The basic requirement for starting studies in Poland is passing the school- leaving examination (or the secondary school leaving examination) and submitting an appropriate document (the school-leaving certificate or the secondary school leaving certificate). In the case of foreigners who completed their secondary education abroad, it is necessary to present an equivalent document confirming the right to study in the country where the secondary education was completed. Other admission requirements are set by the university. In special cases, a student may be admitted to a study program without fulfilling the admission requirements, on the basis of a decision of the Rector.
In order to start a postgraduate, second or third-cycle study, a diploma of the corresponding lower cycle is required. If these studies were completed abroad, the diploma may be recognised in Poland on the basis of an international agreement or through an appropriate procedure (see below).
In order to start studying in Poland, it is necessary to have the right of legal residence in Poland and insurance for the duration of the studies in Poland (or to join the NFZ immediately after starting the studies).
Legal basis:
Act of July 18, 2018 on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2024 item 1571).
Additional information:
Government information website for foreigner
National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)- homepage
NAWA – programmes for foreigners:
NAWA – Nostrification of diplomas
Information current as of: .
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