POLAND’S EDUCATION SYSTEM
Thursday - 18/12/2025
As in many other countries, Poland’s education system is divided into primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school, vocational training, and higher education.
1. Primary Education
Duration: 6 years (students aged 6-12)
Primary school in Poland begins at the age of 6 or 7 and lasts for six years. It is divided into two three-year stages:
- The first stage is considered a “transition” period between preschool and primary school, during which one teacher teaches almost all subjects;
- The second stage provides more advanced academic training, and each subject is taught by a subject specialist.
After completing primary school, students take a final exam and are awarded a Primary School Leaving Certificate.
2. Lower Secondary Education
Duration: 3 years (students aged 13-16)
Lower secondary school lasts three years and includes general academic subjects such as: Polish, History, Civics, two Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Technology, ICT, Physical Education, and Art/Music. At the end of each year, students are assessed through cumulative grades and exams in Humanities, Sciences, and Foreign Languages.
- Upper Secondary Education
Duration: 3-4 years (students aged 16-19/20)
After finishing lower secondary school, students in Poland may choose one of several upper secondary pathways:
- General Secondary School (3 years): Provides general academic education. Students sit the Matura exam (equivalent to a high school graduation exam), which qualifies them for university admission;
- Technical Secondary School (4 years): Offers in-depth foundation training in fields such as accounting, mechanics, electronics, etc., and also prepares students for the Matura exam.
4. Vocational Training
Students who complete lower secondary school may choose to attend Vocational Schools, which last 2 years. These programs focus on training for practical occupations such as sales, cooking, baking, mechanics, hairdressing, and more.
After finishing vocational school, students may continue their education by entering a 2-year General Secondary program, or a 3-year Technical Secondary program to qualify for the Matura exam.
5. Higher Education
Poland’s higher education system is structured into three main cycles, each representing a level of academic study:
- Cycle 1 – Bachelor’s Degree: Duration: 3-4 years, provides foundational academic knowledge and professional skills, preparing students for employment in their chosen field;
- Cycle 2 – Master’s Degree: Duration: 1.5-2 years, offers advanced, specialized training, enabling students to deepen their academic understanding and work creatively and effectively at a higher professional level;
- Cycle 3 – Doctoral Degree (PhD): Duration: 2-4 years, focuses on advanced scientific knowledge, research competencies, and specialized innovation.
Higher education programs in Poland are overseen by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Most programs last 3 years (4 years for certain regulated fields).
Poland has two categories of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):
- University (uczelnia akademicka) – eligible to offer doctoral studies
- Non-university (uczelnia zawodowa) – not permitted to offer doctoral programs.
At present, Poland has approximately 457 HEIs, including 131 public and 326 private institutions, all of which receive significant investment in infrastructure and academic quality.
To apply for university programs, each institution sets its own entry requirements depending on the level of study. In general, international students must have a solid academic record and a proof of language proficiency (English or Polish). Students who do not meet these language requirements may enroll in preparatory English or Polish language courses before progressing to their degree programs.
For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: www.ducanhduhoc.vn
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