FAQ EN

The catalog of fees at a public university is defined in Article 79 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science. These fees are for educational services related to:
1) Education in non-stationary mode; 
2) Repeating certain classes in stationary mode due to unsatisfactory academic performance; 
3) Education in a foreign language; 
4) Conducting classes not covered by the study program; 
5) Education of foreign students in Polish on stationary studies. 

In addition, public universities may also charge fees for: 
1) Conducting recruitment; 
2) Conducting verification of learning outcomes; 
3) Issuing student cards and duplicates of these documents; 
4) Issuing copies of the diploma and supplement to the diploma in a foreign language, other than those issued under Article 77 (2); 
5) Issuing duplicates of the diploma and supplement to the diploma; 
6) Using student dormitories and cafeterias. 

The Act prohibits universities (both public and private) from charging fees for activities related to the verification of learning outcomes specified in the study program, as well as for issuing documents related to the course of studies other than those specified in Article 79 (2) points 3-5 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science. In other words, universities cannot charge fees for quizzes, exams (including make-up and commission exams), as well as for diploma exams. Universities also cannot charge fees for diplomas and diploma supplements specified in the Act.

According to Article 67, paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science, “ECTS points are a measure of the average workload of a student necessary to achieve learning outcomes. One ECTS credit corresponds to 25-30 hours of student workload, covering classes organized by the university and individual work related to these classes.” 

ECTS points allow for comparing achieved learning outcomes, including recognizing achievements obtained outside our country. The detailed number of points assigned to individual classes is determined in the study program and may affect, for example, the amount of fees for repeating a given subject. According to Article 76, paragraph 1 and point 1 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science: 

“A condition for completing studies and obtaining a diploma is, among others, achieving the learning outcomes specified in the study program, to which at least: 
a) 180 ECTS credits are assigned for first-cycle studies,
b) 90 ECTS credits are assigned for second-cycle studies,
c) 300 ECTS credits are assigned for uniform master’s studies lasting 9 or 10 semesters,
d) 360 ECTS credits are assigned for uniform master’s studies lasting 11 or 12 semesters.”

Learning outcomes determine the knowledge, skills and social competences acquired in the learning process. Each field of study, and even each subject, is assigned specific learning outcomes that we should acquire. Exams or quizzes should verify whether we have achieved specific learning outcomes. 

Zgodnie z art. 63 PSWN:
1. Studia są prowadzone w formie:
1) studiów stacjonarnych, w ramach których co najmniej połowa punktów ECTS objętych programem studiów jest uzyskiwana w ramach zajęć z bezpośrednim udziałem nauczycieli akademickich lub innych osób prowadzących zajęcia i studentów;
2) studiów niestacjonarnych wskazanych w uchwale senatu, w ramach których mniej niż połowa punktów ECTS objętych programem studiów może być uzyskiwana z bezpośrednim udziałem nauczycieli akademickich lub innych osób prowadzących zajęcia i studentów.

2. Zajęcia na studiach stacjonarnych są prowadzone odrębnie od zajęć na studiach niestacjonarnych.

3. W uczelni publicznej liczba studentów studiujących na studiach stacjonarnych nie może być mniejsza od liczby studentów studiujących na studiach niestacjonarnych

Ponadto art. 64 PSWN stanowi:

1. Studia są prowadzone na poziomie:
1) studiów pierwszego stopnia;
2) studiów drugiego stopnia;
3) jednolitych studiów magisterskich.

2. Studia są prowadzone na profilu:
1) praktycznym, na którym ponad połowa punktów ECTS jest przypisana zajęciom kształtującym umiejętności praktyczne;
2) ogólnoakademickim, na którym ponad połowa punktów ECTS jest przypisana zajęciom związanym z prowadzoną w uczelni działalnością naukową.

According to Article 63 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science:
1. Studies are conducted in the form of: 
a) full-time studies, during which at least half of the ECTS points covered by the study program are obtained through classes with the direct participation of academic teachers or other persons conducting classes and students; 
b) part-time studies indicated in the resolution of the senate, during which less than half of the ECTS points covered by the study program can be obtained with the direct participation of academic teachers or other persons conducting classes and students. 

