Is the Doctoral School really free?
Yes, by law it is free of charge for everyone.
Who receives the subsistence scholarship?
Every student admitted to the Doctoral School and legally staying or residing on the territory of Poland (i.e. you need to have a valid visa or residence permit).
Is the subsistence scholarship enough to cover the costs of living?
Yes, at a basic level. After a successful midterm evaluation, the scholarship grows by ca. 50%.
Am I eligible to apply to the Doctoral School?
Your current degree (MA or equivalent) gives you the right to join our Doctoral School if it enables you to start doctoral education, or apply for a doctoral degree, in the country where it was obtained.
Your current degree (MA or equivalent) gives you the right to pursue doctoral training in a doctoral school in Poland if it fulfils at least one of the following criteria:
– it gives access to doctoral studies or gives right to start doctoral proceedings in the country where it was obtained;
– it confirms completion of a joint programme provided by foreign higher education institutions and gives access to doctoral studies or gives right to start doctoral proceedings in at least one of the countries in the education of which it was provided is recognised based on an international agreement.
An academic degree (MA) awarded by an authorised institution operating in the education system of one of the EU, EFTA, OECD countries is recognised as equivalent to the appropriate Polish one.
An academic degree (MA) obtained in another country may be recognised as equivalent to a Polish one either on the basis of an international agreement or (if there is no such agreement) by way of nostrification.
How do I apply to the Doctoral School?
Please follow our Practical Recruitment Guide.
Does the University of the National Education Commission provide accommodation?
Yes, you are entitled to use the University’s dormitories.
What is the language of training at the Doctoral School?
Many courses are taught in English. If not, non-Polish speaking students receive individual tutorship. Doctoral supervision is carried out in English.
Is the doctoral training carried out online?
No. However, we are gradually increasing the share of blended learning in our doctoral program.
How do I find a supervisor?
You do not need to arrange a supervisor before admission to the Doctoral School. Supervisors are appointed later from among the University of the National Education Commission, Krakow professors (have a look here), or from other universities in Poland or any other country. Two supervisors may be appointed for one doctoral student, if justified. Additionally, a so-called ‘auxiliary supervisor’ may also be appointed at the doctoral student’s request.
Is research funding available at the Doctoral School?
Yes, there are multiple funding opportunities for research and academic mobility.
Do I need to buy a private health insurance?
No, by law the Polish National Health Insurance will cover your healthcare expenses. However, the visa procedures may require you to buy a private health insurance for the first month of your stay, before you register at the National Health Insurance program.
Is Poland a safe place?
There is NO WAR in Poland and everything works as usual. The likelihood of a war is no greater than in, say, Germany or Italy.
The country is one of the safest places in the world. According to Eurostat, Poland ranks as the 3rd safest country in Europe, based on the number of crimes reported in 2019. In terms of the Global Peace Index, compared to other European countries Poland ranks above such countries as Spain, Italy or the UK, just under the Netherlands. According to World Population Review, Poland’s homicide rate is lower than for Ireland, Denmark, Sweden or Germany.
Is life in Poland difficult for a foreigner?
Certainly not in metropolitan areas. Krakow itself is one of the most multicultural cities in Poland, with thousands of foreigners studying, working or just visiting. It would be really hard to find a restaurant that does not have an English version of the menu! Poland is also one of the cheapest countries in the European Union.
Is a Polish PhD degree recognized in other countries?
“A PhD in Poland awards an internationally recognised doctorate” (findaphd.com). “The diploma awarded to them [foreign students] upon graduation is recognised not only Europe-wide but also in most countries of the world” (phdportal.com). The Bologna Process significantly facilitates the recognition of academic degrees among member countries. Poland is also a signatory of the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region; other signatories include 47 members of the Council of Europe as well as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel and several other countries.
Are current/former students satisfied with the Doctoral School
Well, see for yourself.
What is FAQ?
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