International students considering a master’s degree in Poland can prepare for the Banach NAWA scholarship, which offers financial support to applicants from selected countries, including Nigeria.
However, the 2026 application round has closed. Its deadline was 8 May, subject to earlier closure when application limits were reached.
The Polish government’s results announcement says 130 students from 25 countries received scholarships from 887 applications. University admission remained a separate process. (nawa.gov.pl, gov.pl)
This guide explains the 2026 rules to help prospective applicants prepare. Future deadlines, eligibility requirements and funding must be checked when NAWA publishes a new call.
- Check your citizenship and degree
The 2026 call announcement covered 36 countries. Eligible African countries were Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Tunisia.
Applicants needed a bachelor’s degree obtained in a programme country no earlier than 2024. Final-semester students could apply if they would graduate by 15 July 2026.
Applicants could not already hold a master’s degree, have Polish citizenship, or have applied for Polish citizenship. Previous recipients of a NAWA scholarship for master’s studies were also excluded.
Being part of the African diaspora did not itself establish eligibility. Both citizenship and the country where the bachelor’s degree was obtained mattered. (nawa.gov.pl)
- Understand what the funding covers
According to NAWA’s programme announcement, the 2026 offer included a monthly scholarship of PLN 2,500 and tuition-fee exemption at public universities.
It also included a PLN 2,500 travel allowance, a funded preparatory course for the relevant Polish-language pathway, and a Polish language and culture course for English-language students.
These benefits should not be read as a promise that every personal expense will be covered. Applicants should compare the allowance with accommodation, food, insurance, and other costs in their chosen city. (nawa.gov.pl)
- Choose your course and apply separately
NAWA’s applicant guidance says the programme covers eligible full-time master’s courses in Polish or English. It is not restricted to the subjects listed in the original draft.
Applicants must handle university admission themselves. NAWA does not arrange it.
For the 2026 round, proof of contact with a university or participation in its admission process could be accepted. A final offer was not always necessary at the scholarship application stage. The preparatory-course pathway had a different requirement.
Tuition exemption applies at public universities. Private-university fees must be settled separately. (nawa.gov.pl)
- Prepare your documents and language evidence
The required documents included a passport identification page, a bachelor’s diploma and transcript, language evidence, and relevant university correspondence.
Students awaiting graduation needed a university certificate containing the required academic information.
The 2026 language thresholds were B2 for English-taught or Polish-taught master’s courses, and B1 Polish for the preparatory pathway. Check the accepted-document list rather than assuming any university letter will qualify.
Documents issued in another language required an accepted certified translation into English or Polish. (nawa.gov.pl, nawa.gov.pl, nawa.gov.pl)
- Record your video and submit online
The 2026 call required a one-to-three-minute video in English or Polish explaining the chosen field and motivation to study in Poland. It could not contain images of other people.
Applications were submitted through the official NAWA system. Only one application per person was allowed.
For a future round, follow the new call’s instructions and check every attachment before submission. (nawa.gov.pl, nawa.gov.pl)
- Complete the admissionand check visa requirements.
Successful applicants must complete the university admission and scholarship agreement requirements. The 2026 guidance specifies submission of admission confirmation and signing the agreement within 45 days.
A scholarship award does not guarantee a visa.
Applicants needing a Polish national study visa should consult the consulate responsible for their place of residence. Those applying in Nigeria should follow the Polish Embassy in Abuja’s official instructions, including appointment registration and document requirements. (nawa.gov.pl, gov.pl)
Trivane View
Preparation should begin with eligibility. A strong academic record cannot overcome a citizenship or degree requirement that an applicant does not meet.
The scholarship can reduce the cost of postgraduate study, but applicants still need a realistic budget. Check the latest official call before paying for translations, tests, or university applications.
