Poland Government NAWA Scholarship 2026: Apply for Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity

Poland Government opens fully funded NAWA scholarship

The National Agency and Academic Exchange has officially opened applications for the 2026 Stefan Banach NAWA Scholarship, offering fully funded master’s degree opportunities to students from developing countries, including Nigeria.

The prestigious program, backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to boost global education access and foster socio-economic development by equipping scholars with advanced academic knowledge and international exposure.

With a deadline of May 8, 2026, interested applicants are encouraged to act quickly as competition for the scholarship is expected to be intense.

What the NAWA Scholarship Covers: Full Funding Explained

The Poland Government NAWA Scholarship stands out for its comprehensive financial support, making it one of the most attractive study-abroad opportunities in Europe.

Successful applicants will receive:

Full tuition waiver at public universities in Poland
Monthly stipend of PLN 2,500 (approx. ₦2.5 million annually)
Travel allowance of PLN 2,500
Free preparatory language training
Access to Polish or English-taught master’s programs

This package ensures that beneficiaries can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress, a key advantage over many partially funded scholarships.

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Applicants

The NAWA Scholarship is open to candidates from 36 developing countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, India, Indonesia, and Brazil.

To qualify, applicants must:

Hold a first-degree (Bachelor’s) obtained no earlier than 2024
Be planning to start a master’s program in the 2026/2027 academic session
Not possess Polish citizenship or have applied for it
Not have previously obtained a master’s degree
Not have previously received a NAWA scholarship for postgraduate studies

Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible, provided they complete their degree by July 2026.

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Courses, Universities, and Study Options in Poland

Applicants can choose from a wide range of programs offered by Polish universities, with options to study in either Polish or English.

The scholarship merges the Stefan Banach and Lukasiewicz programs, expanding access to disciplines such as:

Engineering and Technology
Environmental Sciences
Economics and Development Studies
Social Sciences

Candidates applying for Polish-language programs will undergo a fully funded preparatory course, while English-track students will receive language and cultural training.

How to Apply for Poland Government NAWA Scholarship 2026

The application process is conducted online via NAWA’s official platform.

Application steps:

Visit the NAWA application portal
Select your country, program level, and preferred language
Browse available courses and universities
Complete the online application form
Submit all required documents before the deadline

Applicants are advised to carefully review program requirements and ensure all documents are accurate to avoid disqualification.

Why the NAWA Scholarship Matters for Developing Countries

The scholarship is designed not just as an academic opportunity but as a development tool. By investing in education, Poland aims to empower scholars to return home with skills that can drive economic growth and innovation.

Experts highlight that such initiatives play a critical role in bridging global education gaps, especially for countries where access to quality postgraduate education remains limited.

FAQ: Poland Government NAWA Scholarship 2026

What is the NAWA Stefan Banach Scholarship?

It is a fully funded master’s scholarship by the Polish government aimed at students from developing countries to study in Poland.

Is the NAWA Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers tuition fees, monthly stipend, travel allowance, and language training.

How much is the NAWA monthly stipend?

Beneficiaries receive PLN 2,500 per month, which supports living expenses.

Who is eligible for the NAWA Scholarship 2026?

Students from eligible developing countries with a Bachelor’s degree (or final-year students) who meet the program requirements.

Can Nigerians apply for the NAWA Scholarship?

Yes, Nigeria is among the eligible countries, making Nigerian students fully qualified to apply.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2026 NAWA Scholarship is May 8, 2026.

Do I need IELTS to apply?

Not necessarily. Some programs are available in Polish or English, and language preparation may be provided.

What courses can I study under the NAWA Scholarship?

Applicants can choose from fields like engineering, economics, environmental science, and social sciences.

How competitive is the NAWA Scholarship?

It is highly competitive, as it attracts applicants from multiple developing countries.