Poland
10 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length9-10 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Apply for a Fulbright grant to Poland - a modern country with a centuries-old cultural heritage and scholarly tradition, ample research and teaching opportunities, rich geographical variety, low living costs, and a unique location in the heart of Europe!
Awards are granted through a competition open to students and alumni of U.S. higher education institutions to conduct research projects at higher education institutions, research institutes, Polish Academy of Science units, international scientific institutes and other scientific units, educational, governmental, cultural, and medical institutions, as well as governmental and non-governmental research organizations in Poland under the supervision of an assigned mentor at the host institution.
Poland boasts nearly 400 diverse higher education institutions. These include universities, as well as technical, agricultural, theological and pedagogical higher education institutions, medical universities, academies of physical education, and institutions of economics, arts and maritime studies. Over the recent years, the number of R&D institutions in Poland has grown by over 60%. Currently, there are about 120 public research institutes and laboratories, including the Polish Academy of Sciences, an independent state research institution with 69 units all across the country. To enhance Poland’s commercial potential, research institutes established the Łukasiewicz Research Network, Europe's 3rd largest research network (source: Euraxess).
The 2018 “Constitution for Science” reform aims to further improve the conditions for research and teaching excellence in Poland. By fostering the sustainable growth of academic institutions, introducing centralized doctoral schools, and providing universities with the autonomy needed for effective management, the reform has modernized the Polish academic landscape.
Prominent Poles include scientists such as two-time Nobel Prize winner Maria Skłodowska-Curie and internationally renowned cardiac surgeon Zbigniew Religa; writers such as Nobel Prize winners Czesław Miłosz and Olga Tokarczuk; filmmakers such as Honorary Oscar recipient Andrzej Wajda and Agnieszka Holland; artists such as virtuoso pianist Fryderyk Chopin and internationally acclaimed sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz; as well as statesmen such as military leader Tadeusz Kosciuszko and Nobel-Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa.
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grant Length: 9 -10 months (1 academic year).
Shorter grants (of at least 6 months in length) are offered only to candidates in the arts and advanced doctoral candidates.
Grants are expected to start in September or October.
The fall semester (called winter semester in Poland) runs from the beginning of October through mid-February, with a Christmas holiday break of about ten days.
The spring semester (called the summer semester in Poland) runs from mid-February through June, with a week-long Easter-break. The summer break takes place between July and August.
Orientation
The Fulbright Commission invites all U.S. grantees to the Orientation (end of September 2027), Thanksgiving and workshop (November 2027), as well as the Mid-Year evaluation (February 2028) and End-of-Year (June 2028) meetings. Attendance at these events is mandatory as they provide excellent learning, networking and bonding opportunities for the grantee cohort.
Candidate Profile
Proposals are welcome from candidates in all disciplines with established relations with the host institution.
Well-qualified candidates at all degree levels will be considered. Candidates should present a well-defined research project, demonstrate the ability to work independently, and have a solid foundation in their subject areas. Successful candidates demonstrate high levels of adaptability and maturity, as well as clear ability to serve as a cultural ambassador. Candidates from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. During the selection process, selected semi-finalists will be invited for an on-line interview.
Candidates are advised to consider the long-term effects of their projects on both their respective fields of research and Polish-American academic/cultural relations.
The Fulbright Commission encourages applicants to familiarize themselves with Poland and its contemporary situation, culture, and educational system before applying.
In addition to their primary research activities, grantees are expected to support the Fulbright Commission and the mission of the Fulbright Program by delivering presentations, seminars, and workshops on U.S. higher education and culture. Grantees will also have the opportunity to apply for participation in seminars organized by other Fulbright Commissions in Europe (e.g. EU-NATO Seminar, EU-US Young Leaders Seminar).
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
Poland is the 6th largest country in the European Union by area and its 5th most populous member state. The country shares borders with Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia. Poland’s central location makes it a perfect base from which to explore the region. While living standards are comparable with those in Western European countries, the cost of living in Poland, even in bigger cities, is relatively lower. (More information on cost of living is here)
With its picturesque old towns and medieval architecture, wild forests and powdery-sand beaches, humming city life and imaginative culinary scene, Poland is a country that is as captivating as it is surprising. Come and see for yourself!
