2026-2027 Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange to Poland Scholarships
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The Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange Program to Poland offers transformative opportunities for American students to study or conduct research at top institutions in Poland. Through the Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange Program to Poland, participants can immerse themselves in Polish language, culture, and academia—either through a semester or year abroad or through graduate-level research. Every year, the Kosciuszko Foundation Exchange Program to Poland supports emerging scholars in deepening their educational and cultural ties to Poland.

Intensive Polish Language Program

The Year Abroad Scholarship supports Polish language course at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. Scholarships are awarded under the auspices of the Foundation’s Exchange Program with Poland and Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). Students who are awarded a scholarship will attend a semester or one year full-time Intensive Polish Language Program at the School of Polish Language and Culture of the Jagiellonian University. The scholarship includes a tuition waiver and a scholarship of 1,800 PLN per month from NAWA as well as $2,000 per semester from the Kosciuszko Foundation. The scholarship is paid out in installments after arrival in Poland. Airfare is not covered by this scholarship. The academic year in Poland begins in early October and ends in late June. You can apply for one-semester or full academic year studies.

The program includes courses of grammar and vocabulary as well as linguistic fluency (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, communication and conversation, and composition and editing of texts). Additionally, the program participants can attend lectures of their choice in the fields of history, literature, culture, Polish contemporary society, or practical classes (including reading of literary and journalistic texts, pronunciation and intonation, and grammar review). All courses are conducted by specialists in teaching Polish as a foreign language.

The courses are on all levels of language fluency, in accordance with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (Council of Europe 2003).

Selection is based on academic excellence, the applicant’s motivation for pursuing Polish studies, interest in Polish subjects and involvement in the Polish American community. Applications are reviewed and ranked by the Jagiellonian University and the Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee.

Studies and Research Grants 

Studies and Research Grants are awarded for:

1. Graduate and postdoctoral research in Poland

2. Teaching Fellowships

3. Undergraduate  and graduate full-time studies at Polish public universities

This scholarship is awarded under the auspices of the Kosciuszko Foundation’s Exchange Program with Poland and Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA). The scholarship includes 1,800 PLN per month from NAWA as well as $500 per month from the Kosciuszko Foundation. The scholarship is paid out in installments after arrival in Poland.The Studies & Research scholarship does not cover the cost of tuition nor airfare to Poland. Studies and Research projects may be conducted from October 1, 2025 through June 30th, 2026, at public universities and institutions of higher learning in Poland. This scholarship cannot be combined with any other Polish government supported scholarship. The grant is for stays of a minimum of 3 months. 

There are no restrictions to fields of studies and research.

Selection is based on academic excellence, motivation, and the need to pursue studies and research in Poland.

Intensive Polish Language Program 

Eligibilty for Intensive Polish Language Program:

  • Eligible candidates include undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are US citizens.

Application Procedure 

1. Secure two recommendation letters. 

Who can issue a recommendation letter: 

The authors should be the two individuals who can best speak to your ability to study in Poland; they should discuss your intellectual and professional preparation. At least one of the letters must be from an individual with academic rank of Professor (i.e. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor). Letters should be addressed to the Kosciuszko Foundation Academic Advisory Committee. Anyone who serves as a recommender may not also provide the applicant with an invitation letter. References from relatives are not permitted. The letter may be submitted as a PDF file.

Submitting a recommendation letter:

When completing your application, you will need to provide the name and institutional email address of each recommender. Recommenders will then receive an email invitation to upload their recommendation letter directly into the Reviewr portal.

2. As part of the application, you must upload the following required documents from (a) to (g): 

a) A photo of yourself, which is suitable for publication such as a portrait photo or headshot which is 2 inches x 2 inches.

b) A scan of your U.S. passport ID page

c)  A scan of your highest degree diploma and language certificates.

d) Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). The Curriculum Vitae describes academic credentials and demonstrates a record of scholarly achievements. When composing a Curriculum Vitae, it is essential to include: Education (universities attended, degrees earned, and dates received). Membership and activities in professional associations. Professional honors and awards. 

e) An essay on why you are applying to attend the program at the Center for Polish Language and Culture at the Jagiellonian University.  Your essay should be 2-3 pages, double-spaced. 

f) Item 7- Submit official transcripts of credit for 2 years of academic work.   This document should have an official signature and stamp from your school or faculty. 

g)  $50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, you will be asked to make a payment. 

