University admission in Europe

There is no central admission system – each university runs its own admissions, usually through its online registration system (often called IRK). You create an account, choose your programmes, upload your documents and pay the application fee.

Universities must publish their admission rules by 30 June of the year before the academic year concerned, so you have more than a year to prepare. Each university sets its own registration dates. According to NAWA, admissions for bachelor's and master's programmes usually open in April or May and can last up to six months.

For a first-cycle or long-cycle programme you need a secondary school leaving certificate that gives access to higher education in the country where it was issued. Certificates issued in EU, OECD and EFTA countries, as well as IB and EB diplomas, are recognised in Poland by law; other certificates usually have to be recognised by a regional education authority (kuratorium) first. If your certificate is not in Polish or English, add a translation.

For a second-cycle programme you need a first-cycle degree; the university sets the criteria (grade average, interview, exam).

Admission results are public. If you are refused, you can appeal to the rector.

If you come from outside the EU, apply as early as you can: you need your admission letter to apply for a visa, and consulate appointments can take a long time (see: Residence and formalities).