General rules

I. General provisions

1. Foreigners can be admitted to higher studies in the schools subordinated to the Ministry of National Education the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Culture and Arts, the Ministry of Transport, Navigation and Communications and the Sports and Tourism Administration Ministry.

2. The Ministry of National Education-Foreign Studies Office, 00-920 Warszawa, Smolna 40 in Poland is a body of state administration, coordinating all the problems related to the education of foreigners in Poland.

3. Foreigners may study in Poland on the rules of:

• scholarships,
• foreign currency payment conditions.

4. Candidates for studies in Poland are enrolled by Polish diplomatic agencies abroad and by the Ministry of National Education - Foreign Education Office, 00-920 Warszawa, Smolna 40.

5. Under every-year enrollment, the Polish agencies abroad:

• inform the interested persons and institutions about the conditions of studying in Poland;
• complete the required documents concerning candidates for studies;
• qualify initially the candidates and the responsible officer of the agency interviews every candidate;
• submit the documents to proper bodies in Poland;
• issue students exit visas to Poland.

6. The Ministry of National Education receives the applications of candidates to getherwith complete documents from the foreign diplomatic agencies accredited in Poland.

II. Criteria for admission to higher studies in Poland

1. To higher studies in Poland can be admitted those candidates who have not exceeded:

• a. 25 years (technical, agricultural, economic, pedagogic, nautical, medical and sports studies);
• b. 21 years (women) and 24 years (men) for musical studies in vocal and vocal actor lines;
• c. 30 years for film studies;
• d. 27 years for fine arts;
• e. 25 years for musical studies exept for point b.

2. The requirement for admission to higher studies is for candidate to have a secondary school certificate entitling (according to point criteria) to take up higher studies in the country of permanent residence.

3. Candidates from the medical studies, coming from the U.S.A. and Canada, should additionally submit a certificate of completion of pre-medical studies.

4. Candidates seeking to be admitted to higher studies in Poland submit the following documents (in the Polish, English, French or Spanish language):

• a filled-in study admission questionnaire (enclosed):
• a copy or an authorized photocopy of a secondary school certificate entitling to take up studies;
• copies or photocopies of the documents confirming the passage of examinations in foreign higher school, if the candidate has already begun to study and intents to continue them in Poland;
• a health certificate confirming good health condition enabling him or her to study a selected line (enclosed).

5. Candidates to artistic and monument preservation studies should additionally enclose their works in that branch of the art, which is related to the selected line of studies, for example, tapes with musical recordings, designes or photographs of artistic works, etc.

6. Candidates who continue education in a school during the enrollment period and have no certificate confirming its completion submit a copy or an authorised photocopy on having completed the presecondary school class. The missing copy of a secondary school certificate authorising to take up higher studies must be submitted by a candidate at the Polish diplomatic agency immediately on receiving it, but not later however, than till the 15th of July.

7. The requirement indispensable for being granted a students' exit visa to Poland at the Polish diplomatic agency is:

• to aquire the decision of having been qualified to studies by competent authorities in Poland;
• to present a receipt of an entrance fee payment and a fee for studies, in advance for 12 months in the case of having been qualified to studies on foreign currency payment conditions.

III. Cost of education and material benefits

Foreigners may, complete their studies in Poland on scholarship and foreign currency payment conditions.

The money due to following one's studies in Polish higher schools may be paid in USD or any other convertible foreign currency of equivalent value.

Detailed information on the amounts to be paid depending on the line and level of education and rules on their payment may be had from Polish embassies and consulates. The amount to be paid may be changed due to an increase in the cost of education and a change in the exchange rate of individual foreign currencies.

THE DECREE OF THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL EDUCATION

dated October 3,1991

on the fees and services for university studies rendered in taking up such studies in Poland by the persons, who are not Polish citizens, but took up studies research and training in Poland, as amended by regulation dated November, 29,1995 (Monitor Polski nr 64, December,14,1995).

On the basis of Article 33, item 4 and 5 of the Act dated September 12, 1990, on higher studies (Law Gazette No 65, item 385) it is decreed as follows:

§1.

The Decree lays down the payment principless and services rendered to the persons, who are not Polish citizens but came to study in Poland in universities, autonomic scientific and didactic institutions, research institutes, Polish Academy of Sciences branches and other institutions. They were admitted to:

• 1. do research work;
• 2. take up
• a. studies,
• b. doctoral studies,
• c. postdoctoral studies leading to postdoctoral dissertation called "habilitation thesis",
• d. complete scientific, artistic and specialization training,
• e. postgraduate studies,
• f. training courses in proffessional skills,
• g. practical training in professions;
• 3. gain qualification of I and II degree in the art line and other artistic disciplines.

