Study in Poland Without IELTS on Scholarship 2026 [Fully Funded]

Poland has emerged as one of the most attractive study destinations in Europe for international students in 2026-2027. Known for its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant culture, Poland offers a wide range of scholarships without IELTS for students seeking to pursue undergraduate, master's, or PhD programs. One of the most appealing aspects for international students is the possibility of studying in Poland without submitting an IELTS score, alongside numerous scholarships available to support them financially. This in-depth guide explains how to study in Poland without IELTS on a scholarship - covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, the top 10 universities that don't require IELTS, and the best scholarship opportunities available.

Do You Need IELTS to Study in Poland? Requirements Explained

Let's address a key concern - the IELTS / TOEFL requirements for scholarships in Poland for the academic year 2026-2027. While many European universities make IELTS or similar exams mandatory, Poland stands out with a more flexible approach. Several Polish universities understand that English language proficiency goes beyond standardized test scores and offer alternative ways for students to demonstrate their English language skills. In many cases, international students can provide an English proficiency certificate from their previous institution or attend an online interview to assess their language abilities. So, how can you secure admission and scholarships in Poland without IELTS? Here's everything you need to know!

Poland isn't your only option - Germany also welcomes students without an IELTS score. Read: Study in Germany Without IELTS on Scholarship

Why Choose Poland for Studying Without IELTS?

Many Polish universities recognize that English language proficiency can be demonstrated through alternative means, such as previous education, qualifications, or degrees in English, medium-of-instruction certificates, or university-conducted interviews. This flexibility makes Poland an accessible destination for students who may not have taken the IELTS / TOEFL exam or who prefer not to submit their scores for higher studies in Poland.

Poland Scholarships for International Students 2026-2027

Poland offers a variety of Poland scholarships for international students at all levels of study - Undergraduate, Master's, and PhD. These scholarships are provided by the Polish government, universities, and other organizations. Below are some notable options:

#1 Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) Scholarships

NAWA offers a range of scholarship programmes for international students, including the Banach NAWA Programme for Master's-level (second-cycle) studies, aimed at students from eligible developing countries. It covers full tuition, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance, and is typically open to citizens of around 36 countries under Poland's development cooperation list.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Citizenship of an eligible country (mainly across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America)
2. A completed Bachelor's degree or final-semester graduation status
3. No previous Master's degree already held
4. Proof of Polish or English language proficiency, depending on the study track chosen

Application window: NAWA typically opens applications in spring (around April - May) for studies starting the following autumn. Exact dates shift slightly each year, so check the official NAWA page below for the current cycle's deadline before applying.

Visit to Apply for NAWA Scholarships : https://nawa.gov.pl/en/

#2 Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Poland

Erasmus+ is the EU's overarching programme for education, training, and mobility across Europe, and Polish universities participate as both host and partner institutions. Within Erasmus+, the Erasmus Mundus strand specifically funds fully-funded Joint Master's Degrees delivered by university partnerships across two or more European countries - open to students worldwide, not just EU citizens. These joint programmes cover tuition, travel, and living costs, and Polish universities often take part as consortium partners.

Eligibility highlights:

1. A relevant Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related field
2. Proof of English or other language proficiency, depending on the chosen programme's language of instruction
3. Academic transcripts and a motivation letter
4. Open to applicants from both EU and non-EU countries - no nationality restriction

Application window: Most Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programmes open applications between October and January for studies starting the following autumn. Deadlines vary by individual programme, so check your chosen programme's page on the Erasmus+ portal for its exact current-cycle deadline before applying.

Visit to Apply for Erasmus+ Program in Poland : https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/possibilities-by-country/en_poland

#3 University-Specific Scholarships

Many Polish universities offer their own merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students, separate from national programmes like NAWA or Erasmus+. For example, Warsaw University of Technology runs several scholarship schemes for international students (including need- and merit-based options), and Jagiellonian University offers similar support for eligible applicants. Since these vary significantly by university and programme, always check the specific university's official scholarships page for current offerings.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Strong academic record (grades/GPA requirements vary by university)
2. Enrollment or acceptance into a degree programme at the offering university
3. Some scholarships require financial need documentation; others are purely merit-based
4. International student status (requirements differ by university and nationality)

Funding coverage: Varies by university and scholarship - may include partial or full tuition waivers, a monthly stipend, or one-time grants. Amounts and coverage are set individually by each university, not centrally by the Polish government.

