Higher education in Poland is essentially open to all who possess the necessary qualifications. In principle, foreign students must prove their proficiency in Polish and hold the appropriate school leaving certificate. Students in Poland regardless of whether foreign or not, are placed in three categories which determine admissions requirements, tuition fees and various other aspects.

a) This category covers those students receiving a Polish government scholarship. Such students are exempted from the payment of tuition fees;

b) This category covers those students not receiving a scholarship, but nevertheless exempted from the payment of tuition fees;

c) This category covers those students who must pay all their costs themselves.

Foreign students enrolling under the (a) or (b) category will be required to provide proof of their proficiency in Polish. This is monitored by the Ministry of National Education. Students who cannot prove the their knowledge of Polish is sufficient for purposes of higher education study will be required to attend a one-year introductory course in Polish.

Foreign students enrolling under the category c conditions, meaning students who will pay their own tuition fees, should contact the higher education institution of their choice which is then responsible for deciding on whether or not participation in a Polish language course is required.

Some higher education institutions offer courses held in English.

Foreign applicants who wish to study at one of Polish higher education institutions must be able to produce the following documentation:

• secondary school leaving certificate (minimum 11 years of education) which entitles them to enter higher education in their own country; This certificate should include a clause stating that it gives access to higher education in the country where the certificate was issued. If this clause is not included, the candidate should present a letter from the complement authorities stating that the certificate give access to higher education in the country in which the certificate was issued.

• a letter of confirmation from the Polish embassy or consulate or relevant local education authority confirming the above secondary school leaving certificate;

• proof of Polish language proficiency .

Students who have commenced their studies elsewhere and who intend to continue in Poland are required to present credentials, credits and documents from their previous higher education institution and prove their proficiency in Polish. The International Bacalaureate Diploma is also accepted as proof of academic qualification for admission to higher education.

Grading system

Main grading system generally used by higher education institutions 5 - 2 (very good, good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory); highest on scale: 5 (very good); fail level: 2 (unsatisfactory).

Other main grading system used for non-final exams, the marks '+' and '-' are often added to the principal grades. In some schools exist grade 6 (excellent) and in others – specific point scales.