Looking to study in Europe with a scholarship? The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange offers multiple scholarship programs for international students to study in Poland — including fully funded Master’s opportunities, tuition-free education, and monthly stipends.
If you’re aiming for a European degree at low or zero cost, this is one of the best opportunities available in 2026.
What is NAWA?
The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange is a government organization that promotes international education and academic exchange in Poland.
Its mission includes:
- Supporting international student mobility
- Funding scholarships for foreign students
- Promoting Polish universities globally
NAWA Scholarships for International Students
NAWA offers fully funded and partially funded scholarships for foreign students who want to study in Poland.
Key Benefits:
- Monthly stipend (approx. PLN 2000 / €450)
- Tuition fee waiver (for public universities)
- Travel allowance (in some programs)
- Study in English or Polish
- Access to top-ranked Polish universities
Top NAWA Scholarship Programs
1. Poland My First Choice Programme
One of the most popular NAWA scholarships for international students.
Highlights:
- Fully funded Master’s degree
- Monthly stipend + tuition-free education
- Choose any field and university independently
Best for: Students from developed countries
2. Banach NAWA Programme
A flagship program for students from developing countries.
Highlights:
- Free education at public universities
- Monthly stipend
- Focus on STEM and technical fields
Best for: Students from Asia, Africa, and other developing regions
3. Other NAWA Opportunities
- Research and PhD programs
- Language & cultural exchange programs
- Short-term mobility scholarships
Fields of Study
You can study in almost any field, including:
- Engineering & IT
- Business & Management
- Social Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- Natural Sciences
Study in Poland – Why Choose It?
- Affordable or free education
- Globally recognized degrees
- High-quality European universities
- Safe and student-friendly environment
- Opportunity to live in the Schengen Zone
Eligibility Criteria
While requirements vary by program, generally you need:
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s)
- English or Polish language proficiency
- Admission to a Polish university (separately)
How to Apply for NAWA Scholarships
Step-by-step process:
- Choose a NAWA scholarship program
- Apply to a Polish university (separately)
- Prepare required documents:
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Language certificate
- Submit your application via NAWA portal
- Wait for evaluation and results
Note: NAWA evaluates applications based on formal and academic criteria
Application Timeline (General)
- Applications usually open: Early year (varies by program)
- Deadlines: Mid-year
- Results: A few months after submission
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.