Study in Poland Without IELTS on a Scholarship (2027 Guide)

Want to study in Poland on a scholarship in 2027 without taking IELTS? Some Polish universities accept other proof of English proficiency. As Poland is a study destination for international students looking for English-taught degrees in Europe. Known for its high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and vibrant culture. Furthermore Poland offers a wide range of scholarships without IELTS for students seeking to pursue undergraduate, master's, or PhD programs. Some programs allow studying in Poland without submitting an IELTS score, alongside numerous scholarships available to support them financially. This guide explains how to study in Poland without IELTS on a scholarship - covering eligibility requirements, application procedures, the language requirements at ten Polish universities, and the best scholarship opportunities available.

Do You Need IELTS to Study in Poland? Requirements Explained

IELTS is one way to prove English proficiency for study in Poland. Depending on the degree and your applicant category, a university may accept another approved test or an eligible qualification completed in English. Applicants covered by Poland’s foreign admissions rules must show at least B2 in the language of instruction. An interview or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter counts only where the applicable rules allow it. The scholarship provider may ask for separate evidence.

For comparison, see more about -  Study in Germany Without IELTS on Scholarship

Why Choose Poland for Studying Without IELTS?

English-taught programs in Poland offer several ways to document your language level. Use your degrees admissions list before requesting a certificate or booking a test.

Poland Scholarships for International Students

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. The award combines a monthly stipend and travel support with a tuition exemption at public universities. NAWA lists eligible countries, amounts and conditions in the call.

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

Banach calls generally open in spring for the autumn intake. Dates appear on the Banach program page.

#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.

• A relevant Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a related field
• Proof of English or other language proficiency, depending on the chosen programme's language of instruction
• Academic transcripts and a motivation letter
• The joint degree accepts applicants from EU and non-EU countries

Most Erasmus Mundus programs take applications from October to January for the following autumn. Each consortium publishes its own closing date.

Erasmus Mundus application information

#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.

• Strong academic record (grades/GPA requirements vary by university)
• Enrollment or acceptance into a degree programme at the offering university
• Some scholarships require financial need documentation; others are purely merit-based
• 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.

University awards follow their own admission and funding calendars. The university’s scholarship office publishes application dates.

For English-language alternatives in Finland, see Study in Finland Without IELTS on Scholarship

#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.

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

The Visegrad Fund normally opens its main scholarship call in January. Its program page lists the closing date and expected decision timeline.

Visegrad scholarship details

#5 Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme

The Poland My First Choice NAWA Programme is run by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange for International students. The aim of program is providing funding support to 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. Funding includes a monthly scholarship, a tuition exemption at public universities and a one-time travel allowance. Check the call for the current amounts. It's designed to attract candidates who are choosing Poland as their first-choice study destination, rather than as a fallback or exchange option.

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

Poland My First Choice generally opens in spring. Consult the current NAWA call for the deadline and result dates.

Poland My First Choice call

#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 at the rate stated in the current call, plus an optional Polish language preparatory year for those who need it before starting their degree, and tuition-free study at participating institutions.

• Documented Polish origin or descent (such as a Karta Polaka, proof of Polish citizenship, or evidence of Polish ancestry - typically at least one parent or grandparent)
• Applicants who completed their entire secondary education outside Poland
• Separate calls cover bachelor's and master's applicants
• Admission to a participating university supervised by Poland's Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Ministry of Health, or Ministry of Culture

Bachelor’s and master’s applicants should consult their respective Anders calls. NAWA publishes separate deadlines.

Anders scholarship information

#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. This program include 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.

• 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
• The call covers bachelor's, master's and PhD applicants, with research internships for eligible early-career academics
• No Polish language requirement at the time of application - language support is provided after admission

Kalinowski recruitment dates depend on the current call. The program office publishes the available application windows.

#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."

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

Network calls and individual CEEPUS mobility deadlines follow separate calendars. Use the current schedule for your application route.

#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 the host institution employs the researcher. Check the official call for the current funding ceiling and covered costs.

Eligibility highlights:

• Must hold at least a doctoral degree (or have successfully defended a thesis, pending formal conferral)
• Applicants cannot have lived or worked in Poland for more than 3 months total in the 3 years before the application deadline
• Researchers may apply from any discipline and country - Polish citizens working permanently abroad may also apply, capped at 10% of recipients per edition
• 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

For Ulam, the call specifies when Polish host institutions can submit applications and when projects may start.

#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:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Warsaw’s Rector’s Scholarship and IDUB funding have separate calendars. Consult the university’s current scholarship notices for exact dates.

Compare the requirements in our guide to Scholarships in Netherlands without IELTS

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:

• Previous Education in English - Some universities accept an eligible qualification completed in English. 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.
• Accepted Language Evidence
• - Check the approved B2 evidence for your applicant category. Some programs accept designated TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge qualifications.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

For another country’s admission rules, see Scholarships in Norway without IELTS

Top 10 Universities in Poland Without IELTS

These ten universities publish their own admissions requirements. Read the accepted-document list for your degree and applicant category before relying on an IELTS alternative.

Warsaw - 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.
Warsaw admissions

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.
Jagiellonian admissions

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.
WUT admissions

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.
Adam Mickiewicz admissions

Wrocław - 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.
Wrocław admissions

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.
AGH application guide

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.
Poznań economics admissions

Gdańsk University of Technology

Founded in 1904, one of Poland's leading technical universities, with strong engineering and technical programs taught in English. Ask the admissions office whether a prior English-taught qualification qualifies under the current rules.
Gdańsk Tech admissions

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.
Lodz Tech admissions

Łódź - University of Łódź

Offers a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly in social sciences and humanities, and publishes accepted language documents for international applicants.
Łódź university admissions

How to Apply Without IELTS in Poland

Start with the language requirements for your chosen degree.

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

Check scholarship deadlines while your university application is in progress. Some awards accept applications in parallel. Others require an admission decision first. Follow the provider’s instructions so you meet both deadlines.

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.

For application options in Spain, see Study in Spain Without IELTS on Scholarship [Fully Funded]

Conclusion

Studying in Poland without IELTS is possible for eligible applicants - 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 faculty. Shortlist two or three programs and ask each admissions office which language documents it accepts. Request any reference letters and transcripts early.

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.