Hey, if you’re planning to study in Poland in 2026, you’re making a really smart choice. Poland has become super popular for international students (especially from Pakistan, India, Africa, and Asia) because tuition is affordable (€2,000–€6,000/year at public unis), living costs are low (€500–€900/month), cities are safe and beautiful, and there are tons of English-taught programs. Plus, after graduation you can stay 9–12 months looking for a job.
The best part? Polish universities and the government (NAWA) offer very generous scholarships — many cover full tuition + monthly stipend. There is no single huge “government scholarship” like before, but university + NAWA ones are excellent. Here are the op 5 for 2026 intake (mostly starting October 2026 or February 2027).
1. NAWA Banach Scholarship Programme
This is the most prestigious government scholarship for students from developing countries — Poland’s answer to Chevening or Fulbright.
- Coverage: Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend ≈ PLN 1,500–2,000 (~€350–€450) + relocation allowance
- Who can apply: Citizens of developing countries (Pakistan included) for Master’s (second-degree) programs
- Fields: Almost all (priority: engineering, IT, sciences, economics, agriculture)
- Duration: 1.5–2 years
- Application period for 2026/27: Usually April–June 2026 (check nawa.gov.pl in March/April)
Very competitive, but Pakistanis have good success rate. Strong academics + motivation letter = key to winning.
2. Poland My First Choice (NAWA)
Another top NAWA program — higher stipend and open to PhD too.
- Coverage: Full tuition + monthly stipend PLN 2,000 (~€450) + relocation grant PLN 3,000–5,000
- Who can apply: Non-EU students for Master’s or PhD at public universities
- Fields: All English-taught programs
- Deadline: Usually May–July 2026
This one gives more monthly money — perfect if you want to live comfortably without working much.
3. University of Warsaw Scholarships
Warsaw University (top-ranked, in the capital) offers excellent packages.
- Coverage: 50–100% tuition waiver (tuition €2,000–€5,000/year) + possible merit stipend (~PLN 1,000/month)
- Who can apply: Non-EU students in English-taught Bachelor’s/Master’s (strong in law, economics, psychology, data science, social sciences)
- Application: Automatic or separate during admission (Feb–July 2026)
Warsaw is vibrant, has big Pakistani/Asian community, and lots of job/internship opportunities.
4. Jagiellonian University Scholarships
One of Europe’s oldest universities (1364) in beautiful Kraków — very prestigious.
- Coverage: Full/partial tuition waiver + Rector’s Scholarship up to PLN 1,500/month
- Who can apply: Non-EU students in English programs (medicine, law, international relations, biotech, AI)
- Application: During admission (spring–summer 2026)
Kraków is one of the most affordable and prettiest student cities in Europe — perfect vibe.
5. Warsaw University of Technology (WUT) Scholarships
Poland’s top technical university — ideal for engineering and IT.
- Coverage: 30–100% tuition reduction (tuition €3,000–€6,000/year) + merit scholarships up to PLN 2,000/month
- Who can apply: Non-EU students in English-taught engineering, computer science, AI, robotics programs
- Application: Automatic during admission (Jan–July 2026)
WUT has crazy strong industry links (Google, Intel, Boeing nearby) — high chance of internships and jobs after graduation.
Quick Comparison Table (2026 Intake)
| Rank | Scholarship / University | Coverage | Monthly Stipend | Deadline (2026 intake) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NAWA Banach | Full tuition + stipend | €350–450 | Apr–Jun 2026 | Developing countries |
| 2 | Poland My First Choice (NAWA) | Full tuition + €450 + relocation | €450 | May–Jul 2026 | Master’s & PhD |
| 3 | University of Warsaw | 50–100% tuition + stipend | Up to €220 | Feb–Jul 2026 | Social sciences, law |
| 4 | Jagiellonian University | Full/partial + merit stipend | Up to €350 | Spring–Summer 2026 | Prestige, humanities, medicine |
| 5 | Warsaw University of Technology | 30–100% tuition + merit stipend | Up to €450 | Jan–Jul 2026 | Engineering, IT, tech |
Quick Tips for 2026 Applications
- No IELTS needed in many cases — if your previous degree was in English, most universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter.
- Application round: Winter intake (apply Feb–July 2026 for October start).
- Living costs: €500–900/month (Kraków & Wrocław cheaper than Warsaw).
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week allowed — easy jobs in cafes, tutoring, IT.
- Visa: Poland D-type student visa — high success rate for genuine applicants.
- Main website: studyinpoland.pl (program search + scholarship info)
Start Your Poland Journey 2026!
Official guide: studyinpoland.pl
NAWA portal: nawa.gov.pl
Apply soon — many deadlines in spring 2026!
