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Meta description: Master's in Poland: 3–5 semesters, NAWA information on Russian and Kazakh diplomas, 2026/27 fees at UW, AGH and UJ, SGH dates and the March start at AGH.
Last modified: 2026-10-02

# Master's Degree in Poland: English-Taught Programmes, 2026/27 Fees, Your Diploma and NAWA, Application Dates

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A Polish master's degree lasts three to five semesters (at least 90 ECTS credits) and leads to the magister. For a non-EU student, an English-taught master's in economics, data or political science at a public university usually costs $3,700–5,600 a year: at the University of Warsaw, Machine Learning costs $3,728 (€3,300) in 2026/27 and Data Science and Business Analytics $5,536 (€4,900). Humanities programmes can be cheaper and some joint programmes much more expensive. If your bachelor's or specialist diploma was issued in Russia, Belarus or Kazakhstan, the university will ask for written NAWA information on the diploma; the law does not require an entrance exam for a master's, but a university may hold an interview or test. Registration for the autumn start usually runs from June to July, and at AGH some engineering programmes also admit students from 1 March.

| At a glance | Master's in Poland, 2026/27 intake |
| --- | --- |
| Length | 3–5 semesters by law; 4 semesters at SGH, 3 at AGH for engineers |
| Degree | Magister (magister inżynier for engineers) |
| Non-EU tuition | $3,728–5,536 (€3,300–4,900) a year for economics, data and political science at the University of Warsaw; humanities from $1,130 (€1,000) |
| Diploma from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan | NAWA information on the diploma required, with sworn translations |
| Language | Proof at B2 or higher |
| Selection | Documents, sometimes an interview or university test |
| Dates | SGH 9 June–23 July 2026; AGH January–February for March, June–September for October |
| NAWA Banach scholarship | Open to Kazakh and Belarusian citizens; not to Russian citizens |

The Main Building of the Warsaw University of Technology on Politechniki Square, May 2018. Photo: Adrian Grycuk / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gmach_G%C5%82%C3%B3wny_Politechniki_Warszawskiej_2018.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0 pl](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/pl/deed.en).

## What this guide covers and where the rest lives {#section-1}

This guide answers second-cycle questions: how long the programme is, whether your diploma qualifies, what a specific master's costs, when to apply and how to change field. The general admission procedure for foreigners is in [applying to universities in Poland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-universities-in-poland), the visa in [the student visa for Poland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-for-poland), and fee exemptions and the Banach scholarship in [tuition-free study in Poland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-tuition-free-study-in-poland). If you have not finished your first degree yet, start with the guide to a [bachelor's degree in Poland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-poland).

## How the master's is structured: three, four or five semesters {#section-2}

The Law on Higher Education and Science allows full-time master's programmes of three to five semesters, and the degree requires at least 90 ECTS credits. The length depends on the degree you arrive with.

| Your first degree | Typical length | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Six-semester bachelor's in the same field (licencjat) | 4 semesters | SGH: every English-taught master's lasts four semesters |
| Seven-semester engineering degree (inżynier) | 3 semesters | AGH: Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis, Automatic Control and Robotics; start 1 March |
| Technical licencjat, engineering master's | 3 semesters + 1 extra | AGH, Chemical Technology: the extra semester for engineering competences is taught only in Polish |
| Four-year Russian bachelor's | Usually 4 semesters | The programme sets the length; crediting surplus credits is the university's decision |

The March start is a feature of engineering universities where the first cycle lasts three and a half years: graduates receive their degree in winter and continue at once. For an international applicant it is a second chance if the autumn round has been missed, but the visa timeline shifts: AGH registers for the 1 March start in January and February.

## Will a Russian or Kazakh diploma qualify? {#section-3}

Since 1 July 2025 universities have required holders of diplomas from outside the EU, EFTA and OECD to provide written information from the NAWA director confirming the right to apply for a master's on the basis of that diploma. Diplomas from countries with which Poland has recognition agreements are exempt, but there are no such agreements for Russian documents issued after 25 September 2005 or Kazakh documents issued after 29 September 2005.

