Poland, situated just inside the area known as Eastern Europe, is divided into 16 administrative provinces. Poland is well known for its delicious food, picturesque beauties, and hospitality around the world, and international students are drawn to this country as an attractive, affordable option for working and studying abroad. Study shows that Poland is steadily receiving more international students from different countries around the world. Polish is the only official language recognized by the country’s constitution and the majority of the country’s population speak it as a native language or use it for communication. However, Polish degrees are also much like the American system, and offer the opportunity to study more than one subject in international languages.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in Poland and are willing to know more about the language requirements, then this article is absolutely for you! Let’s find out more!
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Poland
Depending on the programs students are applying for, international students may occasionally be required to take certification exams in Polish as a foreign language to demonstrate their language skills.
Polish Language Tests for International Students
1. State Certificate Examinations in Polish as a Foreign Language
Polish language competency assessment for non-native speakers is known as the State Certificate Examinations in Polish as a Foreign Language. This language exam is accepted by most Polish universities. The test is administered by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language. Exams are graded on a scale of basic (B1), general intermediate (B2), and advanced (C2). The test is open to all international students from all countries, and those who complete it receive a certificate reflecting their level of Polish proficiency. This language exam measures competencies in listening, grammar accuracy, reading, writing, and speaking are tested during the exam. To determine the level of Polish for general purposes in each skill, candidates can take a competence exam at numerous Internet sites for specific examination centers.
The assessment will take place at a specific testing location, and students can register online. Depending on the levels, registration costs range from 60 to 100 euros, plus an additional €20 for the certificate. International students must have at least a B2 level in Polish to be eligible to apply to Polish universities. The certifications could be helpful in local interactions and some fields of part-time work in addition to study. Moreover, this certificate may be used in some nations as proof that a student is fluent in a second foreign language, entitling them to extra credit. However, foreigners may provide proof of their completion of a Polish school or language course, as well as documents from their foreign institution asserting their proficiency in other Polish languages.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants who are interested in any English-language programs must provide documentation testifying their language proficiency. Many of these students must obtain an acceptable English language test in order to enroll in a Polish university. The majority of Polish universities readily accept the following certificates:
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is one of many English language proficiency exams that many Polish universities accept for admission, including the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, Lodz University of Technology, Cracow University of Technology, and many others. Students must attend an English Proficiency Test in order to demonstrate their command of English. Their entry into Poland for further study would be easy by obtaining a high score in IELTS, which measures proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In Poland, depending on the program, the minimum required score is 5.5, equivalent to the B2 level, and the validity of the certificate is two years. The cost of this competency exam varies from country to country. For instance, Jagiellonian University has established a minimum score requirement of 5.5 in IELTS for international applicants.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Another common test for evaluating the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers or overseas students is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Education Testing System (ETS) coordinates and oversees the administration of TOEFL, which is almost universally accepted. Everyone can easily register for the TOEFL test on the ETS Online website and take the test. To enter Poland, you must have a TOEFL iBT score of at least 72. Since the TOEFL is administered more than four or five times each month, students can reserve a spot on the schedule for the time that works best for them. The test’s validity period is two years from the date of publication of the scores.
Polish institutions typically accept any recognized language test that scores at or above the B2 level. While Duolingo was somewhat popular during the COVID phase, Poland currently favors PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency for admission to the English programs for international students. A word of advice for students who want to study in Poland: don’t allow the language requirement to stand in the way of your ambitions to pursue higher education. Students should check the course criteria in order to understand the essential requirements and prepare in accordance with the entry requirements. The above-mentioned topics for language proficiency assessments may aid a student in developing a general idea of those tests and how to proceed.
Planning to pursue your higher education in Poland or any country in Europe? You can also find more information on different European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Europe Scholarships Page!
