Scholarships

This scholarship is awarded once a semester, at the beginning of the winter and summer semesters, for achievements from the previous semester. It is awarded on the basis of the number of points earned (method of conversion below) - from the 2025/26 academic year, points for the average and for achievements add up.

The rector's scholarship can be applied for by students who have no overdue subjects (classes or exams), are not immediately after an ITN (individual period of study/conditional pass) semester, and are not currently (during the application period) on such a semester. The number of points is calculated based on the grade point average – it is a decimal number, which means that an average of 4.75 equals 75 points, and an average of 5.00 equals 100 points. 

As for achievements, each achievement is scored accordingly. Achievements are taken into account only if they relate to the previous semester and if they are properly documented (certificate from the organizer, diploma). A student can include achievements of each type one each (artistic, scientific and sports).

Ranking lists are generated separately for each field of study based on the points earned. The Rector's Scholarship may be awarded to a maximum of 10% of the top students in a given field of study (starting from the highest score), which means that despite achieving good or very good academic results, a scholarship might not be granted. The award and amount of the scholarship also depend on the subsidy for the given calendar year, as well as the number of social scholarships and financial aid grants awarded. 

The Scholarship Committee of the academy may set a minimum average grade required to apply for the scholarship.

Students who hold a valid disability certificate or a certificate of total or partial incapacity for work may apply for the scholarship for students with disabilities. The amount of the scholarship depends on the degree of disability.

In the case of a disability certificate issued by institutions in a country other than Poland, it is necessary to obtain such a certificate from authorized institutions in Poland.

The deadline and procedure for applying for financial aid are the same as for the scholarship.

Financial aid is a one-time, non-repayable benefit granted upon application by a student who is temporarily facing a difficult life situation. To apply for financial aid, you must submit an application through the scholarship system with a detailed description of your situation and attach documents that confirm it (such as a notice of termination, a statement from your employer regarding the suspension of employment, a hospital discharge summary, medical bills, etc.).

Financial aid can be applied for twice per academic year. Applications cannot be submitted twice on the same grounds.

A financial aid scholarship is a form of support for students facing financial hardship. Below you will find information to help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for the scholarship, identify your family composition and income, and prepare the necessary documents.

Don't start by randomly gathering documents. First, follow the steps below in the order listed.

Key information

Academic year: 2026/2027
Year for which you are reporting income: 2025
Application period: Oct. 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027
Scholarship system: https://stypendia.pjwstk.edu.pl/proposals

An application is not considered submitted if it has only been created or saved as a draft. You must use the “Submit Application” feature and receive an email confirmation of its submission.

If you are unable to obtain a particular document by the deadline, please contact us. Do not leave your application as a draft with no information.

STEP 1. Check to see if you are eligible for a scholarship

The financial aid scholarship is intended for students facing financial hardship. The monthly income per person in your family must not exceed 2,099.7 PLN net.

Eligibility for a scholarship also depends, among other things, on:

• having student status;
• the course of study to date;
• professional qualifications held;
• the number of semesters completed in all previous degree programs;
• receiving benefits while pursuing a degree in a different field of study.

If you are not a Polish citizen, be sure to also check the section: I AM A FOREIGN NATIONAL — AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A SOCIAL SCHOLARSHIP?

Merely being legally present in Poland or having student status does not automatically entitle a foreign national to a social scholarship.

STEP 2. Determine who should be included in the family

Do not automatically include everyone you live with or are related to. The composition of a family is determined according to specific regulations.

Among other things, you need to check:

• Is it necessary to report the parents' income?;
• Which siblings can be considered part of the family?;
• Should a spouse and children be included?;
• What impact do divorce, separation, child support, the death of a parent, or foster care have?;
• Do you meet the requirements that allow you to exclude your parents' income?

Go to the tab: WHO DO I REGISTER AND WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE?

STEP 3. Determine each person's income

For each family member, determine:

1. what income she earned in 2025;
2. which of these income sources are included in the need-based scholarship;
3. whether there was a loss of any income after 2025;
4. whether new income was earned in 2025 or 2026;
5. whether the person earned income abroad;
6. whether there was any untaxed income.

Remember: the absence of tax does not always mean that the income is not included. At the same time, not every amount deposited into your account counts as income for scholarship purposes.

Check it out:

• WHAT INCOME COUNTS?
• DO I HAVE LOST OR GAINED INCOME?

STEP 4. Prepare the documents

You should prepare separate documents for each family member and each source of income.