2. Classes in full-time studies are conducted separately from those in part-time studies. 

3. In a public university, the number of students studying full-time cannot be lower than the number of students studying part-time. 

In addition, Article 64 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science stipulates that: 

1. Studies are conducted at the level of: 
a) first-cycle studies; 
b) second-cycle studies; 
c) uniform master’s studies. 

2. Studies are conducted in a profile: 
a) practical, where more than half of the ECTS points are assigned to classes shaping practical skills; 
b) general academic, where more than half of the ECTS points are assigned to classes related to scientific activity conducted at the university. 

The length of studies is determined by Article 65 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science: 

1. The first-degree full-time studies last at least 6 semesters, and if the study program includes learning outcomes that enable the acquisition of engineering competencies – at least 7 semesters. 
2. The second-degree full-time studies last from 3 to 5 semesters. 
3. The full-time uniform master’s degree studies last from 9 to 12 semesters. 
4. Part-time studies can last longer than corresponding full-time studies. 

The Study Regulations define the organization of studies and the rights and obligations of students related to them. The regulations contain information on the types of classes that are mandatory at the university, the procedure for excusing absences, rules for granting leaves of absence, and individual study organization. The study regulations also provide information on re-examinations, commission exams, and deadlines for submitting diploma theses. We recommend you to  familiarize  thoroughly with the study regulations, which will allow you to fully understand the rights and obligations at your  university. 

The student status is the fact of being a student at a given university and the rights that come with it. According to Art. 83 of the Higher Education Act, a person admitted to studies begins their studies and acquires student rights upon taking the oath. Therefore, we are not considered a student from the moment of admission to the university, but only from the moment of signing the relevant oath. 

A student status is lost upon completion of studies or in the case of removal from the list of students.

According to Article 108 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science: 

1. A student is removed from the list of students in the event of: 
a) not starting studies; 
b) resignation from studies; 
c) failure to submit a diploma thesis or pass a diploma exam within the specified deadline; 
d) being punished with disciplinary expulsion from the university. 

2. A student may be removed from the list of students in the event of: 
a) lack of participation in mandatory classes; 
b) lack of progress in learning; 
c) failure to pass a semester or year within a specified deadline; 
d) failure to pay fees related to the studies.

The first four premises are so-called obligatory premises – in case they occur, the university must remove the student from the list of students. The next four premises belong to the so-called discretionary premises, which should be specified in the study regulations. The decision to remove from the list of students is an administrative decision, and therefore an appeal can be made to the rector (and in the case when the decision is issued by the rector – a request for reconsideration), and then a complaint can be filed with the Voivodship Administrative Court. 

The student ID card confirms the student’s rights, including student discounts. Additionally, depending on the university and city, the ID card can serve as a library card, printing center card, bank card, city card, and more. 

The ID card should be renewed every semester by attaching the appropriate hologram to it. 

After completing a Bachelor’s degree, a student retains their rights until October 31st of the year of graduation. In such a situation, the university cannot demand the return of the ID card, and if necessary, should extend its validity until October 31st of the year in which the Bachelor’s degree was completed. 

According to Article 109 of the Law on Higher Education and Science, a person who has completed a Bachelor’s degree retains student rights (excluding the right to material assistance) until October 31st. 

The fact that the ID card retains its validity after completing a Bachelor’s degree is confirmed by § 21 para. 3 of the Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of September 27, 2019, on studies. It does not matter whether the defence took place in January, March or June. The university cannot demand the return of the ID card and, if necessary, should extend its validity. 

If the university refuses to extend the validity of the student ID after completing studies in February or March, you should refer to the above-mentioned regulations. In case of further refusal, we encourage you to contact the university student council or contact us through http://helpdesk.psrp.org.pl.

No. The university cannot make the certification of student rights (extension of the student ID) dependent on passing all subjects or paying outstanding fees. The only thing that matters for certifying student status (extending the student ID) is whether a person is currently a student or not. If the university has not decided to remove someone from the student list, it cannot refuse to certify student rights. 

