Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2026/2027

In recent years, Poland has become one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for international students seeking high-quality education at affordable costs. With its vibrant cities, world-class universities, and rapidly growing academic reputation, Poland is increasingly recognized as a hub for global education.

For the academic session of 2026/2027, the Poland Government through its National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has announced an exceptional opportunity for international scholars: the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships.

This program is one of the most sought-after, fully funded opportunities for foreign students who are passionate about pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in Poland.

Unlike many partial funding options across Europe, the NAWA Scholarships are designed to cover nearly all major expenses associated with international education. This includes tuition fees, monthly stipends, visa support, and even accommodation allowances in many cases.

For example, the average tuition fee for a master’s program in Poland typically ranges between €3,000 and €6,000 annually, but under this scholarship, selected scholars will not need to pay these charges.

In addition, students can expect a monthly living stipend of around €1,200, which is sufficient for covering housing, meals, and local transportation in most Polish cities.

The 2026/2027 NAWA program is especially significant because it aligns with Poland’s long-term educational strategy to attract talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is not only an academic opportunity but also an immigration pathway for students wishing to build careers in Europe.

Successful candidates who complete their programs under this scholarship are often eligible for post-study visas and work opportunities in Poland, which is highly appealing in today’s global job market.

As an international admissions counselor, I always encourage students to consider scholarships that not only cover tuition but also provide additional benefits such as health insurance and cultural integration programs.

The NAWA Scholarships tick all these boxes, making it an excellent choice for students aspiring to receive a world-class education while minimizing financial burdens.

In the following sections, we will examine the details of this scholarship, its benefits, eligibility requirements, the required documentation, and most importantly, the application process. Each aspect will be discussed comprehensively so that every prospective scholar understands exactly how to prepare a strong application.

Details of the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarships for the academic year 2026/2027 are structured to support outstanding international students across various disciplines. Administered by the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), this program aims to foster academic cooperation and strengthen Poland’s position as a leading destination for higher education in Europe.

Program Structure and Duration

• Bachelor’s Degrees: These programs generally last 3 to 4 years, depending on the field of study. NAWA scholarships fully fund the tuition throughout the program and provide a living stipend for the entire duration.
• Master’s Degrees: Usually lasting 1.5 to 2 years, these programs are highly competitive. The scholarship covers tuition, living allowances, and research grants where applicable.
• Doctoral Studies (PhD): Poland’s doctoral programs are structured around 3 to 4 years of research. Scholars are not only exempted from tuition fees but are also provided monthly stipends of approximately €1,500 to €2,000, ensuring that they can focus fully on their academic work.

Eligible Fields of Study

The scholarship is open to a wide range of fields including engineering, information technology, medicine, economics, social sciences, and the arts. For 2026/2027, a strong emphasis is placed on STEM programs, particularly computer science, renewable energy engineering, and biotechnology.

Financial Coverage

One of the reasons why this scholarship is widely respected is the extent of its financial coverage. For instance, a typical international student in Warsaw may spend about €500 to €700 per month on living expenses. However, with the NAWA stipend of €1,200, scholars can live comfortably without financial stress.

Additionally, visa processing fees, health insurance, and sometimes airfare reimbursement are also included, making it genuinely “fully funded.”

Partner Universities

The NAWA Scholarship collaborates with Poland’s top institutions, such as:

• University of Warsaw
• Jagiellonian University
• Warsaw University of Technology
• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
• Gdańsk University of Technology

These universities are internationally recognized and ranked in global education indices, which boosts the value of the scholarship even further.

Benefits of the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships

The 2026/2027 NAWA Scholarships are not just about tuition waivers, they offer a holistic package that transforms the educational journey of international scholars into an enriching life experience. Below are the major benefits:

Full Tuition Coverage

International tuition in Europe can be overwhelming, often costing €5,000 to €10,000 per year. For NAWA scholars, all tuition fees are completely waived. This means no hidden charges, no partial funding, and no need for additional sponsorship.

Monthly Stipends

Each scholar receives a monthly stipend of approximately €1,200 for master’s studies and up to €2,000 for doctoral research. For undergraduate programs, the stipend is usually between €800 and €1,000. This amount comfortably covers rent (which averages €300 per month in most Polish cities), utilities, food, and transportation.

Health Insurance and Visa Assistance

Health insurance coverage is included, ensuring that scholars are medically protected during their stay. Additionally, the Polish government provides visa support letters that significantly ease the visa application process at Polish embassies worldwide.

Accommodation Assistance

Students often face challenges in finding affordable housing. With this scholarship, either on-campus accommodation is offered at reduced rates, or scholars receive housing allowances that make private rentals more accessible.

Career and Immigration Pathways

Perhaps one of the strongest advantages is that NAWA scholars often have the opportunity to remain in Poland or the EU after graduation. Under Poland’s post-study visa regulations, graduates are eligible for temporary residence permits, enabling them to seek jobs in industries like IT, healthcare, and finance. Many past scholars have transitioned into long-term careers within Poland or other EU member states.

Cultural Integration Programs

To ensure smooth adaptation, the program also organizes Polish language courses and cultural immersion workshops. These experiences help scholars integrate into the local community, enriching both their personal and academic lives.

Quick Recap of Benefits:

• Tuition fees fully covered.
• Monthly stipend between €800 to €2,000 depending on study level.
• Visa facilitation and residence permits.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Accommodation support.
• Career opportunities after graduation.

