Foreign students applying to universities in Poland are expected to fulfill general criteria. Candidates should carefully review the requirements and deadlines on the websites of the universities where they plan to study. The general rules for admitting foreign students to universities in Poland are provided below.

Key requirements in brief:

• Education Certificates: Foreign secondary school diplomas/certificates  - legalized or issued with an apostille, which confirms their validity in Poland.
• Recognition by NAWA: For further visa procedure, applicants may be required to provide adequate recognition from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Details at: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition
• Foreign language proficiency (B2 level): the list of foreign language proficiency certificates is available at universities’ websites.
• Student visa and residence permit: the above documents will be mandatory for obtaining your student visa, see the information below for the full list
• Health insurance: is also mandatory for the duration of the stay and will also be requested at your visa appointment.

Who is eligible for free studies?
Foreigners with Polish family roots holding a Polish Card (Karta Polaka), those who have a permanent residence permit, or EU long-term resident status as well as EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens may study under the same conditions as Polish citizens (full-time studies without tuition fees) at public (state-funded) universities.

Can foreign students obtain grants covering the cost of studies?
Grants and their conditions are available at: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/students/foreign-students

What foreign candidates are expected to provide when applying for studies in Poland

• For first-cycle (bachelor’s) or long-cycle master’s programs – a legalized or apostilled certificate, or another document obtained abroad, entitling them to apply for admission to higher education institutions of any type in the country where the issuing institution operates, recognized, in accordance with regulations or international agreements, as equivalent to the appropriate Polish matriculation certificate.
• For second-cycle (master’s) programs – hold a diploma of completion of first-cycle studies in Poland or a legalized or apostilled diploma, or another document of completion obtained abroad, entitling them to pursue second-cycle studies in the country where it was issued, recognized – in accordance with regulations or an international agreement – as equivalent to the corresponding Polish first-cycle diploma.

Recognition of Foreign Certificates and Diplomas

Certificates that do not require recognition by NAWA:

• Secondary school leaving certificates from member states of the EU, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) – parties to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which entitle the holder to apply for admission to higher education in the country where they were issued.

• IB diplomas (International Baccalaureate)
• EB diplomas (European Baccalaureate)
• Certificates covered by bilateral international agreements.

Other certificates – must be submitted with a written confirmation from the Director of NAWA confirming eligibility to apply for first-cycle or long-cycle master’s studies.
Details and procedure are available at: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition

Foreign higher education diplomas – Applicants for second-cycle studies from non-EU, non-EFTA, non-OECD countries whose diplomas have not been recognized as equivalent to the corresponding Polish diploma must submit the diploma along with a written confirmation from the Director of NAWA.

Language proficiency

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction at least at B2 level:

• For first-cycle or long-cycle master’s studies: required for foreign education documents (excluding IB and EB diplomas) from non-EU, non-EFTA, non-OECD countries.
• For second-cycle studies: required if the foreign diploma has not been recognized as equivalent to a Polish diploma.

Polish Language Requirements (if you plan to study in Polish)

Applicants with a foreign secondary school certificate, IB diploma, EB diploma, or a foreign university diploma applying for programs taught in Polish must demonstrate Polish language proficiency at least at B2 level.

Polish proficiency can be confirmed by:

• Completing a one-year preparatory course organized by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) (minimum B2 level).
• Holding an official Polish language certificate (B2 or higher) issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language.
• Graduating from a secondary school or university program conducted in Polish within the Polish education system.
• Having an IB or EB diploma with a Polish language exam result.

Details available at: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/the-polish-language or https://certyfikatpolski.pl/

Entrance Exams

Foreign applicants for first-cycle or long-cycle master’s studies, who hold a foreign education document (excluding IB and EB diplomas) from a non-EU, non-EFTA, non-OECD country, and not covered by an international agreement, must pass an entrance exam. The exam assesses knowledge required to pursue studies at the chosen level and must be passed with a positive result.
Check details at the website of the university of your choice.

Health Insurance

Foreign nationals are obliged to have health insurance for illness or accidents during their studies in Poland, or European Health Insurance Card, or can join the National Health Fund immediately after starting their studies. It is also mandatory for the visa procedure.

Documents required for Visa Application

• Completed and signed application
• Fee/payment
• Travel document
• Proof of residence in the consular district
• Insurance
• Ticket reservation
• Certificate of admission to studies
• Proof of payment of tuition fees
• Confirmation/information regarding accommodation
• Proof of financial means for living expenses

Remember to register for your visa application procedure online at: www.e-konsulat.gov.pl

For your visa procedure you may also be asked to have a short interview with the Consul