Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2025/2026

Imagine living in Poland, studying at a top university, and having much of your costs covered. That is what the NAWA Scholarships can offer. These scholarships from the Polish Government via the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) open doors to students and researchers from many countries. If you are considering applying in 2025 or 2026, this guide will help you understand which NAWA programmes exist, what they require, when you must act, and how to make your application strong.

What Is NAWA and Why These Scholarships Matter

Poland’s NAWA is a government agency that supports international exchange in education, science, and culture. It manages grants and scholarships designed to attract talent, encourage cooperation, and help people from many nations to study or conduct research in Poland.

These programmes matter because they often cover tuition (especially in public universities), offer a stipend to live on, include travel allowance, sometimes cultural or language courses. They ease financial burden. They also allow you to gain international exposure, improve your skills, and build connections.

Poland is relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries, yet its universities have strong reputations. Being a NAWA scholar gives you a chance to study in settings that balance academic quality, culture, and cost.

Key NAWA Scholarship Programmes in 2025/2026

Here are the main NAWA programmes you can apply for, what each does, who is eligible, and when you need to apply.

Programme	What It Offers	Eligibility / Countries	Deadlines & Important Dates
Stefan Banach NAWA Scholarship Programme	Full funding for Master’s (second-cycle) studies in Poland in English or Polish (sometimes a preparatory year), exemption from tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel grant. Includes cultural / language courses for English track students. nawa.gov.pl+2Gov.pl+2	Citizens of many developing countries (list includes Nigeria, India, Vietnam, Brazil, etc.). Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree in 2023 or be in final semester. Do not hold a Master’s. Language proficiency required: B2 for English track, A2/B2 for Polish path. nawa.gov.pl+2Gov.pl+2	Deadline for applications: 27 June 2025, 3:00 PM Warsaw time or earlier if the quota of 300 applications in a country group is reached. nawa.gov.pl+2DAAD Scholarships 2026+2 Announcement of decisions by about 30 September 2025. Gov.pl+1
Poland My First Choice NAWA	Full-time second-cycle studies scholarship; tuition waiver in public universities; monthly allowance; can study in Polish or another language depending on the programme. Welcome Point+2nawa.gov.pl+2	Applicants must be non-Polish citizens; have first-cycle degree (Bachelor’s) obtained not earlier than a certain year; meet language requirements: Polish or English depending on study track. Specific eligible countries as noted in call. Scholardigger+1	Deadlines vary by programme announcements; check the NAWA or Poland “Study in Poland” portals; many have mid-year deadlines or fall-application windows. Welcome Point+1
Zawacka NAWA Programme	Supports academic stays: partial or full studies, research, internships, etc. Helps students, doctoral candidates, researchers to come to Poland under bilateral or institutional agreement. Welcome Point	Depends on partner countries or institutions; often for collaborative or research component. International students from institutions in partner countries. Welcome Point	Deadline for many Zawacka calls for 2025/2026 around 30 September 2025. Welcome Point
Other NAWA Scholarships / Programmes	Includes short-term grants, language / culture courses, special programmes under bilateral agreements, etc. These may not always be fully funded for full degrees but helpful. nawa.gov.pl	Vary by programme; some open only to citizens of certain countries; sometimes only for researchers or advanced students. nawa.gov.pl	Check NAWA’s “Foreign Students” portal and announcements; deadlines vary widely. nawa.gov.pl

Deep Dive: Stefan Banach NAWA Programme 2025/2026

Because this is one of the most popular programmes, let’s look closely at what you need and what it covers.

What the Stefan Banach Programme Includes

Monthly scholarship: PLN 2,500 per month during studies. nawa.gov.pl+1
Exemption from tuition fees at public universities. nawa.gov.pl+1
One-time travel grant: PLN 2,500. nawa.gov.pl+1
Preparatory course / language & culture courses: for English track students (to help adapt) and for Polish track where needed. nawa.gov.pl+1

Who Can Apply

Citizens of eligible developing countries (list includes Albania, Nigeria, Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, etc.). nawa.gov.pl+1
Must have completed first-cycle studies (Bachelor’s) in 2023 or later or be in final year. nawa.gov.pl+1
Must not hold a Master’s degree already. Gov.pl+1
Language requirement: minimum B2 in English if you choose an English programme; for Polish track minimum A2 or B2 in Polish. nawa.gov.pl+1

Deadline & Selection

Apply by 27 June 2025, 15:00 Warsaw time. Or until 300 applications from a given country group are submitted. nawa.gov.pl+2nawa.gov.pl+2
Decisions announced by 30 September 2025. Gov.pl+1

What Makes a Strong Application for Banach

Strong academic record from Bachelor’s degree.
Clear study plan and motivation (why Poland? why that field? how it will help your career).
Solid proof of language proficiency.
Complete documentation (transcripts, diploma, passport scan).
Good timing (apply early before quota for your country group fills).

Eligibility Requirements: Common and Specific

Each NAWA scholarship has its own rules. But there are requirements that often show up in many of the programmes.

Common Requirements

Not a Polish citizen nor can have Polish citizenship. Gov.pl+1
Degree status: usually must have a completed first-cycle degree (Bachelor’s) or be in last semester. nawa.gov.pl+1
No prior Master’s degree (for programmes aimed at Master’s level) under the same NAWA programme. Gov.pl
Meet language proficiency depending on track (English or Polish). Certificates or proof required. nawa.gov.pl+2nawa.gov.pl+2
Submit all required documents: academic transcripts, diploma or proof of degree status, proof of applying to or admission by Polish university (in many cases), video presentation (for Banach) etc. nawa.gov.pl+1

Specific or Unique Requirements

For Banach: some programmes allow preparatory course if student does not yet meet Polish track requirements. nawa.gov.pl+1
Country quotas: some scholarships limit number of applications per country group. If quota (e.g. 300 applications) is filled, the application may close early for that group. nawa.gov.pl+1
Fields of study: engineering, exact sciences, agricultural sciences, life and natural sciences are often covered. In some programmes, social sciences/humanities are included for certain eligible countries. nawa.gov.pl+1

Deadlines & Important Dates You Can’t Miss

Missing a deadline means losing the chance. These are the key dates for 2025/2026 for major NAWA programmes.