According to article 105 of the Higher Education Act, students are entitled to a 50% discount on public transportation fares. This right is unlimited and applies to students of all ages. Discounts on public transport (e.g. trains). Students under the age of 26 are entitled to a 51% discount on single and monthly tickets for public transportation, such as trains (second class) and public buses operated by carriers.  

The law does not regulate student discounts at cinemas, theatres, swimming pools, or restaurants. Each service provider has the right to introduce so-called commercial discounts for students, determining the amount of the discounts and the conditions for their award (e.g. student’s age).  

Students under the age of 26 can be insured (free of charge) under their parents’ health insurance. Remember that parents must report you if you have taken up employment or paid a health insurance premium for other reasons. It is possible that you have been removed from your parents’ insurance and need to be reported again. If for some reason you cannot be reported to your parents’ insurance or if you are over 26 years old, contact your university, which can insure you.  

The obligation to pay contributions for insurance (health, social, and other contributions collected by ZUS) depends on the type of contract. In the case of an employment contract, all contributions must be paid. However, in the case of a mandate contract, a person under the age of 26 who is a student does not have to pay contributions. 

It is an international card certifying student status. It is worth getting one when traveling abroad. The card can be purchased online or at stationary points, and it is often issued together with personal accident insurance at universities. Remember to check the rules for student discounts and recognition of the ISIC card when traveling outside our country.

There is no closed catalog of student rights. Detailed rights should result from the study regulations, as well as other acts (e.g. material aid regulations). However, the law indicates several guaranteed student rights. 

According to Art. 85 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science: The student has the right to: 

• transfer and recognition of ECTS points, 
• pursue studies according to an individual study plan, 
• justify absence from classes, leaves of absence from classes and leaves of absence from classes with the possibility of participating in the verification of the learning outcomes specified in the study program, 
• change the field of study, 
• transfer to full-time or part-time studies, 
• participate in the examination board with the involvement of the observer indicated by him/her, 
• repeat certain classes due to unsatisfactory learning outcomes – on the terms specified in the study regulations. 

Just like in the case of student rights, there is no closed catalog of student responsibilities. The detailed scope of responsibilities can be found in the study regulations. However, the law imposes general obligations on the student. 

According to Article 107 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science: 

• The student is obliged to act in accordance with the content of the oath and the regulations in force at the university. 
• The student is obliged in particular to: -participate in classes in accordance with the study regulations; -take exams, complete professional internships, and fulfil other requirements provided for in the study program.

Matriculation is the customary term for admission to the student body and the acquisition of student rights. Matriculation occurs at the moment of taking (signing) the oath. From that moment on, we are entitled to student rights, which means that admission to studies is not equivalent to their acquisition.

Yes. Transferring and recognizing achievements (ECTS points) is one of the basic rights of the student. The key is the similarity of learning outcomes between subjects in various majors. The detailed procedure for recognizing achievements should be determined by the study regulations, where you can also find information about who to submit the application to and the deadline for doing so.

Individual Study Organization, which may take the form of Individual Study Mode, Individual Study Plan, or other forms at various universities, allows the student to receive education based on individually established rules. IOS can change the study plan (e.g. the order of subjects), modify certain subjects required by the study program, or exempt the student from the obligation to participate in some classes. The detailed criteria for granting IOS and the associated rights should be sought in the study regulations.

A holiday is a right of a student that allows for a break in studies. It can take two forms: 

Long-term leave – usually granted for the academic year, which extends the period of studies.
Short-term leave – granted for a short period (e.g. due to illness or other situations preventing participation in classes) – it does not exempt the student from the obligation to take exams and does not extend the time of studies. 

Leave is granted upon the student’s request. Detailed rules for granting leave are included in the study regulations. Also, in these regulations, you will find information about who to address such a request, how it should be justified, and in what period it should be submitted. 

A session is a period that ends a semester, during which exams take place. At most universities, there are winter sessions (at the end of the winter semester) and summer sessions (at the end of the summer semester). In addition, usually retake sessions are also distinguished, for people who have not passed all the exams in the first term. The period of the session, its duration, and the rules for setting exam dates should be determined by the study regulations and the academic year schedule. 

