You can study for free in Poland if you manage to win a fully-funded scholarship there in 2026. For international students, Poland is no longer a hidden gem — it’s a gateway to Europe’s heart, where centuries-old universities meet cutting-edge labs, and where tuition fees that can crush dreams elsewhere are replaced by fully funded scholarships, monthly stipends, research allowances, and even chances to train in U.S. laboratories.
Think about it: while other countries demand proof of deep pockets, Poland welcomes you with government-backed scholarships, NAWA’s flagship programs, UNESCO fellowships, and university grants that cover everything from your dorm bed to your dissertation costs. Here, you won’t just save money — you’ll gain academic prestige, EU mobility, and international research exposure that can rival or even surpass what you’d find elsewhere.
That’s why the 17 Polish scholarships and fellowships opening for 2026–2027 are not just opportunities — they’re your passport to a fully funded future in Europe. From the Łukasiewicz Scholarships for master’s students to the prestigious BioLAB Program in the United States, these programs are designed to help you learn, research, and thrive without financial barriers.
So, if you’re serious about studying abroad without sinking into debt, Poland must be your first choice in 2026. Let’s walk you through each of these scholarships — and show you how to claim your seat at Poland’s top universities and beyond.
Get Ready Now: Poland Scholarships 2026–2027 Are Coming
The 17 scholarships and fellowships in Poland for 2026–2027 are set to open their application windows soon — many as early as January through June 2026. From Łukasiewicz Master’s Scholarships and NAWA Banach Programs to the prestigious BioLAB Fellowship in the U.S., these opportunities will attract thousands of applicants worldwide.
That means now is the time for international students to prepare their documents: transcripts, CV, research proposals, English proficiency proof, and recommendation letters. By getting everything ready in advance, you’ll be among the first to apply once the calls open — giving yourself a real competitive edge.
If studying for free in Poland with full financial support is your dream, don’t wait until deadlines are near. 2026 is your chance — and preparation starts today.
List of Scholarships in Poland Opening for Applications in 2026
Following 17 Polish government funded programs will be recruiting international students in MS and PhD Disciplines in 2026:
1# Government of Poland Łukasiewicz Scholarships
Dreaming of a Master’s in Europe without the financial stress? The Łukasiewicz Scholarships are Poland’s flagship NAWA-backed program designed for international students who want to pursue their Master’s degree in fields like engineering, IT, arts, and social sciences. With a two-year study duration, winners receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of about 1700 PLN, relocation support, and dissertation funding. The next call for applications is expected in spring 2026, opening the door for your studies in the 2026–2027 academic year.
2# University of Warsaw PhD Fellowships
Want to research at one of Poland’s most prestigious universities? The University of Warsaw offers limited but powerful PhD fellowships in physics, focusing on optics, nanostructures, and imaging. These are multi-year doctoral fellowships with varying stipends depending on the department, tailored for candidates with strong academic records in scientific fields. Applications typically open in mid-2026, aligning with doctoral school admission rounds.
3# Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) Scholarships
Looking for a Bachelor’s or Master’s program with full support? UMCS in Lublin offers scholarships in International Relations, Business Analytics, Tourism, and more. The program runs for the full study duration (3–4 years bachelor’s, 2 years master’s) and covers tuition fees completely, with added professional development opportunities. The new application cycle for scholarships will be announced in early 2026, alongside admissions.
4# Ulam International Programme (NAWA)
Already have your PhD and want to supercharge your research career? The Ulam International Programme funds postdoctoral scientists in STEM who earned their doctorate abroad. Fellowships last up to 24 months, with 10,000 PLN monthly support and travel allowances. The next call for proposals is expected in spring 2026, making it one of Poland’s top draws for research talent worldwide.
5# SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities Scholarships
Passionate about English studies and want a tuition-free start? SWPS University offers up to 10 scholarships annually for its 3-year BA in English program. These awards cover first-year tuition and are aimed at international undergraduates with strong academic potential. The application window is expected to reopen in mid-2026.
