While Poland is already recognized as one of the most affordable study destinations in Europe, international students can reduce their expenses even further through fully funded and partial scholarships.
The Polish government, through the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), as well as international foundations and individual universities, offers generous financial aid programs. Here are the top 5 scholarship programs available for international students in Poland in 2026.
1. The Banach Scholarship Programme (NAWA)
The Banach Scholarship Programme is Poland’s flagship government scholarship for international Master’s degree students. Named after the legendary Polish mathematician Stefan Banach, this program aims to promote economic and social progress in developing regions.
Key Benefits
- Full Tuition Exemption: Public university tuition fees are 100% waived.
- Monthly Living Allowance: A monthly stipend of approximately 1,800 PLN to 2,100 PLN (€420 to €490) paid for up to 12 months per academic year.
- Preparatory Polish Course: Includes a preparatory language and culture course prior to degree studies.
Eligible Fields & Candidates
- Open to citizens of selected countries in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Western Balkans, and Eastern Europe.
- Available for Master’s degree programs in engineering, technology, agricultural sciences, and exact/natural sciences.
2. Poland My First Choice Scholarship (NAWA)
Designed specifically for ambitious candidates from developed and emerging economies, the Poland My First Choice program encourages top global talent to pursue Master’s studies at elite Polish public universities.
Key Benefits
- Tuition Waiver: Covers full tuition costs at public higher education institutions supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular monthly allowance of 1,800 PLN to assist with living expenses.
- No Polish Language Requirement: Fully applicable to programs taught in English.
Application Deadline Tip
NAWA scholarship calls usually open between March and May each year. Preparing your legalized academic transcripts and motivation letters early is crucial for success.
3. Visegrad Scholarship Program (VSP)
Funded by the International Visegrad Fund, this grant supports Master’s and post-Master/PhD students undertaking study or research terms at universities across the Visegrad Group (Poland, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia).
Key Benefits
- Direct Student Grant: €3,000 per semester paid directly to the student.
- Host University Coverage: Additional €1,500 per semester paid to the host Polish university to cover tuition and administrative fees.
- Flexible Duration: Grants cover 1 to 4 semesters depending on your study level.
4. University Rector’s Scholarships (Stypendium Rektora)
Many leading Polish universities offer merit-based scholarships funded directly from their institutional budgets. Once enrolled, international students with high academic performance can apply for the Rector’s Scholarship for Outstanding Students.
Key Benefits
- Monthly Cash Grants: Typically between 800 PLN and 1,500 PLN per month.
- Based on Achievements: Awarded based on high GPA, scientific research publications, sports achievements, or active student union participation.
- Equal Access: Open to both EU and non-EU international students after completing their first semester or academic year.
Private University Discounts
Top private universities (such as Kozminski University or SWPS) offer early-bird tuition discounts of 10% to 20% for high-achieving international applicants.
5. Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship (STEM Focus)
A specialized joint initiative by NAWA for international students pursuing Master’s degrees in STEM fields (Engineering, Information Technology, Applied Sciences, and Mathematics).
Key Benefits
- Full Tuition Support: Covers complete tuition fees at top Polish technical universities (Politechniki).
- Monthly Living Grant: 1,700 PLN monthly stipend.
- Career Pathways: Offers direct networking opportunities with Polish tech firms and research institutes.
Scholarship Comparison Overview
| Scholarship Name | Funded By | Study Level | Monthly Stipend / Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banach Programme | NAWA (Polish Govt.) | Master’s | Tuition Waiver + 1,800 - 2,100 PLN/mo |
| Poland My First Choice | NAWA (Polish Govt.) | Master’s | Tuition Waiver + 1,800 PLN/mo |
| Visegrad Scholarship | Visegrad Fund | Master’s / PhD | €3,000 / semester grant |
| Rector’s Scholarship | Polish Universities | All Levels | 800 - 1,500 PLN/mo merit award |
| Łukasiewicz Programme | NAWA (STEM Focus) | Master’s | Full Tuition + 1,700 PLN/mo |
How to Maximize Your Scholarship Chances
- Maintain a High GPA: Academic excellence is the primary scoring metric for all major programs.
- Obtain Official Sworn Translations: Ensure all transcripts and diplomas are translated into Polish or English by a certified sworn translator (tłumacz przysięgły).
- Write a Specific Motivation Letter: Clearly explain why you selected Poland and how your degree aligns with your country’s development or technological progress.
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