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.
How to start the admission process?
- 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.
- Our Admission Office will check the documents you have uploaded and approve them.
- You will then receive detailed information on how to pay your tuition fees.
- The Admission Office will send you the documents required by the Board of Education to be completed and sign.
- 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.
- Our Admission Office will prepare a certified translation into Polish (costs to be borne by the university).
- 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.
- 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
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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
I've already collected the documents - what is the next move?
Don't hesitate to send them to our Welcome Centre! You can do this through the postal service, but this can take many weeks. Instead, we recommend using courier services - such as:
https://dhl24.com.pl/en/paczka.html
https://www.ups.com/ship/guided/origin?tx=61394158910396878&loc=en_PL
or any other operating services in your country that ship to Poland.
Please kindly note that the university cannot be held responsible for the documents that are sent.
Need help? You can count on us!
Foreign students interested in studying at WSB Merito University in Łódź 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.