Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program

Overview

The Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program is one of the most targeted solidarity scholarships in Europe. It exists specifically for Belarusian citizens who cannot continue or begin their studies in Belarus because of political persecution or the threat of it. Named after the leader of the 1863 Uprising against Russian rule, the programme has become a lifeline for young Belarusians who've been forced out of their country's academic institutions for political reasons.

Administered through the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw (SEW UW), the programme covers a Belarusian student's complete study costs in Poland — from maintenance and accommodation to insurance, visa fees, and temporary residence permits. No prior knowledge of Polish is required: a full preparatory year for the language is included. The scholarship lasts for the duration of your studies, up to a maximum of five years.

The programme is open to Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students, making it one of the few solidarity scholarships with this level of scope. If you're a young Belarusian who can document that your political situation in Belarus makes continued study there impossible or unsafe, this programme is designed directly for you. The annual call typically opens in spring; applications are submitted through the SEW UW portal and selected through a preparatory competition process.

Key Facts at a Glance

Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship

You must be a Belarusian citizen. The programme does not accept applicants who already hold Polish citizenship or permanent residence in Poland, or citizenship or permanent residence in another EU, EFTA, or OECD country.

Political Situation

The core eligibility requirement is that you cannot study in Belarus because of your political views or the political repression you face there. This isn't a general international scholarship — you need to be able to explain and document why continuing your education in Belarus is impossible or unsafe for you personally.

Residency Exclusion

Belarusians who already live in Poland or in another EU/EFTA/OECD country as permanent residents are not eligible. The programme is designed for those who need to relocate specifically to Poland to access a safe academic environment.

Academic Level

The programme is open to students at the Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral levels. You do not need prior Polish language skills — the programme includes a preparatory year for those who need it.

What the Scholarship Covers

• Monthly stipend for living expenses during your studies in Poland
• Accommodation costs or an accommodation contribution
• Compulsory health and accident insurance
• Visa fees and temporary residence permit costs
• One-year Polish language preparatory course for students who don't yet speak Polish
• Coverage valid for the duration of studies in Poland, for up to five years

How to Apply

1. Check the current call: Visit studium.uw.edu.pl/kk for the current application round. Annual calls typically open in spring. The call document will specify the exact deadline and any year-specific requirements.
2. Prepare your personal statement: Write a clear and honest account of your political situation in Belarus and why you cannot study there. This is the central element of your application — vague or generic statements don't demonstrate the specific circumstances the programme requires.
3. Gather your academic documents: Collect your school leaving certificate, any completed university transcripts, and your passport. Have certified translations prepared for any documents not in Polish or English.
4. Submit your application: Submit through the SEW UW application portal (studium.uw.edu.pl/kk) before the published deadline. For questions, contact bialorus.studium@uw.edu.pl or call +48 22 552 18 88.
5. Participate in the selection process: The programme uses a Preparatory Contest selection process. This may involve interviews or additional evaluations. Prepare to discuss your situation and academic plans in detail.
6. Await the decision: Successful candidates are notified and then guided through the practical steps of travelling to Poland, enrolling in the language preparatory year (if needed), and beginning their studies.

Required Documents

• Completed application form from the current call
• Copy of valid Belarusian passport
• Secondary school leaving certificate and/or university diplomas (with certified translations)
• Academic transcripts
• Personal statement explaining your political situation in Belarus
• Any supporting documentation of political persecution or risk (as available)
• Any additional documents specified in the current year's call

Key Dates & Deadlines

The Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship Program runs annual calls, typically opening in spring for studies beginning in the following academic year. Check studium.uw.edu.pl/kk and the University of Warsaw's information for the most current dates. The programme's contact address is bialorus.studium@uw.edu.pl.

Tips for a Strong Application

What helps

• A personal statement that is specific and concrete about your political situation — dates, events, and consequences are more persuasive than general claims
• Documenting any direct consequences you or your family have faced because of political activity or affiliation
• Being clear about your academic goals in Poland and what you plan to do after graduation
• Contacting the programme office at bialorus.studium@uw.edu.pl before submitting to ask about anything that's unclear in the call documentation
• Having your documents prepared and certified well before the deadline, since certified translations can take time

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying if you already have Polish permanent residence or citizenship — you'll be disqualified regardless of your academic record
• Writing a personal statement that's vague about the political situation — the programme requires specific and credible evidence of risk or persecution
• Missing the annual call deadline — late submissions are not accepted
• Failing to disclose that you hold citizenship or residency in an EU/EFTA/OECD country
• Assuming the language preparatory year is optional — if your Polish is insufficient, you need to plan for it and indicate this in your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship cover travel from Belarus to Poland?

The scholarship covers costs during your stay in Poland. Initial travel costs may or may not be covered depending on the current call's terms. Contact bialorus.studium@uw.edu.pl to ask about travel support for the initial relocation.

Can I choose any university in Poland under the Konstanty Kalinowski Programme?

The programme is administered through the University of Warsaw, but students may be placed at various Polish higher education institutions depending on their chosen field and programme. Check the current call documentation for the list of participating institutions.

What happens if I leave Poland temporarily during my studies?

The scholarship is valid only during your stay in Poland. Periods spent abroad are not covered. If you need to travel, check the programme terms carefully and notify the programme office in advance.

Is the Konstanty Kalinowski Scholarship renewable?

The scholarship covers your studies for up to five years. Continuation each year is subject to satisfactory academic progress. If you fail to meet academic requirements, the scholarship may be terminated before the five-year maximum.

Do I need to learn Polish to participate?

No prior Polish is required. If you're not yet proficient in Polish, you'll spend your first year in a Polish language preparatory course before beginning your degree programme. This preparatory year is covered under the scholarship.

Can I apply if I'm currently in Belarus?

Yes. The programme is designed for Belarusians who are in Belarus and need to leave to study safely. The application and selection process can take place before you relocate. The programme office can provide guidance on the visa and travel process once you've been selected.

Is this scholarship only for students opposing the Lukashenko government?

The programme targets Belarusians who cannot study in Belarus because of their political views and the threat of repression, which in practice has often meant those opposed to the current political regime. However, the eligibility language focuses on political persecution broadly — contact the programme office if you have a specific question about your situation.

What level of studies can I pursue under the Konstanty Kalinowski Programme?

The programme covers Bachelor's, Master's, and doctoral (PhD) studies. You apply at whatever level corresponds to your current academic background and goals. The five-year maximum applies regardless of which level you're studying at.