Social Development.

Additionally, the Fund allocates an annual budget of 10 million € for projects that address shared challenges and contribute to regional progress. Application deadlines, falling on 1 February, 1 June, and 1 October each year, require applicants to actively cooperate with organizations from at least three Visegrad countries for eligibility.

Find out more by visiting the program’s website.

Scholarships for Citizens from Developing Countries

These are scholarships to assist students from developing countries at PhD level in Poland. Funded by the Polish government, this type of financial aid supports mostly studies in technical fields.

Stefan Banach Scholarship

The Banach Scholarship Program, actively propels the socio-economic growth of developing countries. A joint initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), this program, it is named after mathematician Stefan Banach. Moreover, in 2021, it unifies with the Lukasiewicz Scholarship, offering a streamlined opportunity for aspiring students.

Aiming to citizens from Eastern Partnership, Central Asian, and Western Balkan nations, the scholarship supports second-cycle studies in engineering, technical, agricultural, exact, and life sciences. It also applies to students at designated public universities, studying either in Polish or English. Recipients enjoy tuition exemptions and a monthly living allowance from NAWA.

Eligible countries include Albania, Angola, Argentina, and more, with select humanities and social sciences options. Moreover, the program emphasizes individual choice in university and field of study, underlining Poland’s commitment to global education and empowerment.

For more details, visit the NAWA’s website.

Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship

The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship, is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Polish Development Assistance. It merges with the Banach Scholarship program, to offer a unique opportunity for students from developing countries seeking education in Poland.

It got its name after Ignacy Łukasiewicz, a renowned Polish inventor and pioneer in the oil industry. And the program focuses on supporting the socio-economic growth of developing nations by enhancing the knowledge and education of their citizens. Targeting countries such as Angola, India, Mexico, and others, the scholarship provides a gateway for pursuing tuition-free Master’s degree studies in Poland.

However, applicants must pursue studies in engineering, agricultural sciences, and natural sciences at public universities in Poland. Moreover, recipients undergo a preparatory course, funded by the scholarship, introducing them to Polish language, culture, and relevant subjects. Beyond academic benefits, participating in the Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship program offers a valuable avenue for enhancing intercultural competences and joining a diverse network.

Candidates’ selection is done through annual calls for proposals. They can access the application process via NAWA’s ICT system.

ERASMUS+

Erasmus+ is a flagship European Union (EU) initiative from 2014 and fosters collaboration in education, training, youth and sport. The program involves several European and partner countries and ails to encourage international projects, partnerships and mobility. The Erasmus+ Higher Education program, integral to this initiative, facilitates student exchanges and work placements abroad. This, on the other hand, is more for academic staff mobility.

Open to EU nations, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Turkey, the program enables students to pursue part of their studies abroad bearing no additional tuition or registration costs. Additionally, recipients receive scholarships covering living expenses. Administered by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, the Polish national agency for Erasmus+ aligns with the program’s main goal of advancing education in Poland.

Scholarships Provided by the University of Warsaw

The University of Warsaw is one of the best universities in Poland. The institution, therefore, offers diverse scholarships through its Rector’s Fund, focusing on supporting talented students and PhD candidates in Poland. Starting from the 2022-2023 academic year, these scholarships span various categories, providing financial assistance and recognition to deserving individuals.

Scholarships to Start

Olympians: Awarded to first-year students excelling in subject competitions, this scholarship acknowledges high achievements during the recruitment process.
Athletes: Recognizing outstanding athletes in the first year of studies or doctoral candidacy, this scholarship is granted to medalists of Polish Championships or finalists in major international competitions.
Doctoral Candidates: Aimed at first-year doctoral students, this scholarship is bestowed upon those with top scores in the recruitment procedure.

Rector’s Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students with high GPAs, notable scientific or artistic achievements, and outstanding sports accomplishments nationally or internationally. Additionally, first-year students who are laureates of international or Polish Science Olympiads can apply.

Moreover, to apply for the Rector’s Scholarship, students must register via USOSweb, where they can submit the necessary documentation.

Social Scholarship

International students studying full time at the University of Warsaw can apply for the social scholarship under specific conditions. These generally include a permanent residence, a refugee status, or a connection to the Polish nation. Details and application procedures are available on the university’s website, where students can check their eligibility.