§ 2.

Candidates seeking to be admitted to do research works in Poland should be doing such researches in the country of their residence and meet the requirements of the respective Polish institutions.

§ 3.

The persons admitted to studies must meet the following requirements:

• 1. submit a certificate required to take up studies in the country of residence analogical to the Polish certificates.
• 2. submit a health certificate confirming good health condition of a candidate enabling him or her taking up studies;
• 3. complete a preparatory course in schools indicated by the Ministry of National Education or obtain a certificate from the above mentioned schools or universities they were admitted to, confirming general qualifications and knowledge in the Polish language necessary to study in Poland;
• 4. submit a predisposition certificate confirmed by the respective universities to take up studies in sports and artistic disciplines.

§ 4.

The persons having a graduation diploma from a university, may be admitted to doctoral studies, scientific training and post-diploma studies, whereas to the postdoctoral studies only those who have the scientific degree corresponding to the Polish doctor's degree.

§ 5.

Studies and doctoral studies may be taken up within intramural, extramural or university extension systems in respective universities.

§ 6.

For artistic and specialization training courses to gain professional skill and professional training courses, may be admitted the persons, who, have the qualifications required by the respective universities.

§ 7.

To be admitted to the I degree of scientific qualification training, a candidate is to submit a university graduation diploma; to be admitted to the II degree of scientific qualification training, a candidate must have a scientific degree corresponding to the Polish doctor's degree or have the I degree qualifications.

§ 8.

The persons arriving in Poland mentioned in § 1 to study here may be:

• 1. the Polish scholarship holders;
• 2. under the foreign currency payment conditions;
• 3. no fees or services specified in § 15, section 1 involved.

§ 9.

1. The Minister of National Education in agreement with respective ministers (heads of central officies) every year fixes the limits for persons arriving in Poland for the purposes specified in § 1, points 2 and 3 including the persons of Polish origin, who obtain Polish scholarships. The above mentioned limits include, in particular obligations of the Polish side resulting from the governmental and departments agreements.

2. The scholarship mentioned in Article 1, is granted by the Minister of National Education.

3. Scholarships for the professional training granted for the period of one year annualy within the limit mentioned in Article 1 by:

• 1. the UNESCO Secretarial Office forthe Miko^aj Kopernik professional training and in the field of the Polish language and literature;
• 2. the UN Secretarial Office in the field of international law;
• 3. the Secretarial Office of the UN Economic Comission for Africa;

4. In the justified instances the Minister of National Education can extend the period of paying the scholarship mentioned Article 3 however, by no more than a year.

§ 10.

1. The persons, who are not Polish citizens may also be admitted to studies for the purposes mentioned in § 1, section 2 and 3 by the head of respective educational institutions beyond the limit specified in § 9.

2. The persons, who are not Polish citizens, but came to Poland for the purposes mentioned in § 1 may be granted by the head of a given educational institution a scholarship and other services specified in the regulations, or may be admitted to studies under foreign currency payment conditions specified in § 15, Article 1.

3. The Minister of National Education and respective ministers are to be informed by the head of the educational institutˇons about admitting to studies persons mentioned in Article 2.

§ 11.

1. Expenses for the educational training of persons not possessing Polish citizenship, or for scientific research conducted by the same, as well as benefits paid in accordance with § 15.1, 18.1. and 18.2., shall be incurred by the institution at which such educational training is carried out orwhere such scientific research is conducted, except as otherwise described in § 23.

2. Benefits paid in accordance with § 15.1, 18.1. and 18.2. to persons coming to Poland within the quota limits described in § 9.1. shall be refunded by the Ministry of National Education.

§ 12.

1. The applications to change the line of study, system of education, university, or to obtain the permission to ext.end educational period are to be submitted to the respective education officer on the following conditions:

• 1. submitting the approval of an application by a respective educational institution of a country, which delegated a person concerned, or by its representative in Poland, or the institution, which and if, granted a scholarship;
• 2. having paid the whole fee for the previous period of studies in the case the applicant studies under the foreign currency payment conditions;

2. The Minister of National Education and respective ministers are to be informed by the head of an educational institution about the change of a line, or education system, or educational institution made by a student, as well as about the permission obtained for extending the study period.

§ 13.

The persons arriving in Poland for purposes specified in § 1 are ensured free medical care international treaties guarantee gratuitous health care: in the case of students - on the principles binding Polish students, the other persons - on the principles for the doctorants.

§ 14.

