Studying in Poland is carried out by public and non-public universities in the following modes
- full-time (during the day – classes on working days – from Monday to Friday)
- part-time (i.e. on weekends).
In Poland, the Bologna system is in force – in the majority of faculties, studies are conducted at two levels:
- Level I studies – Bachelor studies (usually 3 or 4 years)
- Level II studies – master studies (usually 2 years).
First-degree studies lead to a bachelor’s or engineer’s degree (equivalent to a bachelor’s degree), while second-degree studies lead to a master’s degree (equivalent to a master’s degree).
In some fields of study (such as law, psychology, medicine, or pharmacy), studies are conducted as a unified master’s degree (lasting 5 or 6 years).
After graduation, it is possible to acquire specialised knowledge in postgraduate specialised training or other forms of training offered by the university. After obtaining a Master’s degree, you can continue your studies in a third-degree program, which is designed to enable you to obtain a doctorate.
The academic year begins on October 1 and is divided into two terms. Classes in the summer term usually end in June. Holidays and vacations are scheduled throughout the academic year. Each term ends with an examination session (usually the last two or three weeks of the term). If an exam is not passed, students have the right to retake the exam in a revision session. The resit session for the summer term is usually held in September, before the start of the next academic year. The detailed organisation of the academic year is the responsibility of the University bodies. The rules of study, the acquisition of credits, the grading system, and the rights and duties of students are regulated in the internal acts of the university. From the student’s point of view, the most important are the University Statute and the Study Regulations.
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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