Are you interested in taking your studies to Europe? Poland is one of the best European study destinations for international students. The best thing about studying in this country is that most schools use Polish and English as their primary instructional languages. Therefore, you won’t feel lost as a non-local student in a foreign land. In addition, you get to choose from a wide range of courses regardless of your career path.
Apart from the highly-ranked Polish universities, you also get to learn and enjoy different cultures. This country continues to attract more international students because there is something for everyone in all of its cities.
Another thing worth noting is that Poland’s cost of living and tuition fees are generally favorable for any student on a tight budget. To ease your financial problems even further, various scholarship programs are designed for almost any international student. In this article, we will be looking at the top scholarships in Poland for international students.
Top Scholarships in Poland
1. Visegrad Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: €3,000/semester for scholar + €1,500/semester for the host institution
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Post-Master’s
Visegrad Scholarship is financial support offered to students from Visegrad countries which include Hungary, Czechia, Poland, and Slovakia. This program, run by the International Visegrad Fund, is available to any student from these countries looking to complete their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programs at any accredited university/institute in the Visegrad countries.
Once you’re selected by the funding group as one of the beneficiaries of this scholarship in Poland, you’ll receive the award for one or two semesters of your studies. Depending on your course and other policies followed by the relevant authorities, you might be awarded the scholarship for four semesters.
Do you want to know how to apply for this program? Visit the Visegrad Fund website for more information on the same. Make sure you check the deadlines to avoid any frustrations in the future.
2. POLONISTA Scholarship and Fellowship Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: PLN 10,000 for each month of the stay in the Host Institution
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
Are you interested in learning the Polish language? POLONISTA Scholarship and Fellowship is your ideal financial assistance program for such studies. This Poland scholarship plan is designed specifically for all foreigners interested in the Polish language and culture.
Are you eligible? First, the program is open to all international students regardless of their countries of origin. In previous years, students have always had the opportunity to only apply for the Master’s program but that has since changed. Starting with the 2021 lot, one can apply for the same as a doctoral student with a project that may take three to 12 months.
The application process is simple. Submit your documents via the NAWA ICT system and wait for a response from the relevant authorities. Not sure how to go about it? Be sure to visit the scholarship application portal by following the link above for more information.
3. Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From PLN 1000-PLN 6,500/month for one year depending on the home country
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
This is a merger of two scholarship programs – Lukasiewicz and Banach – which are normally aimed at supporting and nurturing young minds. Stephan Banach Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish Development Aid.
The main objective of this Poland scholarship for international students is to enhance the socio-economic progress of developing regions by raising the level of knowledge and education. As such, it targets students from developing countries across the globe.
Visit the official website for the full list of eligible countries. Are you a citizen of these countries? To qualify, you must also meet the minimum academic requirements set by the sponsors. You can apply for a course in engineering, agricultural sciences, life sciences, and exact sciences. Keep in mind that these programs are offered in both Polish and English languages.
As a beneficiary, you receive a tuition fee waiver for whichever degree program you choose. In addition, you’ll be awarded up to US$400 in the form of monthly stipends.
4. Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: tuition-free second-cycle studies
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
The Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative of the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. It’s named after its patron who is also the pioneer of the oil industry and an outstanding pharmacist. This program offers scholarships to international students to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries. It does so by enabling eligible candidates to complete full-time second-cycle studies in Poland.
Participating in this scholarship in Poland for international students offers a great path for students who crave to boost their intercultural competence while growing their careers. The beneficiaries of this program are awarded tuition-free second-cycle studies at any of the public universities in Poland. It also gives a student preparatory course that focuses on teaching the Polish language and Polish culture.
Are you interested in this scholarship? You can apply for the program via the NAWA ICT system. You must go through all the requirements and application procedures of this program to avoid any confusion in the future.
5. University of Warsaw Social Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From 864 PLN to 1728 PLN
- Eligible degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Univerity of Warsaw offers a variety of scholarships to both domestic and non-local students. As an international candidate, you may be eligible to apply for the social scholarship if you meet the required threshold. You must, however, have either a permanent residence permit or refugee status for you to be considered.
As the name suggests, this Poland scholarship is designed for those who may not be able to access quality education in their native countries due to social and other related issues. To apply for this financial assistance, you must be a current or commencing student of Warsaw University. Visit the official website for more information on the same.
6. Jagiellonian University Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: From PLN 1000-PLN 4000/per month for 12 months
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Jagiellonian University is a self-governing public higher education institution with over 87 different fields of study. The university’s academic advancement in Poland and around the world is exemplified by its widely recognized research achievements. Because of the development of novel treatment procedures, the Medicine department is a pioneer in the fields of heart surgery, urology, and neurology. In collaboration with the National Agency for Academic Exchange, they offer scholarships to international students (NAWA).