You may need documents from the following sources, among others:

• tax office;
• ZUS or KRUS;
• the employment office;
• a social assistance office or a social services center;
• from a court or a bailiff;
• employers;
• the municipal office;
• schools or colleges;
• a foreign institution.

A document issued in a foreign language must be submitted along with a translation into Polish, if required according to the instructions.

Check: WHO DO I REGISTER AND WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE?

If you have an unusual situation—such as zero income, child support, self-employment, a farm, or income from abroad—be sure to also check the " I HAVE AN UNUSUAL SITUATION" tab.

STEP 5. Fill out the application in the system

After preparing the information and documents:

1. Log in to the scholarship system;
2. Select a need-based scholarship for the appropriate academic year;
3. List all required family members;
4. List the income of each of these individuals;
5. Check the boxes for lost and earned income;
6. Attach legible documents;
7. Check your bank account number or the selected payment method;
8. Check to make sure all the information matches the documents.

Do not enter amounts “by eye,” and do not omit income simply because it was not reported on your regular tax return.

STEP 6. Review and submit your application

Before sending, go to the CHECKLIST tab and review each item.

Next:

1. Use the “Submit a Request” feature;
2. Check to see if the system has confirmed your submission;
3. Save or download the confirmation;
4. Check the status of your application.

Simply entering information or attaching documents does not constitute the submission of an application.

STEP 7. Check your messages

After submitting your application, check the following regularly:

• student email;
• the status of the request in the system;
• the notices received and the deadlines specified therein.

If you receive a request to provide additional documents or submit an explanation, please respond by the deadline specified in the request. Failure to respond may prevent us from determining your eligibility for the scholarship.

If your family composition or financial situation changes after you submit your application or after the scholarship is awarded, please notify the University immediately.

Answer the following questions in order. Do not skip any steps.

This test will give you a preliminary idea of whether you are eligible to apply. The final decision will be made after your application, documents, and income situation have been reviewed.

QUESTION 1. Do you currently have student status at PJAIT?

YES → Go to question 2.

NO → You are not eligible for a need-based scholarship.

Any person with student status may apply for the scholarship:

• bachelor's degree program;
• master's degree program;
• unified master's degree programs.

You can apply for a scholarship starting in your first semester of college.

Prospective students, graduates, postgraduate students, and doctoral candidates are not eligible for this scholarship under the terms applicable to undergraduate students.

QUESTION 2. Do you have Polish citizenship?

YES → Go to question 3.

NO → First, go to the section:

I AM A FOREIGNER — CAN I APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SCHOLARSHIP?

If, according to these instructions, you are eligible to apply for a need-based scholarship, return here and go to question 3.

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you cannot receive a need-based scholarship.

Remember: simply being legally present in Poland, holding any type of residence card, or having student status does not automatically entitle a foreign national to a social scholarship.

QUESTION 3. Do you hold a master’s degree, a master’s degree in engineering, or an equivalent degree?

This also applies to degrees earned abroad.

YES → You are not eligible for a need-based scholarship.

NO → Go to question 4.

QUESTION 4. Do you hold a bachelor's degree, an engineering degree, or an equivalent degree?

NO → Go to question 5.

YES, and I am currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program again → you are not eligible for a need-based scholarship.

YES, but I am currently enrolled in a master's degree program or a single-track master's program → go to question 5.

QUESTION 5. Have you already used up the maximum period during which you are eligible for student benefits?

This period includes semesters of study that you have started, not just the semesters during which you received a scholarship.

Benefits may be received for a total period not exceeding:

• 12 semesters for all degree programs;
• 9 semesters in a bachelor's degree program;
• 7 semesters in a master's degree program.

For integrated master’s degree programs lasting 11 or 12 semesters, the total duration may be extended by 2 semesters.

Semesters taken simultaneously in multiple degree programs count as a single semester. Semesters that fall during a leave of absence are also included in the period.

NO, I did not use the maximum period → go to question 6.

YES, I have used up the maximum period → you are not eligible for a need-based scholarship.

I DON'T KNOW → Check the instructions on HOW TO CALCULATE THE PERIOD OF STUDY COMPLETED, or contact the university. Don't guess.

QUESTION 6. Are you enrolled in more than one degree program at the same time?

NO → Go to question 7.

YES → You can receive benefits only for one major of your choice.

Select the field of study where you would like to receive your scholarship, and then proceed to question 7. Simply being enrolled in multiple programs does not disqualify you from applying.

QUESTION 7. Does the monthly income per person in your family exceed 2,099.7 PLN?

