How to Prepare for the Polish University Interview

If you are an international student applying to study in Poland, passing the university admission interview is often the final - and most important - hurdle before receiving your acceptance letter.

Wait, do all Polish universities require an interview? No! The admission process varies depending on the institution and the specific degree. For many standard programs, admissions are purely document-based (evaluating your high school or bachelor’s diploma and a recognized language certificate). However, interviews are very common for competitive English-taught degrees, medical schools, architecture/design programs, and cases where the university needs to further verify your English proficiency or academic motivation.

If your chosen program does require an interview, it might sound intimidating, but it is simply an opportunity for the university to get to know you. Here is our comprehensive, step-by-step guide to preparing for your Polish university interview, complete with real questions asked by admission boards.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Interview

Polish universities (especially for English-taught degrees) use the interview process primarily for three reasons:

1. Language Verification: To confirm that your spoken English matches the level indicated by your IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo certificates.
2. Academic Motivation: To ensure you actually understand the curriculum of the degree you’re applying for and have a genuine interest in the field. Institutions like Jagiellonian University explicitly state they use the interview to verify if your predisposition for academic study exceeds a standard high school level.
3. Intent Check: To verify that your primary goal in Poland is education, which is crucial for the visa process later on.

2. Common Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

While every university is different, our students consistently report variations of the following five questions.

“Why did you choose Poland for your studies?” Avoid generic answers like “It’s a beautiful country.” Instead, focus on specifics: the high quality of European education at an affordable price, the booming tech or business sector in cities like Warsaw or Wrocław, and the rich academic history of the country.

“Why this specific university and program?” This is where research pays off. Mention a specific module, a professor’s work, or a facility (like a lab or library) that drew you to the school. Example: “I chose the Computer Science program at Warsaw University of Technology because of its strong focus on Artificial Intelligence and the mandatory industry internship in the third year.”

“How will you finance your studies?” Universities need to know you won’t drop out due to financial struggles. Be transparent. Explain if your parents are sponsoring you, if you have personal savings, or if you plan to utilize a specific scholarship.

“What are your career goals after graduation?” Show that you have a long-term plan. Connect the degree you are applying for to your future career trajectory.

3. The Technical Setup

Since 99% of interviews for international students are conducted online via video call, your technical setup is just as important as your answers.

• Check Your IRK Portal: The exact date, time, and platform link will typically be sent directly to your account in the university’s IRK (Internetowa Rejestracja Kandydatów) portal under the “Wiadomości” (Messages) tab. Check it daily!
• Check Your Connection: Test your internet speed 30 minutes before the interview.
• Lighting is Key: Sit facing a window or a strong light source. If the interviewers can’t see your face clearly, it makes building a connection very difficult.
• Background: Ensure your background is clean and professional. A blank wall or a tidy bookshelf works best. Avoid busy cafes or public spaces.

4. Body Language and Etiquette

Even through a webcam, your non-verbal communication speaks volumes.

• Eye Contact: Look directly at the camera, not at the screen, when you are speaking. This creates the illusion of direct eye contact.
• Dress Code: Dress as you would for a job interview. A crisp shirt or blouse shows that you are taking the opportunity seriously.
• Postpone Distractions: Put your phone on silent, close all other browser tabs, and ensure your family or roommates know not to disturb you.

5. Don’t Memorize - Internalize!

The biggest mistake international students make is memorizing scripted answers. Admission officers interview hundreds of students; they can instantly tell when someone is reciting a script.

Instead of memorizing paragraphs, write down 3-4 bullet points for each common question. Speak naturally around those bullet points. If you forget a word, pause, breathe, and explain it in a different way.

Secure Your Spot with Professional Coaching

Preparing for a university interview can be stressful, especially when your future in Europe depends on a 15-minute video call.

At PolandEduStart, we conduct realistic mock interviews tailored to the specific university you are applying to. We’ll identify your weak points, polish your answers, and give you the confidence you need to pass with flying colors.

Don’t leave your acceptance to chance. Check out our Consultation Services to book a mock interview session with an admission expert today!