Are you a Nigerian student dreaming of studying in Europe without the stress of IELTS? Then Poland is your golden opportunity. With top-tier universities, affordable living costs, and scholarships that waive the IELTS requirement, Poland is quickly becoming a hot destination for international students from Nigeria.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- Why study in Poland as a Nigerian student
- Top Poland scholarships for Nigerians without IELTS
- Universities in Poland that waive IELTS
- Cost of living and studying in Poland
- How to apply and tips for success
- Benefits
- Method Application
Why Choose Poland as a Nigerian Student?
Poland is not just affordable—it’s welcoming to international students. Here are a few reasons why Nigerian students are flocking to Polish universities:
| Feature | Benefit for Nigerian Students |
|---|---|
| Affordable Tuition Fees | As low as €2,000–€4,000 per year |
| Low Cost of Living | €300–€600 per month including rent |
| IELTS Not Mandatory | Many universities accept alternatives or waivers |
| Quality Education | Globally recognized degrees, especially in STEM |
| Work While Studying | Up to 20 hours/week part-time work |
| Post-Study Opportunities | Up to 1-year job-seeking visa after graduation |
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Poland Scholarships for Nigerian Students Without IELTS
Here’s a list of some top scholarships Nigerian students can apply for—without IELTS.
1. Poland Government NAWA Scholarships
- Sponsor: Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA)
- Degree Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
- Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, accommodation
- IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory (proof of English from previous institution accepted)
2. Erasmus+ Program
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, living expenses
- Eligibility: Available for joint master’s programs at Polish universities
- IELTS: Often waived if English was the medium of instruction in previous education
3. Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Program
- Sponsor: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NAWA
- Target: Students from developing countries including Nigeria
- Courses: Science, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend, visa support
- IELTS Waiver: Yes (subject to university acceptance)
4. University-Specific Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | IELTS Requirement | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Warsaw | Rector’s Scholarship for Foreigners | IELTS not mandatory | uw.edu.pl |
| Jagiellonian University | Merit-Based Scholarships | Can be waived | uj.edu.pl |
| Warsaw University of Technology | Excellence Scholarship | Waived with MOI* | pw.edu.pl |
| Wrocław University of Science | International Student Grants | No IELTS needed | pwr.edu.pl |
*MOI = Medium of Instruction Certificate from your previous university (in English)
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Universities in Poland that Accept Students Without IELTS
Poland has several institutions that accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead of IELTS. Here’s a list of top universities:
| University Name | IELTS Waiver Option |
|---|---|
| University of Warsaw | ✅ Yes |
| Adam Mickiewicz University | ✅ Yes |
| Warsaw University of Technology | ✅ Yes |
| Poznan University of Technology | ✅ Yes |
| Lodz University of Technology | ✅ Yes |
| AGH University of Science and Tech | ✅ Yes |
To use the waiver, you typically need to provide a Letter from your Nigerian university or school stating that English was your medium of instruction.
Cost of Studying and Living in Poland (Budget Guide)
Poland is one of the most budget-friendly countries in Europe.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (annual) | €2,000–€4,000 |
| Rent (shared apartment) | €150–€300 |
| Food & Groceries | €100–€150 |
| Transportation | €20–€30 |
| Miscellaneous | €50–€70 |
| Total Monthly Cost | €300–€600 |
How to Apply—Step-by-Step Guide
- Choose a university and course
- Visit official websites or use study portals like study.gov.pl
- Prepare your documents
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Recommendation Letters
- Passport
- MOI (Medium of Instruction certificate)
- Apply online via university portal
- Apply for a scholarship (if available)
- Wait for acceptance letter and proceed with visa
Pro Tips for Nigerian Students Applying to Poland
- ✅ Always confirm IELTS waiver directly with the university
- ✅ Apply early to increase your scholarship chances
- ✅ Join Nigerian student forums in Poland for support
- ✅ Get your documents legalized by the Ministry of Education or Foreign Affairs in Nigeria
Benefits of Poland Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Applying for scholarships in Poland comes with a wide array of advantages, especially for students from developing countries like Nigeria. Here’s why it’s worth pursuing:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Reduced Financial Burden | Covers tuition fees, accommodation, and even living expenses |
| International Exposure | Experience European education and global networks |
| IELTS Waiver | Save time and money by applying without IELTS |
| Access to Prestigious Universities | Scholarships often link to Poland’s top-ranked institutions |
| Career Opportunities in Europe | Post-study work visas allow you to find jobs and settle in Europe |
| High-Quality Education | Study in world-class programs, especially in STEM, IT, Business, and Medicine |
| Cultural Exchange and Networking | Join diverse student communities from across the globe |
Methods of Application for Poland Scholarships
Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown on how Nigerian students can apply for Poland scholarships without IELTS:
Step 1: Choose a University & Program
- Visit university websites or use the official Polish government portal: study.gov.pl
- Look for programs taught in English and verify if they accept MOI instead of IELTS.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic Certificates & Transcripts | From WAEC/NECO and higher education |
| Valid International Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Why you want to study in Poland and your career goals |
| Recommendation Letters (2–3) | From teachers or academic supervisors |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Should include academic history and extracurriculars |
| MOI (Medium of Instruction Letter) | Must state that your previous education was in English |
| Passport Photograph | Clear, recent, and professional |
Tip: Have your documents translated into Polish or English (if necessary) and notarized.
Step 3: Apply Online
- Create an account on the university’s application portal.
- Fill out your details accurately and upload scanned documents.
- Pay application fees (if applicable).
Step 4: Apply for Scholarships
- During the application or after admission, apply for:
- NAWA Scholarships
- University-specific funding
- Erasmus+ (for joint degrees)
Step 5: Get Admitted and Apply for Visa
- Once admitted, you will receive an admission letter.
- Use it to apply for a student visa at the Polish embassy in Abuja or Lagos.
Important Deadlines
| Program/Scholarship | Typical Deadline |
|---|---|
| NAWA Government Scholarship | March–May |
| Erasmus+ Program | Varies (usually January–March) |
| University Admissions | May–July for September intake |
Note: Always check individual university or scholarship websites for the most updated deadlines.
Summary
Studying in Poland as a Nigerian student is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to access quality European education—especially when you don’t need IELTS! With multiple scholarships, IELTS waivers, and student-friendly policies, Poland is an underrated gem for international education.