How it works in practice:

- SYRENA request. Filed online and free of charge; the information is issued electronically in Polish. Unlike the school-certificate procedure, for a diploma NAWA lists sworn translations of all documents: the diploma, its grade supplement and the previous education document.
- Timing. There is no fixed deadline: NAWA issues information as applications are processed and warns of heavy demand. SGH, for example, asks for it when you accept the offer, so file in SYRENA as soon as you have your diploma.
- Quick check. NAWA's KWALIFIKATOR system shows how documents from your country are usually assessed before you apply.
- A specialist diploma (five years) is assessed in the same procedure; a vocational college diploma does not give access to a master's.

## Changing field {#section-4}

Polish universities more often ask for a "related" background than an identical one. The more technical the programme, the stricter the entry: AGH admits only inżynier holders to most of its English-taught master's programmes, while the business and humanities master's programmes at the University of Warsaw and SGH take graduates from various fields as long as their curriculum covers the basics. Before applying, compare your transcript with the programme requirements and explain the move in your motivation letter.

## Programmes and 2026/27 fees {#section-5}

Each university sets its own fees. Below are non-EU rates from official documents.

| University, programme (English-taught) | Length | Fee | Per year, $ |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| University of Warsaw, Machine Learning | — | €3,300 a year | $3,728 |
| University of Warsaw, Data Science and Business Analytics; Quantitative Finance; International Economics | — | €4,900 a year | $5,536 |
| University of Warsaw, International Relations; Political Science | — | €4,300 a year | $4,858 |
| University of Warsaw, Global Management; International Finance; Digital Business | — | €2,500 per semester | $5,649 |
| University of Warsaw, Physics | — | €4,000 a year | $4,519 |
| University of Warsaw, Cognitive Science | — | PLN 21,300 a year | $5,502 |
| AGH, Computer Science and Intelligent Systems: AI and Data Analysis | 3 semesters | €2,700 per semester | whole programme $9,151 (€8,100) |
| AGH, Digital Production for Sustainable Manufacturing | 3 semesters | €3,500 per semester | whole programme $11,863 (€10,500) |
| AGH, Energy and Environmental Engineering | 4 semesters | €2,200 per semester | whole programme $9,942 (€8,800) |
| Jagiellonian University, English-taught programmes | — | from PLN 16,000 to €15,500 for the first year | $4,133–17,512 |

The length of University of Warsaw programmes is shown in each programme card in the IRK system. There are exceptions to the general picture. In the University of Warsaw 2026/27 fee table, Migration Studies and New Societies is listed as free of charge with no split by citizenship, while Humanitarian Action costs $9,038 (€8,000) a year. The Jagiellonian University notes that fee reductions or waivers on request are not granted in the first year. The full budget is in [the cost of studying in Poland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-poland).

## How master's candidates are selected {#section-6}

The law does not prescribe an entrance exam for a master's, but a university may set one. Check the programme card for what is assessed.

- Documents. Diploma and transcript, NAWA information, B2 language certificate, CV, sometimes a motivation letter or essay. SGH first verifies scans in the applicant portal and only then sends an offer letter; translations and legalisation are handed in as originals after arrival.
- Exam or interview. AGH holds an entrance exam for most of its English-taught master's programmes and publishes the questions in advance.
- Grade average. Some programmes rank candidates by diploma grades, so a transcript with grades converted to the Polish scale helps.
- Payment. At SGH the first instalment is due by 30 September; you can pay earlier if your visa application requires it.

## Application dates {#section-7}

| University | 2026/27 intake | What matters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SGH | Registration 9 June–23 July 2026, one intake a year | NAWA information when accepting the offer |
| University of Warsaw | Programme dates under Rector's Order No. 9 of 20 January 2026 | Deadlines appear in the programme card in IRK |
| AGH, 1 March start | January–February | For inżynier holders |
| AGH, 1 October start | June–September | Including programmes with an extra semester for licencjat holders |

Universities publish 2027/28 dates in spring. Non-EU applicants should add two to three months to the registration deadline for the NAWA information, payment and visa.