As the old student saying goes, “Don’t stress, there are second terms.” We don’t recommend underestimating exams in the first terms, but in case of failure, usually a student has the opportunity to retake the exam in the second term. Detailed rules for retaking exams should be specified in the study regulations. 

In case of not passing the exam (usually in both terms), the student may submit an application to take an exam in a given subject before a commission. This exam is to verify the student’s knowledge by a wider group (usually 3 academic teachers). The commission exam may be granted to the student upon their request, and the detailed criteria for granting this right should be specified in the study regulations, where you will also find information on when and to whom to submit the application. Remember that you can have an observer of your choice participate in the commission exam!

A conditional entry or entry with ECTS points debt means that in case of failing a course (or several, depending on the university), we can apply to be enrolled in a higher year of studies with the obligation to retake the failed course. This solution allows us to improve the course without extending the duration of studies.  

Retaking a course is subject to a fee.  

The regulations of the studies should specify in which cases such an entry can be granted (e.g. how many courses can be failed or how many ECTS points can be missing). There, you can also find information on whom to submit the appropriate application and by when.  

The grade from an exam or quiz is an individual evaluation from the academic teacher and usually there is no possibility to verify or appeal against it. If you have any doubts, you should consult the examiner – you should have the right to review the examination work and justification for the received grade. If you have doubts about the examiner’s impartiality or correctness of the grade, you can submit an application for a commission exam.  

If you have not passed a course or several courses in a given semester or year, and you have also not succeeded in the commission exam, and the conditional entry (described above) does not apply to you, you can apply to repeat the year.  

Note! Universities often introduce restrictions on repeating the year, e.g. by prohibiting repeating the first year or the same stage of studies more than once, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations of the studies. Repeating the year is subject to a fee and is usually granted upon the student’s application and results in an extension of the duration of studies. Repeating the year should only involve retaking previously failed courses and possibly courses from the so-called program difference.  

Currently, PSWN does not provide for the right to resume studies in case of being struck off the list of students, but many universities introduce such a right into their regulations. Therefore, if you have been struck off and want to resume your studies, you should refer to the regulations of the studies to check the provisions.

In cases where an administrative decision has been made (such as refusal to admit to studies, decisions regarding material aid, or removal from the student list), there are means of appeal specified in the Administrative Procedure Code, namely an appeal (or a request for reconsideration of the case – if the decision was issued by the rector) within 14 days of receiving the decision. In the case of an unfavourable appellate decision, the student can appeal to the Voivodship Administrative Court.

In other matters, there is no possibility of appealing the decision to the court. The study regulations should specify whether there is an internal appeals process available for a particular matter.

Ustawa przewiduje obowiązek udzielenia studentce w ciąży oraz studentowi (studiów stacjonarnych) będącemu rodzicem urlopu oraz Indywidualnej Organizacji Studiów na poniższych warunkach:

art. 85 PSWN:

2. Studentce w ciąży i studentowi będącemu rodzicem nie można odmówić zgody na:
1) odbywanie studiów na określonym kierunku i poziomie według indywidualnej organizacji studiów do czasu ich ukończenia – w przypadku studiów stacjonarnych; 2) urlop, o którym mowa w ust. 1 pkt 3.
3. Student będący rodzicem składa wniosek o urlop, o którym mowa w ust. 1 pkt 3, w okresie 1 roku od dnia urodzenia dziecka.
4. Urlopu, o którym mowa w ust. 1 pkt 3, dla:
1) studentki w ciąży udziela się na okres do dnia urodzenia dziecka,
2) studenta będącego rodzicem udziela się na okres do 1 roku – z tym że jeżeli koniec urlopu przypada w trakcie semestru, urlop może być przedłużony do końca tego semestru

The law provides for the obligation to grant a pregnant student and a student (of full-time studies) who is a parent, a leave and an Individual Study Organization on the following terms: Article 85 of the Act Law on Higher Education and Science states: 

2. A pregnant student and a student who is a parent cannot be refused permission to: 
a) pursue studies in a specific field and at a specific level according to an individual study plan until their completion – in the case of full-time studies;
b) leave referred to in para. 1, item 3. 