1. Persons not possessing Polish citizenship and who otherwise qualify therefore shall be entitled to stipends in the following amounts:

• 1. students - up to 150% of the minimum basic salary of an assistant employed in the institution where the student is studying, as established by separate regulation;
• 2. participants in research activities or projects; doctoral studiesţ post-graduate studies; habilitative, scientific, artistic or specialized internships; continuing professional education courses; professional training practice as well as qualification programs of the I and II degree - up to 250% of the minimum basic salary of an assistant employed in the institution where said participant is carrying out said activities, as established by separate regulation;
• 3. participants in research activities or projects; post-graduate studies; scientific, artistic, or other internships; and continuing professional education courses who possess an accredited academic degree equivalent to the Polish degree of doctor habilitated - up to 300% of the minimum basic salary of an assistant employed in the institution where said participant is carrying out said activities, as established by separate regulation;

2. The amounts of the stipends granted to persons coming to Poland within the quota limits established by § 9.1 shall be established by the Minister of Education. The amounts of the stipends granted to other persons as set forth above shall be fixed by the administrative director (kierownik) of the organizational unit in which said activities are conducied.

§ 15.

1. Persons receiving stipends under this act shall be entitled to:

• 1. financial support in the amounts set forth and established according to paragraph 14 above;
• 2. in such organizational units where free clothing and uniforms are provided to students and/or participants, to such free clothing and uniforms.

2. The benefits set forth in sub-paragraph 1 above shall be granted in each case for the terms established for such periods of study in Poland, subject to the reservations set forth in Paragraphs 3 and 4. Preparatory courses as described in Paragraph 3 pt. 3 shall be included in the terms established for such periods of study.

3. In those cases where their terms of studies are officially extended, persons not possessing Polish citizenship may be entitled to a continuation of the benefits described in sub-paragraph 1 above. In such cases, the decision to extend, vel non, such benefits shall be made by the office granting the same.

4. The benefits described in § 15.1 1) may be extended beyond the completion of studies for a period which may not exceed three months. The decision to extend such benefits shall be made by the office granting the same.

§ 16.

Scholarship holders, who undermrent treatment in hospital for a longer period than 14 days, obtain, in case of prolongation of their stay there 50% of their scholarship.

§ 17.

Scholarship holders are not paid a scholarship for the period outside of Poland, if they stay is longer than a month, or during the leave, when a scholarship holders spends it outside of Poland.

§ 18.

1. Students receiving stipends in accordance with this act may be entitled to:

• 1. a one-time grant to cover relocation expenses in the first year of studies. The amount of such grant may not exceed 60% of the maximum amounts set forth in § 14.1 1).
• 2. a one-time lottery grant in an amount which may not exceed 40a/o of the maximum amounts set forth in § 14.1 1).
• 3. a one-time grant in connection with preparation of a diploma thesis or work in an amount which may not exceed 40% of the maximum amounts set forth in § 14.1 1).

2. An individual who distinguishes himself or herself in their field of studies shall be entitled to such awards of distinction and achievement on the same basis as Polish citizens studying therein.

3. Non-Polish citizens studying in Poland shall be entitled to discounts and benefits in public transportation on the same basis as Polish students engaged in the same studies.

§ 19.

1. Persons who do not possess Polish citizenship and who undertake to study in Poland on a tuition basis in foreign currency payments must pay an amount which shall not be less than the projected costs of their education and, in any case, not less than the following amounts annually:

• 1. In institutions which fall under the jurisdictional competence of:
• a. The Ministry of Education:

• for professional and magisterial study programs 2000 USD
• for studies involving the conservation of historical landmarks 3000 USD
• for programsţinvolvingţfilm production and directing 4000 USD
• for doctoral studies in programs involving the humanities, social sciences, and economics; post-graduate studies; and all programs of special studies 3000 USD
• all other doctoral study programs 4000 USD
• all habilitation and scientific internships 4000 USD
• continuing professional education courses and professional practice training programs 1800 USD

• b. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:

• for magisterial studies or their equivalent 4000 USD
• for doctoral studies, post-graduate studies, special studies, and habilitation, scientific, and specialized internships 6000 USD
• for professional continuing education courses and professional training practice 3000 USD

• c. The Ministry of Art and Culture:

• magisterial studies in film production and directing programs 7000 USD
• music, art, andţtheatricalţprograms in institutions of higher education, including acting and drama directing 5000 USD
• artistic internships, post-graduate studies, and special study programs:
• in music, art, film, and theatre (including acting and direction of dramas) institutions of higher education 4000 USD
• in institutions of higherţeducatˇon in film, television, and film production and directing 5000 USD

