The University of Warsaw has officially opened applications for its Foundation Year 2026/2027, a one-year preparatory program designed for international students who want to improve their English language proficiency before enrolling in undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs taught in English.
This intensive program is ideal for secondary school graduates and university degree holders who currently have an English proficiency level of IELTS 4.5 or CEFR B1 and wish to meet the University’s minimum B2 English requirement for admission.
Upon successfully completing the Foundation Year, participants are guaranteed admission into their selected English-taught degree program at the University of Warsaw, making it an excellent pathway to studying at one of Poland’s leading universities.
About the University of Warsaw Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a comprehensive academic preparation program that combines intensive English language training, Polish language lessons, cultural immersion, and introductory subject-specific courses.
Participants develop the academic language skills needed to succeed in university while becoming familiar with Polish culture, academic life, and the University of Warsaw environment.
Although participants are enrolled in the Foundation Year, they do not receive student status during the preparatory year. Student status officially begins in the 2027/2028 academic year after successful completion of the course and admission into a degree program.
University of Warsaw Foundation Year Details
- Host Country: Poland
- Host Institution: University of Warsaw
- Program: Foundation Year
- Academic Year: 2026/2027
- Duration: October 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
- Course Length: Two semesters
- Course Fee: €3,500
- Participant Capacity: 45 students
- Language of Instruction: English
- English Entry Requirement: IELTS 4.5 or CEFR B1
Benefits of the University of Warsaw Foundation Year
Students admitted to the Foundation Year will receive numerous academic benefits, including:
- Intensive English language training up to B2 level
- Guaranteed admission to selected English-taught undergraduate, graduate, or long-cycle Master’s programs after successful completion
- Comprehensive instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Polish language classes leading to A2 proficiency
- Modern learning facilities equipped with advanced educational resources
- All learning materials included in the tuition fee
- Cultural integration through the Social Path program
- Opportunity to study in one of Poland’s highest-ranked universities
Course Structure
The Foundation Year includes a balanced curriculum designed to prepare students academically and linguistically.
Intensive English Language Course
Students complete approximately 450 hours of English instruction focused on:
- Academic English
- English for specific purposes
- Reading comprehension
- Academic writing
- Listening skills
- Speaking and presentation skills
Polish Language Course
Participants receive 120 hours of Polish language instruction, including:
- 114 classroom hours
- 6 asynchronous learning hours
Students are expected to achieve approximately A2 Polish proficiency by the end of the program.
Social Path Module
During the first semester, students participate in activities introducing them to:
- Polish culture
- Academic life
- University facilities
- Warsaw city life
- Local community
Subject-Specific Courses
During the second semester, students attend introductory classes in their chosen academic field.
These classes are available if at least five participants select the same discipline. Where fewer than five students choose a subject, participants receive a recommended reading list to prepare independently for entrance requirements.
Fields of Study
Applicants must choose one of 15 English-taught study programs available at the University of Warsaw during the application process.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year guarantees admission into the selected program.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be international secondary school graduates or university degree holders
- Have English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 4.5 or CEFR B1
- Intend to pursue an English-taught degree at the University of Warsaw
- Meet the document requirements for undergraduate or graduate admission
Application Dates
Applications will be accepted in two rounds.
First Intake
- Opens: 24 June 2026
- Deadline: 8 July 2026
Second Intake
- Opens: 22 July 2026
- Deadline: 19 August 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because only 45 places are available.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the required admission documents depending on whether they are applying for:
- First-cycle (Bachelor’s) studies
- Long-cycle Master’s studies
- Second-cycle (Master’s) studies
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are uploaded through the University’s online application system.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete their application through the University of Warsaw’s Internet Registration of Candidates (IRK) platform.
During the application process, applicants must:
- Select one of the available English-taught degree programs
- Upload all required documents
- Complete the online application before the applicable deadline
Contact Information
For questions regarding the Foundation Year, applicants may contact:
Email: foundation.year@uw.edu.pl
Telephone:
- +48 22 55 24125
- +48 22 55 24143
Final Thoughts
The University of Warsaw Foundation Year offers an excellent opportunity for international students who need to strengthen their English before beginning a degree program in Poland. With intensive language training, academic preparation, Polish language lessons, and guaranteed progression into an English-taught program upon successful completion, the Foundation Year provides a strong pathway toward earning a university degree at one of Central Europe’s leading institutions.
Application Deadline: 8 July 2026 (First Intake) | 19 August 2026 (Second Intake)
SEO Keywords: University of Warsaw Foundation Year 2026/2027, University of Warsaw Foundation Year Poland, Poland Foundation Year for international students, Study in Poland 2026, English language preparation program Poland, University of Warsaw admission 2026, Foundation Year Europe, IELTS 4.5 study abroad, English-taught degree Poland, University of Warsaw international students, Poland university pathway program, University of Warsaw English programs, Study in Poland for international students, University of Warsaw Foundation Course, Poland higher education opportunities 2026.
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Also Check
OECD Internship Programme 2026 — Paid International Opportunity in Europe
Oxfam Paid Graduate Programmes 2026 — Build an International Career