## Free master's study and scholarships {#section-8}

- The Article 324 exemption. A full-time Polish-taught master's at a public university is free for Pole's Card holders, holders of a C1 Polish certificate, permanent residents and some other groups. A student residence permit is not a ground.
- NAWA Banach scholarship. A Polish- or English-taught master's with no tuition at a public university, $646 (PLN 2,500) a month, a travel allowance and a preparatory course. Russian citizens are not on the country list. Applications for 2026/27 closed on 8 May 2026.
- Erasmus Mundus programmes. Some joint master's degrees involving Polish universities waive fees for scholarship holders: the University of Warsaw states this for Global Environment and Development, which otherwise costs $10,168 (€9,000) a year.
- A doctorate afterwards. Doctoral schools charge no tuition, and full-time doctoral candidates receive a stipend.

## A master's in Poland for Kazakh citizens {#section-9}

Poland is more accessible for Kazakh citizens than for Russians, but plan for three things. A Kazakh bachelor's diploma issued after 29 September 2005 is not covered by a recognition agreement, so NAWA information with sworn translations is needed. Kazakh citizens can apply for the Banach scholarship, which covers tuition at a public university and pays $646 (PLN 2,500) a month; the bachelor's degree must have been obtained in one of the programme countries no earlier than 2024 (final-year students graduating in 2026 could also apply in the 2026/27 call). The D visa is filed at the Polish embassy in Astana or the consulate general in Almaty via e-konsulat; new slots open on Wednesdays in Astana and Mondays in Almaty, and are allocated by lottery when demand exceeds supply. General steps for applicants from Kazakhstan are in [studying abroad from Kazakhstan](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-abroad-from-kazakhstan).

## Russian citizens {#section-10}

Polish universities assess Russian diplomas through the same NAWA procedure, but entry for Russian citizens has been restricted since 2022, and consulates in Russia accept visa applications only in exceptional cases. Before paying application fees, work out which group you belong to using [studying in Poland as a Russian citizen](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-poland-for-russian-citizens). For comparison, in Finland a Russian citizen completes the student residence permit with an identity check in Moscow; see [studying in Finland as a Russian citizen](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-finland-for-russian-citizens). If you are still at the first-cycle stage and want an English-speaking option, see the guide to a [bachelor's degree in Ireland](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-ireland).

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Waiting for the NAWA information until after admission. It is requested when you accept the offer, and NAWA has no fixed issue time.
- Sending diploma documents to SYRENA without sworn translations: for a diploma they are required.
- Applying to an AGH engineering master's with a licencjat and expecting English from day one.
- Comparing annual rates for programmes of different length: three semesters at AGH and four in Warsaw add up differently.
- Missing the March intake when the autumn round has already closed.
- Counting on the Banach scholarship with a Russian passport.

## FAQ {#faq}

### How long is a master's degree in Poland?

By law a full-time master's lasts three to five semesters and requires at least 90 ECTS credits. In practice business and humanities programmes usually take four semesters (all SGH English-taught master's programmes do), while AGH engineering programmes for inżynier holders take three. The university sets the programme length.

### How much does a master's in Poland cost for international students?

For non-EU citizens, $3,728–5,536 (€3,300–4,900) a year on the University of Warsaw's English-taught economics, data and political science programmes (humanities are cheaper, from $1,130 or €1,000), $1,864–3,954 (€1,650–3,500) per semester at AGH, and from $4,133 to $17,512 (PLN 16,000 to €15,500) for the first year at the Jagiellonian University. The university sets the fee for each intake, and the admissions office applies exemptions for eligible groups.

### Does a Russian diploma need nostrification for a master's in Poland?

Classic nostrification is not needed for admission, but since 1 July 2025 the university requires written NAWA information on the diploma. It is requested online in SYRENA, free of charge, with sworn translations of the documents. NAWA confirms the right to apply, and the university makes the admission decision.