Application window: University-specific scholarships generally follow each university's own academic calendar and admissions cycle - typically opening a few months before the autumn intake. Deadlines are set independently by each university, so check the official scholarships page of your chosen university directly for exact current dates.

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#4 Visegrad Fund Scholarships

The International Visegrad Fund supports academic mobility across the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia) and neighboring regions, including the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries. Its main Visegrad Scholarship Program funds Master's and post-Master's study at accredited institutions across the region - including in Poland - for up to two semesters. Funding coverage: €3,500 per semester for the scholar, plus €2,000 per semester paid to the host institution, for up to two semesters of Master's or post-Master's study. PhD-level fellowships are funded separately at €500 per week for short research stays. A separate, shorter Visegrad Fellowship supports PhD students and researchers for short-term stays rather than full degree funding.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Applicant's citizenship or current residence must differ from the host country - Polish citizens cannot use this scholarship to study within Poland
2. Must maintain at least 150 km distance between current residence/university and the host institution
3. Open to citizens of V4 countries, Western Balkans, and Eastern Partnership countries (including Ukraine)
4. A completed Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for Master's-level applicants

Application window: The main scholarship programme typically opens in January and closes around mid-April each year, with results announced roughly 45 working days after the deadline. Exact dates shift slightly year to year, so check the official Visegrad Fund page for the current cycle's deadline.

Visit to Apply for Visegrad Fund Scholarships : https://www.visegradfund.org/apply/mobilities/visegrad-scholarships/

#5 Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme

The Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme is run by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange and is aimed at talented students from 44 eligible countries (including much of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and several Asian and Latin American countries) who want to pursue a Master's degree in Poland. A monthly stipend (around PLN 1,800–2,000, roughly €410–460) for the duration of the Master's programme, full tuition exemption at participating public universities, and a one-time travel allowance (up to PLN 6,500, varying by home country). It's designed to attract candidates who are choosing Poland as their first-choice study destination, rather than as a fallback or exchange option.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Citizenship of one of the eligible countries (Polish citizens and dual Polish citizens are not eligible)
2. Currently completing, or recently graduated from, a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
3. B2-level proficiency in Polish or English, depending on the chosen programme's language of instruction
4. Independent admission to a participating Polish university is required alongside the NAWA application - the two processes run separately

Application window: Applications typically open in spring, with deadlines historically falling between mid-April and late May, and results announced by early summer. Exact dates shift each year, so check the official NAWA programme page for the current cycle's deadline.

Visit to Apply for Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme : https://nawa.gov.pl/en/students/foreign-students/poland-my-first-choice-programme

#6 The Gen. Anders Programme

The Gen. Anders Programme, run by NAWA, is designed for students of Polish origin or descent living outside Poland who want to pursue Bachelor's or Master's studies in Poland. Unlike NAWA's other programmes, this one is heritage-based rather than open to any nationality - it's aimed at diaspora communities wanting to reconnect with their Polish roots through higher education. A monthly stipend of PLN 1,250 for Bachelor's-level students or PLN 1,700 for Master's-level students, plus an optional Polish language preparatory year for those who need it before starting their degree, and tuition-free study at participating institutions.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Documented Polish origin or descent (e.g., a Karta Polaka, proof of Polish citizenship, or evidence of Polish ancestry - typically at least one parent or grandparent)
2. Applicants who completed their entire secondary education outside Poland
3. Open to both Bachelor's and Master's level applicants (separate calls for each)
4. Admission to a participating university supervised by Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Ministry of Health, or Ministry of Culture

Application window: NAWA runs separate annual calls for Bachelor's and Master's applicants, typically opening in spring for the following academic year - both calls were active simultaneously in the 2026 cycle. Deadlines shift each year, so check the official NAWA programme page for current dates before applying.

