Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2025/2026 – STUDY, WORK & TRAVEL ABROAD

For many students from developing countries, pursuing higher education abroad often feels like an impossible dream due to financial and systemic barriers. The Polish Government, through the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), is changing this narrative. By offering the NAWA Scholarships 2025/2026, Poland provides an inclusive opportunity for talented individuals to access advanced education in some of Europe’s most respected universities.

This initiative is not just about funding degrees, it’s about nurturing future leaders, innovators, and changemakers who can use their knowledge to transform societies. Recipients gain exposure to high-quality education, cross-cultural exchange, and international collaboration—equipping them with the tools needed to tackle global challenges.

Goals and Vision of the NAWA Scholarship Programme

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarships were created with long-term, sustainable goals in mind. They aim to:

Promote Equal Access to Education: Ensuring that financial hardship is not a barrier to achieving academic excellence.
Foster Research and Innovation: Encouraging students to engage in groundbreaking research that contributes to science, technology, and social development.
Strengthen International Partnerships: Positioning Poland as a hub for academic cooperation while building bridges between Europe and developing regions.
Develop Future Global Leaders: Empowering graduates to return home as professionals who can contribute to policy-making, industry growth, and community upliftment.
Support Priority Fields: Aligning with global needs such as food security, sustainable agriculture, clean energy, healthcare innovation, and digital technologies.

Fields of Study and Academic Opportunities

The NAWA programme is highly structured and focuses on fields of study with global relevance.

1. Engineering & Technical Sciences

Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer, and Environmental Engineering.
Research opportunities in AI, robotics, and renewable energy.

2. Agricultural Sciences

Crop production, sustainable farming, food technology, soil science, and agribusiness.
Designed for students committed to tackling global food insecurity.

3. Life Sciences

Medicine, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Environmental Studies, and Public Health.
Access to cutting-edge laboratories and medical research centers.

4. Exact Sciences

Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, and Data Science.
Opportunities for interdisciplinary research and innovation.

In some cases, select programmes in Economics and Social Sciences may also be available, depending on participating universities.

Benefits of the NAWA Scholarship

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarships are fully funded, covering all aspects of study and living. Recipients enjoy:

1. Financial Support

Tuition Fees: 100% coverage of study fees at public universities.
Monthly Stipend (~PLN 2,500 / €580): Covers accommodation, meals, transport, and personal needs.
Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare between your home country and Poland.

2. Academic Support

Research Funding: Grants for lab work, field research, conferences, and publications.
Access to Facilities: Modern libraries, laboratories, digital learning platforms, and innovation hubs.
Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professors and international research supervisors.

3. Health & Well-Being

Comprehensive Health Insurance: Ensures you are covered for medical care during your studies.
Counselling & Student Support Services: To help scholars adjust to new environments.

4. Personal & Cultural Development

Free Polish Language Classes: One-year preparatory programme for Polish-taught tracks.
Cultural Exchange: Opportunities to engage in student events, cultural trips, and international societies.
Networking Opportunities: Interaction with students, academics, and industry leaders from around the globe.

Eligibility Criteria for NAWA 2025/2026

To qualify for the NAWA Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

1. Citizenship

Must be a citizen of a developing country (priority given to Africa, Asia, and Latin America).

2. Academic Requirements

Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) by 2025.
Excellent academic performance (top 15–20% of class recommended).
Strong foundation in the chosen field of study.

3. Age Requirement

Typically under 30 years old at the time of application (varies slightly by programme).

4. Language Proficiency

English Track: Minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90.
Polish Track: Basic knowledge of Polish OR willingness to take a one-year preparatory language course.

5. Personal Commitment

Demonstrated leadership potential and community engagement.
Clear plan to return home and contribute to local development.

6. Additional Requirements

A personal statement (500–1,000 words) explaining academic goals and career aspirations.
Letters of recommendation from professors or professionals.
Proof of financial need may be required in some cases.

Application Process

Applying for the NAWA Scholarship requires careful attention to detail:

Step 1: Research Programs and Universities

Review the list of Polish universities under NAWA.
Identify which programs align with your field of interest.
Confirm admission requirements for your chosen course.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Updated CV with relevant achievements.
Language proficiency certificate (English or Polish).
Personal statement or motivation essay.
Two or more recommendation letters.
Research proposal (for research-intensive programs).

Step 3: Apply Online

Log in to the official NAWA application portal.
Fill out the application form carefully.
Upload all documents in PDF format.
Submit before the deadline (no late applications accepted).

Step 4: Selection & Interviews

Applications are reviewed for academic merit and motivation.
Shortlisted candidates may face online interviews.
Final decision is based on merit, leadership, and potential impact.

Step 5: Final Results

Successful candidates will be notified by September 2025.
Acceptance instructions and visa guidance will follow.

Key Dates for NAWA 2025/2026

Applications Open: May 20, 2025
Deadline for Submissions: June 27, 2025
Shortlisting & Review: July 2025
Results Published: By September 30, 2025
Start of Classes: October 2025 (Winter semester)

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Start Early: Give yourself 2–3 months to prepare documents.
Highlight Leadership: Emphasize any community service, volunteer work, or leadership roles.
Be Specific in Motivation Statement: Link your academic field to real problems in your home country.
Choose Strong Referees: Select professors or professionals who know your academic and personal qualities.
Tailor Each Application: Customize your personal statement for the specific programme/university.
Prepare for the Interview: Practice explaining your goals, leadership experiences, and how you’ll use the scholarship.

Why Poland?

Poland is becoming a leading academic hub in Central Europe, offering:

High-ranking universities such as the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Warsaw University of Technology.
Affordable living costs compared to Western Europe.
A vibrant cultural scene with historic cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk.
Strategic location giving access to the EU job market and research networks.
A welcoming environment for international students (over 85,000 study in Poland annually).

Conclusion

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarships 2025/2026 are an invitation to become part of a global community of innovators and leaders. With full financial coverage, access to world-class universities, and exposure to European culture, this scholarship equips scholars with knowledge, resilience, and global networks to make lasting change.