Are you an international student looking to study in the heart of Europe? Poland is quickly becoming one of the most attractive study destinations for students from across Asia, Africa, and beyond. Known for its high-quality education, affordable living, and historic universities, Poland also offers numerous fully funded scholarships that cover everything from tuition fees and accommodation to living expenses and insurance.
In this blog, we provide a comprehensive guide to the top fully funded scholarships in Poland for international students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Whether you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D., this post will help you navigate your options and take the next step toward studying in Poland—debt-free.
Why Choose Poland for Higher Education?
Poland offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural richness, and affordability. Here’s why students worldwide are choosing Poland:
Home to top-ranking universities like the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and AGH University of Science and Technology
Tuition fees significantly lower than in Western Europe
Programs offered in both English and Polish
Safe, vibrant, and student-friendly cities like Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Gdańsk
Central location in Europe with access to Schengen countries
Scholarships for students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe
Fully Funded Scholarships in Poland for International Students 2025–2026
Below are the most popular and generous fully funded scholarships available in Poland:
1. Government of Poland NAWA Scholarships (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange)
The NAWA Scholarships are Poland’s flagship fully funded programs for international students. Administered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange, these scholarships cover Master’s and Ph.D. programs in a wide range of disciplines.
One of the most prominent schemes under NAWA is the "Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme", aimed at students from developing countries, especially from Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Key Features:
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend for living expenses (around PLN 1,700/month for Master’s students)
Health insurance coverage
Offered at public and private universities across Poland
Programs available in English or Polish
Focus on technical sciences, engineering, IT, social sciences, and more
2. Polish Government Łukasiewicz Scholarship Programme
Named after the Polish inventor Ignacy Łukasiewicz, this program is one of the most well-known fully funded opportunities for students from developing countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya, and others.
The scholarship is awarded to students pursuing second-cycle studies (Master’s degree) in fields such as engineering, information technology, science, agriculture, and environmental protection.
Key Features:
Full tuition fee coverage
Monthly stipend of PLN 1,700 (approx. €370)
Access to top Polish universities with strong research infrastructure
Free Polish language course for non-native speakers
Support with visa processing and accommodation
Promotes international collaboration and academic exchange
3. Erasmus+ Scholarship Program (Study in Poland via European Partnerships)
While Erasmus+ is a European Union program, Poland is an active participant. International students can benefit from fully funded Erasmus+ Joint Master’s Degrees or exchange programs at Polish institutions through partnerships with universities in other EU countries.
The Erasmus+ scholarship allows students to study in two or more European countries, including Poland, with all expenses covered.
Key Features:
Full tuition waiver across partnered institutions
Monthly living allowance (€1,000/month average)
Travel allowance and relocation costs covered
Multinational experience with EU diplomas
Open to both EU and non-EU students
Courses taught in English
4. University of Warsaw Scholarships for International Students
The University of Warsaw, Poland’s top-ranked institution, offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding international applicants. These scholarships are typically funded by NAWA or university-specific grants and are available for a wide range of programs, especially in political science, economics, international relations, physics, and social sciences.
The scholarships often cover full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Some are tied to specific departments or faculties and require a strong academic record.
Key Features:
Full or 100% tuition coverage
Monthly stipend and housing allowance
Available in a variety of disciplines
Competitive, based on merit and motivation
Research and thesis support for postgraduate students
5. PhD Scholarships at Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS)
If you're looking to pursue doctoral research, the Polish Academy of Sciences offers numerous fully funded PhD fellowships. These programs are highly research-oriented and conducted in English. Fields include biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, physics, climate science, and more.
Many PhD positions come with stipends funded by government research projects or EU grants, and selected candidates receive mentorship, lab access, and the opportunity to attend international conferences.
Key Features:
Monthly stipend of PLN 3,500–4,500
No tuition fees
Opportunities for joint supervision with European universities
Research-focused and publication-driven
English-taught programs in cutting-edge labs
How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships in Poland
Follow these steps for a smooth application:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Research and shortlist scholarships and universities of interest.
Check eligibility for nationality, academic background, and language.
Prepare documents: transcripts, statement of purpose (SOP), CV, recommendation letters, language proof (IELTS/TOEFL), passport.
Apply online via university portal or NAWA system.
Track deadlines – most scholarships open between December and April.
Prepare for interviews, if required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can international students study in Poland for free?
Yes. With scholarships like NAWA, Łukasiewicz, and Erasmus+, many international students study in Poland completely free, including tuition, living, and travel expenses.
Q2: Is IELTS required for Polish scholarships?
Yes, for English-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL is generally required unless you studied in English previously. Some universities may also conduct internal language assessments.
Q3: How much is the monthly stipend in Polish scholarships?
Most fully funded scholarships offer a stipend between PLN 1,700 to PLN 4,500, depending on the program and degree level.
Q4: Are there age restrictions for applying?
Generally, no strict age limit, but some programs may prefer applicants under 35 for Master’s and under 40 for Ph.D.
Q5: Can I work while studying in Poland?
Yes. Students with valid residence permits can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during vacations.
Final Thoughts: Study in Poland Without Worrying About Tuition or Living Costs
Poland offers an incredible opportunity for students looking to pursue quality education in Europe without the heavy financial burden. From state-sponsored NAWA programs to prestigious PhD fellowships, there are options for everyone — whether you're an aspiring scientist, tech innovator, or social science enthusiast.
So what are you waiting for? Explore the scholarships mentioned above, prepare your documents, and begin your journey to study tuition-free in Poland in 2025–2026!