Are you dreaming of advancing your education at a world-class institution and gaining international experience? Imagine pursuing a Master’s degree in cutting-edge fields like engineering, life sciences, or exact sciences, all while immersing yourself in a new culture. The Polish government, through the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), offers a remarkable opportunity to make this dream a reality for students from developing countries.
The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme is designed to foster socio-economic progress by empowering talented individuals from eligible nations. This scholarship not only covers your studies but also provides financial support to help you focus on your academic journey. If you’re ready to take a significant step forward in your academic and professional life, understanding this scholarship is your first move.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about the Poland Government Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme. We’ll explore what it offers, who can apply, the necessary documents, and the step-by-step application process. Get ready to discover how you can secure your place at a Polish university and build a brighter future.
What is the Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme?
The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme is a Polish development aid initiative. Its primary goal is to support the socio-economic development of specific developing countries. It achieves this by providing scholarships for citizens of these nations to pursue second-cycle (Master’s) studies in Poland.
The scholarship is a collaborative effort between the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NAWA. It focuses on fields that are crucial for economic growth and innovation. By investing in the education of international students, Poland aims to build stronger global partnerships and contribute to the advancement of knowledge worldwide.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Stefan Banach Scholarship offers substantial financial support to ease the burden of studying abroad. This coverage is designed to allow scholarship holders to concentrate fully on their academic pursuits.
Financial Benefits
- Preparatory Course: Scholarship holders pursuing a one-year preparatory course receive PLN 1,700 per month. During this phase, they do not have student status, meaning they won’t receive student discounts.
- Master’s Studies: For the duration of their second-cycle studies, scholarship holders receive PLN 1,500 per month.
- Additional Support:
- The first monthly scholarship payment in the first year of studies is increased by PLN 500.
- The final monthly scholarship payment in the last year of studies is also increased by PLN 500.
- In exceptional, documented circumstances, the NAWA Director may grant an additional PLN 500 increase to a monthly scholarship payment once.
Scholarship payments are disbursed through the institution where the student is enrolled, whether it’s a preparatory course center or a university.
Which Fields of Study Are Eligible?
The Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme prioritizes specific academic disciplines that are key to technological and scientific advancement. Applicants must be pursuing studies within these areas to be considered.
The eligible fields of study include:
- Engineering and Technical Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Exact Sciences
- Life Sciences
It is important to note that participation in the Programme is not possible for other fields of science.
Who Can Apply for the Stefan Banach Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Stefan Banach Scholarship, candidates must meet a set of specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the scholarship reaches students who can benefit most from it and contribute to their home countries.
General Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of one of the designated developing countries. These include nations such as Albania, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Palestine, Peru, the Philippines, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
- No Polish Citizenship: You must not hold Polish citizenship and must not have applied for it.
- Study Level: You must be planning to start second-cycle (Master’s) studies or a preparatory course.
- Previous Education:
- You should be in your final year of first-cycle (Bachelor’s) studies in engineering, agricultural, exact, or natural sciences.
- Alternatively, you must have obtained a first-cycle diploma in these fields no earlier than 2020 from a country covered by the Programme.
- For candidates from Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus, first-cycle diplomas in social sciences and humanities are also accepted.
- No Master’s Diploma: You must not have already obtained a Master’s degree or equivalent long-cycle degree.
- Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in either Polish or English, depending on your intended study language.
- For Polish-taught studies: Minimum A2 level for those starting with a preparatory course, or B1 level for direct entry into Master’s studies.
- For English-taught studies: Minimum B2 level.
Special Provisions for Humanities and Social Sciences
Citizens of specific European and Central Asian countries (Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) can pursue Master’s studies in humanities and social sciences. However, this excludes philological studies in their native language.
What Documents Are Required?
Gathering the correct documentation is a critical part of your scholarship application. Each document must be accurate and meet the specified requirements to ensure your application is complete.
The required documents typically include:
- Application Form: Completed electronically through the NAWA ICT system.
- Diploma/Certificate: A copy of your first-cycle diploma or a certificate confirming your academic average from your first-cycle studies. If your country does not have a two-cycle system, a Master’s diploma or equivalent is acceptable.
