Grants and scholarships for international students in Poland: How to get support

Studying abroad is an important step for professional development and obtaining a competitive education. Poland has become one of the most attractive countries for international students due to its geographical proximity, cultural ties and high quality of education. However, studying abroad can be financially burdensome. That’s why there are numerous grants and scholarships available to help international students get support to cover their education and living expenses. In this article, we will look at the main sources of funding and how to get these scholarships.

Benefits of scholarships and grants for international students in Poland

Scholarships and grants provide not only financial support, but also recognize the student’s academic achievements. For many international students, they open the door to a high-quality European education. In addition to covering tuition costs, many programs offer additional benefits such as participation in internships, international exchanges, and research projects.

Main types of scholarships and grants for international students

Scholarships of the Polish government

Every year the Polish government offers scholarships for international students. These scholarships are aimed at supporting international students who wish to study at Polish universities in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.

• Scholarships for humanities majors: The Polish government also offers scholarships for students wishing to study in the humanities, such as history, culture, international relations, etc. The program supports students who seek to develop academic knowledge in this field.

Lane Kirkland Foundation Scholarship Program

The Lane Kirkland Foundation is a well-known Polish organization that supports young leaders and professionals from Eastern Europe. The program is aimed at students who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are seeking additional education in management, economics, social sciences or law.

• Scholarship terms and conditions: The Lane Kirkland Foundation Program provides a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, as well as covers the cost of tuition and internships in Poland. The program also includes participation in various seminars, workshops and professional trainings.
• Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have a university degree, at least 2 years of professional experience and basic knowledge of Polish or English.

Erasmus+ exchange program

Erasmus+ is one of the largest educational programs of the European Union, which offers foreign students the opportunity to receive a partial or full scholarship to study in Poland. The Erasmus+ program supports both short-term exchanges and full-fledged academic programs.

• Erasmus+ scholarships for study: foreign students can receive a scholarship to study at bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs in Poland. Erasmus+ also supports research projects and mobility of teachers.
• Internships and exchanges: In addition to studying, the Erasmus+ program provides students with the opportunity to do internships in international companies or participate in research projects while studying in Poland.

Scholarships from Polish universities

Many Polish universities offer scholarships for international students. These can be either academic scholarships for excellent academic performance or social scholarships for students in need of financial assistance.

• University of Warsaw: One of the leading universities in Poland offers scholarships for international students based on academic achievement. Scholarships can cover both full and partial tuition fees.
• Jagiellonian University: The university in Krakow also offers scholarships for international students, including financial aid to cover tuition and living expenses.

Support programs from public organizations

In Poland, there are a lot of NGOs and charitable foundations that provide grants and scholarships to international students. For example, the Polish Humanitarian Action Foundation or the Open Poland Foundation offer financial assistance for foreign students studying in Poland.

• Study grants: Non-governmental organizations provide grants for students with limited financial means or those who are engaged in active social activities.
• Support for refugees: Some programs are aimed at supporting foreign refugee students who need immediate financial assistance to continue their studies at Polish universities.

How to get a scholarship or grant: Tips for international students

To receive a scholarship or grant, students need to prepare a high-quality package of documents and meet the requirements of a particular program. Here are some tips to help you successfully complete this process:

1. Preparation of documents: Scholarship programs usually require a certificate or diploma of previous education, a letter of motivation, recommendations from teachers or employers, and proof of foreign language proficiency (Polish or English).
2. Motivation letter: This is a key document that will help convince the committee of your intentions and aspirations. It is important to explain in the letter why you want to study in Poland, how the scholarship will help you in the future, and what you want to achieve after graduation.
3. Language skills: Most programs require knowledge of Polish or English at a level sufficient for studying. If the program is in English, you will need a TOEFL or IELTS certificate. Polish-language programs may require a certificate of Polish language proficiency (B1-B2).
4. Recommendations: Ask your teachers or employers to write you a letter of recommendation. It is important that these recommendations highlight your academic or professional achievements.
5. Active involvement in community life: Many scholarship programs give preference to candidates who are involved in volunteering or have an active community position. This emphasizes your commitment to community development