Do not compare this to the income threshold itself, the amount deposited into your account, or the amount reported on your PIT form. First, determine the correct family composition and calculate your income according to the rules governing the social scholarship.

YES, your income exceeds the threshold → you are not eligible for a need-based scholarship.

NO, your income does not exceed the threshold → you can submit an application. Go to question 8.

I DON'T KNOW → go to the section:

• WHO DO I REGISTER, AND WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO PREPARE?
• WHAT INCOME COUNTS?
• DO I HAVE LOST OR GAINED INCOME?

After calculating your income, come back to this question.

QUESTION 8. Is the per capita income in your family very low or equal to 0 zł?

NO → You can proceed to prepare your application.

YES → You can still apply for the scholarship, but you must also provide documentation showing how your family supports itself.

You may need:

• a certificate from a social assistance office or social services center confirming receipt of social assistance benefits;
• documenting the actual sources of your family’s income, if you and your family members do not receive social assistance benefits.

Go to the section: I HAVE NO INCOME OR VERY LITTLE INCOME — WHAT SHOULD I DO?

RESULT

If:

• you have student status;
• As a foreign national, you have the required authorization;
• Your professional title does not disqualify you;
• you have not used up the maximum benefit period;
• the per-person income in the family does not exceed the applicable threshold;

You can apply for a need-based scholarship.

The ability to submit an application does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded. The university will verify the family composition, income level, documents, and other requirements set forth in the regulations.

Before you start gathering documents, decide on two things:

1. Who should be included in the family composition,
2. What documents pertain to each of these individuals and their income.

The family taken into account when calculating your income for the scholarship does not always include everyone you live with or are related to. Do not include anyone “just in case,” but also do not omit anyone simply because they do not live with you or did not earn an income.

Follow the instructions step by step. First, determine the composition of your household, then check which documents are required for each person listed. The documents will primarily pertain to income earned in 2025 and any changes that occurred afterward, such as losing a job or starting a new one.

You don't need to prepare all the documents listed in the instructions. Just select the ones that apply to your situation and that of your family.

INSTRUCTIONS

Yes, but not every foreigner is eligible for a social scholarship. It depends on your status or the basis for your stay in Poland, not simply on the fact that you are legally residing in Poland and studying at PJAIT.

STEP 1. Do you also have Polish citizenship?

YES → Follow the standard procedure for Polish citizens.

NO → check the following items.

STEP 2. Do you have any of the following statuses or documents?

You can apply for a need-based scholarship if:

• you have a permanent residence permit;
• you have long-term resident status in the European Union;
• you have been granted refugee status in Poland;
• you are receiving temporary protection in Poland—this also applies to individuals with active UKR status;
• you are receiving subsidiary protection in Poland;
• you have a Polish Card;
• you have received a decision confirming your Polish ancestry;
• You have a state-issued certificate of proficiency in Polish as a foreign language at a level of at least C1;
• you are the spouse, child, grandchild, parent, grandmother, or grandfather of a Polish citizen and live in Poland;
• You have a specific type of temporary residence permit as specified in the regulations—for example, in connection with family reunification, the EU Blue Card, EU long-term resident status obtained in another country, or conducting scientific research.

If you have a temporary residence permit, check the legal basis specified in the decision granting the permit. The applicable legal grounds include, in particular: Article 127, Article 137a, Article 159(1), Article 186(1)(3) or (4), Article 151(1), and Article 151b(1) of the Act on Foreigners.

STEP 3. Are you a citizen of the EU, EFTA, or Switzerland, or are you covered by the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement?

You can apply for a need-based scholarship if:

• you work in Poland or are self-employed here;
• you retain your right of residence even after you stop working;
• you have a permanent residence permit;

or you are a family member of such a person and live in Poland.

Simply being a citizen of an EU country is not always enough.

If you only have:

• a visa issued for the purpose of studying;
• a temporary residence permit for the purpose of pursuing higher education;
• a residence card that does not meet one of the criteria listed above;
• a PESEL number without scholarship eligibility status;

You cannot apply for a need-based scholarship on that basis.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UKRAINIAN CITIZENS

Ukrainian citizenship alone does not automatically entitle a person to a social scholarship.

If you have active UKR status, you are considered a person under temporary protection and are eligible to apply for a social scholarship. Before submitting your application, check to see if your UKR status is still active. A PESEL number alone is not sufficient.

As of March 5, 2026, the special simplified procedure based solely on a declaration of family and financial status is no longer in effect. Students with UKR status must submit documents regarding their family and income in accordance with the general rules.

DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR GROUNDS FOR STAY ARE?

