Silesian University of Technology START Scholarship 2026
Are you a young scholar aiming to launch or elevate your research career in Poland? The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) has officially opened applications for its START 2026 competition — and the Silesian University of Technology (SUT) is proudly supporting this call as a major opportunity for its community.
This program is among the most prestigious national scholarships for young researchers and provides a valuable platform for early-career scientists to develop their skills, strengthen their research independence, and gain national recognition for academic excellence.
About the Silesian University of Technology
The Silesian University of Technology, located in Gliwice with campuses in Katowice and Zabrze, is one of Poland’s leading technical universities. It is recognized for its commitment to research and innovation, offering a supportive environment for emerging scientists across disciplines such as engineering, applied sciences, and technology.
Over the years, many students and researchers from the university have been recognized through national programs such as START, reflecting its strong culture of research excellence and mentoring.
About the START Scholarship
The START Scholarship by the Foundation for Polish Science is the oldest and most respected scholarship for young scientists in Poland. It was created to encourage exceptional young researchers to continue their academic journeys in the country and to reward high-quality scientific achievements that contribute to the progress of knowledge and innovation.
Each year, around 100 scholarships are awarded to researchers representing all scientific disciplines. The annual value of each scholarship is PLN 30,000, which recipients can use to support their research and professional development.
As highlighted by the Foundation, the START program is more than financial aid—it is a national symbol of appreciation for young people who dedicate themselves to advancing science and innovation in Poland.
Why Apply Through Silesian University of Technology?
Being part of the Silesian University of Technology community gives applicants a strong foundation for success. Scholars can benefit from:
- Guidance and mentorship from experienced researchers.
- Access to laboratories and research infrastructure.
- Administrative and academic support during the application process.
- A network of past laureates and peers who have participated in similar national programs.
These factors can enhance the strength of the application and highlight the university’s research excellence in national competition contexts.
Eligibility Criteria
The START 2026 competition is open to young scientists across Poland who meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be no older than 30 years in the year of application.
- They must demonstrate significant research achievements backed by publications, awards, or practical contributions.
- Applicants can come from any scientific discipline, including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
- The main criterion for evaluation is the quality and originality of the applicant’s research.
The selection process includes several stages of peer review, conducted by leading experts in each scientific field.
Additional Opportunities
In addition to the main scholarship, the program provides:
- Special awards for the top-rated applications.
- Funding for research stays abroad, allowing scholars to collaborate internationally and expand their scientific networks.
Since its establishment, the START program has supported more than 3,600 young scientists, providing financial support exceeding PLN 99.5 million in total.
Application Timeline
Applications for the START 2026 Scholarship at the Silesian University of Technology are currently open. The application deadline is 5 November 2025, and the results will be announced in the second quarter of 2026. The START competition is organized once per year, and all applications must be submitted online through the official system of the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP).
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their documents early and ensure that all required materials are uploaded before the closing date to avoid disqualification.
Summary & Call to Action
The START 2026 Scholarship offers young researchers at the Silesian University of Technology a powerful opportunity to gain recognition and support for their scientific work.
- Scholarship amount: PLN 30,000 per year
- Number of awards: Approximately 100 annually
- Eligibility: Researchers under 30 years old from all scientific disciplines
- Deadline: 5 November 2025
- Results: Announced in the second quarter of 2026
This program not only provides financial support but also symbolizes national recognition for young scientific talent in Poland.
Aspiring applicants should begin preparing early—gather recommendation letters, summarize their best research contributions, and work closely with their supervisors to ensure a strong, well-presented submission.
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