Visit to Apply for the Gen. Anders Programme : https://nawa.gov.pl/en/students/foreign-students/the-gen-anders-programme

#7 The Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program

The Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program is a Polish government-funded initiative supporting Belarusian citizens who are unable to continue their education in Belarus due to political repression - including students expelled from Belarusian universities for their political views or involvement in defending democracy and human rights. Established in 2006, it's the largest scholarship program of its kind in Europe and is administered by the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw - not the University of Białystok. It covers accommodation and living costs, compulsory health insurance, and visa/residence permit costs, and includes an optional Polish language preparatory course for those who need it. You do not need to already speak Polish to apply. Tuition is free for scholarship holders, and support can continue for the full duration of study - up to five years - but only while the recipient remains in Poland.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Belarusian citizenship, combined with evidence of political persecution - such as expulsion from a Belarusian university, arrest records, or documentation of involvement in pro-democracy activity
2. Open to Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD-level applicants, as well as research internships for early-career academics
3. No Polish language requirement at the time of application - language support is provided after admission

Application window: Applications are typically accepted annually through the Programme Office, with recruitment periods that have varied year to year (including extended or rolling admissions during periods of heightened need). Always check the official page for the current cycle's dates before applying.

Visit to Apply for the Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program : https://studium.uw.edu.pl/

#8 CEEPUS Program in Poland

CEEPUS (Central European Exchange Program for University Studies) is a regional academic mobility program - not a traditional standalone scholarship - that funds semester exchanges, short-term study stays, summer schools, and research/teaching visits between universities in Central and Southeastern Europe. It's been running since 1994/1995, coordinated in Poland through NAWA (Poland's National Agency for Academic Exchange), with Poland as one of 16 member countries, alongside Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovakia. Around 300 foreign students and doctoral candidates, plus roughly 200 academic teachers, come to Poland through the program each year.

Unlike a degree scholarship, funding is stipend-based per month of the exchange, and the exact monthly amount varies by host country - Poland's current rate is published on the official CEEPUS site rather than fixed in a single figure. Applicants cannot receive a scholarship to study in their own home country, and must apply through either an established CEEPUS university network or as a "Freemover."

Eligibility highlights:

1. Must be a student, doctoral candidate, or academic staff member enrolled at an accredited institution in a CEEPUS member country
2. Students need to have completed at least two semesters of higher education before applying
3. Applications go through your home institution's CEEPUS network, or via the Freemover route if your institution isn't part of an existing network
4. Citizens of non-member countries may still apply if they are currently studying or teaching at an institution within a member country

Application window: CEEPUS runs on an annual network application cycle (e.g., the 2026/27 round opened in September 2025), with individual mobility applications typically due afterward once networks are confirmed. Exact dates are set each year by the National CEEPUS Office, so check the official page for current deadlines.

Visit to Apply for the CEEPUS Program in Poland : https://nawa.gov.pl/en/scientists/ceepus

#9 The Ulam NAWA Programme

The Ulam NAWA Programme is Poland's flagship scheme for incoming postdoctoral researchers - it's aimed at researchers, not students, so it fits scholars who already hold (or are about to be awarded) a doctoral degree and want to conduct research at a Polish institution. It's run by NAWA (Poland's National Agency for Academic Exchange) and is open to scientists from all countries and all fields of research, regardless of age, with the explicit goal of increasing international collaboration between Polish institutions and researchers abroad. Stays run 6 to 24 months, and recipients receive a monthly stipend of PLN 11,500, plus a one-off mobility/arrival allowance and, for those with children, a family allowance.