Check the decision granting your residence permit—it should include the legal basis, i.e., the article number. Do not rely solely on the appearance of the residence card.

If you are still unsure, please send a copy of the decision or a document confirming your status to the Scholarship Department (stypendia@pja.edu.pl). We will first determine whether you are eligible to apply for the scholarship before you begin gathering your income documents.

RESULT

If you meet any of the above criteria, you can proceed to the next set of questions regarding your period of study, professional qualifications, and family income.

The fact that you can submit an application does not mean that the scholarship will be awarded.

When calculating income for the need-based scholarship, we do not simply add up all the money that has been deposited into the account. At the same time, certain amounts—such as child support, income from a farm, or income from abroad—must be taken into account, even though they may not appear on the tax office statement.

In this guide, you’ll find the most common types of income and benefits—those we include, those we exclude, and those that require careful review. If a particular amount isn’t on the list, prepare a document stating its full name—don’t classify it based solely on its colloquial name.

Income and Scholarships – A Guide

Income for 2025 is the starting point for calculations, but it is not always the final result. If, in 2025 or later, a member of your family loses a source of income or gains a new one, your family’s income may need to be adjusted.

However, not every decrease or increase in income constitutes lost or gained income. Only the events specified in the regulations are taken into account. Review the instructions, prepare the necessary documents, and also report any changes that occurred after you submitted your application or after the scholarship was awarded.

Remember—loans, tuition, rent, etc., are not considered lost income!

LOST AND GAINED INCOME — SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS

Am I eligible for an increased social scholarship?

You can apply for them if:

• you meet all the requirements for receiving a basic need-based scholarship;
• you are in a particularly justified situation;
• Please describe this situation and attach the documents that support it.

Simply meeting the income criterion does not automatically result in the grant of an increase.

According to the terms and conditions at PJAIT , you may apply for an increase, in particular, when:

• the per-person income in the family does not exceed the minimum threshold set for the given academic year, and the student submits the required documents regarding receipt of social assistance;
• The student's situation has deteriorated significantly due to life circumstances beyond his control that he could not have prevented.

Each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The existence of a specific circumstance does not guarantee that an increase will be granted.

What circumstances might justify an increase in the scholarship amount?

These could include, for example:

• a long-term or serious illness of the student or a family member;
• a disability that results in ongoing, significant expenses;
• the need for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or care;
• loss of the family's primary source of income;
• the death of the person who supported the family;
• other specific circumstances resulting in a permanent or long-term deterioration of one's financial situation.

This is not an exhaustive list. The university evaluates not only the incident itself, but also its actual impact on the student and his or her family.

How do I document a special circumstance?

Attach the documents relevant to the situation described, for example:

• medical certificates, treatment records, or rehabilitation records;
• disability determination;
• invoices, bills, and payment confirmations;
• death certificate;
• documents confirming the loss of a source of income;
• decisions regarding social assistance benefits;
• other documents confirming the cause, duration, and financial impact of the specific situation.

Please also describe how these circumstances affect your ability to cover living and educational expenses. Simply submitting bills without explaining your situation may not be sufficient.

My special circumstances no longer apply. Do I need to report this?

Yes. If the circumstances that led to your being awarded an increased social scholarship no longer apply, notify the university immediately.

A family’s calculated income may be 0 zł or very low. However, this does not mean that no further explanation is needed. The university must determine what the family actually lives on.

My income is 0 PLN. Am I eligible for a need-based scholarship?

Yes. Having zero income does not preclude eligibility for a need-based scholarship, but it also does not mean that the scholarship will be awarded automatically.

If you report zero income, you must explain and document how you cover your living expenses, such as housing, food, medical care, transportation, or tuition and fees.

Simply stating “I have no income” is not enough.

When do I need to submit a certificate from the Social Assistance Center or the Social Services Center?

If the monthly net income per person in your family is no more than 823 PLN, please attach a certificate issued by:

• social welfare center—OPS, MOPS, or GOPS;
• Social Services Center – CUS.

The certificate should confirm that you or your family members are receiving social assistance benefits in the year you submit your scholarship application.

If you are submitting an application in 2027, a document that pertains solely to the use of the aid in 2026 may not be sufficient.

We do not receive assistance from the Social Welfare Center (OPS) or the Social Assistance Center (CUS). Will my application be denied?

Not automatically. The scholarship may also be awarded even if you and your family do not receive public assistance. However, you must provide documentation of your family’s actual sources of income.

