Jagiellonian University Scholarship (JU Scholarship / IDEA)

Overview

The JU Scholarship, run under the Jagiellonian University IDEA programme, is a merit competition for outstanding students who are about to begin their studies in Kraków. Jagiellonian University is the oldest university in Poland, and this award is its way of attracting strong incoming candidates to first-cycle (bachelor's), second-cycle (master's) and long-cycle programmes. If you have just finished secondary school with excellent results, or you are wrapping up a first-cycle degree and moving on to a master's, this is one of the few Polish university scholarships aimed squarely at you at the entry point rather than after a year of study.

What sets the IDEA scholarship apart is the size and length of the support. Selected students receive PLN 2,100 per month for the whole study period, up to a maximum of five years, rather than a single lump sum or a one-year award. On top of the money, recipients get a guaranteed place in a university dormitory for the payment period and are paired with a Jagiellonian University staff member who acts as an academic supervisor. The competition is small and selective, with a maximum of nine scholarships awarded per cohort, so you are competing against a strong field.

The selection runs as a two-stage competition each year. You first submit an electronic application with materials that show your achievements and your plans, and a jury shortlists a limited number of candidates. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview, where the jury looks at your interests, knowledge and academic direction. Winners also receive the maximum qualification score for admission to their chosen programme, which effectively secures their place.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

You need to have passed the matura examination or its foreign equivalent no earlier than three years before the competition is announced, or be in your final year of secondary school with the exam still ahead of you. You must be starting your studies for the first time in the academic year that follows the announcement. The competition is built around outstanding academic results, so a strong school or first-cycle record is the baseline. If you are a first-cycle student applying to continue into a second-cycle programme, you can apply provided you passed your qualifying exam within four years before the announcement.

Nationality Requirements

The IDEA scholarship does not restrict applicants to a fixed list of nationalities. Both Polish and international candidates can apply, as long as you hold a matura or a recognised foreign equivalent and meet the timing and academic conditions. International applicants should confirm that their secondary-school leaving qualification is accepted as equivalent to the Polish matura.

Language Requirements

Language expectations follow the programme you are applying to. Polish-taught programmes will expect Polish at the level the faculty requires, while English-taught programmes expect English. The scholarship pages do not set a separate language threshold, so check the admission requirements for your specific course and prepare any certificate that programme asks for.

Age & Other Requirements

There is no age limit attached to the award. The defining conditions are that you are entering your studies for the first time, you sit within the matura timing window, and you can demonstrate outstanding achievement through the application materials.

What the Scholarship Covers

• A monthly payment of PLN 2,100 for the entire study period, up to a maximum of five years.
• A guaranteed place in a Jagiellonian University dormitory throughout the scholarship payment period.
• An assigned academic supervisor from the university's staff to guide your studies.
• The maximum qualification score for admission to your chosen field of study.
• Eligibility for an Individual Study Programme, giving you a more tailored academic path.

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility. Confirm that your matura or equivalent falls inside the three-year window (or that you are a final-year secondary student), and that you are starting these studies for the first time.
2. Choose your programme. Decide which first-cycle, second-cycle or long-cycle Jagiellonian University programme you want to enter, since the award is tied to beginning that course.
3. Prepare your materials. Put together evidence of your achievements and your plans for development. You can present this as a written description, a multimedia presentation, a video or another suitable format.
4. Submit the electronic form. Complete and send the online application before the 15 April deadline, attaching your supporting materials.
5. Wait for the shortlist. The jury reviews submissions and qualifies a limited number of candidates for the second stage. Up to twenty participants are shortlisted.
6. Attend the interview. If shortlisted, take part in the jury interview, where you discuss your interests, knowledge, academic direction and motivation.
7. Complete admission to the university. Make sure you also follow the standard admission steps for your programme, since the scholarship supports your entry rather than replacing the admission process.

Required Documents

• The completed electronic application form.
• Your matura certificate or its recognised foreign equivalent (or proof of final-year secondary enrolment).
• Materials demonstrating your achievements and planned development, such as a description, presentation, or video.
• Evidence of academic results, awards, competitions or other accomplishments.
• Identity and, for international candidates, documentation confirming the equivalence of your school-leaving qualification.
• Any programme-specific documents required for admission to your chosen course.

Key Dates & Deadlines

The competition runs once a year. Applications are submitted until 15 April. After the deadline, the jury shortlists candidates for the interview stage, and the interviews and final decisions follow. Because the timetable can shift slightly each year, confirm the exact dates for your intake on the official IDEA page before you apply.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• Show a clear story across your materials, linking past achievements to what you want to study at Jagiellonian University.
• Use the freedom in format to your advantage. A well-made video or presentation can communicate more than a plain list of results.
• Give concrete evidence for every claim: competition placements, projects, publications, or recognised awards.
• Prepare for the interview by being ready to talk about your interests and academic plans in depth.
• Submit well before 15 April so you have time to fix any technical issues with the form.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the application until the last day and risking upload problems.
• Submitting generic materials that do not connect to your chosen programme.
• Overlooking the matura timing rule and applying outside the three-year (or four-year for second-cycle) window.
• Forgetting to complete the regular admission process alongside the scholarship competition.
• Treating the interview as a formality rather than preparing specific answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA) pay?

The JU Scholarship pays PLN 2,100 per month, granted for the whole study period up to a maximum of five years.

Who is eligible for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

Outstanding students who passed the matura or its foreign equivalent no earlier than three years before the announcement, or who are in their final year of secondary school, and who are starting first-cycle, second-cycle or long-cycle studies for the first time.

When is the deadline for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

Applications are submitted until 15 April each year as part of an annual two-stage competition.

How many Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA) awards are given each year?

A maximum of nine scholarships are awarded per cohort, and up to twenty candidates are shortlisted for the interview stage.

Does the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA) include accommodation?

Yes. Recipients are guaranteed a place in a university dormitory during the scholarship payment period.

Can international students apply for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

Yes. There is no fixed nationality list. International candidates can apply if they hold a matura or recognised foreign equivalent and meet the academic and timing conditions.

What is the selection process for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

It is a two-stage competition. You first submit an electronic form with supporting materials, and a jury shortlists candidates. Shortlisted candidates then attend an interview before final decisions are made.

Does the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA) help with admission?

Yes. Recipients receive the maximum qualification score for admission to their chosen field and are eligible for an Individual Study Programme.

Can I apply for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA) for a master's degree?

Yes. First-cycle students moving into second-cycle studies can apply, provided they passed their qualifying exam within four years before the announcement.

Is there an academic supervisor with the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

Yes. Each recipient is assigned a Jagiellonian University staff member as an academic supervisor for the duration of the award.

What format should my application materials take for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

You can present your achievements and development plans as a written description, a multimedia presentation, a video, or another suitable format.

Where do I apply for the Jagiellonian University Scholarship (IDEA)?

You apply through the official IDEA scholarship page at stypendia.uj.edu.pl, where the electronic form is published each year.