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 diversity, low living costs and 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, technical, agricultural, theological and pedagogical higher education institutions, medical universities, academies of physical education as well as higher education 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 120 public research institutes and laboratories, including the Polish Academy of Sciences, an independent state research institution with 69 units all across the country. With the goal to enhance Poland’s commercial potential, research institutes have recently established “The Łukasiewicz Research Network," Europe's 3rd largest research network (source: Euraxess).
The recent “Constitution for Science” reform aims to further improve the conditions for research and teaching excellence in Poland, encouraging sustainable growth of academic institutions, introducing doctoral schools and providing universities with more independence needed for effective management.
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 Walesa.
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 for a Fulbright Commission Orientation (end of September 2025), Thanksgiving and workshop (November 2025), as well as Mid-Year evaluation (February 2026) and End-of-Year (June 2026) 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, and the ability to serve as a cultural ambassador.
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 the U.S. higher education and culture. The grantees will also have an opportunity to apply for participation in seminars organized by other Fulbright Commissions in Europe (e.g. EU-NATO Seminar, EU-US Young Leaders Seminar).
The Commission aims at advancing diversity equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, geographic location, represented institutions and disciplines, socio-economic status, and ability.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe and the 6th most populous member of the European Union. 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 significantly 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 your Fulbright grant, Fulbright Poland will invite you to a three day long 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 at the selected host institution/in Poland
- describe what will be the impact of the project on your future plans
Note: Candidate's data will be processed by the Polish Commission in accordance with its Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants.
Foreign Language Proficiency
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
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
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 big cities (e.g. Warsaw and Cracow).
Students wishing to enroll in classes, aside from 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. Aside from project objectives, the letter should include information on all research expenses (e.g. reagents’ costs). Based on that information, the host institution could have these expenses reimbursed upon the completion of the project. If that information is not included in the letter, the Commission will not cover the affiliation fees.
One-year artistic internship projects are accepted. Candidates interested in pursuing an artistic internship are required to include a letter of admission with their application documents. Aside from 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 for grantee
- 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 a price-diverse country, and prices of some services or products may be higher in larger cities. This applies to rent as well as prices in restaurants, public transport. Cost of living in Poland is, on average, 39% lower than in United States. Rent in Poland is, on average, 54.4% lower than in United States.
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 need to arrange 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. If possible and needed, the host 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: http://scienceinpoland.pap.pl/en
Achievements in science: https://poland.pl/business-and-science/
Information about 2023-24 U.S. Students to Poland: https://fulbright.edu.pl/current-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/nauka
Privacy Policy for Fulbright Poland grants: https://fulbright.edu.pl/privacy-policy/fulbright-program/