Study in Poland with the IB Diploma
This guide explains how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is used for admission to Polish universities, using only official Polish government and institutional sources. Poland uses a decentralized admission system where you apply directly to each university.
Last updated for the 2026 intake
Recognition
How Poland Recognizes the IB Diploma
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma issued by the IBO in Geneva is recognized by operation of law in Poland. This means it is automatically accepted as equivalent to the Polish Matura (school-leaving certificate) for university admission — no nostrification or additional administrative recognition is required.
This automatic recognition has been in effect since March 31, 2015, under the Polish Act on the Education System (Article 93). NAWA (the National Agency for Academic Exchange), which serves as Poland's ENIC-NARIC centre, confirms the recognition status of IB diplomas.
While the IB Diploma gives holders the right to apply for studies at Polish higher education institutions, each university sets its own specific admission requirements, including which IB subjects and levels are required for particular programmes.
Equivalence
Do IB Students Need a Polish Diploma?
No — the IB Diploma is accepted as a standalone qualification
The IB Diploma is recognized by operation of law as equivalent to the Polish Matura. You do not need to undergo nostrification (the standard credential evaluation process for foreign diplomas in Poland). This exemption applies to all IB diplomas issued by the IBO in Geneva.
IB Certificate holders: If you received IB Diploma Programme Course Results (certificates) rather than the full IB Diploma, you may need to undergo nostrification. Contact the university directly to confirm eligibility.
Official Source
Admission System
How Admission Works for IB Students
Poland uses a decentralized admission system. There is no centralized application portal — you apply directly to each university through its own online recruitment system. Each institution sets its own deadlines, requirements, and admission criteria.
Official Source
Grade Conversion
IB to Polish Grade Conversion
Poland does not have a single national conversion formula for IB grades. Each university defines its own rules for converting IB scores (1–7) to its internal point or percentage system.
Common Conversion Approaches (examples)
| IB Grade | Typical % (HL) | Typical % (SL) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 100% | 100% |
| 6 | 90% | 85–90% |
| 5 | 75% | 70% |
| 4 | 60% | 50% |
| 3 | 45% | 30% |
| 2 | 30% | 10% |
Values shown are illustrative and based on University of Warsaw Faculty of Economic Sciences conversion. Each faculty and university may use different values.
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Entrance Exams
Are Entrance Exams Required?
Most Polish university programmes do not require entrance exams for IB students. Admission is primarily based on your IB scores, converted using the university's own formula.
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Language Requirements
Language Requirements for IB Students
Polish universities offer programmes in both Polish and English. There are over 900 English-taught programmes available across the country.
English
- Minimum B2 level required (IELTS 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, or Cambridge FCE/CAE depending on the university)
- IB English A or English B courses may satisfy English requirements — verify with the institution
- Medical programmes may require higher English scores (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or above)
Polish
- Required only for Polish-taught programmes
- Minimum B2 level — demonstrated through an official certificate or the university's own language exam
- Preparatory Polish language courses (Zerówka, 9 months) are available at many universities for students who wish to study in Polish
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University Types
Types of Higher Education in Poland
Poland has nearly 380 higher education institutions — both public and private. The IB Diploma is accepted at all of them. Polish higher education follows the Bologna Process with standardized degree cycles.
Public Universities
- Bachelor's (3–3.5 years), Master's (1.5–2 years), and long-cycle Master's (5–6 years for medicine, law, psychology)
- Free tuition for Polish-taught programmes for EU/EEA and Polish Charter holders
- Examples: Jagiellonian University, University of Warsaw, Warsaw University of Technology, AGH University of Krakow
Private Universities
- Offer the same degree types as public universities under the Bologna Process
- Tuition fees apply to all students regardless of nationality (EUR 2,000–6,000 per year on average)
- Often more flexible admission timelines and may offer rolling admissions
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Documentation
Required Documents for IB Students
Documents are typically uploaded through the university's online recruitment portal. Requirements may vary by institution:
- IB Diploma and transcript of results
- Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
- Certified translation of the IB Diploma into Polish (if required by the institution)
- Certificate of language proficiency (Polish B2 for Polish-taught, or English B2 for English-taught programmes)
- Medical certificate confirming fitness to study (required by some programmes)
- Application form (submitted via the university's online recruitment portal)
Non-EU/EEA students must also arrange a student visa. Apply at least 2–3 months before the academic year starts. Some universities may require an apostille on your IB Diploma — check directly with the institution.
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Timeline
Application Timeline
Timelines vary by university and programme. This is a general guide for the fall intake (October start), which is the primary intake period:
January – March: Research and Preparation
Identify your preferred universities and programmes. Check each university's recruitment website for specific IB conversion rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements.
April – June: Application Period
Most Polish universities open their online recruitment portals between April and June. Submit your application, upload documents, and pay any registration fees. Deadlines vary by institution — some close as early as May, others in July.
July – August: Admission Results
Universities announce admission decisions. Admitted students receive a conditional or final acceptance letter. If you have not yet received your IB Diploma, you may submit a letter of predicted results and provide the final diploma later.
September – October: Enrolment
Complete enrolment formalities including document submission, student ID issuance, and orientation. Non-EU/EEA students should account for visa processing time (apply at least 2–3 months before the start of the academic year).
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the IB Diploma recognized for university admission in Poland?
Yes. The IB Diploma issued by the International Baccalaureate Organisation in Geneva is recognized by operation of law in Poland. It is treated as equivalent to the Polish Matura, and holders can apply directly to Polish universities without nostrification or any additional recognition procedure.
How are IB grades converted for Polish university admission?
There is no single national conversion formula. Each Polish university sets its own rules for converting IB grades (1–7 scale) to percentages or points equivalent to the Polish Matura. Higher Level (HL) subjects are typically treated as extended-level Matura and given higher weighting, while Standard Level (SL) subjects correspond to basic-level Matura. Always check the specific faculty admission requirements.
Source: study.gov.pl — How to Apply
How do IB students apply to Polish universities?
Poland uses a decentralized admission system. You apply directly to each university through its own online recruitment portal. There is no central national application platform. Each institution sets its own deadlines, required documents, and admission criteria. Start by selecting a programme on the university's website and follow its recruitment instructions.
Source: study.gov.pl — How to Apply
Do I need to speak Polish to study in Poland?
Not necessarily. Polish universities offer over 900 programmes taught in English. For English-taught programmes, you typically need to demonstrate at least B2 English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 5.5–6.5, depending on the university). For Polish-taught programmes, you must prove Polish language proficiency at minimum B2 level, usually through a certificate or the university's own language exam.
Source: study.gov.pl — How to Apply
Is higher education in Poland free for IB students?
Full-time studies in Polish at public universities are free for Polish citizens, EU/EEA citizens, and holders of the Karta Polaka (Polish Charter). All other international students pay tuition fees, which average EUR 2,000–3,000 per year for undergraduate programmes. Scholarships are available through NAWA and individual universities.
Source: study.gov.pl — Tuition Fees
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