The benefits go beyond financial relief, they provide international scholars with the chance to build a sustainable future in one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies.

Eligibility Criteria for the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships

The eligibility requirements for the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2026/2027 are designed to ensure that the program supports talented students who are capable of excelling in Polish universities. While the scholarship is open to applicants from many countries, candidates must carefully review the conditions before preparing their applications.

Academic Requirements

For undergraduate programs, candidates must have completed high school with strong academic performance. Typically, applicants should have at least a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or its equivalent in their local grading system.

For master’s programs, applicants must already hold a recognized bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. For doctoral programs, a completed master’s degree or equivalent qualification is mandatory, with proven research capability.

In certain fields such as medicine, engineering, or computer science, applicants may be required to provide standardized test scores like IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency, with a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90 being the norm. However, if the applicant completed prior studies in English, this requirement may be waived by the university.

Country Eligibility

The NAWA Scholarships are open to candidates from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Latin America. For 2026/2027, special priority is being given to applicants from developing economies where access to international education is limited.

Age Limitations

Although there is no strict age restriction, undergraduate applicants are typically expected to be below 25 years of age, master’s applicants below 35, and doctoral candidates below 45. Exceptions may be made for candidates with strong academic or professional backgrounds.

Language Proficiency

Since many Polish universities now teach programs in English, language proficiency is an important criterion. Applicants must submit certificates of English proficiency or, alternatively, Polish language certificates if applying for programs taught in Polish. Free Polish preparatory courses are also available for selected candidates before the start of their degree programs.

Financial and Health Conditions

Applicants must demonstrate that they have no history of rejecting government scholarships due to disciplinary or financial misconduct. Furthermore, they must be in good health, supported by a medical certificate.

In summary, the eligibility criteria focus on three main areas: academic excellence, language ability, and adaptability to study abroad. Meeting these requirements significantly increases the chance of winning this competitive scholarship.

Required Documents for the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships

A successful application to the NAWA Scholarships depends heavily on the documents provided. As an admissions counselor, I often stress to students that even a small error in documentation can disqualify them, no matter how strong their academic profile may be. For 2026/2027, applicants must prepare the following essential documents:

1. Completed Application Form: Available online through the NAWA scholarship portal. Every section must be filled with accurate details.
2. Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of high school results for undergraduate applicants, bachelor’s transcripts for master’s candidates, and master’s transcripts for doctoral applicants. Transcripts must include official stamps and signatures.
3. Degree Certificates: Proof of completion of previous education levels. For example, master’s applicants must provide their bachelor’s degree certificate.
4. Proof of Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or Polish language certificates. Minimum scores apply depending on the institution.
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting academic achievements, research experience, extracurricular involvement, and professional work experience (if applicable).
6. Motivation Letter: This should be at least 500 words, clearly explaining why the applicant wants to study in Poland, their career goals, and how the scholarship will help them.
7. Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from academic referees, professors, or employers for postgraduate applicants.
8. Passport Copy: A valid passport with at least two years remaining before expiry.
9. Medical Certificate: Proof of good health, often required for visa processing.
10. Research Proposal (PhD Applicants Only): A well-structured proposal outlining research questions, objectives, and methodology.

To give a perspective, around 60% of applicants in the 2024 cycle were rejected because they either submitted incomplete applications or uploaded documents without official seals. Applicants should therefore double-check every upload and ensure translations are provided for documents not originally issued in English or Polish.

By preparing these documents properly, candidates not only demonstrate their readiness for admission but also strengthen their visa application process later on.

Application Process for the Poland Government NAWA Scholarships

The application process for the 2026/2027 NAWA Scholarships is entirely online, and students must pay careful attention to deadlines and submission requirements. Applications usually open in February 2026 and close by May 2026, with successful candidates notified by August 2026.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the NAWA Online Portal: Applicants must first register on the official NAWA website. A personal profile is created with details such as name, nationality, and academic background.
2. Choose a Program and University: Candidates must select a degree program offered by a Polish partner university. It is advisable to research universities beforehand to ensure the program fits the student’s career goals.
3. Upload Required Documents: All documents must be scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format. Failure to upload even one mandatory document may result in disqualification.
4. Submit Motivation Letter and CV: These are often the deciding factors. Admissions officers pay special attention to clarity, passion, and relevance.
5. Confirmation and Evaluation: Once submitted, applications are evaluated by NAWA committees in collaboration with Polish universities. This process includes both academic assessment and background verification.
6. Interview Stage (if applicable): Some shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview to discuss their academic plans and motivation.
7. Scholarship Award and Visa Process: Successful candidates receive an official scholarship letter. This document is vital for applying for a Polish student visa at local embassies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete transcripts or documents without stamps.
• Missing deadlines, as late applications are not considered.
• Writing generic motivation letters without specific goals.
• Uploading low-quality scanned documents.

After Selection

Once selected, students will receive full guidance on travel arrangements, residence permits, and insurance registration. They are also encouraged to attend orientation sessions organized by NAWA.

Key Dates for 2026/2027

• Applications Open: February 2026
• Deadline: May 2026
• Results Released: August 2026
• Semester Begins: October 2026

By following the application process carefully and preparing well in advance, international students can significantly increase their chances of winning this prestigious award.