Poland has quietly become one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations for international students seeking high-quality education without the financial burden common in Western Europe. Public universities offer degrees taught in English, living costs remain lower than in Germany or the Netherlands, and the country sits at the heart of the EU. Most importantly, the Polish government, through the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), funds several fully funded scholarships that cover tuition and provide a monthly living stipend.
If you have been searching for ways to earn a European degree without taking on large student loans, Poland’s government-backed programmes deserve serious attention. This guide explains the main fully funded options available for the 2026/27 academic year, who can apply, what the awards cover, and how to strengthen your application.
Why Poland Attracts Scholarship Seekers
Poland combines affordable living with recognised degrees. Many master’s programmes are available in English, and graduates can stay and work under post-study residence rules. NAWA scholarships remove the largest barrier—tuition—while supplying a monthly allowance. For students from eligible countries, this package can make studying in Europe realistic rather than aspirational.
Typical non-EU tuition at public universities ranges from roughly €2,000–€6,000 per year, while living costs in cities such as Kraków or Wrocław often fall between PLN 2,500–3,500 per month when using university dormitories. Scholarships that waive fees and add a stipend of PLN 2,000–2,500 therefore cover a substantial portion of expenses.
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Top Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Stefan Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme
The Banach programme is the flagship fully funded option for students from developing countries. It supports full-time second-cycle (master’s) studies at universities supervised by the Minister of Science and Higher Education. Studies can be pursued in Polish or English.
Benefits include:
- Monthly scholarship of PLN 2,500
- Full exemption from tuition fees at public universities
- One-time travel allowance of PLN 2,500
- Funded preparatory course for the Polish-language track
- Polish language and culture course for the English-language track
Eligible applicants must be citizens of one of approximately 36 countries covered by Polish development cooperation (examples include India, Nigeria, Ukraine, Vietnam, Brazil, Kenya, Indonesia, and others from Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America). They must not hold Polish citizenship, must plan to begin studies in the 2026/27 winter semester, and must have obtained (or be about to obtain by 15 July 2026) a bachelor’s degree no earlier than 2024. Applicants cannot already hold a master’s degree. Language proficiency of at least B2 in English or the relevant Polish level is required.
Applications are submitted via the NAWA system. The 2026 call runs until 8 May 2026 (or until country-group limits are reached). Official details are available on the NAWA Banach programme page and the 2026 call announcement.
Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme
This programme targets citizens of developed countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, EU/EEA states, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. It supports full-time master’s studies in Polish or English at participating institutions.
Coverage typically includes:
- Monthly NAWA scholarship of PLN 2,000
- Tuition fee exemption at public universities
- One-off travel allowance
Applicants choose their university and programme from institutions that have a framework agreement with NAWA and must meet the university’s admission requirements separately. Language proficiency of at least B2 in the language of instruction is required. The 2026 call closed in late May; results have been announced, and future cycles are expected annually. Check the official Poland My First Choice page for the next opening.
Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Programme
Aimed at students from developing countries outside Europe and Central Asia, this programme focuses on fields such as engineering and technical sciences, exact and natural sciences, agricultural sciences, and related areas. It provides tuition-free master’s studies at public universities, often preceded by a preparatory course, plus a monthly stipend. Priority recruitment frequently comes from countries such as India, Nigeria, Indonesia, Kenya, Vietnam, and others. Confirm the current call and exact stipend amount on the NAWA Łukasiewicz page.
Doctoral Funding at the University of Warsaw
For PhD candidates, the University of Warsaw offers automatic doctoral scholarships to all students admitted to its Doctoral Schools. Recent figures show stipends of approximately PLN 4,346 gross per month before the mid-term evaluation and higher amounts afterward. Admissions for the 2026/27 academic year open around mid-April. This funding is statutory rather than competitive once admitted, making it one of the more accessible fully funded doctoral routes in the region. Details appear on the University of Warsaw doctoral schools pages.
Additional Options
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees that include Polish partner universities can provide full scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living costs for selected programmes. University-specific tuition waivers and smaller merit awards also exist, though the NAWA programmes above remain the most consistent fully funded government routes for master’s-level study.
See Also:
- How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study in Hungary in 2027: The Complete International Student Guide
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Poland for International Students: How to Get a Free Master’s Degree in 2027
- Fully Funded Scholarships in Italy for International Students: Your Complete Guide to Studying Free
Eligibility and Key Requirements at a Glance
Most NAWA master’s scholarships share these core conditions:
- Citizenship of an eligible country (lists differ by programme and do not overlap)
- No Polish citizenship
- Recent or soon-to-be-completed bachelor’s degree meeting the stated year cut-off
- No prior master’s degree
- No previous NAWA second-cycle scholarship
- Proof of language proficiency (B2 English or Polish as required)
- Motivation demonstrated through a short video or statement (Banach requires a self-presentation video)
Exact lists of eligible countries and documents appear only in the official call for applications. Always download the current regulations from the NAWA website before preparing materials.
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How to Apply: Practical Steps
- Confirm your nationality appears on the eligible list for the target programme.
- Identify suitable master’s programmes taught in English (or Polish if you meet the language threshold) at public universities supervised by the Ministry.
- Gather documents: bachelor’s transcript and diploma (or proof of expected graduation), language certificate, passport, CV, and any required motivation video or letter.
- Create an account in the NAWA online system and complete the application form carefully.
- Apply separately to your chosen university for admission; scholarship selection and university admission are distinct processes.
- Submit before the published deadline (or earlier if country quotas fill).
Results for major NAWA calls are typically announced by the end of July for an October start.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Strong academic performance (especially a competitive GPA) carries the heaviest weight. A clear, specific motivation video or statement that explains why the chosen field in Poland will contribute to development goals in your home country performs better than generic statements. For Banach, a recommendation from a Polish diplomatic mission can add points where available. Apply early, verify every document against the checklist, and prepare a backup list of universities in case your first choice is competitive.
Students may work part-time while studying, which can supplement the stipend in higher-cost cities. University dormitories remain the most economical housing option.
Living Costs and What the Stipend Actually Covers
A PLN 2,500 monthly stipend covers basic living expenses for a student in a dormitory in most Polish cities, especially outside Warsaw. Shared private rooms or higher standards raise costs. Food, transport (student passes are inexpensive), and basic utilities are manageable. Medical insurance and residence permit formalities are additional steps after arrival but are standard for all international students.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships in Poland for international students are real, competitive, and structured through transparent government programmes. The Banach and Poland My First Choice schemes, together with field-specific options such as Łukasiewicz and automatic doctoral stipends at leading institutions, give eligible candidates a practical path to a European master’s or PhD. Success depends on matching your nationality and academic profile to the correct programme, preparing a strong application, and meeting deadlines.
Start by reviewing the official NAWA pages linked above and the current call documents. Conditions and country lists can change slightly each year, so rely on primary sources for final decisions. With careful preparation, studying in Poland on a fully funded scholarship is an achievable goal for many international students.
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