Gen. Anders Programme (NAWA)

Overview

The Gen. Anders Programme, administered by Poland's National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), exists for one purpose: to give young people of Polish heritage the chance to study at Polish universities regardless of where in the world they were born or raised. If you hold the Card of the Pole (Karta Polaka) or can demonstrate Polish descent, this programme covers your tuition and adds a monthly stipend so you can focus on your studies rather than your finances.

The programme is named after General Władysław Anders, the commander of the Polish Armed Forces in the West during World War II — a figure who embodies the idea of preserving Polish identity abroad. That history gives the scholarship a particular resonance for diaspora communities across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Americas, and beyond. The programme runs annual calls for both Bachelor's and Master's level applicants, and in 2026 both calls were active simultaneously.

Studies take place in Polish, not in English, which is an important constraint to understand before you apply. If your Polish isn't strong enough yet, the programme includes an optional one-year preparatory course to bring you up to the required level. Monthly stipends range from PLN 1,250 at the Bachelor's level to PLN 1,700 at the Master's level, and most fields of study are open — the main exceptions are applied linguistics and most foreign language programmes, other than Polish philology.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Polish Origin or Karta Polaka

You must hold the Card of the Pole (Karta Polaka) or be able to document Polish nationality or descent. The programme is aimed squarely at the Polish diaspora, not at general international students with no connection to Poland.

Citizenship and Residency

The programme is also open to holders of both Polish and foreign citizenship who completed their entire secondary school education outside Poland. This means Polish-German or Polish-American dual nationals who grew up abroad can qualify, even if they technically hold Polish citizenship.

Field of Study

Most fields at higher education institutions supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Culture are eligible. The main excluded fields are applied linguistics and foreign language programmes — with the exception of Polish philology, which is permitted.

Mode of Study

Studies must be full-time and conducted in Polish. If you don't yet have the required Polish language level, you can enrol in the optional one-year preparatory course first, which is covered under the programme.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Full exemption from tuition fees for the entire study programme
• Monthly stipend of PLN 1,250 (Bachelor's level) or PLN 1,700 (Master's level)
• Optional Polish language preparatory year for applicants who need to build language skills before starting their degree
• Access to studies at higher education institutions supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Culture

How to Apply

1. Confirm your eligibility: Gather proof of your Polish heritage — your Karta Polaka, proof of Polish citizenship, or documents demonstrating Polish descent. If you're a dual citizen who completed secondary school outside Poland, collect your school certificates showing that foreign completion.
2. Check the current call: Visit nawa.gov.pl to find the open call for the current academic year. NAWA publishes separate calls for Bachelor's and Master's levels, and deadlines and specific requirements may differ between them.
3. Choose your programme and institution: Select a full-time programme at an eligible Polish higher education institution. Make sure the field isn't among the excluded ones (applied linguistics or most foreign language majors).
4. Prepare your documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of Polish origin, diplomas, transcripts, and language certificates if applicable.
5. Submit through the NAWA portal: Complete and submit your application through the NAWA online system before the published deadline. Late applications are not reviewed.
6. Attend any required interviews or evaluations: NAWA may require additional steps after submission. Check the current call documentation for details.

Required Documents

• Karta Polaka (Card of the Pole) or documentation of Polish descent or citizenship
• Secondary school leaving certificate (and certified translation if not in Polish)
• Bachelor's degree certificate and transcripts (for Master's applicants)
• Copy of valid passport or national identity document
• Polish language certificate or proof of proficiency (if not taking the preparatory year)
• Completed NAWA application form
• Any additional documents specified in the current year's call

Key Dates & Deadlines

NAWA publishes annual calls for the Gen. Anders Programme, typically in early spring for the following academic year. Both Bachelor's and Master's calls were active in 2026. Check nawa.gov.pl regularly and subscribe to NAWA notifications so you don't miss the opening. Once a call closes, there are no late submissions.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Clear, certified documentation of your Polish origin — the stronger and more direct the evidence, the more straightforward the eligibility review
• Registering for the Polish language preparatory year if your Polish is limited, rather than attempting to enter a degree programme without sufficient language skills
• Choosing a programme that genuinely matches your academic background and career direction, not just the one that seems easiest to enter
• Applying as soon as the call opens, since NAWA processes applications on a rolling basis in some rounds
• Contacting the NAWA information centre early to clarify any questions about your specific documentation or eligibility

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying to an excluded field — if your programme falls under applied linguistics or foreign language studies (other than Polish philology), your application will be rejected regardless of your qualifications
• Underestimating the language requirement — all studies are in Polish, and trying to start a degree without adequate preparation will result in academic failure
• Submitting documentation of Polish descent that's insufficiently certified or translated — vague family stories don't constitute proof
• Missing the annual call deadline — NAWA does not accept late applications
• Assuming the preparatory year is automatically included — you need to explicitly apply for it if you need it

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Gen. Anders Programme cover living expenses beyond the monthly stipend?

The programme provides a monthly stipend (PLN 1,250–1,700) and tuition exemption. It doesn't separately cover accommodation, food, or other living costs. You'll need to manage those expenses from your stipend and any personal savings or family support.

Can I apply for the Gen. Anders Programme if I hold Polish citizenship?

Yes, if you completed your entire secondary education outside Poland. Dual nationals who grew up and studied abroad qualify. However, if you completed secondary school in Poland, you likely fall outside the programme's intended diaspora scope — check with NAWA directly.

Is the Gen. Anders Programme available for PhD studies?

The programme covers Bachelor's and Master's levels. PhD students have separate NAWA funding options. Check the NAWA website for doctoral programmes if that's your level of study.

Which Polish institutions can I attend under the Gen. Anders Programme?

The programme covers higher education institutions supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Ministry of Health (for medical fields), and the Ministry of Culture (for arts and music). Most public universities and higher schools in Poland fall under one of these ministries.

How long is the Gen. Anders Programme stipend paid?

The stipend covers the duration of your studies, including the optional language preparatory year. It's not a one-time payment — you receive it monthly throughout your programme, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Can I study in English under the Gen. Anders Programme?

No. The programme requires full-time studies in Polish. If you want to study in an English-taught programme in Poland, you'll need to look at a different funding source.

What is the Karta Polaka, and how do I get one?

The Karta Polaka (Card of the Pole) is an official document issued by Polish consular offices that confirms a person's connection to the Polish nation. You apply for it at the Polish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Eligibility requires demonstrating knowledge of the Polish language and culture and having at least one ancestor of Polish nationality.

Are there restrictions on which fields I can study?

Yes. Applied linguistics and most foreign language programmes are excluded. The one exception within language studies is Polish philology, which is eligible. Engineering, medicine, law, economics, arts, natural sciences, and most other fields are open.

Does the Gen. Anders Programme include the preparatory Polish language year automatically?

The preparatory year is optional, not automatic. If you need to build your Polish language skills before starting your degree, you apply for the preparatory year as part of your programme plan. Make sure you declare this clearly in your application so NAWA can allocate it properly.