Failure to provide a certificate from the Social Welfare Center (OPS) or the Social Assistance Center (CUS), as well as failure to provide documents confirming sources of income, may result in the denial of the scholarship.

If the Social Welfare Office (OPS) or the Social Assistance Center (CUS) has issued a document confirming that the family does not receive social assistance, attach it to the application along with the documents regarding the family’s sources of income.

What can be a source of income for a family?

Sources of income may include, among others:

• savings;
• financial assistance received from relatives or other individuals;
• loan or credit;
• benefits that are not included in income when calculating a scholarship;
• free housing, meals, or having some expenses covered by another person;
• other resources from which the family actually covers its expenses.

A source of income is not always considered income for scholarship purposes. However, you must report it. The Social Insurance Institution ( academy ) determines whether a given benefit or payment should be included in the calculation of income.

If your source of income is a new job, a business, a retirement pension, a disability pension, or another benefit that constitutes earned income, you must also report it as earned income.

How do I document my sources of income?

The document should confirm the source of the funds, the amount received, and the duration of the payments.

Depending on the situation, these may include, among others:

• bank statements or a certificate from the bank confirming the existence of savings;
• a loan agreement or credit agreement and confirmation of the transfer of funds;
• a decision granting the benefit and confirming its payment;
• proof of regular bank transfers received from a person assisting the family;
• a statement from the person providing assistance, specifying the type, amount, and duration of the support;
• documents confirming the provision of free housing, meals, or coverage of certain expenses;
• a written explanation describing the family's situation, attached to the other documents.

A single general statement without any supporting documents may not be sufficient.

Our expenses are higher than our reported income. Do I need to explain this?

Yes. If the documents show that the family does not have sufficient funds even for basic living expenses, you must explain how their actual expenses are covered.

Mortgages, loans, rent, Tuition fees , and other expenses are generally not deducted from the income used to calculate the scholarship. However, they may help clarify the family’s actual financial situation.

If your high expenses are due to an illness, disability, accident, or other special circumstance, check to see if you’re eligible to apply for:

• an increased social scholarship;
• financial assistance.

Highlights

An income of 0 PLN without any explanation is not complete information.

If you report zero or very low income:

1. Attach a certificate from the Social Welfare Center (OPS) or the Social Assistance Center (CUS)—if you or your family members receive social assistance;
2. List all your actual sources of income;
3. attach documents confirming these sources;
4. Explain the difference between your reported income and your actual living expenses.

The composition of a family is determined based on the actual and legal family situation. Do not exclude a family member on your own simply because you do not live with them, are not in contact with them, or cannot obtain their documents.

Describe any unusual circumstances in your application and attach supporting documents.

My parent has passed away. Should I include them in my family composition?

No. You do not list a deceased parent as a current family member.

Join us:

• a parent's death certificate;
• a decision granting a survivor's pension, if you or another family member receives it;
• a document confirming the amount of the survivor's pension;
• documents related to other benefits granted in connection with the death of a parent.

A survivor's pension may be considered income when calculating a scholarship. If it was granted after 2025, it may also be considered earned income.

If a parent died after you submitted your application or after the scholarship was awarded, report the change in university and attach the death certificate and any documents related to a survivor’s pension. Changes in the number of family members and sources of income may affect the amount of the scholarship.

One of my parents is missing (also because of the war). What should I do?

A missing person is not the same as a deceased person. Do not mark a parent as deceased unless their death has been officially confirmed.

Please attach an official document confirming the person's disappearance or that a search is underway, issued, for example, by:

• the police;
• court;
• a military unit;
• the competent authority or other authorized institution of the country of origin;
• the authority responsible for maintaining a registry of missing persons, prisoners of war, or persons held in captivity.

A foreign document must be translated into Polish by a certified translator.

Please also include an explanation that includes:

• the date of disappearance or the date contact was lost;
• information on whether a search is underway;
• information on whether the missing parent provides financial support for the family;
• information about his last known source of income;
• A list of documents you cannot obtain, along with an explanation of why.

If you do not have an official document, please provide evidence of your efforts to obtain one and contact the university before submitting your application. This situation requires a case-by-case evaluation. A mere statement that a parent is missing or that you have lost contact with them may not be sufficient.

If a parent has been officially declared deceased or if the parent's death has been recorded in the appropriate registry, please attach a document confirming this fact.

I'm not in touch with one of my parents. Can I leave them out?

Not automatically. A lack of contact, living separately, or a lack of voluntary financial support do not, in and of themselves, mean that a parent is no longer taken into account when determining the composition of the family.

