Foreign diplomas in Poland

In Poland, foreign diplomas and certificates can be recognized in two ways:

 

1. Automatic Recognition by Law

Documents obtained in the education systems of the European Union countries, the European Free Trade Association – European Economic Area and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

 

This applies to documents on education issued in the education systems of the following countries:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Korea, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, USA, Hungary, Great Britain, Italy.

 

2. Recognition by Board of Education

Applies to certificates and documents which are not recognised by virtue of law.

1. Automatic Recognition by Law

 

Certain diplomas and certificates are automatically recognized by law, without requiring any additional approval from Polish authorities. This applies to documents obtained from education systems in the following countries:

  • European Union, European Free Trade Association, and OECD member states
  • Countries that allow graduates to apply for higher education with their certificates

Additionally, International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas and European Baccalaureate (EB) diplomas are also recognized by law.

Merito University
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For more general information on diplomas recognition in Poland, please refer to the official government webpage

How to start the admission process?

What should you start from?
  1. As soon as you have selected the degree programme that suits you, apply to our university online using the Applicant's Account. There you will receive detailed instructions on which documents you need and how to proceed.
  2. Our Admission Office will check the documents you have uploaded and approve them.
  3. You will then receive detailed information on how to pay your tuition fees.
  4. The Admission Office will send you the documents required by the Board of Education to be completed and sign.
  5. Fill these out and sign them by hand. Then send the originals to the Admission Office together with the original certificate with legalisation/apostille, grades report and the eligibility letter.
  6. Our Admission Office will prepare a certified translation into Polish (costs to be borne by the university).
  7. The Admission Office will hand over the complete documents to the local Board of Education and collect them as soon as they have issued their certificate of legal validity.
  8. The Admission Office will accept your admission and send you the documents for the issue of a visa that you will present at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland.

Useful documents for download to be signed by hand

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Application for recognition of a certificate or other document obtained in the foreign educational system

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Authorization Letter for Document Collection

Stages of the Admission Process

For foreign students aspiring to study in Poland, it's crucial to understand that the university admission process is structured across multiple stages, each requiring a significant amount of time. Here’s a breakdown of the process and why starting early is beneficial.

  1. Choosing a Program: Identify your area of interest and research universities that offer relevant programs. This initial step is fundamental as it lays the groundwork for your application.
  2. Preparing Documents: Gather and translate required documents which are mentioned in this section. This step can be time-consuming, so allow ample time for preparation. Without the documents, application will not be possible!
  3. Submitting Applications: Applications typically open several months before the academic year begins. Ensure you submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
  4. Visa and Financial Planning: After receiving your acceptance letter, start your visa application process immediately. That involves the preparation of documents, certifying the right to education at university level.
  5. Preparing for Departure: Once you have your visa, plan your travel and accommodation in Poland. Make sure to have all necessary documents ready for your arrival.

 

Importance of Timing

Each of these stages can take longer than anticipated. Therefore, starting the process as soon as possible is advisable. This proactive approach alleviates stress and ensures that you meet all deadlines without rushing. As a university, we are committed to assisting you throughout this journey. From choosing the right program to navigating the admission process and preparing for your arrival in Poland, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Cost of proceedings

For a foreign student planning to come to Poland, please be aware that there are several costs you will need to cover:

  1. Courier Service Charge: This fee will vary depending on the courier service you choose for sending documents, and the sender's country.
  2. Cost of Translation: The cost will depend on the length and complexity of the documents, and the source language. Hiring a sworn translator is required for the documents to be legalised.

Make sure to plan for these expenses in your budget to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Poland.

I've already collected the documents - what is the next move?

Need help? You can count on us!

Foreign students interested in studying at WSB Merito University in Gdańsk can expect dedicated support throughout the admission process. The university is committed to guiding candidates every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition into their academic journey.

 

We prioritisie the needs of international students, making it a reliable partner in navigating the admission process and adapting to life in Poland.

Contact us!

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WSB Merito University in Gdańsk 
al. Grunwaldzka 238A | 80-266 Gdańsk 
Phone: +48 664 704 513 

Email: admission@gdansk.merito.pl