2026

Task Force on Equality and Combating Undesirable Behaviour in the Academic Environment

6 March 2026

Since 6 March this year, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education has had a Task Force on Equality and Combating Undesirable Behaviour in the Academic Environment. This new advisory body to the Minister will focus on developing solutions to strengthen efforts to combat discrimination and bullying and to protect dignity and safety within the higher education and science system.

The establishment of the Team for Equality and Combating Undesirable Behaviour in the Academic Environment is a natural continuation of the work carried out in recent months by, amongst others, the Council for Women in Higher Education and Science and the Team for Identifying Good Practices and Combating Bullying, which ceased operations in 2025. The new Team will bring together the experience and achievements of both bodies, ensuring continuity in the analysis and monitoring of the situation and in the recommendations prepared on that basis. The main objective of the newly established body is to build an inclusive academic environment, free from phenomena that undermine the well-being of the academic community.

Over the coming months, the Team will conduct an in-depth analysis of practices within higher education and research institutions, review current legislation, and draw up recommendations and a catalogue of good practices. These anti-discrimination recommendations will help universities create an environment based on the principles of equality, respect for dignity and safety. They will support the well-being of both staff and students.

Part 1 of the anti-discrimination package for universities and institutes

23 January 2026

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has presented legislative proposals promoting equality and combating mobbing in the academic community.

The document, provisionally called the ‘anti-discrimination package’, developed on the basis of recommendations from, among others, the Council for Women in Higher Education and Science and the Advisory Team for the development of good practices and mechanisms to counteract mobbing and support well-being and mental health prevention in the higher education and science system, will now be subject to broad consultation with the academic community.

Key proposals

The package includes 10 proposed amendments, including to the Act Law on Higher Education and Science. These include: the introduction of an Academic Ombudsman for the entire academic community, the obligation to provide anti-mobbing training and publish anti-discrimination procedures, the adoption of a Code of Ethics for the Academic Community, the inclusion of Student and Doctoral Student Ombudsmen in the Act, the obligation to draw up equality plans, striving for 30% representation of each gender in the minister's advisory bodies, senates and councils of universities and scientific institutions, the possibility of mediation in disciplinary proceedings, a recommendation to use non-discriminatory language, and clarification of anti-nepotism regulations.

Plans for 2026

The proposed changes are now awaiting public consultation, and the coming months will see further work in the area of discrimination prevention. In 2026, there are plans to establish an advisory team to monitor the science and higher education system in terms of preventing undesirable behaviour and promoting gender equality. In 2026 a package of changes aimed at expanding democracy in universities and research institutes is also planned to be presented. The details of the project are currently at the consultation and agreement stage.

2025

Draft Strategy for the Development of Higher Education

22 October 2025

The main assumptions of the draft Strategy for the Development of Higher Education until 2035 are now available. The document will now be submitted for consultation with the academic community and experts.

The SWOT analysis prepared by the Team for the Development of a Strategy for Higher Education in Poland reveals that Poland maintains a strong position in the European Higher Education Area, actively participates in programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, and develops world-class centres of teaching excellence and research laboratories.

In 2024, for the first time, an increase in the number of foreign students was recorded – over 105,000. The majority of this group were students from Ukraine. However, there is still a lack of a wide range of English-language courses for those interested in studying in Poland. One of the main challenges remains the development of a more effective model of cooperation between universities and the socio-economic environment. Therefore, greater synergy between science and business is one of the priority tasks of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Key opportunities include the ongoing digitisation of universities, investment in laboratories, an increase in the number of foreign students and the intensification of partnership cooperation in Europe.

The Draft Strategy for the Development of Higher Education 2025–2035 sets out the main directions for change – in the spirit of strengthening the social responsibility of universities, improving the quality of teaching and building a friendly and innovative academic ecosystem in Poland.