Eligibility highlights:

1. Must hold at least a doctoral degree (or have successfully defended a thesis, pending formal conferral)
2. Applicants cannot have lived or worked in Poland for more than 3 months total in the 3 years before the application deadline
3. Open to all nationalities and all scientific disciplines - Polish citizens working permanently abroad may also apply, capped at 10% of recipients per edition
4. Applications are submitted by the host Polish institution, not directly by the researcher - so you'll need a Polish university or research institute to formally invite and apply on your behalf

Application window: NAWA runs annual calls (the most recent editions have opened calls in the second half of the year, with residencies beginning the following February). Always check the current call's exact dates on the official page before applying.

Visit to Apply for the Ulam NAWA Programme : https://nawa.gov.pl/en/scientists/the-ulam-programme

#10 University of Warsaw Scholarships

The University of Warsaw offers several distinct scholarships for international students rather than one general "merit or need" scheme, and each has its own eligibility path:

1. The Rector's Scholarship - awarded for a high GPA in the previous academic year, or for significant national/international achievement in science, art, or sport. First-year students who won an International Science Olympiad or a Polish Science Olympiad can also qualify. Applications are submitted through the university's USOSweb system.
2. Scholarship to Start - a 12-month scholarship, paid in full within 30 days of being awarded, for newly admitted top students and PhD candidates. It comes in three tracks: for Olympiad winners, for outstanding athletes (national medalists or Olympic/World/European Championship finalists), and for top-scoring first-year doctoral students.
3. Social Scholarship - needs-based support, but with a specific eligibility list rather than open general financial hardship - for example, students with a Pole's Card, permanent residence, refugee status, a Polish language certificate (C1 level), or citizenship of an EU/EFTA/EEA/Swiss state.
4. Scholarship for Students with Disabilities - governed by Poland's Law on Higher Education (Art. 86 - 95), requiring a disability certificate and related documentation, reapplied for each academic year.
5. IDUB Scholarships - funding for short-term academic mobility: conference participation, research visits, or short specialized training abroad, aimed at students early in their research careers.

Application window: deadlines vary by scholarship type rather than sharing one fixed date. The Rector's Scholarship typically opens in the fall semester, with past cycles closing around mid-October; the IDUB scholarship call usually runs for several months in spring through late autumn, or until its allocated funding is exhausted. Because these dates shift each academic year, always confirm the current cycle's exact deadline on the university's official scholarship page before applying.

Visit to Apply for University of Warsaw Scholarships : https://welcome.uw.edu.pl/scholarship-for-international-students-of-the-university-of-warsaw/

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Eligibility Criteria for Polish Scholarships Without IELTS

Although the specific requirements differ based on the scholarship and university, here are some common eligibility criteria that applicants should meet:

1. Previous Education in English - Many universities accept students from English-medium institutions. You may need a certificate from your previous school confirming English as the language of instruction to prove your familiarity with an English academic environment.
2. Proof of English Proficiency Certificate - While IELTS is common, some universities offer alternatives like online interviews or accept other tests such as TOEFL or PTE to assess your English skills.
3. Academic Excellence - A strong academic record, including a high GPA or outstanding achievements, is crucial for admission and scholarships. Your grades reflect your dedication and potential.
4. Required Documentation - Essential documents include a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a valid passport. Ensure these are complete and well-prepared to strengthen your application.
5. Scholarship-Specific Criteria - Scholarships may have additional requirements, such as research proposals, extracurricular achievements, or a focus on specific fields. Carefully review and tailor your application to meet these unique criteria.

By focusing on these aspects, you can improve your chances of admission or securing a scholarship.

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Top 10 Universities in Poland Without IELTS

Here are ten Polish universities where international applicants can often prove English proficiency through alternatives to IELTS - such as a medium-of-instruction certificate, an admissions interview, or a prior English-taught degree. Exact policies vary by faculty and program, so always confirm with your specific department before applying.

