Poland has become one of Central Europe’s leading destinations for international students. With EU-recognized degrees, low living costs, and more English-taught programs every year, Polish universities are attracting talented students from around the world.

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) leads this effort by funding international education. This year, the Polish government offers four main scholarships for undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral students, and researchers from around the world.

If you are systematically mapping out your funding options across Central Europe, diversification is the key to locking in a fully funded ride. Before diving into Poland’s localized frameworks, make sure to read our Practical Roadmap to the Slovakia Scholarship for Talented Students, which provides a step-by-step strategy to secure a parallel €15,000 award package in neighboring Slovakia.

1. The Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme

The Banach NAWA program aims to support growth in developing countries by fully funding advanced degrees. It lets international students study full-time for a Master’s degree at public Polish universities.

Field Restrictions and Target Regions

The scholarship focuses heavily on STEM, agricultural, and exact sciences. Eligible fields include engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, exact sciences, and life sciences.

• Global Track (STEM only): Citizens of Nigeria, India, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, Vietnam, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Angola, Ethiopia, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, among others.
• Regional Track (STEM and Humanities): Students from Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and Central Asia, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, can also use this scholarship for Master’s programs in humanities and social sciences.

Financial Support Breakdown

• Tuition Fee Exemption: Full tuition waivers at public universities overseen by the Minister of Science and Higher Education.
• Monthly Stipend: PLN 2,500 each month to help with accommodation and living costs.
• Settlement & Travel Allowance: A one-time payment of PLN 2,500 to help with travel and moving expenses.
• Language Support: Students can join a free preparatory course if they choose the Polish-language track or take a Polish language and culture course if they are in an English-taught program.

2. The General Anders Scholarship Program

This government scholarship promotes Polish education worldwide and helps young people with Polish roots connect with their heritage. It covers full-time studies taught only in Polish.

Eligible Study Tiers

• Bachelor’s (First-cycle) degrees.
• Master’s (Second-cycle) degrees.
• Long-cycle (Uniform Master’s) programs (e.g., medicine or law).

Eligibility Guardrails

• Ancestry Documentation: Applicants must be foreigners with a verified Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka) or official proof of Polish origin. Dual citizens can apply if they finished all their secondary education outside Poland.
• The Two-Year Rule: Undergraduate and long-cycle applicants need to apply within two years after finishing secondary school. Master’s applicants must apply within two years of getting their Bachelor’s degree.

3. The Poland My First Choice Program

The “Poland My First Choice” scholarship is for motivated students from certain countries who want to study full-time for a Master’s degree at top public or private universities in Poland.

Dual-Track Application Workflow

A key point of this program is that university admission and scholarship funding are completely separate. NAWA does not manage or affect the university application process.

• Step 1: Choose an approved university and major. Check the current NAWA list to make sure your chosen university is supervised by the Minister of Science and Higher Education.
• Step 2: Apply directly to the university’s international office. Complete any required entrance exams, portfolio reviews, or document translations.
• Step 3: Set up your NAWA Portal Profile. Go to the NAWA digital submission platform, fill in your personal details, and link your pending or confirmed university records.
• Step 4: Upload all required documents, such as certified degree certificates, an English CV, and academic references.
• Step 5: Submit the Scholarship Request. Complete and send your funding application before the NAWA system deadline to secure your tuition exemption and stipend consideration.

4. The Zawacka NAWA Programme

Operating strictly under international and bilateral agreements between Poland and its global partner nations, the Zawacka NAWA program is an explicit academic mobility framework designed to foster deep international research cooperation.

Target Candidates and Activities

This program allows for short, focused academic stays. It is open to undergraduates, doctoral researchers, university teachers, and scientists. Supported activities include:

• Completing partial or full semester exchanges at recognized Polish higher education institutions.
• Enrolling in specialized doctoral schools to execute field research.
• Completing high-level scientific stays, including research internships, study visits, or specialized teaching blocks at a host institution in Poland.

Direct Portal Links and Institutional Verification

Eligibility rules, country lists, and stipend amounts change with each application round. Log in to NAWA’s secure portals to check the latest details for your group. Use the official links below to see the current guidelines:

• Official NAWA Agency Homepage: Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange
• Centralized Scholarship Application Portal: NAWA ICT Digital Submission System

Note: Scholarship benefits, eligibility, and application rules change every year. Always check the official NAWA portals for the latest information before you start your application.

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