Stefan Banach NAWA Scholarship 2026/27: Fully Funded Master's in Poland for Developing Countries
- Country
- Poland
- Level
- Masters
- Funding
- Fully funded
The Stefan Banach NAWA scholarship is one of the best fully funded routes into European higher education for students from developing countries, and it is especially worth knowing because so many nations, including Kenya, are eligible. Named after the great Polish mathematician Stefan Banach and run jointly by Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), it funds master's study in Poland as part of Poland's development cooperation.
Here is a clear guide to what the scholarship covers, who can apply, and how to apply successfully. One rule about timing can make or break your application, so we will highlight it clearly.
At a glance
- Provider: Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NAWA
- Level: Second-cycle (master's) studies, in Polish or English
- Funding: Fully funded (tuition exemption, stipend, travel, language course)
- Monthly allowance: PLN 2,500 (around PLN 28,000 per year)
- Who it's for: Citizens of 36 eligible developing countries (Kenya included)
- Deadline: Annual, a recent one was 8 May (but see the slot rule below)
What the scholarship covers
This one genuinely earns the label. Selected scholars receive a full exemption from tuition fees at Polish public universities, a monthly living allowance of PLN 2,500 (roughly PLN 28,000 per year), and a one-time travel and relocation allowance of PLN 2,500. NAWA also funds a preparatory course: a one-year Polish language course for those studying in Polish, or a Polish language and culture course for those on English-taught programmes. In short, your tuition and main living costs are covered for the full degree.
The timing rule you must not miss
Here is the single most important practical point. The Banach programme uses an application-slot system: applications for a given country group close as soon as the maximum number of submissions is reached, which can happen well before the official deadline. In other words, waiting until the last few days is risky, because your country's slots may already be full. The safest approach is to prepare early and submit as soon as the call opens.
Who can apply
- You are a citizen of one of the 36 eligible developing countries (including Kenya, Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and others); check the current list
- You have completed a bachelor's degree recently (for example, from 2023 onward) or are in your final semester of first-cycle studies
- For English-taught programmes, you have B2-level English
- You are ready to apply to a Polish university separately, alongside your NAWA application
- Your intended field fits the programme's priorities (often engineering, technical, and science-related areas, though options vary)
How to apply
- Confirm your country is eligible and check the priority fields in the current call.
- Choose a master's programme at an eligible Polish public university and apply to the university as required.
- Create an account on the official NAWA application system and complete your scholarship application.
- Prepare your documents, including your degree or transcript, language proof, and motivation, and submit them.
- Apply early, given the slot system, and then await results (a recent cycle announced results by 31 July).
Deadlines
The Banach programme runs annually, and a recent application deadline was 8 May (3:00 PM Warsaw time), with results by 31 July. Remember that applications can close earlier for your country once the slot limit is reached. Because dates change each year, always confirm the current deadline and country list on the official NAWA site before applying.
Apply and confirm the details
Read the current call, eligible countries, and application steps, and apply, on the official NAWA page: Stefan Banach NAWA Programme, official page.
Keep exploring: see all our scholarships, get ready with our free IELTS and English prep, or read how we verify every listing.
Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NAWA or the Government of Poland. Details and eligible countries change each cycle, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Stefan Banach scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It provides a full exemption from tuition fees at Polish public universities, a monthly living allowance of PLN 2,500 (around PLN 28,000 per year), a one-time travel and relocation allowance of PLN 2,500, and a NAWA-funded preparatory or Polish language and culture course, for a full second-cycle (master's) degree.
Who can apply, and is my country eligible?
It is open to citizens of 36 countries covered by Polish development aid, across Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Kenya is on the eligible list, along with countries such as Nigeria, India, the Philippines, and many others. Always check the full list in the current call announcement.
What is the early-application (slot) rule?
This is crucial. Applications for a country group close as soon as the maximum number of submissions is reached, which can be well before the official deadline. If you wait until the last days, your country's slots may already be full. Apply as early as you can.
What are the requirements and deadline?
You need a completed bachelor's degree (recent, for example from 2023 onward) or to be in your final semester, and for English-taught programmes, B2-level English. You also apply to a Polish university separately. A recent deadline was 8 May, with results by 31 July. Confirm the current dates on the official NAWA site.