University of Warsaw

Poland's highest-ranked university and the country's largest, founded in 1816. Offers programs across nearly every field in English, and accepts medium-of-instruction certificates in place of IELTS for many programs.
Official site: https://en.uw.edu.pl/candidates/admission/

Jagiellonian University

Poland's oldest university, founded in 1364, based in Kraków. Particularly strong in medicine, law, and humanities, with several English-taught programs accepting alternative proof of English proficiency.
Official site: https://en.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/candidates

Warsaw University of Technology

Poland's largest technical university, founded in 1826. Offers English-taught engineering and technical programs, and reviews interviews or prior English-medium education as an IELTS alternative on a program-by-program basis.
Official site: https://www.pw.edu.pl/engpw/Education/Admission

Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań

One of Poland's largest universities, founded in 1919, with particular strength in humanities and social sciences. English-medium prior education can waive IELTS depending on the program.
Official site: https://amu.edu.pl/en/candidates

University of Wrocław

Founded in 1702, one of the oldest universities in Poland, offering English-taught programs in law, science, and humanities, with medium-of-instruction certificates accepted as an alternative to IELTS.
Official site: https://international.uni.wroc.pl/

AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków

A leading technical and engineering university, founded in 1919, known especially for mining, materials science, and engineering programs. IELTS alternatives are assessed per program.
Official site: https://www.agh.edu.pl/en/candidate

Poznań University of Economics and Business

Established in 1926, one of Poland's top-ranked business schools, holding international accreditations including AMBA and ACCA-recognized programs. English proficiency can typically be shown via IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, or FCE - check the specific program's language page, since not all accept a waiver.
Official site: https://ue.poznan.pl/en/applicants/

Gdańsk University of Technology

Founded in 1904, one of Poland's leading technical universities, with strong engineering and technical programs taught in English. Prior English-medium education is generally accepted in place of IELTS.
Official site: https://pg.edu.pl/en/candidates

Lodz University of Technology

A technical university known for engineering programs taught in English, accepting interviews or medium-of-instruction certificates as alternatives to IELTS depending on faculty.
Official site: https://www.p.lodz.pl/en/candidates

University of Łódź

Offers a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly in social sciences and humanities, with IELTS waivers available for students with relevant prior English-medium education.
Official site: https://en.uni.lodz.pl/candidates

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How to Apply Without IELTS in Poland

Applying to Polish universities without IELTS follows a straightforward, repeatable process - here's the complete step-by-step breakdown:

1. Check Polish University Requirements

Verify the specific English proficiency requirements of your chosen university and program - policies can differ significantly between faculties at the same institution, so don't assume a rule that applies to one department applies university-wide.

2. Submit English Proficiency Alternative Proofs

Provide a medium-of-instruction certificate from your previous school or university confirming your prior education was conducted in English. Some universities also accept transcripts from an English-taught degree as standalone proof, without a separate certificate.

3. Attend a University Interview

Some universities conduct an online admissions interview to directly assess your spoken English, particularly when a medium-of-instruction certificate isn't available or doesn't fully satisfy the program's requirements.

4. Prepare Your Admission and Scholarship Application

Gather all required documents - academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation - well ahead of the deadline, since document collection (especially recommendation letters) is often the slowest part of the process.

5. Apply for Scholarships in Poland

Research and apply for scholarships at the same time as your university application, rather than waiting for an admission decision first - many Polish scholarships (like those covered earlier in this guide) require you to already be admitted or simultaneously applying, and missing the scholarship window while waiting on admissions is a common, avoidable mistake.

If your application is successful, you'll receive an admission, offer, or acceptance letter from the Polish university, along with separate confirmation of any scholarship funding you applied for.

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Conclusion

Studying in Poland without IELTS is a genuinely viable path for international students - the country's combination of English-taught programs, affordable tuition, and dedicated scholarship schemes (from NAWA's Banach, Gen. Anders, and Ulam programs to individual university awards) makes it accessible even without a formal English test score. Requirements vary by university and even by faculty, so the actual next step is simple: pick two or three universities from the list above, check their current English-proficiency policy directly with the admissions office, and start gathering your documentation early - recommendation letters and medium-of-instruction certificates typically take the longest to arrange.

Whether your interest is engineering, humanities, business, or another field, Poland offers a genuinely welcoming path into European higher education without IELTS standing in your way.