The proposed development instruments are to be tailored to the specific characteristics of individual universities and include, among others: the development of transparent accreditation standards, the introduction of systemic support mechanisms for young staff and students, and the strengthening of international cooperation. All objectives will be implemented over the next 10 years, with verification by the end of 2027 and review every 2 years.

The draft Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in Poland was proposed by the Team for the Development of a Strategy for Higher Education in Poland, appointed by the Minister of Science and Higher Education.

E-Diplomas 

09 October 2025

On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers adopted documents amending the Education Law and certain other acts, the Education Information System Act, the Education Law Act and the Higher Education and Science Act, submitted by the Minister of Science and Higher Education.

The new regulations are intended to comprehensively regulate the implementation of issuing graduation diplomas, doctoral diplomas and postdoctoral diplomas in electronic form.

The most important solutions adopted:

The draft organises the regulations concerning the electronic form of graduation diplomas with supplements, as well as doctoral and postdoctoral diplomas, as their mandatory and basic form.

The standardisation of the form of documents ensures greater transparency and credibility of the system and guarantees a high level of data protection through the use of qualified signatures and electronic seals.

What are the benefits for students at Polish universities?

•    The diploma and supplement will be issued free of charge within 30 days of the student completing their studies. The electronic document will be stored in a repository.

•    Thanks to its electronic form, the document will be difficult to forge, and graduates will have easy and secure access to their diplomas at any time.

• The repository will be created as a database of the POL-on Higher Education and Science Information System. It will collect registered diplomas and data identifying their holders, i.e. graduates and persons who have obtained academic degrees, and will enable immediate verification of their authenticity.

•    The diploma and supplement in paper form will be issued free of charge within 30 days of the issuance of the electronic diploma, upon request by the student submitted by the date of graduation. 

Please note that paper diplomas will only be issued after they have been issued in electronic form. This solution will ensure that paper documents are consistent with electronic documents stored in a uniform, secure system.

The newly adopted draft provides for a 6-month delay – until 30 June 2026 – of the launch date of the diploma repository and a 12-month delay – until 1 January 2027 – of the obligation to issue diplomas in electronic form.

‘Support for teaching processes through the NAVOICA platform’ project

29 July 2025

The Call for proposals from universities under the project ‘Support for teaching processes through the NAVOICA platform’ financed by the FERS 2021-2027 Programme is open.

The call is based on an invitation from the Minister of Science and Higher Education and will remain open until 7 October 2025.

The value of funds allocated to finance selected courses is PLN 11,177,324.00.

The aim of the project is to adapt the offer of higher education institutions to the needs of economic development and green and digital transformation by preparing and making MOOC courses available on the NAVOICA platform for inclusion in first- and second-cycle studies. The courses will be available in asynchronous mode, with no limit on the number of participants. In line with the idea of openness, anyone interested can take part in the course, regardless of age or level of education.

The course ends with a certificate confirming completion of the course and the learning outcomes specified for the course.

The ‘Science has a voice’ project - new dimension of science communication

24 July 2025

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Copernicus Science Centre (CNK) are launching the innovative ‘Science has a voice’ project. The aim is to build sustainable public trust in science and strengthen the dialogue between scientists and the public. The initiative offers a series of practical science communication courses aimed at those involved in the popularisation of knowledge, researchers and anyone interested in the effective popularisation of science.

‘Science has a voice’ is the latest component of the Science for You programme, which CNK has been implementing jointly with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education since 2018. The programme is a pilot and will last for three years.

The project is aimed at scientists, science popularisers, educators and anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and consciously shape positive attitudes towards science.

As part of the project, the experts will analyse the effectiveness of various forms of science communication on an ongoing basis - from podcasts to workshops to meetings with the public.

In July, 25 persons were selected to join the project's science communication.

This year's first call for scientists received a total of 83 applications. Further recruitments are planned for 2026 and 2027.

NAWA assumes competence for the recognition of foreign certificates and diplomas for the purpose of study

1 July 2025

From 1 July 2025, the National Agency for Academic Exchange NAWA becomes the sole body responsible for issuing individual information on foreign certificates and diplomas. The aim is to eliminate irregularities in the visa system of the Republic of Poland.

