Banach Scholarship Programme | How to Apply

admin October 13, 2024
Updated 2024/10/13 at 11:15 AM
Banach Scholarship Programme | How to Apply

The Banach Scholarship Programme is for students from developing countries who wish to pursue graduate programs in Poland, primarily in engineering and technical sciences. This program promote socio-economic progress of developing countries by raising the level of knowledge and education of their citizens in the form of scholarships for second-degree studies in Polish or in English at Polish universities supervised by the Minister of Science and Higher Education.

The Programme which is named after the renowned Polish mathematician Stefan Banach, is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange in the form of Polish development aid. The program provides financial support to students, enabling them to gain advanced knowledge and skills in Poland universities. It is primarily designed to support students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe and to strengthen the educational and research capabilities of these countries by providing access to quality education in Poland.

Overview of the Banach Scholarship Programme:

  • Level of Study: Postgraduate program
  • Location: Poland
  • Eligible: Check the list of eligible countries below
  • Scholarship value: Scholarship awardees shall receive an exemption from tuition fees at public universities. The scholarship shall amount to: PLN 1700 per month during the preparatory course. PLN 1,500 per month during second-cycle studies.
  • Application Status: Open

Scholarship Coverage:

  • The Banach Scholarship awardees shall receive an exemption from tuition fees at public universities. The scholarship shall amount to: PLN 1700 per month during the preparatory course. PLN 1,500 per month during second-cycle studies.
  • The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the entire duration of the study program, ensuring that students can focus on their academic pursuits without financial worries.
  • Scholarship recipients receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses, accommodation, and other personal needs. The stipend is intended to provide financial stability and allow students to fully focus in their studies and cultural experiences.
  • Comprehensive medical insurance is provided to all scholarship holders, ensuring access to healthcare services throughout their stay in Poland.
  • As part of the scholarship, students are offered a preparatory Polish language course. This course is essential for non-Polish speakers to help them adapt to their new environment and enhance their academic experience.
  • The program may offer additional financial support for research-related activities, conferences, and workshops, enabling students to expand their academic and professional networks.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • To be considered for the Banach Scholarship Programme, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. The criteria  includes:
  • Applicants must be citizens of one of the eligible countries from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe. The list of eligible countries is also subject to periodic updates by NAWA.
  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study. The degree should be obtained from a recognized institution, and applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance.
  • Applicants are required to be proficiency in the language of instruction for their chosen program. Most programs are offered in Polish or English, which implies proficiency in one of these languages.
  • While there is no strict age limit, preference may be given to younger candidates who are at the beginning of their academic and professional careers.
  • Applicants should meet the necessary health requirements to study abroad and provide relevant medical documentation if requested.

 Eligible Countries:

Albania, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia.

Fields of Study

The Banach Scholarship Programme supports a wide range of fields, particularly those that are aligned with the developmental needs of the applicant’s home country. Some of the key study fields include:

  • Engineering and Technology :
    This includes areas such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information technology, and telecommunications.
  • Sciences :
    Fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and environmental sciences are supported to promote scientific advancement and innovation.
  • Agriculture and Forestry :
    Programs related to agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management are crucial for addressing food security and sustainability challenges.
  • Health Sciences :
    Public health, medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields are supported to improve healthcare systems and services.
  • Social Sciences and Humanities :
    Areas such as economics, sociology, political science, international relations, and education are included to foster social development and governance.
  • Arts and Design :
    Creative fields such as fine arts, design, architecture, and cultural studies are supported to enrich cultural heritage and creative industries.

Entry Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree Certificate :
Applicants must provide a certified copy of their Bachelor’s degree certificate, along with transcripts showing academic performance.

2. Language Proficiency Test Results :
Depending on the language of instruction, applicants may need to submit results from language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL (for English), or a recognized Polish language proficiency test.

3. Letters of Recommendation :
Two or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees are typically required to assess the applicant’s qualifications and potential.

4. Personal Statement or Motivation Letter :
A well-written personal statement outlining the applicant’s academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific program and Poland as a study destination.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) :
A comprehensive CV detailing the applicant’s educational background, work experience, achievements, and extracurricular activities.

6. Research Proposal (for Ph.D. candidates) :
Ph.D. applicants may need to submit a research proposal outlining their intended research project, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

7. Health Certificate :
An health certificate confirming the applicant’s fitness to study abroad may be required.

Participating Institutions:

The universities most often chosen by the winning applicants are Warsaw University of Technology, the University of Warsaw, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, the University of Wrocław, and Jagiellonian University in Kraków. When it comes to the most popular fields of study, the majority of beneficiaries wish to study engineering and technical sciences, exact sciences, and natural sciences.

Application Process

  • Choose a Program and University :
    Applicants should research available programs and universities in Poland, ensuring that their chosen field of study aligns with their academic background and career aspirations.
  • Prepare Required Documents :
    Gather all necessary documents, including academic certificates, language test results, recommendation letters, personal statements, and other specified documents.
  • Online Application :
    Submit an online application through the NAWA portal. Applicants must create an account, complete the application form, and upload all required documents.

Some applicants may be invited for an interview to further assess their qualifications and suitability for the program.

Successful candidates are notified of their selection for the scholarship and provided with further instructions regarding the acceptance process.

Once accepted, scholarship recipients must apply for a student visa to Poland and make necessary travel arrangements. NAWA and the respective university provide guidance on these procedures.

Note: In addition to the general requirements, applicants must meet any specific entry criteria set by the chosen university or department.

To Apply, and For more information about the Banach Scholarship Programme, visit the Official Website 

 

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