Important information for candidates from outside the EU, EFTA, OECD.
First-cycle (Bachelor’s) and long-cycle Master’s degree candidates
Candidates who originate from non-EU/EFTA/OECD countries, and/or hold certificates issued in countries not covered by international agreements on the mutual recognition of education, are required to obtain written confirmation from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) that their document:
- entitles them to undertake higher education in the country of issue,
- can be the basis for participation in the admission process in Poland.
Details and procedures are available on the website: https://nawa.gov.pl
This does not apply to candidates holding certificates along with an administrative decision of the Education Superintendent (Kurator Oświaty) issued before July 1, 2025.
Second-cycle (Master’s) degree candidates
Candidates who originate from non-EU/EFTA/OECD countries, and/or hold diplomas issued in countries not covered by international agreements on the mutual recognition of education, are required to nostrify their diploma (detailed information) or obtain written confirmation from the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) that their document:
- entitles them to undertake higher education in the country of issue,
- can be the basis for participation in the admission process in Poland.
Details and procedures are available on the website: https://nawa.gov.pl
Apostille and Legalization
Higher education diplomas obtained outside Poland must bear an apostille or be legalized in the country of issue.
- Apostille
An apostille is a special seal or attachment confirming the authenticity of a document. It is required if the document originates from a country that is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention. This procedure is simple and fast — it requires only a single certification. - Legalization
Legalization is required if the document originates from a country that is not a party to the Hague Convention. This is a more complex procedure — it usually involves two stages:
- certification of the document by the relevant ministry (e.g., of education or foreign affairs) in the country of origin,
- certification by the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Poland in that country.