6# Gdańsk University of Technology PhD Scholarships
Want to join Poland’s oldest technical university as a funded PhD scholar? Gdańsk Tech offers four-year doctoral scholarships worth 2000 PLN per month, designed for outstanding international researchers. Applications typically align with doctoral school admissions in summer 2026, with classes starting in October.
7# Łazarski University Foundation Scholarships
Struggling with tuition but not with ambition? The Łazarski University Foundation provides up to 20,000 PLN annually for Bachelor’s and Master’s students in any field. Scholarships cover either partial or full tuition for the entire degree duration and are open to both new and current students. The next application cycle is expected in spring–summer 2026.
8# NAWA Poland My First Choice
First-time students in Poland — this one’s for you! NAWA’s Poland My First Choice program helps international students begin their two-year Master’s journey in Poland with tuition waivers and monthly stipends. The call is expected to launch in April 2026, making it a top pick for newcomers aiming to start in fall 2026.
9# NAWA Banach Scholarship Programme
Want a fully funded Master’s with NAWA’s support? The Banach Scholarship Programme offers tuition-free studies plus a stipend for international students from partner countries in STEM and social sciences. Programs last two years, and applications are expected to reopen in June 2026, with results announced in September.
10# NAWA POLONISTA Programme
Passionate about Polish language and culture? The POLONISTA program supports Master’s, PhD, and research stays for international scholars of Polish studies. Duration ranges from one semester to full degree cycles, covering tuition, stipends, and research costs. Expect the next call for applications in February 2026.
11# UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships
Ever thought of combining UNESCO prestige with Polish innovation? These six-month fellowships at AGH University in Kraków offer fully funded research placements in science and technology. Fellows receive living support, insurance, and lab access. Calls usually appear around mid-2026, with placements running from late 2026 to 2027.
12# National Science Centre (NCN) ETIUDA Doctoral Scholarships
Already a PhD student in Poland and want extra funding? ETIUDA offers doctoral stipends plus mobility grants for research abroad. Awards run for up to 12 months, giving doctoral students the financial freedom to focus on research. The next call is expected in early 2026 as part of NCN’s annual funding rounds.
13# Visegrad Fund Scholarships
Looking for a regional fellowship across Central Europe? The Visegrad Fund supports Master’s and post-Master’s study or research in Poland (and other V4 countries). Grants last 1–2 semesters and provide monthly stipends plus institutional support. The 2026/27 application cycle is expected to open in spring 2026.
14# Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program
Are you a young professional ready to study and intern in Poland? The Lane Kirkland Program funds one-year postgraduate non-degree studies plus internships for participants from Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It covers tuition, stipend, accommodation, insurance, and travel. The next application round will likely open in January 2026 and close by March.
15# Lane Kirkland Research Program
Already an experienced academic? This program offers one-semester research stays in Poland for PhD holders from partner countries. Fellows get stipends, research support, and housing benefits. The next cycle is expected in early 2026, with fellowships starting in fall.
16# Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (with Polish universities)
Want an EU degree recognized worldwide? Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters often include Polish universities in their consortia. These 2-year programs cover tuition, travel, and monthly stipends. Calls usually open in October 2025 and close by January 2026, perfect timing for a fall 2026 start.
17# BioLAB Program (Fulbright Commission Poland)
Want to spend a year in the U.S. conducting research as a Polish-based graduate student? The BioLAB Program offers 12-month traineeships for Master’s and PhD students in Poland studying life sciences, biophysics, and medical fields. Fellows are hosted at top U.S. labs like the University of Virginia and University of Chicago. Benefits include full funding, visa sponsorship, medical insurance, and research compensation. The next call will be announced in October 2025 for the 2026–2027 cohort.
With these 17 scholarships, international students can turn Poland into their launchpad for world-class education and research — without the financial burden.