Beginning
Poland has become one of the fastest-growing study destinations in Europe for international students. With low-cost tuition, programmes taught in English, and a lot of scholarships, it strikes a good balance between high-quality education and low costs.
One of the best things about studying in Poland is that you can get fully or partially funded scholarships for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. The Polish government pays for many of these scholarships through national agencies, universities, and international programmes.
This full guide will show you the best scholarships for international students in Poland, how they work, what you need to do to get one, and a useful plan to get one.
Why go to school in Poland?
Before looking at scholarships, it’s important to know why Poland is becoming more popular.
Poland has:
- Education of high quality with degrees that are recognised around the world
- Tuition costs are lower than in Western Europe.
- Living costs are low.
- A lot of programmes that teach English are available.
- The government is very helpful to international students.
Poland also has a lot of scholarship options through government programmes, universities, and partnerships with other countries.
Best Scholarships for International Students in Poland
1. Fully funded NAWA Bank Scholarship
The NAWA Banach Scholarship is the most popular scholarship in Poland that pays for everything.
The Polish government offers it through the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payment
- No cost for public university education
- Learn in Polish or English
The programme helps students from partner countries get their master’s degrees and aims to help development by doing so.
Best For
- Students from poorer countries
- People who want to get a master’s degree
- Social science and STEM fields
This is one of the best options that is fully funded.
2. NAWA Programme “My First Choice” in Poland
This is another NAWA scholarship that the government pays for.
Pros
- Full coverage of tuition
- Monthly payments of about €400–€450
- Grant for moving
It is open to students from outside the EU for master’s and PhD programmes and gives a lot of financial help.
3. The Erasmus+ Scholarship
The European Union pays for this well-known programme.
Coverage
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel?
- Help with tuition
One of the most widely available scholarship programmes, it lets students study in Poland for a semester or a full degree.
4. The NAWA Polonista Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who want to study Polish language, culture, and related research.
Pros
- Paying for school
- Monthly payment
- Funding for research
It helps with both studies and research in areas like history, literature, and cultural studies.
5. Scholarships at the University of Warsaw
There are a number of scholarships available at the University of Warsaw.
Pros
- Waiver of tuition fees (50–100%)
- Monthly payments (in some cases).
Depending on the programme, these scholarships may be based on merit or need.
6. Scholarships for Jagiellonian University
Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest universities in Europe and offers scholarships to international students.
Coverage
- Waiver of part or all of tuition
- Stipends are based on merit
This is a great choice for students studying law, medicine, or the humanities.
7. Warsaw University of Technology Scholarships
Ideal for engineering and technology students.
Benefits
- Tuition fee reductions (30–100%)
- Monthly merit-based scholarships
This program is one of the best options for technical fields.
8. Visegrad Fund Scholarship
The International Visegrad Fund supports students studying in Central Europe, including Poland.
Coverage
- Financial grant
- Mobility support
It is particularly useful for students from neighbouring or partner regions.
Types of Scholarships in Poland
Understanding the types of scholarships helps you plan effectively.
Fully Funded Scholarships
These cover:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Travel
- Insurance
Examples:
- NAWA Banach
- Erasmus+
- Some government programs
Partially Funded Scholarships
These provide:
- Tuition reductions
- Monthly stipends
Examples:
- University scholarships
- Merit-based funding
Research Scholarships
These are mainly for PhD students.
Examples:
- NAWA research programs
- University doctoral funding
Eligibility Criteria
Although requirements vary, most scholarships share common criteria.
General Requirements
- Must be an international student
- Must apply to a Polish university
- Must meet academic requirements
Academic Requirements
- Strong academic record
- Relevant degree for your program
Language Requirements
- English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Some programs accept MOI instead of IELTS
Additional Documents
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters
- Academic transcripts
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Choose a Program
Select a course that aligns with your academic background and career goals.
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Submit your application to a Polish university.
Step 3: Identify Scholarships
Check which scholarships are available for your programme.
Step 4: Prepare Documents
Ensure all documents are complete and accurate.
Step 5: Apply for Scholarships
Some scholarships require separate applications, while others are automatic.
Step 6: Wait for Results
Selection is based on merit, eligibility, and funding availability.
Application Timeline (2026)
Most scholarships follow this timeline:
- Erasmus+: December – January
- NAWA Banach: April – June
- University scholarships: February – July
Applying early significantly improves your chances.
Cost of Studying in Poland
Understanding the cost helps you see the value of scholarships.
Tuition Fees
- €2,000 – €6,000 per year
Living Expenses
- €400 – €800 per month
Scholarships can reduce or eliminate these costs.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes, international students in Poland can work part-time.
- Up to 20 hours per week
- Helps cover living expenses
- Provides work experience
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing deadlines
- Submitting incomplete applications
- Writing weak motivation letters
- Applying to the wrong programs
- Ignoring eligibility requirements
Winning Strategy for International Students
If you want the highest chance of success, follow this approach:
Apply to Multiple Scholarships
- NAWA Banach + Erasmus+
- Add university scholarships
Focus on Strong Programs
Choose programmes aligned with your academic background.
Prepare Early
Start preparing documents at least 3 months before deadlines.
Write a Strong Motivation Letter
Explain your goals and how the scholarship will impact your future.
Final Thoughts
Poland offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for international students, from fully funded government programmes to university-based funding.
With options like NAWA scholarships, Erasmus+, and university grants, you can study in Poland with little or no financial burden.
The key to success is preparation, strategy, and strong application quality.
If you apply smartly and early, studying in Poland can become a realistic and rewarding pathway to global education and career success.