Language Requirements 2026/27: Accepted Certificates for Polish Universities

The Universal Floor: B2

Every Polish university requires international applicants to demonstrate B2 proficiency in the language of instruction. There are no exceptions for top-ranked institutions or competitive programs. B2 is the floor; some programs require B2+ or C1 for fields like law and medicine.

Accepted English Certificates

For English-taught programs, Polish universities accept the standard international tests:

The exact threshold within each range depends on the program. Engineering and computer science typically accept the lower end. Medicine, law, and humanities usually require the higher end.

Strategic note: if your test score sits at the lower bound, prioritize universities and programs that explicitly state the lower threshold. Some universities will reject borderline scores even when officially "accepted."

What If You Are a Native Speaker?

A high school diploma issued in English from a recognized country (UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines, and others) is typically accepted in lieu of a test certificate. Confirm with each university — practice varies.

Polish-Taught Programs

For Polish-taught programs, you have two options:

1. Hold an internationally recognized Polish language certificate at B2 level — issued by the State Commission for the Certification of Proficiency in Polish as a Foreign Language
2. Complete a preparatory year (Zerówka) at a Polish university

The Zerówka Route

The preparatory year is the strategic backdoor for ambitious applicants. Across one academic year you take intensive Polish language classes designed to bring you from A1 or A2 to B2. Upon successful completion, you can enroll in any Polish-taught program — including the tuition-free programs reserved for Polish and EU citizens.

For EU citizens, this is a direct path to zero tuition for an entire degree. For non-EU citizens, it dramatically lowers fees because Polish-taught public programs are often cheaper than English-taught equivalents.

Combined Strategies

A common winning playbook for non-EU students:

1. Apply to a Polish university with B2 English and complete a Master's in English, paying tuition
2. Use term breaks to learn Polish to B1 level
3. Apply to a fully-funded Doctoral School in Polish with a stronger competitive edge

Or, for EU citizens:

1. Take a Zerówka year at a top university
2. Continue into a free Polish-taught Bachelor's at the same institution
3. Save €25,000+ over the full degree

Test Booking Timeline

Plan certificate acquisition six months before application deadlines. IELTS centers in major African and South Asian cities often book out three to four weeks ahead. TOEFL iBT seats fill faster in summer. Booking by January is safe for most September-start programs.