### Are there entrance exams for a master's?

The law does not require them, but a university may set an interview, test or exam. AGH, for example, holds an entrance exam for most English-taught master's programmes and publishes the questions in advance, while SGH's admission steps mention no exam: uploaded documents are checked first. The admissions committee makes the admission decision.

### Can I study for a master's in Poland for free?

Yes, if you qualify under Article 324 (Pole's Card, C1 Polish certificate, permanent residence) and study full-time in Polish at a public university. Kazakh and Belarusian citizens can apply for the Banach scholarship, which also covers English-taught tuition. NAWA decides on the scholarship and the university on the fee exemption.

### Can I start a master's in Poland in spring?

Yes, at engineering universities where the first cycle lasts seven semesters. AGH starts some English-taught master's programmes on 1 March and takes applications in January and February, but only from inżynier holders. The university decides on admission and the consul on a visa for the March start.

### Is a Polish master's degree recognised in Russia?

The magister degree of the University of Warsaw and the Jagiellonian University is on list No. 186-r and is recognised without a procedure. Degrees from other Polish universities go through recognition, and Rosobrnadzor decides.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [Law on Higher Education and Science, Art. 65 and 76 (Journal of Laws 2024, item 1571)](https://api.sejm.gov.pl/eli/acts/DU/2024/1571/text.pdf)
- [NAWA: information on a foreign diploma via SYRENA](https://nawa.gov.pl/uznawalnosc/wydawanie-informacji-o-zagranicznych-dyplomach/dyplom-ukonczenia-studiow)
- [Polish science ministry: bilateral recognition agreements (sections on Russia and Kazakhstan)](https://www.gov.pl/web/nauka/umowy-dwustronne-dotyczace-uznawalnosci-wyksztalcenia)
- [University of Warsaw: tuition fees 2026/27 (PDF)](https://rekrutacja.uw.edu.pl/files/pdf/tuition_fees_2026-2027_06.2026.pdf) and [2026/27 admissions](https://en.uw.edu.pl/admissions-for-the-2026-2027-academic-year/)
- [AGH: English-taught master's programmes, dates, exams, length and fees](https://www.international.agh.edu.pl/en/studies/education-offer-master-studies)
- [SGH: master's admission steps for international applicants, 2026/27](https://www.sgh.waw.pl/en/admissions-step-step-graduate-studies-international-applicants)
- [Jagiellonian University: fees for international students](https://internationalstudents.uj.edu.pl/en_GB/studenci/oplaty)
- [NAWA: Banach scholarship 2026/27 call (PDF)](https://nawa.gov.pl/images/Banach/2026/Banach-2026---Call-for-applications-EN.pdf)
- [Polish Embassy in Kazakhstan: D visa for studies](https://www.gov.pl/web/kazachstan/wiza-typu-d)
- [Russian Government Order No. 186-r as amended on 19.02.2026](http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202602200041)

Sources checked 30.09–02.10.2026. Conversions use the ECB reference rate of 01.10.2026: €1 = $1.1298, €1 = PLN 4.3735.

If you want to work through your route, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Applying to Universities in Poland: the 2025–2026 Rules Step by Step](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-universities-in-poland)
- [Student Visa for Poland in 2026: Rules for Russian, Belarusian and Kazakh Citizens](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-for-poland)
- [Tuition-Free Study in Poland: Who Qualifies Under the Law and How to Prove It](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-tuition-free-study-in-poland)
- [Bachelor's Degree in Poland: Licencjat or Inżynier, English- and Polish-Taught Programmes, 2026/27 Fees and Admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-bachelors-in-poland)
- [Cost of Studying in Poland in 2026/27: Tuition, Living Costs, Visa Fees and a First-Year Budget](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-poland)
- [Study Abroad from Kazakhstan: Where and How in 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-abroad-from-kazakhstan)

Updated: October 2026