Learner Mobility

Programmes/projects supporting mobility 

There are no national programmes or initiatives supporting mobility of adult learners. Adult learners participate in mobility only under the EU Erasmus+ Programme. 

• EU Erasmus+ Programme

Erasmus+ (2021-2027) is administered in Poland by Foundation for the Development of the Education System. In Mobility projects, adult learners participating in education or training at a sending institution can develop their knowledge, skills and competences at institutions abroad as part of group mobility (2-30 days) or short- or long-term individual mobility (2-29 or 30-365 days, respectively). During an individual mobility period, participants carry out a learning programme agreed for each of them. 

Validation of learning outcomes

There are no specific national regulations on the recognition of mobility periods for adult learners. However, nationally regulated mechanisms are in place for the validation of learning outcomes achieved outside formal education, as part of non-formal or informal learning. 

Pursuant to the School Education Act of 7 September 1991, as subsequently amended (ustawa z dnia 7 września 1991 r. o systemie oświaty, z późn. zm.), adults may take so-called extramural exams (for individuals who take them as ‘externals’) conducted by the Regional Examination Boards. Those who have passed an exam obtain a certificate at the primary or secondary school level and / or a vocational certificate or diploma, depending on the type of exam taken. See also Chapter 7.5 ‘Validation of non-formal and informal learning’. 

Pursuant to the Act of 20 July 2018, The Law on Higher Education and Science, as subsequently amended (ustawa z dnia 20 lipca 2018 r. – Prawo o szkolnictwie wyższym i nauce, z późn. zm.), higher education institutions (HEIs) which meet specific requirements may validate learning outcomes achieved by learners who apply for admission to a first-, second- or long-cycle programme and have documents confirming the completion of secondary education or a degree programme (depending on the level of the chosen programme), the right to apply for admission to a programme and, in some cases, the required work experience. As a result of the validation process, an HEI may recognise up to 50% of ECTS credits allocated to courses included in a curriculum. 

The Integrated Qualifications System also comprises various partial qualifications which may be awarded to adults through the validation of learning outcomes.

For information about the recognition of foreign qualifications at the school education and higher education levels, see Chapters 12.1 ‘Mobility in early childhood and school education’ and 12.2 ‘Mobility in higher education’. 

Teacher and Trainer Mobility

Programmes/projects supporting mobility 

There are no national mobility programmes or projects for teachers or trainers in this sector. Like adult learners, they can participate in mobility period only under the EU Erasmus+ Programme. 

• EU Erasmus+ Programme

Erasmus+ (2021-2027) is administered in Poland by the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. In Mobility projects, teachers, trainers and other adult education staff can develop their skills during a job shadowing period (2-60 days) or in a training course (2-10 days), or carry out a teaching or training assignment (2-365 days) at a host institution/organisation abroad. A project grant contributes towards travel and subsistence costs, and covers a course fee where applicable. 

There are no specific national regulations or recommendations on the recognition of achievements or outcomes of a mobility period for adult education teachers or trainers.

Like teachers working in schools for children and young people (see Chapter 12.1 ‘Mobility in early childhood and schools education’), adult education teachers working in the school education system undergo a performance appraisal. Appraisal takes into consideration, among other things, the teacher’s involvement in professional development activities, including those carried out abroad.