Prior to the start of your Fulbright grant, Fulbright Poland will invite you to a two-day Orientation in Warsaw, which typically covers topics such as the Polish culture and higher education, healthcare system and the specifics of your grant. Down the road you will have ample opportunities to bond and network with your fellow Fulbrighters and the Fulbright staff at events such as the Thanksgiving dinner, the November workshop, the Mid-Year evaluation meeting and the June Graduation. Throughout your grant period, you will have a dedicated Program Officer who will oversee your stay in Poland.
Eligibility
Polish citizens who are green card holders are not eligible to apply.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
Please clearly indicate in your Statement of Grant Purpose:
- the requested grant duration in months
- the planned start and end date of the grant in the following format: month/day/year
Tips on how to strengthen your application:
- establish contact and secure an affiliation letter from a host institution in Poland
- clearly describe what and how you plan to accomplish, as well as why the selected host institution in Poland is essential for your work
- define the impact of the project on your future academic or professional plans
Note: Candidate's data will be processed by the Polish Commission in accordance with its Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
English is sufficient. However, feasibility of conducting the project must be demonstrated in the project statement.
Knowledge of the Polish language will greatly enhance the Fulbright experience and allow for deeper engagement with the host community.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Candidates may seek affiliation at academic units, research units, and/or cultural and educational institutions in Poland. Candidates are strongly encouraged to consider affiliations located outside of major cities (e.g. Warsaw and Cracow).
Students wishing to enroll in classes in addition to their primary research activities must make appropriate prior arrangements with their host institution.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Affiliation Fees/Tuition may be covered under certain circumstances. They should be specified in the letter issued by the potential host institution.
Candidates are required to include a letter of affiliation with their application documents. In addition to project objectives, the letter should include information on all research expenses (e.g. the costs of reagents). Based on this information, the host institution may be reimbursed for these expenses upon completion of the project. If this information is not included in the letter, the Commission will not cover the affiliation fees.
One-year artistic internship projects are also accepted. Candidates interested in pursuing an artistic internship are required to include a letter of admission with their application documents. Besides the project objectives, the letter should list all fees associated with the program. If that information is not included in the letter, the Commission will not be able to cover the tuition.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
Grant benefits are disbursed in PLN based on the average USD/PLN exchange rate as specified in the grant documents. Amounts are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Please note that the stipend amount may be subject to change.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Travel Allowance: $1,500
- Relocation Allowance: $800
- Conference / Research / Book Allowance: $1,000
Additional Grant Benefits
- In-country private Medical Care Package
- Psychological Support
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Poland is an economically diverse country, and the prices for services or products are often higher in larger cities. This applies to rent, as well as prices in restaurants and for public transport. On average, the cost of living in Poland is 30.4% lower than in the United States, and rent is 52.6% lower.
Dependents
Dependent funding:
- Travel allowance: $1,500 (per dependent), a one-time payment for a dependent family member, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as a dependent at the time of application
- Dependent Allowance: $250 (per dependent), a monthly allowance for a dependent family member, provided that they accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the grant period and were listed as a dependent at the time of application
- In-country private Medical Care Package
Grant benefits are disbursed in PLN based on the average exchange rate USD/PLN as specified in the grant documents. Amounts are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.
Housing Arrangements
Grantees are responsible for arranging their own private housing. The cost of accommodation is covered by grantees from their monthly stipend and/or relocation allowance. The Commission takes care of administrative work, while the primary role of the host institution is to support you with your project objectives. Where possible and necessary, the host institution may also provide assistance in finding accommodation and other logistical arrangements.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Science in Poland: https://scienceinpoland.pl/en
Information about 2025-26 U.S. Students to Poland: https://fulbright.edu.pl/american-grantees/
Regulations for grants awarded to American citizens: https://fulbright.edu.pl/documents/
Ministry of Science and Higher Education: https://www.gov.pl/web/science
Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants: https://fulbright.edu.pl/privacy-policy/fulbright-program/