Polonista NAWA Scholarship 2026

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has opened the call for applications for the Polonista NAWA Scholarship Programme. This initiative offers foreign nationals interested in Polish language and culture an opportunity to pursue studies or carry out research projects in Poland. The aim of the programme is to promote the Polish language and popularise Polish studies and research internationally.

If you are a student, doctoral candidate, or researcher passionate about Polish culture, this scholarship could be your gateway to studying in Poland. For students exploring other fully funded opportunities in Poland, you can browse fully funded scholarships in Poland  to discover additional programmes.

Programme Overview

The Polonista NAWA programme provides a framework for projects in fields such as:

• Literary studies

• Polish language teaching (glottodidactics)

• History

• Art history

• Comparative studies

Enthusiasts of Polish culture from around the world can undertake studies or conduct research at Polish academic institutions, fostering the exchange of experience and the integration of the academic community. To date, the programme has supported 281 participants from 26 countries, including 225 students and doctoral candidates as well as 56 researchers.

For students also considering study options in other European countries, you can explore latest scholarships in Germany  to compare opportunities.

Who Can Apply – Three Categories

Students – May apply for scholarships for full or partial Polish studies lasting one or two semesters. Applicants choose the university at which they plan to study. The field of study should be consistent with the programme at their home university. Applicants must obtain consent from the host university.

Doctoral Candidates – Eligible for monthly financial support during their stay in Poland.

Researchers – Foreign researchers may carry out research projects lasting from 3 to 12 months at Polish universities and scientific institutions. Projects may include conducting scientific research (including cooperation with Polish scientists), obtaining research materials or publications, postdoctoral internships, conducting classes, or intensive Polish language learning.

Polish Researchers & Academic Teachers – May apply for mobility to foreign institutions offering Polish studies, Polish area studies, or Slavic studies with Polish as a language of instruction (at least at bachelor's level).

Scholarship Benefits – Financial Support

Students – Monthly support of PLN 2,000

Doctoral Candidates – Monthly support of PLN 3,300

Researchers – Stipend for research projects lasting 3 to 12 months (details on the NAWA website)

Eligible Fields of Study & Research

Research projects must concern topics related to:

• Polish language

• Polish language teaching

• Literary studies

• Comparative studies

• Polish culture, art, or history

Host Universities in Poland

A total of 16 Polish higher education and research institutions have hosted programme beneficiaries to date.

Most frequently chosen by students:

• University of Warsaw

• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

• University of Silesia in Katowice

• Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Most frequently chosen by researchers:

• Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

• University of Silesia in Katowice

For students seeking financial aid options across Europe, you can review financial aids for students in Europe to find other programmes.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until 3 April 2026.

How to Apply

Detailed information about the programme is available on the NAWA website. Applicants should:

1. Choose a host university in Poland and obtain consent (for students) or complete recruitment (for full studies)

2. Prepare a research project (for researchers) focused on Polish language, culture, or related fields

3. Submit the application through the NAWA online system before the deadline

Final Thoughts

The Polonista NAWA Scholarship 2026 is a wonderful opportunity for students, doctoral candidates, and researchers passionate about Polish language and culture. With monthly financial support, the chance to study at Poland's most prestigious universities, and the ability to conduct research in fields like literary studies, history, and art history, this programme opens doors to academic and cultural exchange. The deadline is 3 April 2026. Whether you want to study Polish philology for one or two semesters or conduct a longer research project, do not miss this chance to immerse yourself in Poland's rich cultural heritage.

Apply Now for Polonista NAWA Scholarship