Poland NAWA Banach Scholarships 2026

Posted 2026-04-19 13:00:11

Poland NAWA Banach Scholarships 2026

Poland has quietly transformed into one of the most generous scholarship destinations for students from the Global South. Its flagship postgraduate programme has just reopened. The Prof. Stefan Banach Programme, administered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) in partnership with Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offers fully funded master’s scholarships to citizens of 37 eligible countries starting from the 2026/27 winter semester. Applications close on 8 May 2026 .

This scholarship provides a structured, government funded package. It covers monthly living costs, offers full tuition exemption at public universities, and even includes international travel costs to reach Poland.

What the Scholarship Actually Covers

The financial package is comprehensive and designed to remove every barrier to your education. Here is exactly what selected scholars receive :

Monthly Stipend: You receive PLN 2,500 per month, paid for up to 12 months per academic year. This begins from your first month of studies or from September 2026 if you start with the preparatory course.
Full Tuition Waiver: Public Polish universities waive your tuition completely under the programme.
International Travel: A one time lump sum covers your travel costs to Poland at the start of the scholarship.
Preparatory Path: Students who do not yet meet the language threshold for direct master’s entry can opt for a fully funded one year Polish language preparatory course. This serves as a genuine on ramp, not a consolation option.

Polish or English: Two Ways In

The programme offers two distinct scholarship paths, and the choice you make at application binds for the full duration .

The Polish Language Path: This suits applicants who already hold B2 Polish proficiency. Alternatively, you can complete the one year NAWA preparatory course at B1 level first.
The English Language Path: This allows applicants with B2 English to study entirely in English at a partner university. You will also complete a short Polish language and culture course scheduled for September or October 2026.

Who Can Apply

The programme opens itself to citizens of 37 countries across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Eligible countries include India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Brazil, Peru, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Palestine, among many others .

Here are the key eligibility requirements:

Degree Status: You must hold a first cycle (bachelor’s) degree obtained no earlier than 2024. Alternatively, you can be completing your final semester with graduation expected by 15 July 2026 .
First Time Only: You cannot have previously received a NAWA scholarship. You also must not hold or be seeking Polish citizenship .
Language Proficiency: You need documented B2 English for the English path, or A2/B2 Polish for the Polish path depending on your chosen track.

How Selection Works

The scoring system clearly prioritises academic performance. Here is the breakdown:

Academic Grades: Up to 70 of 110 possible points come directly from the grade average on your undergraduate transcript. This is the single most important factor.
Video Self Presentation: You receive up to 30 points for a 1–3 minute video in which you articulate your academic goals, explain your rationale for choosing Poland, and describe the expected impact of the degree on your career.
Recommendation Letter: An optional letter from a Polish diplomatic mission can carry up to 10 additional points.

You need a minimum of 70 total points to receive a positive assessment. Crucially, at least 50 of those must come from the academic grades criterion .

One practical point deserves special attention. You must independently apply for admission to your chosen Polish university. NAWA does not mediate this process. Your application to NAWA and your university application run in parallel. You must pursue both simultaneously.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

The Deadline and The Quota System

The application deadline is 8 May 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Warsaw time. However, a quota system means applications close per country as soon as 200–300 submissions are received. Also, this could happen well ahead of the official deadline. Citizens of eligible countries should treat that date as a ceiling, not a target .

Start your university admission process in parallel with your NAWA application right now. Visit the official NAWA website, review the full call for applications, and submit your materials before your country’s quota fills. Your fully funded master’s degree in Poland awaits.