• d. The Ministry of Transport and Marine Economy:

• in professional studies and magisterial programs 4000 USD
• in post-graduate programs, special studies programs, and doctoral, habilitation, and specialized internships 5000 USD
• in continuing professional education programs and professional training practice 3000 USD

• e. The Chairman of the Tourist and Physical Education Office:

• for professional and magisterial programs 3000 USD
• for post-graduate programs, special studies programs, and doctoral, habilitation, and specialized internships 4000 USD
• for continuing professional education programs 1800 USD
• for additional magisterial studies for persons already in possession of a professional higher education degree 4000 USD
• for participation in preparatory courses:

• a. for candidates for professional and magisterial study programs 2000 USD
• b. for candidates for additional magisterial studies, doctoral studies, post-graduate studies, special study programs, and habilitation, scientific, artistic, or specialized internships as well as for continuing professional education programs 3000 USD

• for offices associated with the Polish Academy of Sciences as well as other other organizational institutions conducting educational training programs - in the amounts established above forsuch equivalent programs and types in the institutions listed above.

2. The amount of tuition payment listed above for a particular program shall be established by the administrative director (kierownik) of the institution in which said program will be carried out. Persons of proven Polish ancestry undertaking the above studies on a tuition basis shall be entitled to a 30% reduction in said tuition.

3. The administrative director (kierownik) of the institution in which a particular program of studies is to be carried out may, in individuallyjustified instances, as well as in those cases where such a program of studies constitutes an additional program of studies or is undertaken in an altered form thereof, reduce the amount of tuition payment described in § 19.1. and 19.2 hereinabove or eliminate the same altogether.

4. Persons not in possession of Polish citizenship and undertaking studies, postgraduate studies, or doctoral studies as hereinabove described on a tuition basis shall pay to the cashier's office or to the account of the institution where such studies are to be undertaken a one-time, non-refundable registration fee in the amount of 200 USD, regardless of the number of programs such candidate enrolls in.

5. The payments referred to in § 19.2 and 19.3 above shall be paid by persons not possessing Polish citizenship to the cashier's office or account of the institution where such studies are to be carried out as a single lump-sum payment, in advance, for an entire 12-month period, or, in cases where such studies are envisioned for less than 12 months, for the entire period. The administrative directors (kierownicy) of such institutions may, in justified cases, extend the term for payment as set forth above by a period which may not exceed six months.

6. Tuition payments for:

• 1. each month of external studies shali be 1/12 of the annual amount of such studies as set forth in § 19.2 and 19.3 hereinabove;
• 2. magisterial examinations or the defense of a doctoral thesis, in the event that the underlying studies were not carried out in Poland, shall be 1000 USD;
• 3. carrying out a doctoral or habilitation program,0r a qualification program of the I or II degree on an external studies basis shall be 2000 USD.

7. The payments referred to in § 19.6. hereinabove shall be paid in a single lump-sum, in advance.

8. Late payments must be accompanied by a late interest charge computed by applying a 10% annual rate to the same. In the event tuition due and owing is not paid in full within three months of said due date, the delinquent payor shall be expelled from the list of program participants.

§ 20.

Annulled.

§ 21.

1. The fees under foreign currency payment conditions for studies are reimbursed in the following cases:

• 1. for the entire period of not studying, if the person who is not of Polish origin.
• a. was granted the dean's leave,
• b. abandoned the studies for health reasons, confirmed by the academic health service;

• for the period of the second half-year, if the person in the first half-year period;

• a. abandoned the studies for other reasons than specified in point 1, letter b, or has been deleted from the list of students or:
• b. graduated from studies.

2. The fees for the periods of half-year, in which the deletion took place, both in case of students and doctorants, or in case of abandonment, except for health reasons, confirmed by the academic health service, are not reimbursed.

§ 22.

The costs of travel from the countries of residence to Poland and back, as well as the costs of a possible travel from Poland during the period of studies and research studies are borne by those persons, or respective institutions in the countries of permanent residence.

§ 23.

The persons, who participate in international students exchange to do practical training abroad on the basis of cultural and scientific agreements, signed by the Polish and foreign governments, universities and students organizations, obtain the financial means and other benefits resulting from those agreements.

§ 24.

1. The regulations of the Act are not applicable to the persons who arrived in Poland to study due to scholarships alotted by the UN organizations and other international organizations, or the ones, who undertook studies on the ground of separate international agreements, trade contracts, governmental treaties, departments, agreements within the scope regulated in those treaties and agreements.

2. To the persons, who are not Polish citizens but reside permanently in Poland and take up studies, the regulations binding the Polish citizens are applicable.