The student must follow the NAWA Scholarship guidelines to be eligible. The National Agency for Academic Exchange website contains information about programs, including those administered by Jagiellonian University, application deadlines, and regulations.
The payment conditions, study duration, and basis for undertaking studies are all subject to the NAWA Director’s decision. Scholarship holders must fulfill NAWA obligations after receiving a favorable NAWA decision, including signing an agreement and confirming the student’s status, as well as other duties outlined in the agreement and regulations for granting scholarships.
7. Poland My First Choice Program
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: monthly scholarship amounting to PLN 2000 to cover the living allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
The Poland My First Choice Program provides scholarships to students all over the world. The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers this scholarship as an opportunity to continue your education at the best Polish institutions. They have the option of attending universities such as AGH University of Science and Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, and others.
To be eligible, you must be from the following countries: Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Uruguay, USA, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. To apply, you must log in to the NAWA website and submit the requirements on the online application portal.
Recipients who apply to a public university will receive a full tuition exemption. In contrast, those who opted for a private university will receive a partial tuition allowance, depending on the decision of the Rector. All recipients of this Poland scholarship, regardless of the university, will receive a monthly stipend of 2,000 PLN to cover living expenses and a European diploma.
8. SWPS Scholarship for International Candidates
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Scholarship covering the first-year tuition fee
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a private Polish university known for its Social Sciences program. Law, Literature, Culture, Psychology, Media, and Design are among its primary fields of study, and provide scholarships to international students pursuing full-time undergraduate or graduate studies.
There are no nationality restrictions, so anyone from outside Poland is welcome to apply. You must submit an online application form, academic records, an essay about your non-academic achievements such as sports, arts, and music, and any other documents required by SWPS University Admissions.
The scholarship will cover the first-year tuition fee. Visit the SWPS website’s Scholarships section for more information on application and guidelines.
9. Lazarski University Foundation Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 30% off for the 1st year of education
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Lazarski University Foundation provides scientific grants to outstanding students. Lazarski has a strong international profile due to its advanced curriculum and valuable research. It has formed bilateral agreements with over 75 universities worldwide, including Coventry University in the United Kingdom, to develop double-degree programs for international students. Because this scholarship is need-based, the applicant’s financial situation will be considered. This program is designed for active and passionate students interested in studying at Lazarski University.
Current students, as well as students from countries other than Poland, are eligible to apply. To be considered, you must have a consistent GWA of at least 4.2. To apply, you must fill out an online application form and provide information about your academic record, achievements, and average net income. This is to certify that the student is eligible for financial aid. The Grant Committee will facilitate the selection process. If you are chosen, you will be invited to an interview to discuss your learning interests and motivations.
Scholarship recipients may receive a full or partial tuition waiver, making it one of the top scholarships in Poland for international students. The total amount available for the scholarship each year is US$4,300. The awardees must also represent the Foundation and volunteer at Lazarski University. They will be required to submit a report on their experience and learning outcomes during their stay within 30 days.
10. UMCS Tuition Waiver Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition fee coverage
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s
The Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) is the largest in Eastern Poland known for its multicultural environment. It provides nearly 80 fields of study that meet European standards as well as an internationally recognized degree accepted in the European education market and also offers full tuition waiver scholarships to exceptional international students who excel in the arts, sciences, and sports.
This scholarship covers tuition for a full-time Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Tourism Management, Intercultural Communication in Education and the Workplace, Medical Biology, Chemistry, or Material Chemistry. To apply, you must first create an account on the online recruitment system and register for the study program of your choice. After you have completed the requirements and paid the application fee, you must complete the Best Applicant Contest form, which will serve as your scholarship application.
Scholarship applicants will receive a full tuition waiver as well as opportunities to participate in social and community events at UMCS. This is beneficial to the student’s success and career because it helps them develop professional skills. Students can also receive psychological, educational, and vocational counseling during their stay.
In conclusion, there are many scholarships that are available in Poland that are highly suitable for international students, and they offer tremendous financial ease during their educational process. The scholarships may vary in their level of support, but they all tend to help students adapt to the education system and living environment of Poland. If you are interested in checking out more opportunities for international students in this country, please feel free to check MojeStypendium, as they have really useful information that can help you through your journey.
If you are on a budget or do not want to break the bank for your studies abroad, explore the above scholarships provided in Poland and hop on one that suits your needs. Once you win any of them, you are bound to enjoy your stay in Poland as an international student. Begin your application today and all the best!
We hope this article on the best scholarships in Poland for international students was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in Poland and Available Programs in Europe for International Students pages for more informative articles.
