Polonista NAWA Scholarship in Poland 2026

The Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) has announced the call for applications for the Polonista NAWA 2026 Scholarship Programme. This prestigious initiative offers foreign researchers and academic teachers the opportunity to conduct research in Poland, while also supporting Polish scholars to teach abroad. If you are a PhD holder with expertise in Polish studies, this fully funded mobility scholarship could be your gateway to academic exchange in the heart of Europe.

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Quick Overview

• Host Country: Poland (Incoming Mobility) / Various Countries (Outgoing Mobility)

• Funding Organization: National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)

• Programme Name: Polonista NAWA 2026

• Eligible Applicants: Researchers and Academic Teachers (PhD required)

• Mobility Duration: 3 to 12 months

• Funding Type: Fully Funded Mobility Scholarship

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2026

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About the Polonista NAWA Programme

The Polonista NAWA scholarship programme aims to promote the Polish language and culture internationally by supporting academic mobility. It provides a framework for research projects in fields such as literary studies, Polish language teaching (glottodidactics), history, art history, and comparative studies.

The program is addressed to students of Polish philology, Polish studies or Polish programs implemented among others as part of Slavic studies (in the field of Polish language, Polish culture and knowledge about Poland) as well as to scientists from foreign universities and scientific institutions.

Since its inception, the programme has supported 281 participants from 26 countries, including 225 students and doctoral candidates as well as 56 researchers. Beneficiaries have been hosted by 16 Polish higher education institutions, with the most popular choices including:

• University of Warsaw

• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

• University of Silesia in Katowice

• Jagiellonian University in Kraków

Researchers have most frequently carried out their projects at:

• Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń

• Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań

• University of Silesia in Katowice

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Available Research Fields

The Polonista NAWA 2026 Scholarship supports projects related to:

• Polish language and linguistics

• Polish literature and literary studies

• Polish language teaching (glottodidactics)

• Comparative literary studies

• Polish history

• Polish art history

• Polish culture and cultural studies

• Slavic studies (with Polish as the language of instruction)

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Scholarship Benefits

The Polonista NAWA 2026 Scholarship is fully funded and includes comprehensive financial support:

Monthly Research Scholarship

• PLN 7,500 per month during the mobility period

Living & Accommodation Allowance (Monthly Lump Sum)

Based on the host country's cost of living:

Country Group Monthly Allowance Lower cost countries PLN 4,000 Average cost countries PLN 6,000 Higher cost countries PLN 8,000 USA (highest cost group) PLN 12,000

Travel Allowance (One-Time Lump Sum)

• PLN 3,000 to PLN 6,500 depending on the destination country

Family & Disability Support

• PLN 2,000 per month per minor child – if accompanying the scholar

• Additional PLN 2,000 per month for applicants with certified disabilities

Total funding depends on mobility length and country of residence.

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Eligibility Criteria

For Incoming Researchers to Poland

Applicants must:

• Hold at least a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent)

• Be employed at a foreign university or research institution

• Specialize in Polish language, literature, culture, history, or art

• Provide an official invitation from a Polish host institution

• Demonstrate academic achievements such as:

• Peer-reviewed journal publications (last 5 years), or

• International conference publications, or

• Monograph or book chapter (last 10 years)

• Be a foreign national (or Polish citizen working abroad for at least 3 years)

• Not have received certain NAWA scholarships within the last two years

For Outgoing Polish Researchers

Applicants must:

• Hold a doctoral degree

• Be affiliated with a Polish academic institution

• Receive an invitation from a foreign university offering Polish or Slavic studies

• Show a strong research or teaching record

• Hold Polish citizenship

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Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

• Step 1: Visit the official NAWA webpage to review detailed programme information and prepare your application materials

• Step 2: Secure an official invitation from a Polish host institution (for incoming researchers) or a foreign host institution (for outgoing Polish researchers)

• Step 3: Gather all required documents, including:

• Proof of doctoral degree

• Employment confirmation from current institution

• List of academic publications and achievements

• Host institution invitation letter

• Research proposal

• CV highlighting relevant expertise

• Step 4: Submit your application through the NAWA ICT System before the deadline

• Step 5: Wait for evaluation and selection results

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Important Dates

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2026

• Mobility Period: 3 to 12 months during 2026-2027

• Results Announcement: After application review (typically within 2-3 months)

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Why Choose the Polonista NAWA Scholarship?

• Prestigious Funding: Supported by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange

• Comprehensive Coverage: Monthly stipend, living allowance, travel costs, and family support

• Academic Freedom: Conduct research in your specialized field at top Polish institutions

• International Networking: Connect with scholars and researchers from around the world

• Cultural Immersion: Experience Poland's rich history, culture, and academic traditions

• Career Advancement: Strengthen your research profile with international mobility

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for this scholarship?

Researchers and academic teachers from all countries who hold a PhD degree and specialize in Polish language, literature, culture, history, or related fields.

Do I need to know Polish?

While Polish language skills are beneficial, the programme focuses on research in Polish studies. Check specific requirements with your host institution.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, the scholarship includes additional monthly support for accompanying minor children.

Is the scholarship renewable?

Mobility periods range from 3 to 12 months. Extensions may be possible under specific circumstances – check with NAWA.

When will I receive the scholarship results?

Results are typically announced within 2-3 months after the application deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Secure Host Institution Early: Obtain your official invitation letter well before the deadline

• Prepare Research Proposal: Clearly outline your project and its significance to Polish studies

• Highlight Publications: Emphasize peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, and monographs

• Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements including PhD degree and employment status

• Gather Documents Early: Have all materials ready before starting the online application

• Review Guidelines: Read all programme information carefully on the official NAWA website

• Submit Before Deadline: Apply well before April 3, 2026 to avoid technical issues

Final Thoughts

The Polonista NAWA 2026 Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for researchers and academic teachers to advance their work in Polish studies while experiencing the vibrant academic culture of Poland. With comprehensive financial support including PLN 7,500 monthly research scholarship, living allowances based on country costs (PLN 4,000-12,000), travel funding (PLN 3,000-6,500), and family support, this programme is ideal for scholars seeking to expand their international footprint and deepen their expertise.

The scholarship supports projects in Polish language, literature, history, art history, culture, and Slavic studies at top Polish institutions like the University of Warsaw, Jagiellonian University, and Adam Mickiewicz University. Since its inception, 281 participants from 26 countries have benefited from this prestigious programme.

Don't miss this opportunity – prepare your application, secure a host institution invitation, and submit before April 3, 2026. Your research journey in Poland awaits!

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your application, visit the official NAWA website:

Apply for Polonista NAWA Scholarship 2026 Poland