NEW Requirements
NEW admissions and visa process – important updates effective from July 2025!
From 1 July 2025, new government regulations concerning university admissions and visa procedures for Poland will come into effect. These changes apply nationwide and have been implemented as part of broader national recruitment policy changes—not by individual universities.
Our Admission Team is here to keep you informed and help you understand how these updates might impact your candidate’s applications. While we know such changes can initially seem challenging, there’s no need for concern. The new process remains straightforward, and we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way!
Below is a summary of the most important changes. Please note that some regulations are still pending implementation, and we will keep you informed throughout the process.
If you have any questions regarding the changes mentioned above, feel free to contact us directly at: admissions@akademiata.pl.
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UPDATE 26.06.2025 – NAWA Recognition Process!
Entry exam:
• candidates applying to Bachelor programs with diplomas issued OUTSIDE the EU, EFTA, OECD, Ukraine, or China will be required to take an entry examination. These exams will be available online in July. Please check your mailbox for exam information and inviation!
(Note: Architecture program applicants are already required to submit a portfolio as the entry exam — this requirement remains unchanged.)
English proficiency:
• A minimum English proficiency level of B2 is now mandatory for all candidates and for all programs.
The diploma recognition (High School or Bachelor)
The process will no longer be handled by the Education Board. Candidates with diplomas issued outside the EU, EFTA, OECD, Ukraine, or China must now obtain a Recognition Statement from NAWA (the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange). We are sharing the instructions below.
Applications for the issuance of information are submitted in the SYRENA system.
- Bachelor’s candidates – from July 1st
- Master’s candidates – can already apply!
Please note: The Recognition Statement from NAWA is a required document during the visa application process.
Please check below instructions and let us know if you require assistance with the process.
You can find user manuals and application instructions on NAWA’s official website:
🔗 General Guide:
https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/how-to-obtain-a-recognition-statement
📘 For Bachelor’s Candidates – Secondary School Certificate:
Manual (PDF): https://nawa.gov.pl/images/Uznawalnosc/SYRENA/Syrena_User-Manual_Application_Secondary-school-certificate.pdf
📘 For Master’s Candidates – Diploma of Higher Education:
Website: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/how-to-obtain-a-recognition-statement/diploma-of-higher-education
Manual (PDF): https://nawa.gov.pl/images/Uznawalnosc/SYRENA/Syrena_User-Manual_Application_5.pdf
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FOR CANDIDATES APPLYING TO FIRST-CYCLE (BACHELOR’S) PROGRAMS
(Applies only to applicants with non-EU/OECD/EFTA citizenship or high school certificates issued outside these regions)
Key Changes at a Glance:
• Revised list of accepted English language certificates (minimum B2 level required for all the programs),
• New process for foreign high school diploma recognition – it will be conducted online through the Syrena system of NAWA. After 1 July 2025 Education Superintendent Offices will no longer conduct foreign diploma recognition,
• Introduction of entrance exams for undergraduate admission,
• Updated visa requirements.
Is it still possible to apply under the current rules?
Yes, it’s still possible — if you complete the application process in June.
- Finalize your admission and ensure tuition is paid by 30 June 2025
- Receive your admission decision in the system by 30 June 2025
Note: If your certificate hasn’t yet been legalised or recognized, contact our Admissions Office. We can still assist you with nostrification process at the Education Superintendent Office in Warsaw.
Applying After June 2025?
Details of the New Rules:
• English Language Requirements
- Minimum B2 level (CEFR)
- Recommended certificates: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge (visa-safe)
- Polish Matura: Extended English with minimum 60%
- Once a separate Minister’s regulation on language proficiency is published, we will confirm the final language assessment procedure. In the meantime, UTA intends to conduct an online English language examination for applicants.
• Entrance Exams for First-Cycle Applicants
- Required for non-EU/OECD/EFTA documents unless holding an IB/EB diploma or a certificate recognized under international agreement.
- Format and topics will be published by UTA in June 2025. Contact our Admissions Office for updates!
• Recognition of High/Secondary School Certificates
- Mandatory via Syrena (NAWA) starting 1 July 2025
- Recognition documents from before 30 June 2025 remain valid
- Free online process with scanned documents
• New Visa Requirements
- Certificate + NAWA recognition or prior Education Superintendent decision
- Legalised documents (Apostille or Legalisation)
- Valid proof of English proficiency per updated list
For delays, hybrid learning options and late arrivals will be available — discuss with our Admissions Office Team!
FOR CANDIDATES APPLYING TO SECOND-CYCLE (MASTER’S) PROGRAMS
(Applies only to applicants with non-EU/OECD/EFTA citizenship or degrees from institutions outside these regions)
Summary of Key Updates:
- Revised list of accepted English language certificates (minimum B2 level)
- New process for diploma recognition – obligatory in Syrena system of NAWA
- Updated visa requirements
Can You Still Apply Under the Old Rules?
Yes—if you complete everything before the transition:
Admissions finalized and tuition paid by the end of June 2025
Decision received by 30 June 2025.
Note: If your certificate hasn’t yet been legalised or recognized, contact our Admissions Office.
Applying After June 2025?
Then the new rules apply. You must:
- Provide an English certificate from the updated list
- Submit your diploma for recognition via Syrena (NAWA) – Master’s programs candidates can start the process now!
Details of the Main Changes
• English Language Requirements
- Minimum B2 level (CEFR)
- Recommended: IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge,
- Previous education in English accepted only if:
The transcript clearly states English as the medium of instruction, or
The document confirms B2 proficiency, or
The program was English philology/linguistics with at least 500 hours of language instruction
• Diploma Recognition
- Compulsory through Syrena (NAWA) starting 1 July 2025
- Applications may be submitted now to accelerate the process
- Free of charge, online with scanned documents; electronically signed decision
• Updated Visa Requirements
- Diploma + recognition document (NAWA/Syrena)
- Legalised academic documents
- Updated English language certificate (if needed for your visa appointment)
For delays, hybrid learning options and late arrivals will be available — discuss with our Admission Team!
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