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.

Admissions all year round
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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 with?

1. Choose Your Program and Apply Online

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 are required and how to proceed.

 

2. Document Review by the Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office will verify the documents you have uploaded and approve them once everything is in order.

 

3. Tuition Fee Payment Instructions

Once your documents are approved, you will receive detailed instructions on how to pay your enrolment and tuition fees.

 

4. Recognition Process Guidance

The Admissions Office will send you the list of documents required by the Polish Education Board (Kuratorium Oświaty)

along with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the recognition of your secondary or higher education.

 

5. Delivery of Acceptance Documents (if needed)

If necessary, the Admissions Office will send you the hard copies of your official acceptance documents to support your visa application.

 

6. Apply for a Visa

Once you receive the recognition decision from the Education Board, you will be able to proceed with your visa application at the Polish consulate in your country.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Recognition of Foreign Certificates in Poland

Legal Basis

Recognition of foreign certificates is governed by Article 93 and Article 93a-h of the Polish Education Act of 7th September 1991, and the Decree of the Minister of National Education regarding the recognition of foreign education.

 


Step 1: Gather Required Documents

To apply for recognition, please prepare the following documents:

  1. Application Form: Complete the application for recognition of a certificate or other document.

Note: application must be signed by hand, as your passport signature.

  1. Original Certificate: Obtain your original certificate, legalized by one of the following:
    1. Polish consul in the country where the certificate was issued.
    2. Educational authorities in the issuing country.
    3. Embassy or consulate of the issuing country located in Poland or in any EU, EFTA, or OECD country.
    4. If issued by a Hague Convention country, submit an original document with an Apostille.

Note: for more specific information check the Legalization section.

  1. Supplementary Documents (if the certificate does not specify the course/process of education):
    1. Transcript of grades from the final exam.
    2. List of subjects studied with corresponding grades.
    3. Information about the curriculum, including duration of study and grading scale.
    4. Documentation regarding the right to continue education in the issuing country.

Note: Polish Ministry Regulations – the documents must be provided correctly, otherwise they will not be accepted for process (templates are available in the Candidates account).

  1. Translation of Documents: All foreign language documents must be translated into Polish by:
    1. A Polish sworn translator.
    2. A sworn translator registered in an EU, EFTA, or OECD country.
    3. A Polish consul or embassy in Poland.
    4. If not possible, a reliable entity may be accepted by the School Superintendent.

Note: Polish sworn translations are required by law, Polish language is the official country language, originals without translations would not be processed by the Ministry.

  1. Copy of ID Document: Include a copy of your international passport (BIO page).
  2. Authorization Letter: If you are not the certificate holder, include a letter of authorization from the certificate owner.

Note: the document must be signed by hand, as your passport signature.

 


Step 2: Send Scans for Confirmation

Once you have prepared all the required documents:

  • Scan All Documents: Create clear scans of all documents listed above.
  • Send for Confirmation: Submit the scanned documents to us for verification. We will review and confirm that everything is in order.

Step 3: Submit the Application

After receiving our confirmation:

  • Submit the Original Documents: Send the original documents to us via courier (please note that courier fees are to be paid by the candidate).
  • We Will Apply: We will submit your application to the appropriate Education Superintendent.

Step 4: Wait for Processing
  • Processing Time: The full recognition process typically takes around 30 days to 6 weeks.
  • Additional Interviews: If necessary, the Education Superintendent may arrange an interview to assess your educational level. You will be responsible for any costs associated with the interview.

Step 5: Receive Recognition
  • Once your application is processed, you will receive an official decision regarding the recognition of your qualifications.

Please be advised:

  • Incomplete applications will extend the recognition process, so ensure all documents are correctly prepared.
  • The originals can be sent to the Admission Team, only after the Admission Team verification and approval. Do not sent the documents without confirming with the Admission Team firsts, specially the address of the delivery!
  • The documents without proper legalization on all pages of educational diplomas and transcripts will not be processed – which will cause the delays or negative recognition decision.
  • Full set of originals are required for the process. In case of incomplete set of originals, Admission Team will not be able to proceed with the next step which will cause the delays or negative recognition decision.
  • For any questions, feel free to contact us directly.

By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth process for recognizing your foreign educational qualifications in Poland.

Sworn translators list: https://arch-bip.ms.gov.pl/pl/rejestry-i-ewidencje/tlumacze-przysiegli/lista-tlumaczy-przysieglych/search.html

Board of Education CHORZÓW: https://kuratorium.katowice.pl/

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.

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

There are two options for submitting your original documents to the university:

 

1. In-person submission after arrival in Poland
You may submit the original documents directly to the Admissions Office after your arrival in Poland, but no later than 2–3 working days before the 1st day of classes. Please make sure to inform us of your expected arrival date in advance.

 

2. Sending documents by courier
Alternatively, you may send the original documents to the university by courier. We recommend using reliable international 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 trusted courier service operating in your country.

 

Please note that the university cannot be held responsible for documents lost or delayed in transit.

 

If you choose this option, kindly inform the Admissions Office and provide the tracking number once the shipment has been sent.

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Need help? You can count on us!

Foreign students interested in studying at WSB Merito University in Chorzów/Katowice 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!

Phone: +48 787 971 547 

Email: study@chorzow.merito.pl