Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Program 2026 – Poland | NAWA | Master's Degree

Scholarship Description

The Ignacy Łukasiewicz Scholarship Programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) within the framework of Polish Development Assistance. The programme is named after Ignacy Łukasiewicz, an outstanding Polish inventor, pharmacist, pioneer of the oil industry, and the creator of the kerosene lamp.

The programme aims to support the socio-economic growth of developing countries by raising the level of knowledge and education of their citizens. Scholarship holders undertake tuition-free 2nd cycle studies (Master's degree) at public universities in Poland in the fields of: engineering and technical sciences, agricultural sciences, and natural sciences.

Second cycle degree programmes are preceded by a preparatory course to facilitate studying in Poland, which is also covered by the scholarship. The preparatory course includes Polish language teaching, cultural familiarisation, and an introduction to subjects related to future studies.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at public universities in Poland supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Scholars study at leading Polish institutions across the country.

Scholarship Deadline

Candidates are selected on the basis of calls for proposals announced on an annual basis. Prospective applicants are advised to check the NAWA website for current application deadlines.

Host Institution

The scholarship is administered by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), a government agency responsible for promoting international academic exchange. Scholars study at public universities in Poland supervised by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree (2nd cycle studies).

Fields of study:

• Engineering and Technical Sciences – including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, computer, and environmental engineering
• Agricultural Sciences – including agronomy, animal science, food technology, and related fields
• Natural Sciences – including biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and environmental sciences

Target Group

The programme is open to citizens of developing countries (excluding European and Central Asian countries). Scholarship holders will be first recruited from the following countries:

Angola, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Peru, The Republic of South Africa, The Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Vietnam.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Scholarship Benefits:

• Tuition-free Master's degree at a public university in Poland
• Preparatory course – including Polish language teaching, cultural familiarisation, and subject-specific introduction
• Monthly scholarship – to cover living expenses (specific amount determined by NAWA)
• Health insurance – during the scholarship period
• Accommodation support – assistance with housing arrangements

Additional benefits:

• Opportunity to improve intercultural competences
• Networking with students from around the world
• Access to Polish academic and research community

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Citizen of one of the eligible developing countries (Angola, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria, Palestine, Peru, South Africa, Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam).
• Education: Must meet the admission requirements for a Master's degree programme at a Polish public university.
• Academic standing: Strong academic record and potential.
• Language: Must meet the language requirements of the chosen programme (instruction typically in Polish or English).
• Commitment: Must be willing to complete the preparatory course and participate in the full Master's programme.

Additional notes: Candidates are selected on the basis of calls for proposals announced annually. The programme supports socio-economic growth of developing countries by raising the level of knowledge and education of their citizens.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you are a citizen of one of the eligible countries and meet all academic requirements.
2. Visit the NAWA website – Go to the NAWA scholarship database at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login to find the current call for proposals.
3. Review the call for proposals – Each annual call provides specific details on application deadlines, required documents, and selection criteria.
4. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Completed application form
   • Bachelor's degree certificate and academic transcripts
   • Proof of citizenship (passport copy)
   • Language proficiency certificate
   • Letter of motivation
   • Letters of recommendation
   • CV/Resume
   • Any other documents specified in the call
5. Submit your application – Applications are submitted through NAWA's ICT system at https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login.
6. Selection process – NAWA reviews applications and selects candidates based on academic merit, motivation, and alignment with programme objectives.
7. Notification – Successful applicants are notified of their scholarship award and provided with further instructions for enrolment and travel arrangements.

Important notes: The programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NAWA within the framework of Polish Development Assistance. For inquiries, contact NAWA at +48 22-390-35-78.

Official Website & Application Links

NAWA – Ignacy Lukasiewicz Scholarship Programme Official Page

Application Portal: https://programs.nawa.gov.pl/login

Contact Phone: +48 22-390-35-78

NAWA Main Website: https://nawa.gov.pl