If you’re planning to study in Europe but don’t want the cost of tuition and living expenses to make difficulties, Poland is a destination you should definitely consider. Over the past few years, the country has become popular among international students for best unniversities, affordable cost of living, and growing number of English-taught programmes.
To support talented students from around the world, the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) offers several government-funded scholarship programmes. These scholarships help international students pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, doctoral studies, research, and academic exchange opportunities at recognised universities across Poland.
Since each scholarship has a different purpose and eligibility criteria, and choosing the right scholarship might be very hard. That’s exactly why we have created this guide. Below, you’ll find the two main Polish Government scholarship programmes, along with their benefits, eligibility requirements, and application process to help you decide which opportunity is right for you.
Polish Government Scholarships for International Students
The two major Polish Government scholarship programmes covered in this guide are:
- Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme
- General Anders Scholarship Programme
1. Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme
The Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme is one of Poland’s most popular government-funded scholarships for international students. It is administered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) and is designed to support students from developing countries who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s degree at a Polish university.
The main goal of this programme is to help talented students improve their academic qualifications while contributing to the social and economic development of their home countries after graduation.
Unlike many scholarships that focus on all academic disciplines, the Banach Scholarship mainly supports studies in engineering, technical sciences, agriculture, life sciences, and exact sciences. However, applicants from certain eligible countries may also apply for selected programmes in humanities and social sciences.
Eligible Countries
According to the current NAWA programme call, applicants from the following countries can apply:
Albania, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Palestine, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Duration
- Full-time Master’s (Second-Cycle) Degree Programme
Scholarship Benefits
One of the biggest reasons students choose the Banach NAWA Scholarship is the complete financial support it offers. Successful applicants may receive:
- Monthly scholarship of PLN 2,500
- Full tuition fee exemption at eligible public universities
- Travel allowance of PLN 2,500
- Preparatory Polish language course for students studying in the Polish-language track
- Polish language and culture course for students enrolled in English-language programmes
These benefits may vary slightly with each application cycle, so applicants should always refer to the latest official scholarship announcement.
Why Consider This Scholarship?
Besides financial support, the Banach NAWA Scholarship offers several advantages:
- Study at recognised Polish public universities.
- Choose programmes taught in either Polish or English, depending on availability.
- Receive language and cultural preparation before or during your studies.
Gain an internationally recognised Master’s degree while experiencing life in one of Europe’s fastest-growing education destinations.
Who Can Apply?
In general, applicants should:
Be a citizen of an eligible country listed in the current programme call.
- Apply for a full-time Master’s degree.
- Choose a programme offered under the scholarship scheme.
- Meet all admission and scholarship requirements published by NAWA.
Because eligibility rules may change each year, applicants should carefully review the latest official guidelines before submitting an application.
How to Apply
The application process is managed directly by NAWA. Here’s how it generally works:
- Visit the official NAWA website and read the latest scholarship call.
- Choose an eligible Master’s programme at a participating Polish university.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Complete the scholarship application according to NAWA’s instructions.
- Submit your university admission and scholarship application before the official deadline.
2. General Anders Scholarship Programme
The General Anders Scholarship Programme is another prestigious scholarship funded by the Polish Government and administered by NAWA. Unlike the Banach Scholarship, this programme is specifically designed for people of Polish origin who wish to strengthen their connection with Poland while earning a university degree.
The scholarship supports full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s, and long-cycle Master’s degree studies at eligible higher education institutions across Poland.
Besides helping students earn internationally recognised qualifications, the programme also promotes Polish language, culture, and history among young people with Polish heritage living abroad.
Duration
The scholarship supports:
- Bachelor’s (First-Cycle) Degree
- Master’s (Second-Cycle) Degree
- Long-Cycle Master’s Degree
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the programme and current scholarship conditions, successful applicants may receive:
- Full-time study at eligible Polish universities
- Tuition support according to the scholarship rules
- Opportunity to complete a one-year preparatory Polish language course before starting the degree (where applicable)
- Access to recognised higher education institutions throughout Poland
As with other government scholarships, benefits and funding arrangements may change between application cycles.
Why Consider This Scholarship?
The General Anders Scholarship offers much more than financial support. It allows successful applicants to:
- Study at respected universities across Poland.
- Improve their Polish language skills.
- Learn more about Polish history and culture.
- Choose from a wide range of academic fields, subject to programme restrictions.
For students with Polish heritage, it’s an excellent opportunity to reconnect with their roots while earning a recognised university degree.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants generally need to:
- Be a foreign national with documented Polish origin or hold a Pole’s Card (Karta Polaka).
- Apply for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or long-cycle Master’s programme.
- Apply within two years of completing their previous level of education.
- Meet all admission and scholarship requirements announced in the latest NAWA programme call.
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility criteria, as programme rules and deadlines may change each year.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted according to the instructions provided by NAWA during each scholarship cycle.
The general process includes:
- Read the latest scholarship announcement on the NAWA website.
- Choose an eligible university and study programme.
- Prepare the required application documents.
- Complete the university admission process if required.
- Submit your scholarship application before the deadline.
Which Polish Government Scholarship Should You Choose?
Choosing the right scholarship depends on your background and future goals.
- The Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme is ideal for international students from eligible developing countries who want to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in fields such as engineering, science, agriculture, and related disciplines.
- The General Anders Scholarship Programme is intended for applicants with documented Polish origin or a Pole’s Card who want to study at a Polish university while strengthening their knowledge of Polish language, history, and culture.
Before applying, take time to read the latest scholarship guidelines carefully to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Final Thoughts
Poland has become one of Europe’s most attractive study destinations, offering high-quality education at an affordable cost. Through the Polish Government Scholarships administered by NAWA, international students have the opportunity to earn a recognised degree while receiving valuable financial support.
Whether you’re interested in the Banach NAWA Scholarship or the General Anders Scholarship Programme, both opportunities can help you achieve your academic goals without worrying as much about the financial burden of studying abroad.
As scholarship requirements, benefits, and deadlines may change from one application cycle to another, always check the latest information on the official NAWA website before submitting your application.
Disclaimer: ScholarVerse publishes information about scholarships, fellowships, internships, and other international opportunities for informational purposes only. Although we make every effort to verify details using official sources, application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and programme policies may change over time. We strongly recommend checking the official White House website for the most up-to-date information before submitting your application.