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Poland’s National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) runs scholarships that pay a monthly stipend and waive tuition at public universities. Nigerian citizens were eligible for the 2026 Banach programme. This guide sets out the 2026 terms, which have now closed, so you know what to prepare for the next call.
NAWA programmes at a glance
| Programme | What we can confirm |
|---|---|
| Stefan Banach Scholarship Programme | Full-time master’s-level study. 2026 call closed on 8 May 2026. Nigeria was eligible |
| Poland My First Choice | NAWA lists a 2026 call as open for foreign students. Read the call page for level, funding and eligible countries |
Banach 2026: the terms
| Item | 2026 call |
|---|---|
| Level | Full-time second-cycle (master’s) studies in Polish or English, or a preparatory course for Polish-taught studies |
| Nigeria | Eligible, in country Group 4 with an application cap of 200 |
| Monthly stipend | PLN 2,500, up to 12 months per academic year |
| Tuition | Exempt at NAWA preparatory courses and public universities. Private universities set their own fees |
| Travel | One-time lump sum for international travel to Poland |
| Language | Polish B1 for the preparatory course, Polish B2 for Polish-taught studies, English B2 for English-taught studies |
| Deadline | 8 May 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Warsaw time, or earlier if the country-group limit was reached |
| Results | Planned by 31 July 2026 |
Who qualified in 2026
- Non-Polish citizens who had not applied for Polish citizenship.
- People planning to start second-cycle studies or a preparatory course in the 2026/27 winter semester.
- A first-cycle degree obtained no earlier than 2024, or a final semester finishing by 15 July 2026.
- No existing master’s diploma and no earlier NAWA Director’s scholarship for second-cycle study.
- Documented language level as in the table above.
Hypothetical example for illustration only: an applicant whose bachelor’s degree was awarded in 2023 would not have met the 2026 rule on the date of the first-cycle degree. Eligibility dates change each cycle, so read the new call carefully.
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How to prepare for the next call
- Check NAWA’s website regularly for the call. The 2026 window closed in spring, so a similar period is likely, but confirm on the site.
- Get your degree certificate and transcripts, with translations if required.
- Book an English test (B2 or higher) or a Polish exam well ahead of the deadline.
- Pick eligible public universities with an English-taught master’s in your field. Check which universities have a framework agreement with NAWA.
- Submit early. Applications can close before the published date if the country-group cap is reached.
Once admitted, you will also need a Polish student visa and proof of accommodation. Plan the full cost with our student proof of funds guide, and compare other low-cost routes in cheap universities abroad.
A Preparation Timeline
The 2026 call closed in early May, with results planned by the end of July. If the next call follows a similar pattern, work backwards from the likely deadline. Confirm the real dates on NAWA’s site when the call opens.
| When (relative to the deadline) | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6 to 9 months before | Shortlist public universities and English-taught master’s programmes; read their entry requirements |
| 4 to 6 months before | Book your English test; request transcripts and degree certificates from your university |
| 2 to 3 months before | Get certified translations if required; draft your motivation text |
| 1 month before | Complete the online application and upload documents |
| Well before the closing date | Submit, since the call can close early if the country-group cap is reached |
Documents You Will Typically Need
- Passport data page.
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts, or proof that you will finish by the call’s cut-off date.
- Language certificate at the level the call requires.
- CV and a motivation letter that explains why you chose the programme and Poland.
- Any extra items listed in the call, such as references.
The exact list is set in each call, so use this as a checklist to start collecting items, not as the final list.
Worked Example: What the Stipend Adds Up To
The 2026 stipend was PLN 2,500 a month for up to 12 months in an academic year. That is up to PLN 30,000 in a year, or PLN 60,000 over a two-year master’s if the scholarship runs for the full period.
| Budget step (hypothetical) | How to work it out |
|---|---|
| Monthly income | PLN 2,500 stipend |
| Fixed costs | Add rent, utilities, transport pass and phone for your university city |
| Variable costs | Food, books, and personal costs |
| Gap or surplus | Stipend minus costs; if negative, plan how to cover it |
| One-off costs | Visa fees, medical insurance, flights, deposit on accommodation |
Look up rents for student housing or shared flats in the cities you are considering, since they differ between Warsaw, Krakow and smaller university cities. Tuition at public universities is covered, but living costs are yours.
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After Admission: the Student Visa
- Accept the offer and get the admission or scholarship letter from the university or NAWA.
- Book a visa appointment with the Polish consular service that handles Nigerian applicants.
- Gather proof of accommodation, health insurance, funds and the letter of admission.
- Apply with biometrics, and allow time for processing before the semester starts.
Consular requirements and processing times change, so check the Polish consulate’s current instructions.
Common Reasons Applications Fail
| Reason | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Not meeting the degree-date rule | Check the cut-off in the call before you start |
| Language proof below the required level | Book the test early and aim above the minimum |
| Missing or unreadable documents | Scan clearly and check file sizes and formats |
| Choosing an ineligible university or programme | Use NAWA’s list of eligible institutions |
| Applying late | Submit well before the posted deadline |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Banach open now?
The 2026 call closed on 8 May 2026. Check NAWA for the next one.
Does Banach cover bachelor’s study?
The 2026 call was for second-cycle (master’s) studies and preparatory courses only.
Can I use PLN 2,500 a month to live on?
Living costs vary by city and housing. Compare the stipend with local rent and food costs for your university city before you accept.
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