Don't enter 0 PLN as income for that parent just because they didn't provide you with the documents.

Please attach any supporting documents you have, such as:

• a divorce decree or a separation order;
• a court order or settlement regarding child support;
• a bailiff's certificate stating that the enforcement of child support payments has been unsuccessful;
• a document confirming that a parent is missing;
• other official documents regarding family status;
• An explanation describing the lack of contact and attempts to obtain the documents.

If you meet the requirements for filing a tax return without including your parents’ income, follow the guidelines described in the section “Who should be included in the family?” Living on your own or supporting yourself without your parents’ help is not sufficient if you do not meet any of the conditions specified in the regulations.

My parents are divorced or separated. What documents do I need to prepare?

Attach a final court judgment granting a divorce or legal separation.

If the other parent is required to pay child support to you or to siblings who are considered part of the family, please also include:

• a court judgment or a court-approved settlement specifying the amount of child support;
• confirmations of payments received;
• a certificate from a bailiff if child support is not being paid or is being paid only in part;
• a decision or certificate regarding benefits from the child support fund, if such benefits are being received.

Do not exclude a parent, and do not replace that parent’s income with child support without a document confirming the obligation to pay child support.

If the divorce occurred after you reached the age of majority, or if the court order does not address the issue of your support, the situation may require a case-by-case assessment. Please attach the court order and contact the university.

I have been awarded child support, but I am not receiving it, or I am receiving only part of it. What should I enter?

Do not automatically enter 0 zł.

To prove that child support is not being received, or is being received in an amount less than the amount awarded, please attach:

• a court judgment or a court-approved settlement specifying the amount of child support;
• a bailiff's certificate stating that enforcement has been wholly or partially unsuccessful;
• information on the amount of child support actually collected;
• confirmations of payments received;
• a decision or certificate regarding benefits from the child support fund.

Simply stating that a parent is not paying child support may not be enough.

My father isn't listed on my birth certificate. What do I need to prepare?

Please attach a complete copy of the birth certificate indicating that the father is unknown.

In that case, you do not include the unknown father in the family composition and do not submit documents regarding his income. If you receive benefits or other financial assistance for this reason, report them and attach a document confirming their type and amount.

My family situation has changed since I submitted my application. What should I do?

Immediately report to the university any change that may affect your family composition or income, in particular:

• the death of a family member;
• the birth of a child;
• marriage;
• divorce or separation;
• the granting or loss of a survivor's pension;
• when a sibling begins or finishes school;
• the siblings have turned 26;
• a change regarding child support.

Please attach a document confirming the change. The university will recalculate your family composition and per-person income. The change may result in either an increase or a decrease in the scholarship amount, or you may lose your eligibility to receive it.

Highlights

Don't exclude a family member just because:

• you don't live with him;
• you're not in touch with him;
• doesn't give you any money;
• is abroad;
• He refuses to hand over the documents.

First, describe the situation and include any available evidence. If you cannot obtain the standard document, do not substitute it with a random statement, and do not leave the matter unresolved. Contact the university to determine which documents can be used in your situation.

Income earned abroad does not disappear simply because it was not reported to the Polish tax office. Foreign income earned by family members must be reported and documented under the same rules as income earned in Poland.

My parent works abroad. Does his or her income count?

Yes. As a general rule, income earned abroad is included in the calculation of a family’s income.

This applies, among other things, to:

• wages;
• income from civil law contracts;
• income from business activities;
• retirement or disability benefits;
• unemployment benefits;
• sick pay or maternity leave benefits;
• child support;
• other foreign benefits and sources of income.

Do not assume that a foreign benefit is not included simply because it is tax-exempt in the country where it is paid. Report it and attach the relevant documentation. The university will determine whether the benefit in question should be included.

What documents related to my foreign income should I prepare?

The document should be issued by the appropriate tax authority, employer, insurance institution, or other authorized body.

It should include:

• information about the person who earned the income;
• the name of the source of income;
• income-earning period;
• the total amount of income earned in 2025;
• the number of months during which income was received;
• the amount of income tax paid abroad;
• the amount of mandatory social security contributions;
• the amount of mandatory health insurance premiums;
• the currency in which all amounts are stated.

If a single document does not contain all the necessary information, please attach several documents, such as:

• foreign tax return;
• a certificate from a foreign tax authority;
• an annual certificate from the employer;
• monthly pay periods;
• an employment contract or another document confirming the period of employment;
• documents confirming payment of taxes and contributions;
• a decision to grant a retirement pension, disability pension, or other benefit;
• confirmation of payments.