3. A student who is a parent applies for leave referred to in para. 1, item 3, within 1 year from the day of the child’s birth. 

4. The leave referred to in para. 1, item 3 is granted for:
a) a pregnant student for a period up to the day of the child’s birth, 
b) a student who is a parent for a period up to 1 year – provided that if the end of the leave falls during the semester, the leave may be extended until the end of that semester. 

The university should provide conditions for people with disabilities to fully participate in the process of admission to the university, education, and scientific activity. Detailed support tools for disabled students should be specified in the study regulations and other internal acts of the university.

In addition, a disabled student has the right to receive a scholarship for disabled persons.  

The university should issue the indicated documents within 30 days. If your diploma is still not ready, despite the expiry of the deadline, you can file a complaint to the Minister of Science and Higher Education, who may impose an administrative penalty on the university for failing to meet the deadline. 

A student may apply for: 
1) social scholarship; 
2) a scholarship for the disabled; 
3) I will provide assistance;
4) Rector’s scholarship; 
5) a scholarship financed by a local government unit; 
6) a scholarship for learning or sporting results financed by a natural person or a legal person that is not a state or local government legal person. 

legal basis: art. 86 sec. 1 PSWN 

A student may apply for: 
1) accommodation in a university dormitory or meals in the university’s student canteen; 
2) accommodation of a spouse or child in a dormitory of the university. 

Legal basis: art. 104 PSWN 

A student with significant scientific or artistic achievements related to studies, or significant sports achievements may receive a ministerial scholarship. 

Legal basis: art. 359 sec. PSWN 

Applications for a social scholarship, a scholarship for the disabled, a rector’s scholarship and an allowance are submitted directly to the university. You should familiarize yourself with the rules prevailing at a given university in the field of accepting applications – in some universities there are separate units for submitting applications for scholarships, in others applications are submitted to dean’s offices. The application template is available on your university’s website – check whether applications are generated using the university system (e.g. USOS) or filled in manually by candidates. 

 The amount of scholarships is determined by the university in accordance with the rules set out in the regulations on benefits for students, established by the rector in consultation with the student government. Scholarship amounts may vary at each university. 

Legal basis: art. 95 PSWN 

Social scholarships, scholarships for the disabled and the rector are awarded for a semester or for an academic year (depending on the university or field of study) and paid monthly for a period of up to 10 months (the university may determine a shorter period), and when education lasts a semester – for a period of up to 5 months (the university may set a shorter period). 

Legal basis: art. 92 sec. 1 PSWN

A student studying in several fields of study at the same time may receive benefits (social scholarships, scholarships for the disabled, rector’s, minister’s and grants) only in one field of study indicated by them. 

Legal basis: art. 93 sec. 1 PSWN

Benefits (social scholarships, scholarships for the disabled, rector’s scholarships, ministerial grants and grants) are available for first-cycle studies, second-cycle studies and uniform master’s studies, but not longer than for a period of 6 years. 

These benefits are not payable to a student with a professional title of magister, master engineer or equivalent, as well as a bachelor’s, engineer or equivalent, if he/she resumes first-cycle studies. This also applies to persons who obtained a professional title abroad. 

Legal basis: art. 93 sec. 2 and 3

According to Art. 87 sec. 1 PSWN A social scholarship may be granted to a student in a difficult financial situation. 

According to Art. 87 sec. 2 PSWN The amount of monthly income per person in the student’s family entitling to apply for a social grant is determined by the rector in consultation with the student government. This amount cannot be: 

1) less than 1.30 of the amount specified in Art. 8 sec. 1 point 2 of the Act of 12 March 2004 on social assistance (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1508), i.e. PLN 686.40 (as of September 15, 2019); 

2) greater than 1.30 of the sum of the amounts specified in Art. 5 sec. 1 and art. 6 sec. 2 point 3 of the Act of November 28, 2003 on family benefits (Journal of Laws of 2017, item 1952, as amended2), i.e. PLN 1,051.70 (as of September 15, 2019) ;. 

