Poland offers a well-developed system of student financial support — from merit-based rector's scholarships to need-based social grants and special disability allowances. In 2026, scholarship amounts have been increased at most public universities in line with inflation adjustments. Whether you are a Polish student or an international student enrolled at a Polish uczelnia, this guide explains every main type of support, how much you can receive, and how to apply.
Who Can Apply for Polish Student Scholarships?
Most scholarships at public Polish universities are available to full-time students (studenci stacjonarni) enrolled in first-cycle (licencjat/inżynier), second-cycle (magister) or long-cycle (jednolite magisterskie) programmes. Part-time students (zaoczni) at public universities also qualify for social scholarships but often have restricted access to merit scholarships. Students at private universities (uczelnie prywatne) may have access to similar schemes funded internally.
EU citizens studying in Poland generally have the same rights as Polish students. Non-EU international students on a full degree programme may access need-based support; check with your university's student affairs office (dziekanat).
Types of Scholarships Available
1. Stypendium Rektora — Rector's Scholarship (Merit-Based)
Awarded to the best-performing students at each university, typically the top 10% in each year group of each programme. Criteria usually include GPA (average grade), academic achievements, artistic accomplishments or sporting success.
Amounts in 2026: Typically 600–1 800 PLN per month, paid for 9–10 months of the academic year. At large universities such as UW (University of Warsaw) or AGH (Kraków), top-tier recipients may receive up to 2 000 PLN/month.
How to apply: Submit an application to your faculty dean's office (dziekanat) at the start of each academic year — usually October. You need to provide your transcript (zaświadczenie o ocenach) from the previous year. First-year students apply based on their matura (A-level equivalent) results.
2. Stypendium Socjalne — Social Scholarship (Need-Based)
Available to students whose family income per person is below the university's income threshold. In 2026, this threshold at most universities is 1 294.40 PLN net per month per family member, though universities may set this higher. Students from particularly difficult financial circumstances may receive an enhanced amount.
Amounts in 2026: Typically 600–1 500 PLN per month. Students living away from home (outside their family's gmina) may receive an additional accommodation supplement of 200–400 PLN/month.
How to apply: Submit income declarations for all family members, tax returns (PIT) from the previous year, and supporting documentation (e.g., disability certificates, court orders for children). Apply at the start of each semester.
3. Stypendium Dla Osób Niepełnosprawnych — Disability Scholarship
Available to students with a certified disability (orzeczenie o niepełnosprawności). Amount depends on the degree of disability:
- Mild disability: 400–700 PLN/month
- Moderate disability: 600–900 PLN/month
- Severe disability: 800–1 200 PLN/month
Apply with your current disability certificate. No income threshold — any student with a valid certificate qualifies.
4. Stypendium Sportowe — Sports Scholarship
For students who are members of the national sports team or competing at high levels. Awarded by universities or the Ministry of Sport. Amounts vary: 400–1 500 PLN/month at university level; up to 3 000 PLN/month for Olympic or Paralympic team members from the Ministry.
5. Stypendium Ministra — Minister's Scholarship
A prestigious award for the most outstanding students nationally — for significant scientific, artistic or sporting achievements. Only a limited number are awarded annually (a few hundred across all Polish universities). Amount: 17 000 PLN as a one-off award (2026). Applied for through your university.
6. Zapomoga — Emergency Financial Grant
A one-off grant for students facing sudden, unexpected financial hardship — serious illness, death of a family member, natural disaster. Students may apply up to twice per year. Amounts: 500–3 000 PLN per grant, depending on circumstances and university funding.
Can You Combine Multiple Scholarships?
Yes. Polish law allows students to receive the social scholarship, rector's scholarship, disability scholarship and sports scholarship simultaneously. You cannot receive two scholarships of the same type simultaneously. There is no overall combined cap, though some universities set internal limits.
Key Deadlines
- October: Main application window for all scholarships at most universities
- February: Second-semester applications for social and disability scholarships
- May–June: Minister's scholarship nominations (submitted by university)
Private and External Scholarships
Beyond university-administered programmes, Polish students may also apply for scholarships from the Fundacja Edukacyjna Perspektywy, the Fundacja PZU, Fundacja KGHM, regional Marshal's office (Marszałek Województwa) and EU-funded programmes. These range from 500 to 3 000 PLN/month and often target specific fields (STEM, humanities, fine arts).
Calculate your scholarship eligibility and estimate your total student income support using the education financial calculators at Liczbnik.pl.