Recognition of Foreign School Certificates

If you completed your secondary education outside Poland, you may need additional documents confirming that your certificate allows you to apply for higher education in Poland.

Who does NOT need a NAWA Recognition Statement?

You do not need to obtain a Recognition Statement from NAWA if your secondary school certificate was issued in:

• an EU country,
• an OECD country,
• an EFTA country,
• Ukraine,
• China (Gaozhong diploma),
• or if your certificate is covered by an international agreement recognized by Poland.

EU, OECD and EFTA countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Canada, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Germany, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United States, Switzerland, Sweden, Türkiye, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Who needs a NAWA Recognition Statement?

If your secondary school certificate was issued in a country that is not included in the groups listed above, you must obtain a Recognition Statement issued by the Director of NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange).

The statement confirms that your certificate gives you the right to apply for higher education studies in Poland.

How to obtain a NAWA Recognition Statement?

Applications must be submitted online through the NAWA SYRENA system. The recognition procedure may take up to 60 days, so we strongly recommend starting the process as early as possible.

Not sure if you need a NAWA Recognition Statement?

If you are unsure whether your certificate requires additional recognition, please contact our Admissions Office before submitting your application.