Summing up, the amount of the maximum income per person in the family is determined by the rector in consultation with the student government, however, this amount cannot be set lower than PLN 686.40 and higher than PLN 1051.70. The student should check with the university what the amount is valid in a given period at a given university. 

When calculating the income per person in the family for the social grant, the following are taken into account: 
a) a student,
b) the student’s spouse,
c) parents, legal or actual guardians of the student,
d) being dependent on the persons referred to in point (a). a-c, minor children, children studying up to the age of 26, and if the age of 26 falls in the last year of studies, until their completion, and disabled children regardless of age;

Legal basis of art. 88 sec. 1 point 1 PSWN 

A student who does not share a household with any of the parents, legal or actual guardians, may apply for a social scholarship without showing the income earned by these persons and their dependent minor children, children studying up to 26 years of age, and if The 26th year of life falls in the last year of studies, until their completion, and disabled children regardless of age, if they meet one of the following conditions: 

• is over 26 years old; 
• is married; 
• has dependent minor children, children studying up to the age of 26, and if the age of 26 falls in the last year of studies, until graduation, and disabled children, regardless of age; 
• has reached the age of majority while in foster care; 
• has a permanent source of income and his average monthly income in the previous tax year and in the current year in the months preceding the month of submitting the declaration that he does not run a common household with any of his parents, legal or actual guardians, is higher than or equal to 1.15 of the sum of the amounts specified in art. 5 sec. 1 and art. 6 sec. 2 point 3 of the Act of 28 November 2003 on family benefits. (as of September 15, 2019, it is PLN 930.35). 

The student declares that he does not share a household with any of his parents, legal or actual guardians. 

Legal basis: art. 88 sec. 2 and 3 PSWN 

 If the monthly income per person in the family does not exceed the amount specified in art. 8 sec. 1 point 2 of the Act of March 12, 2004 on social assistance (as of September 15, 2019, the amount is PLN 528), attaches to the application for a social scholarship a certificate from the social assistance center about the income and financial situation of himself and his family.  

The certificate should be based on the data held by the social welfare center and refer to the income and financial situation of the student and his family. 

Failure to submit the certificate may result in refusal to grant the scholarship. If you cannot submit such a certificate, you should explain why and document your family’s livelihoods. Such a situation may occur when the student’s family does not use the benefits of a social welfare center. Family sources of income include not only income, but also other benefits (e.g. scholarships, the so-called 500+ and others) and support of people other than those included in income. 

Legal basis: art. 88 sec. 4 and 5 PSWN 

Yes, it is called earned income, which must be reported when submitting the application. 

Similarly, a loss of income can be made if a family member has lost the income they earned last year, this will not be considered if they qualify for the so-called lost income. 

 A scholarship for the disabled may be granted to a student who has a certificate of disability, a certificate of the degree of disability or a certificate referred to in Art. 5 and Art. 62 of the Act of August 27, 1997 on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of people with disabilities (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 511, 1000 and 1076). 

This benefit is independent of the social grant (you can receive both, provided you meet the criteria). In the case of a scholarship for the disabled, only the certificate indicated above is valid. 

Legal basis: art. 89 PSWN 

If the disability occurred during studies or after obtaining a professional title, the student may receive a scholarship for disabled people only in one subsequent field of study, but not longer than for a period of 6 years. 

Legal basis: art. 93 sec. 4 PSWN 

Aid is a one-time benefit granted to a student who finds himself temporarily in a difficult life situation. In the new act, the existing regulation concerning the assistance was changed. It may be granted to a student who has found himself temporarily in a difficult life situation (previously defined as financial situation) and it is no longer necessary for it to be due to “fortuitous reasons”. Thus, the catalogue of situations in which assistance can be obtained has been extended. 

Legal basis: art. 90 

The allowance may be granted no more than twice in an academic year. 

Legal basis: art. 92 sec. 2 

Information on other scholarships, e.g. those awarded by private government units or natural or legal persons (e.g. foundations, companies) should be found directly on the websites of these entities. An example is the John Paul II scholarship awarded to students of Warsaw universities [https://www.centrumjp2.pl/stypendia/].