A member of my family does not file taxes in Poland. Is a Polish certificate from the tax office required?

The absence of a Polish tax return does not mean there is no income.

If a family member lives and files taxes exclusively abroad, please provide documents issued by the relevant foreign tax authority and documents confirming the sources of income.

If this person earned income both in Poland and abroad, both types of income must be documented. A foreign document does not replace the documents regarding income earned in Poland.

The document does not include any information about taxes or contributions. What should I do?

Please attach an additional document confirming the amount:

• income tax paid;
• mandatory social security contributions;
• mandatory health insurance premiums.

If a specific tax or specific contributions are not collected in a given country, provide an official document or an explanation confirming this fact. Do not enter the amount 0 on your own without an explanation.

The document is in a different language. Do I need a translation?

Yes. Please attach:

1. a legible scan or copy of the document in its original language;
2. A translation of the document into Polish performed by a certified translator.

The translation should cover the entire document, including the name of the institution, descriptions of amounts, time periods, currencies, taxes, contributions, and any notes provided by the issuer.

Do not translate the document yourself, and do not include only your own description of its content.

The income is listed in a foreign currency. Do I need to convert it myself?

No. Enter the amounts in the currency specified in the document and attach the document without converting the amounts yourself.

Foreign income for 2025 is converted using the average exchange rate announced by the National Bank of Poland on the last business day of 2025.

If foreign income was earned after 2025, the average exchange rate on the last business day of the month following the month in which the income was earned applies.

academy performs the calculations.

A family member started or stopped working abroad in 2025 or 2026. What should I do?

Apply the same rules as for income earned or lost in Poland.

Please attach the supporting documents:

• type of employment or other source of income;
• start or end date;
• income level;
• the number of months during which income was earned;
• currency;
• taxes and mandatory contributions paid.

If the income is still being received, it may be counted as earned income. If the source of income has ceased, academy will verify whether it meets the statutory criteria for lost income.

We receive a foreign retirement pension, disability pension, or other benefit. How do we document it?

Join us:

• a decision to grant the benefit;
• a document specifying the period for which the benefit was granted;
• a document confirming the amount of the benefit in 2025;
• payment confirmations;
• information about withheld taxes and mandatory contributions;
• currency information;
• Certified translation of documents into Polish.

If the benefit was not granted until after 2025, please also include a document confirming the date of the first payment and the amount of the benefit for the month following the month in which it was first received.

I can't get a document from abroad because of the war or because the government office isn't operating. What should I do?

Do not omit any family member or source of income, and do not automatically enter 0 zł.

Join us:

• a written explanation of which document you cannot obtain and why;
• evidence of attempts to obtain a document, such as requests, messages, responses from the agency, or confirmation that the registry is unavailable;
• all other available documents related to income, such as a contract, documents from an employer, pay stubs, bank statements, benefit award decisions, or data from an official electronic system;
• a document confirming the special circumstances, if issued by the competent authority.

Each such case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The university may request additional documents or clarification. A simple statement that it is impossible to obtain the document may not be sufficient.

Highlights

If a family member earns or has earned income abroad:

1. Report all sources of income;
2. Specify the period during which each income was earned;
3. attach documents from a foreign institution;
4. attach a certified translation into Polish;
5. Leave the amounts in their original currency;
6. list the taxes and mandatory contributions paid abroad;
7. Report the start or end of a foreign source of income even if it occurred after 2025.

OTHER INCOME-RELATED SITUATIONS

My family owns a farm, but we don't farm it. Does the income from the farm count?

Yes, if the land constitutes a farm within the meaning of the agricultural tax regulations.

Farm income is not determined based on actual sales of agricultural produce or the amount actually earned by the family. Instead, it is calculated based on the number of conversion hectares and the average income per conversion hectare announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office.

This means that income may also be recognized when:

• the land is not cultivated;
• the farm did not generate any actual profit;
• The family did not sell agricultural products;
• Some of the land lies fallow.

Attach a certificate from the relevant municipal office stating the farm’s area in conversion hectares in 2025.

If the family also has other sources of income, the income from the farm and income from other sources are added together.

The farm has been leased out. Does the income from the land still count?

It depends on the type of contract entered into.

Not every lease agreement results in farm income no longer being taken into account. The regulations provide for exceptions only for certain types of leases, including those entered into in accordance with the provisions on social insurance for farmers.

Join us:

• a certificate from the municipality stating the number of conversion hectares;
• lease agreement;
• documents confirming receipt of lease payments, if any.