Banach Programme Application Deadline: 27 June 2025, 3:00 PM Warsaw time. Also remember: if 300 valid applications from your country group are reached early, application closes sooner. DAAD Scholarships 2026+3nawa.gov.pl+3nawa.gov.pl+3
Results Announcement for Banach: around 30 September 2025. Gov.pl+1
Zawacka Programme Deadline: 30 September 2025 for many call for applications under 2025/2026. Welcome Point
Other Programme Deadlines: For programmes like My First Choice NAWA, or special bilateral ones, check NAWA’s official website because they differ by country and institution. Some calls are early in the year, others later.

What the Scholarships Cover & Financial Details

Knowing what is included helps you plan well. NAWA covers several kinds of costs.

Monthly Stipend: For Banach, it is PLN 2,500 per month. That helps to cover living costs. nawa.gov.pl+1
Tuition Fee Exemption: At public Polish universities, tuition often gets waived under NAWA programmes. nawa.gov.pl+1
Travel Grant: One-time travel cost to Poland is given (for Banach). nawa.gov.pl+1
Preparatory / Language Courses: For English track, cultural and language prep; for Polish track, sometimes a preparatory year. nawa.gov.pl+1
Additional Benefits: Sometimes small add-ons in case of emergency or unforeseen events. nawa.gov.pl

General Tips for Applying Successfully

You want to win one of these scholarships. Use these tips to improve your chances.

Start Preparing Early
Don’t wait until the deadline is near. Get your transcripts translated, secure your language certificates, get your diploma, passport scan ready.
Know the Requirements for Your Country
Each country may have specific rules or quotas. If your country is among the list of eligible ones, check the NAWA list. Make sure you meet all requirements early.
Language Proof
If applying for English track, make sure your English certificate proves at least B2. If applying Polish track, same with Polish (A2/B2). Don’t overestimate: get the correct certificate and get score early.
Select the Study Path Carefully
If you are not fluent in Polish, consider the English path and ensure you meet its criteria. If you choose Polish path with a preparatory course, prepare for it.
Write a Strong Motivation / Video Presentation
Many NAWA applications (e.g. Banach) require a self-presentation video. Use that chance to stand out. Clearly explain your goals, why Poland, what you plan to do with your Master’s, how this will benefit your home country.
Academic Excellence
Higher grades and strong academic background help. Make sure your transcripts are good, and that you can show your achievements, maybe extra courses, projects, or research.
Keep Track of Deadlines and Quotas
Apply as early as possible. If your country has a limit (300 applications, etc.), delay may hurt.
Complete Application in Full and Correctly
Missing documents, wrong translations, poorly done video or unclear documents often leads to disqualification. Double check.
Reach Out for Help or Clarification
If anything is unclear (document requirement, university confirmation, etc.), contact NAWA or the Polish university. Better to ask early than have a rejected application.
Plan for Living Costs / Visa / Travel
While stipend helps, check total cost of living in the city you plan to study. Prepare visa application time, travel, insurance etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing pitfalls will keep you from making avoidable errors.

Missing the quota or delay: waiting too long so your country group quota is filled.
Applying without a valid or appropriate language certificate.
Using wrong translation or unofficial copies of academic documents.
Weak motivation video or essay: generic statements instead of your real story.
Not meeting the “not already holding a Master’s degree” requirement.
Applying but not having confirmation from the Polish university when required. Some calls require proof of applying or acceptance to a Polish university.

Is It Worth It? What to Expect

Absolutely yes, it is worth applying. But set realistic expectations.

Expect some competition. Many students will apply, especially from popular countries.
The scholarship is generous: stipend, tuition waiver, travel grant. But “fully funded” might not cover all extra costs (books, health insurance, seasonal expenses). Plan for those.
Your life in Poland will mean adapting: culture, language, climate, perhaps bureaucracy. Be ready.
Educational quality is good; Polish universities are widely respected, especially in scientific, technical, and life sciences.
Networking and experience gained are valuable: international exposure, possibly opportunities for future work or research.

Sample Timeline: What You Should Do If You Want to Apply

Here is a suggested schedule if you aim for the Banach NAWA Scholarship or similar in 2025/2026:

Time Before Deadline	What You Should Do
3-4 months before	Identify which NAWA programme fits you. Check eligibility. Start gathering transcripts and diploma. If you need language tests, schedule them.
2-3 months before	Work on video/personal motivation. Translate documents. Contact Polish universities if confirmation is required.
1 month before	Final check of documents. Register on NAWA system. Complete application form. Review every piece. Submit before quotas fill.
After submission	Keep track of any emails. Be ready if supplementary documents or corrections are requested. Wait for decision.
Once approved	Plan your visa, travel, accommodation, budget. Accept the scholarship formally. Begin Polish / English or prep course if applicable.

Conclusion

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2025/2026 are real, substantial opportunities for students and researchers from many countries. Programmes like Stefan Banach, My First Choice NAWA, Zawacka and others offer funding, tuition waivers, travel grants, and support to help you move your academic life forward.

If you are eligible, meeting the requirements early, preparing carefully, showing who you are, and submitting a full application before deadlines can give you a strong chance. These scholarships can change lives: reducing financial burden, expanding horizons, building your future.