Studying in Poland offers a structured approach to higher education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Universities in Poland follow the Bologna Process, making it easy for students to transfer credits within Europe. This guide provides an overview of course structures and the grading system to help international students understand how academic progress is measured in Poland.

Course Structure

In Poland, higher education is typically divided into three levels:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (Licencjat or Inżynier)

   • A Bachelor’s program generally takes three to four years (180–240 ECTS credits).
   • Students focus on foundational knowledge in their chosen field, with courses designed to provide a broad understanding of the subject.
   • Bachelor’s programs often include lectures, seminars, lab sessions, and, in some cases, internships or practical training to prepare students for the job market or further studies.

2. Master’s Degree (Magister)

   • Master’s programs last one to two years, depending on the field (60–120 ECTS credits).
   • Courses at this level are more specialized and research-oriented. Students engage in advanced seminars, workshops, and often collaborate on research projects.
   • A Master’s thesis is a core component, requiring students to conduct original research and defend their findings before a faculty committee.

3. Doctoral Degree (Doktor)

   • Doctoral programs typically last three to four years and are heavily research-based.
   • Students work closely with a faculty advisor on a dissertation, presenting original research that contributes to their field.
   • This phase may involve teaching responsibilities, publishing research papers, and participating in academic conferences.

Academic Year and Course Load

The academic year in Poland generally runs from October to June and is divided into two semesters: winter and summer. Each semester includes 15-18 weeks of classes, followed by an examination period. The course load is measured in ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, where one credit is equivalent to 25-30 hours of student workload, including lectures, assignments, and independent study. Typically, students are expected to complete 30 ECTS credits per semester.

Types of Courses

Polish universities offer various types of courses, including:

• Lectures: Large classes covering theoretical knowledge.
• Seminars: Smaller, discussion-based classes that encourage critical thinking.
• Labs and Practicals: For fields like engineering, medicine, and sciences, practical sessions allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world or laboratory settings.
• Projects and Internships: Many programs, especially at the Master’s and Bachelor’s levels, incorporate projects and internships to enhance professional skills.

Grading System

Poland uses a 5-point grading scale with decimal points sometimes applied for additional precision. Here’s a breakdown of the grading scale commonly used in Polish universities:

• 5.0 (Bardzo Dobry) - Excellent

  • Represents outstanding performance with a high level of understanding and application of the subject matter.

• 4.5 (Dobry Plus) - Very Good

  • Indicates above-average achievement, with only minor errors.

• 4.0 (Dobry) - Good

  • Signifies solid performance, a good understanding of the course material, and sound analytical skills.

• 3.5 (Dostateczny Plus) - Satisfactory Plus

  • Reflects a satisfactory performance with some areas for improvement.

• 3.0 (Dostateczny) - Satisfactory

  • Indicates a minimum passing grade, with basic knowledge and understanding of the subject.

• 2.0 (Niedostateczny) - Fail

  • The lowest grade, indicating insufficient understanding of the course material and requiring retake or supplementary assessment.

In some cases, students may receive a Pass/Fail grade, particularly in practical courses, internships, or non-core subjects. Grading may vary slightly between universities, but the 5-point system is standard.

ECTS and Grade Equivalency

Polish universities follow the ECTS grading scale alongside the traditional grading system. ECTS grades provide equivalence for international students, making it easier to transfer credits across European institutions. For example:

• A: Excellent (top 10% of students)
• B: Very Good (next 25%)
• C: Good (next 30%)
• D: Satisfactory (next 25%)
• E: Pass (lowest 10%)
• F/FX: Fail

Conclusion

Poland’s structured and transparent approach to course organization and grading ensures that students receive comprehensive education and valuable skills for their careers. With a clear grading system and ECTS framework, studying in Poland allows international students to pursue quality education that’s globally recognized, equipping them with a solid foundation for future academic or professional endeavors.