Applications for the NAWA Director's information will only be submitted via the SYRENA System. Detailed instructions on how to use the system and a list of required documents are available on the NAWA website.

The entire application process will be simplified as much as possible, standardised and moved into the online space. This means that any applicant, regardless of where they are in the world, will be able to apply and receive all information electronically. Moreover, when applying for a visa, students will be able to attach a confirmation of their eligibility to study in Poland.

The obligation to obtain such confirmation applies to candidates from outside the European Union, OECD, EFTA and countries with which Poland does not have a bilateral agreement on the recognition of education.

Science4Business

26 June 2025

‘Science4Business’ is a partnership project, running up to the end of 2029, which aims to strengthen cooperation between the world of science and the economy and improve knowledge and technology transfer to the business sector. 

The main objective of the project is to increase the effectiveness of the activities of Technology Transfer Centres and Special Purpose Centres belonging to research organisations in terms of cooperation with business, including through the commercialisation of scientific research and development  results.

Due to the significant contribution the project will make to the development of cooperation between Polish R&D institutions and entrepreneurs, it is on the list of projects of strategic importance for the FENG Programme.

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education plays the role of Beneficiary and Lead Partner responsible for the coordination, monitoring and supervision of the proper implementation of activities by the Partners. The project is financed from European Funds, under the programme European Funds for a Modern Economy, and its total value is PLN 296.7 million.

The project includes the execution of 3 tasks, with each of them being implemented by a different partnership:

• Task 1 “Development Incubator”, in which Partners are research organisations from all over Poland, including, among others, universities, research institutes and university special purpose vehicles,
• Task 2 ‘Technology Transfer Personnel’, in which the National Centre for Research and Development will be the Partner and Task Implementer,
• Task 3 “Innovation Portal”, in which the Information Processing Centre - National Research Institute will be the Partner and Task Implementer.

Scholarships for outstanding young scientists

26 June 2025

The 20th edition of the scholarship competition for outstanding young people awarded 228 candidates, including 34 doctoral students, representing a total of 53 scientific and artistic disciplines. The winners will receive support of PLN 5390 per month for three years. The Ministry will allocate more than PLN 44 million for this purpose.

This year's edition of the competition attracted a record number of 1,711 applications, which confirms the growing interest in the programme and its importance for the development of young scientific staff in Poland.

On the basis of the individual assessments made by the experts, the Presidium of the Team presented the Minister with a resolution containing ranking lists of the applications of the young scientists together with recommendations.

Two separate rankings were established in each discipline:

• the first - for the group of doctoral degree holders, academic teachers without a doctoral degree and those preparing a doctoral dissertation in extramural mode,
• the second - for the group of doctoral students alone.

The largest number of scholarships were awarded in the following disciplines:

• Engineering and technical sciences - 50 scholarships
• Social sciences - 44 scholarships
• Science and natural sciences - 40 scholarships
• Humanities - 33 scholarships
• Medical and health sciences - 25 scholarships
• Agricultural sciences - 16 scholarships
• Arts - 14 scholarships

Within individual disciplines, researchers in materials engineering (8), legal sciences (8), psychology (8), biological sciences (9), chemical sciences (13), and fine arts and art conservation (7) received the most awards.

Teaching Excellence Initiative

18 June 2025

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has selected 15 public vocational universities - beneficiaries of the next edition of the “Didactic Excellence Initiative” (DID) project. Its aim is to support public vocational universities in improving the quality of education.

‘Didactic Excellence Initiative’ is a cyclical undertaking, implemented each year on the basis of Article 400 of the Act of 20 July 2018. - Law on Higher Education and Science. This year, for the first time since the initiative was initiated in 2019, the total funding has been increased from the previous PLN 15 million to PLN 22.5 million per year. DID responds to the challenges of modern education by enabling universities to implement modern teaching solutions, develop digital competences, promote green transformation, and enhance the quality of teaching at all levels of education.

