Admissions & Application to Polish Universities - Study in Poland

Admissions & Application to Polish Universities

Applying to Polish universities is generally more straightforward than in many Western European countries. There is no centralised national platform like UCAS (UK) or Parcoursup (France) — instead, you apply to each university individually through their own systems. This guide covers every route and requirement so you know exactly what to expect.

Which Application Route Is Yours?

The first step is identifying your correct pathway:

The IRK Online Application System

The IRK (Internetowa Rejestracja Kandydatow) is the online admissions portal used by most Polish public universities. Here is how it works:

Step-by-step IRK process

1. Find your university's IRK portal — search "[university name] IRK" or go to the university website and look for "Recruitment" or "Admissions"
2. Create an account — register with your email, personal details, and create a password
3. Select your language — most IRK portals offer English as an alternative to Polish
4. Browse available programs — filter by field, level, and language of instruction
5. Select your program(s) — you can usually apply to multiple programs at the same university
6. Upload required documents — scans of diplomas, transcripts, language certificates, passport
7. Pay the application fee — typically EUR 20-50 (PLN 85-200), payable by bank transfer or online
8. Track your application — the IRK system shows your application status in real time
9. Receive decision — admission, rejection, or waitlist notification through the system
10. Accept and confirm — confirm your acceptance and submit original documents

IRK timeline for October intake

Timelines vary by university and program. Medical programs often have earlier deadlines (January-March). Always check your target university's specific dates.

Direct Application to International Offices

Some universities — particularly private institutions and certain programs — accept applications directly through their international admissions office rather than (or in addition to) IRK.

How direct application works

1. Contact the international office — by email or through the university website's application form
2. Receive application instructions — the office sends you specific requirements and forms
3. Submit documents — by email, online form, or postal mail
4. Interview — some programs (especially business schools) conduct admissions interviews (online or in person)
5. Receive decision — usually by email with an official admission letter
6. Confirm and pay — accept the offer and pay the required deposit

Direct application is common at:

• Kozminski University — online application through their own portal
• SWPS University — direct application with interview
• Lazarski University — direct application
• Many medical universities — have their own application processes for English-taught programs
• Vistula University — direct application

Required Documents

Here is a comprehensive list of documents you may need. Not all are required for every program — check your specific university's requirements.

Essential documents (required by virtually all programs)

Additional documents (required by some programs)

About sworn translations

Sworn translations are legally certified translations that carry official weight in Poland. Key points:

• Must be done by a tlumacz przysiely — a sworn translator registered with the Polish Ministry of Justice
• You can find registered sworn translators at: the Ministry of Justice online registry, Polish consulates abroad, or reputable translation agencies
• Cost: approximately EUR 15-50 per page (varies by language and document complexity)
• Some universities accept English-language documents without Polish translation — always confirm
• Documents in languages using non-Latin scripts (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic) always require sworn translation

About the apostille

An apostille authenticates the origin of your public documents (diplomas, birth certificates) for international use under the Hague Convention:

• Hague Convention countries — obtain an apostille from your country's designated authority (usually Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, or a notary authority)
• Non-Hague Convention countries — your documents need full legalisation through the Polish embassy or consulate in your country
• The apostille must be on the original document (or sometimes on a notarised copy)
• Some countries issue apostilles electronically — check if Poland accepts these (most do)

Admissions Criteria

What Polish universities look for depends on the program type:

Bachelor's programs

Master's programs

Medical programs

Application Tips for Success

1. Apply early — many programs have rolling admissions, meaning earlier applicants have better chances. Do not wait until the deadline.
2. Prepare a strong motivation letter — explain specifically why you chose this program at this university (not a generic letter). Research the program's strengths and mention them.
3. Get quality translations — poorly translated documents can cause delays or rejection. Use registered sworn translators.
4. Follow document requirements exactly — if they ask for certified copies, provide certified copies. If they want specific photo dimensions, match them precisely.
5. Contact the admissions office — if you have questions, email the international admissions office. Polish universities are generally responsive and helpful.
6. Keep copies of everything — scan all documents before sending originals. Keep copies of application forms, payment confirmations, and correspondence.
7. Check deadlines carefully — each university and program may have different deadlines. Medical programs often close earlier than others.
8. Prepare for entrance exams — if your program requires them, start studying months in advance. Biology and chemistry for medical programs are particularly demanding.

Application Timeline — Comprehensive

For October (winter semester) intake

For February (summer semester) intake

After Receiving Your Admission Letter

Once you are admitted, you will receive an official admission letter (zaswiadczenie o przyjciu na studia). This document is crucial because:

• You need it for your visa application (non-EU students)
• It confirms your program, start date, and tuition fees
• It may be required for scholarship applications
• You will need it for dormitory applications

Keep the original safe and make several copies. You will present it multiple times during your visa process, arrival, and registration.

Next Steps

With your application submitted or offer in hand:

1. Calculate costs and find funding — build a complete budget and find scholarships
2. Prepare for your visa — visa types, documents, and arrival steps
3. Discover student life — cities, housing, transport, and culture
4. Explore career opportunities — part-time work, internships, and post-graduation pathways