Do not omit the farm from your tax return simply because it has been transferred to another person for use. The tax authority will verify whether the agreement meets the conditions that allow income from the land to be excluded.

A member of my family who is included in the household is not working and is not registered as unemployed. What do I need to prepare?

Being unemployed does not automatically mean that a person’s income is 0 zł.

You must document all of this person’s sources of income and explain how they support themselves. Depending on the situation, prepare:

• a certificate from the tax office for 2025;
• documents from ZUS or KRUS;
• statement of untaxed income;
• a document confirming the end of the applicant's most recent employment or business activity;
• documents confirming the benefits received;
• explanation regarding sources of income;
• documents proving financial assistance from others, savings, or other means of support.

Registration with the employment office is not a requirement for determining that a person is not working. However, if the person is registered, please attach a certificate from the employment office stating whether they are eligible for unemployment benefits or a stipend.

A parent's salary has decreased significantly, but the parent is still working. Is this considered lost income?

Generally speaking, no.

A reduction in pay, a reduction in the number of hours worked, a reduction in the number of hours per week, or the loss of a pay supplement do not constitute lost income if the source of income still exists.

Income may be reduced only if an event listed in the regulations as a loss of income has occurred, such as the termination of employment or other gainful work.

A deterioration in a family’s financial situation alone may be a factor in determining eligibility for an increased social scholarship or financial aid, but it does not automatically allow for the exclusion of part of the income from the calculations.

See the “Lost and Earned Income” section for detailed rules .

We’re paying off a mortgage, a loan, rent, or high bills. Can we deduct these expenses from our income?

No. The following, among other things, are not deducted from the income used to calculate the scholarship:

• installments on loans and credits;
• rent and apartment fees;
• food costs;
• tuition fees;
• transportation costs;
• utility, phone, or Internet bills;
• voluntary contributions and insurance;
• the family's other current obligations.

Income may be reduced only by the amounts specified in the regulations, including, among others, taxes due, mandatory social security and health insurance contributions, and child support actually paid to individuals outside the family.

A credit line or loan, on the other hand, can serve as a source of income for a family and explain how expenses are covered when income is very low or nonexistent.

We incur high costs for medical treatment or care for a person with a disability. Can these costs be deducted from our income?

They are not deducted from the income used to calculate the basic social stipend.

However, they may confirm that the family is in a particularly difficult situation. Prepare documents showing:

• the reason for the expenses;
• the period to which they relate;
• their actual amount;
• the connection between the expenses and an illness, disability, or other specific event.

These may include, among other things, invoices, receipts, medical certificates, disability determinations, treatment or rehabilitation recommendations, and proof of payment.

Check to see if, in your situation, you are eligible to apply for an increased social scholarship or a financial aid grant.

My financial situation has changed since I submitted my application. Do I need to report this?

Yes. You must immediately report any change that may affect your eligibility for the scholarship or its amount, in particular:

• the start or end of work;
• the commencement, suspension, resumption, or termination of a business;
• the granting or loss of a retirement pension, disability pension, or benefit;
• the receipt or loss of child support;
• the acquisition or loss of a foreign source of income;
• a change in the number of family members;
• granting of a survivor's pension;
• any other event constituting income earned or lost.

Please attach a document confirming the type of change, its date, and the amount of income.

The requirement to report a change also applies to situations that occurred after the scholarship was awarded.

I didn't report a change or I forgot to include one source of income. What should I do?

Contact the university and correct the information as soon as you notice the error. Do not wait until the end of the academic year or until the next application period.

Join us:

• an explanation of what the omitted information pertains to;
• documents confirming the source or change in income;
• information regarding the start or end date of income receipt;
• a document confirming the amount.

The university will reevaluate eligibility for the benefit and its amount. If the change resulted in the loss of eligibility for the scholarship or a reduction in its amount, a portion of the benefit already paid may be subject to repayment.

Highlights

Not every actual change in financial circumstances affects the income used to calculate the scholarship.

Specifically:

• A decrease in pay does not always constitute lost income;
• High expenses are not automatically deducted from income;
• An unused farm may still be subject to income assessment;
• A loan or assistance from others may explain a student’s means of support, but is not always considered income for scholarship purposes;
• Any change in your source of income or family composition must be reported to the university.

Go through all the steps before clicking SUBMIT APPLICATION. If you are unable to select YES or NOT APPLICABLE for any step, return to the relevant section of the instructions, complete the information or documents, and only then submit your application.

Checklist

Regulations effective October 1, 2025

Regulations effective 2023/24

Application submission for the 2023/24 academic year is now closed.