Studies and research in Poland

Eligibility for undergraduate and graduate in Polish public universities:

  • Students currently enrolled in full-time studies at public universities in Poland.
  • Students must be enrolled as International Students
  • US citizens

Eligibilty for Graduate and postdoctoral research in Poland: 

  • Graduate students and research staff
  • Must hold at least a Master’s degree or equivalent at the time of application
  • Advanced post-doctoral fellows, instructors and assistant professors (or equivalent)
  • Must be a US citizen

Application Procedure for Studies and Reserach in Poland

1. Secure two recommendation letters. 

Who can isue a letter of recommendation:

The authors should be the two individuals who can best speak to your ability to carry out the project being proposed; they should discuss your intellectual and professional preparation. At least one of the letters must be from an individual with academic rank of Professor (i.e. Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor). Letters should be addressed to the Kosciuszko Foundation Academic Advisory Committee. Anyone who serves as a recommender may not also provide the applicant with an invitation letter. References from relatives are not permitted.The letter should be submitted as a PDF file. Recommendations sent by the candidate will not be considered. 

2. As part of the application, you must upload the following required documents from (a) to (g): 

a)  A photo of yourself, which is suitable for publication such as a portrait photo or headshot which is 2 inches x 2 inches.

b)  A scan of your U.S. passport ID page or a birth certificate. University diplomas and language certificates.  

c) University diplomas and language certificates.

d) Curriculum Vitae (C.V.). The Curriculum Vitae describes academic credentials and demonstrates a record of scholarly achievements. When composing a Curriculum Vitae, it is essential to include: Education (universities attended, degrees earned, and dates received); if applicable: Professional positions held, Courses taught and other services provided to students and the home institution; Publications (provide full citations and list them starting with the most recent); Other professional activities, such as workshops, seminars and consultations; Membership and activities in professional associations; Professional honors, awards and fellowships. 

e)  Research proposal or essay

  • For candidates who intend to conduct studies in Poland: Upload an essay on why do you want to study in Poland. Be sure to list the name of the university, faculty/department, intended major/studies, and your academic and career goals. Your essay should be 2-3 pages long, double-spaced. 
  • For candidates who intend to conduct research in Poland: Upload a detailed proposal of your research project. Your proposal should be a maximum of five pages, double-spaced.

f) Invitation or admission letter. You must secure your placement or affiliation. The KF does not assist in establishing contacts. You can only submit one host letter unless your research involves conducting it in more than one institution. The letter can include as much information as the department or faculty host wishes to include. However, certain information is required.

  • For candidates who intend to conduct studies in Poland: Upload a certificate of enrollment in your studies. The certificate should confirm your enrollment status as an International Student, financial conditions of your study program such as access to dormitory housing, use of facilities, funding, etc.
  • For candidates who intend to conduct research in Poland: Upload a letter of invitation from the host institution.  The letter of invitation must include 1) the feasibility of your research plans at the host institution 2) the start and end dates of the research period and 3) the extent and limitation of the host university’s support during your stay such as access to dormitory housing, use of office space, libraries, labs, studios, etc. Original letter must be signed and on official letterhead.

 f) Only applies to candidates who intend to conduct studies in Poland: submit official transcripts of credit for 2 years of academic work. 

g) $50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, you will be asked to make a payment. 

If you have any questions please contact Malgorzata Dymkowska, Grant and Scholarship Officer at exchangetopoland@thekf.org or by phone at 212-734-2130.

Scholarship Notification: 

Applicants receive an email notification regarding the scholarship decision at the beging of May.