The Government of Poland is offering fully funded scholarships to international students, including Pakistanis, under the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA).
The program is widely known as the “My First Choice” and Stefan Banach NAWA Scholarship, and it focuses on building academic and cultural exchange between Poland and partner countries.
Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | My First Choice / Stefan Banach NAWA |
| Offered By | Polish Government (NAWA) |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Multiple, including Pakistan |
| Location | Public Universities in Poland |
| Application Opening | Usually June each year |
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NAWA Scholarship, students must meet the following conditions:
- Must be an international student (non-Polish citizen)
- Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or be in the final semester
- Must have a strong academic record
- Must meet admission requirements of a Polish public university
- English language proficiency is required
(IELTS is not always mandatory if previous education was in English)
Scholarship Benefits
The NAWA Scholarship is fully funded and covers most student expenses:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Fully covered at public universities |
| Monthly Stipend | PLN 1700 for first cycle, PLN 1500 for second cycle |
| Living Support | Helps cover basic living expenses |
| Travel Support | One-time travel allowance |
| Language Course | Polish preparatory course (if required) |
| Education Access | Study in top Polish institutions |
Fields of Study
Students can apply for a wide range of subjects, depending on the university. These may include:
- Engineering and Technology
- Social Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Natural Sciences
- IT and Computer Science
Application Process
The application process is done online through the official NAWA portal. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Choose a program at a Polish public university
- Prepare academic documents
- Submit an online application through NAWA
- Wait for evaluation and selection results
Students are advised to regularly check the official portal for updates.
Important Dates
- Applications usually open in June each year
- Submit your application through the official NAWA portal once it opens on May 20, 2026.
Why Study in Poland?
Poland is becoming a popular study destination for international students due to:
- Affordable living costs compared to other European countries
- High-quality education system
- Safe and student-friendly environment
- Opportunity to explore Europe during studies
Students interested in applying should start preparing early and keep track of official updates to avoid missing deadlines.
Official Link: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/students/foreign-students/the-banach-scholarship-programme
