Poland is located in Central Europe and is divided into 16 voivodeships, which are similar to provinces. Known for its food, varied landscapes, and hospitality, the country attracts students from around the world.
Statistics Poland reported that 108,600 foreign students studied in Poland in the 2024/2025 academic year, an increase of 1.4% from the previous year. Polish is the country’s official language. Poland follows the Bologna Process and uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), with first-cycle, second-cycle, and long-cycle programs. Some institutions also offer programs taught in English. Source of data: Statistics Poland.
If you are interested in studying in Poland and want to learn more about the language requirements, this article is for you. Let’s find out more.
Language Proficiency Tests Needed in Poland
Language requirements depend on the language of instruction, the applicant’s circumstances, the university, and the program. Under rules introduced in 2025, non-EU foreign applicants covered by the regulation must submit a document confirming proficiency in the language of instruction at no lower than the B2 level. Universities and programs may apply additional or stricter requirements, so applicants should review the current admissions page for their chosen course.
Polish Language Tests for International Students
1. State Certificate Examinations in Polish as a Foreign Language
The State Certificate Examinations in Polish as a Foreign Language are part of Poland’s official Polish-language certification system. A state certificate is one of the documents listed in the current regulation for applicants covered by the rule who need to demonstrate Polish-language proficiency at the B2 level or above. Foreign nationals and Polish citizens permanently residing abroad may take the examination. The available examination levels and dates vary by session. For adult B1 and higher examinations, the assessment includes listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammatical correctness, writing, and speaking.
Candidates select an authorized examination center, register through that center by its deadline, and pay the center directly. Each center sets its fee within the official maximum: €90 for A1-B2 examinations for children and young people; €120 for adult A1-A2 examinations; €150 for adult B1-B2 examinations; and €180 for adult C1-C2 examinations. Issuing the certificate costs the Polish złoty equivalent of €20.
A state certificate is not the only possible form of proof for applicants covered by the regulation. The accepted alternatives include certain ECL or TELC certificates, a preparatory course lasting at least nine months, and specified educational or professional documents. Applicants should check their university’s current requirements before applying.
English Language Tests for International Students
Applicants to English-taught programs may need to submit documentation confirming their English proficiency. For applicants covered by the 2025 regulation, the accepted documents must establish proficiency at the B2 level or above. Listed test certificates cover listening comprehension, reading, speaking, and writing. Universities and programs may set additional requirements.
1. IELTS – International English Language Testing System
IELTS is one of the English-language tests listed in the current regulation. Universities such as the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University publish their current language-document requirements for relevant applicants. IELTS reports scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The regulation lists an IELTS score of at least 5.5 as one way to document B2-level English for applicants covered by the rule. However, university and program requirements may be stricter. For example, Jagiellonian University and Cracow University of Technology list a minimum IELTS score of 5.5, while Lodz University of Technology lists a minimum score of 6.0 for programs taught in English. IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years after the test date, although accepting institutions may choose to accept older results.
2. TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Another common option is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The current regulation lists the TOEFL iBT, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), with a minimum score of 72 as one way to document B2-level English for applicants covered by the rule. Universities and programs may impose additional requirements. TOEFL iBT scores are valid for two years after the test date.
The current regulation specifies accepted documents rather than allowing any test labeled as B2. Examples for English include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTE Academic, Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency, as well as additional certificates and document-based alternatives. The Duolingo English Test is not included in the regulation’s list, so applicants should not assume that it will satisfy the applicable documentation rules.
A word of advice for students who want to study in Poland: do not let the language requirement stand in the way of your plans to pursue higher education. Check the admissions criteria for your chosen course carefully and prepare the required documents before applying. The information above provides a starting point for understanding the available language-proficiency options.
Planning to pursue your higher education in Poland or another European country? You can also find more information about European universities and scholarship opportunities on the Study in Poland and Available Programs for International Students pages.