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts detailing your grades from your first-cycle studies.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Proof of your Polish language skills (A2 or B1) or English language skills (B2), as required.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A document outlining your academic and professional background.
- Motivation Letter: A statement explaining your reasons for applying, your academic goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Recommendation Letters: Letters from academic or professional references who can attest to your abilities and potential.
- Passport: A copy of your valid passport.
- Proof of Citizenship: Documents confirming your nationality.
Always check the official scholarship announcement for the most up-to-date and complete list of required documents, as requirements can sometimes change.
How to Apply for the Stefan Banach Scholarship
The application process for the Stefan Banach Scholarship is conducted entirely online. Following these steps carefully will help you submit a strong and complete application.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Visit the Official Portal: Access the NAWA ICT system, which is the official platform for submitting your application. You can usually find a link to this portal on the NAWA website or through the scholarship announcement.
- Create an Account: Register for an account on the NAWA ICT system if you don’t already have one.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately and thoroughly. Ensure all personal details, academic history, and program choices are entered correctly. The application can be completed in either Polish or English.
- Upload Required Documents: Scan and upload all necessary supporting documents as specified in the scholarship requirements. Make sure each document is clear, legible, and in the correct format (usually PDF).
- Review Your Application: Before submitting, carefully review your entire application for any errors or omissions. Double-check all information, especially your contact details and chosen field of study.
- Submit Your Application: Once you are satisfied with your application, submit it electronically through the system before the deadline. You should receive a confirmation once your submission is successful.
- Await Results: The results of the scholarship call will be announced by the specified date, typically around June 20th for the 2026 intake.
It is highly recommended to start the application process well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. Familiarize yourself with all application requirements before you begin.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Poland Government Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme for the 2026 intake is June 20th, 2026.
It is crucial to submit your complete application, including all supporting documents, by this date. Late applications will not be considered. Plan your application process accordingly to ensure you meet this deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
Crafting a compelling scholarship application requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you stand out and increase your chances of success.
- Choose Your Program Wisely: Select a Master’s program that aligns with your academic background and career aspirations. Ensure it falls within the eligible fields of study.
- Excel in Your Studies: Your academic record is a significant factor in the selection process. Aim for the highest possible grades in your current studies.
- Craft a Powerful Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate why you want to study in Poland, your specific academic interests, and how this scholarship will enable you to achieve your goals. Connect your aspirations to the scholarship’s aim of promoting socio-economic progress.
- Secure Strong Recommendation Letters: Ask professors or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential. Provide them with your CV and information about the scholarship.
- Demonstrate Language Proficiency: If you are applying for studies in Polish, ensure you meet the A2 or B1 level requirements. For English-taught programs, a B2 level is necessary. Prepare for any language tests if required.
- Proofread Everything: Before submitting, meticulously check your entire application for any grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistencies. A polished application shows attention to detail.
- Understand the Selection Criteria: The selection process considers recommendations from diplomatic missions, NGOs, or universities (40%) and the average grade from your first-cycle studies (60%). Focus on strengthening these areas.
- Start Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Give yourself ample time to gather documents, write your motivation letter, and complete the online form. This also allows you to seek clarification if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme?
It’s a Polish development aid initiative offering scholarships for citizens of developing countries to pursue Master’s studies in Poland, focusing on fields like engineering, life sciences, and exact sciences.
What does the Stefan Banach Scholarship cover?
The scholarship provides monthly financial support for preparatory courses (PLN 1,700) and Master’s studies (PLN 1,500), with additional payments in the first and last year of studies.
Who is eligible to apply for the Stefan Banach Scholarship?
Eligibility requires citizenship from a designated developing country, no Polish citizenship, plans to start Master’s studies or a preparatory course, and specific academic qualifications and language proficiency (A2/B1 for Polish, B2 for English).
What is the application deadline for the Stefan Banach Scholarship?
The application deadline for the 2026 intake is June 20th, 2026. All applications must be submitted online through the NAWA ICT system by this date.