In order to obtain the status of a beneficiary of the project, the university must meet certain conditions, including:

• no negative evaluations of the quality of education issued by the Polish Accreditation Commission in the last six years,
• positive results of the monitoring of graduates' careers, confirming high effectiveness of education and good preparation for the labour market (high earning rate and low unemployment rate among graduates).

As part of the project, HEIs can receive PLN 1.5 million for pro-quality activities, including: employing industry practitioners, retrofitting and modernising laboratories and teaching studios, organising courses and training for teaching staff, developing modern teaching methods and digital tools, scholarships for students with outstanding practical achievements. The funds are transferred to the beneficiaries in the form of an increase in the subvention, which provides the universities with flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to the needs of the labour market and students.

Tackling mobbing

17 June 2025

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has set up a Team to identify good practices and develop mechanisms to counter mobbing, promote the wellbeing of workers and learners in the higher education and science system and prevent mental health in academia.

The tasks of the team include:

• Analysis of the legal situation.
• Identification of the risk of mobbing, bullying, examination of examples and phenomena.
• Legal and procedural proposals, including protection for whistleblowers.
• Analysis of mental health support and anti-mobbing measures.
• Preparation of recommendations for mental health support and wellbeing in academia.

The team was established for the period from 17 June 2025 to 31 December 2025.

Science Vectors

13 June 2025

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has launched the Vectors of Science programme, the aim of which is to support entities of the higher education and science system and other organisational units acting for the dissemination of science in the implementation of projects aimed at presenting current scientific achievements and the latest results of scientific research or development works, by organising scientific conferences or publishing scientific monographs.

The programme consists of two modules:

• Scientific conferences - support for the organisation of scientific conferences presenting current scientific achievements and the latest results of scientific research or development works, which are important for the development of science and the economy.
• Scientific monographs - co-financing of the publication of scientific monographs of a high level of content, in Polish or one of the congress languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Italian) and making them available on the Internet.

As part of the programme, Applicants can apply for funding under the scientific conferences module: up to PLN 400,000, and under the scientific monographs module: up to PLN 80,000. Funding cannot exceed 80 per cent of the total cost of project implementation. Projects can be implemented for a maximum of 12 months in the case of the scientific conferences module, and 24 months in the case of the scientific monographs module. The call for applications runs from 17 June to 16 July 2025.

Science for the Development of Society

2 June 2025

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has begun accepting applications for a new programme - Science for the Development of Society. The call runs continuously from 2 June 2025. The initiative is aimed at entities of the higher education and science system and other organisational units working for the dissemination of science.

The programme includes funding for research projects in four main areas:

1. ‘New horizons of science’ - under which support is provided for the implementation of research projects aimed at:
   • increasing the quality and pursuit of breakthroughs in scientific research (frontier research), in particular by identifying new research problems of key importance for socio-economic development and undertaking pioneering research work in this field,
   • developing new methods for effective implementation of research results;
2. ‘Science for innovation’ - under which support is provided for the implementation of research projects aimed at:
   • improving the effectiveness of cooperation between science and the social or economic environment,
   • supporting innovation processes and the implementation of the results of scientific research and development works, as well as know-how related to these results, including the promotion of good practice in innovation;
3. “Physical culture for an active and healthy society” - which supports the implementation of research projects aimed at:
   • monitoring, supporting and promoting the physical development, fitness and physical activity of society,
   • developing and implementing innovative methods, forms and means of physical activity and training for people of all ages,
   • to conduct research of fundamental importance for:
   • the development of academic sport, including its promotion, or
   • physical activity activation and sport development of persons with disabilities,
   • identification of people with physical talents who have predispositions for sports training,
   • injury prevention in physical education and sport;
4. ‘Social Medicine’ - which supports the implementation of research projects aimed at:
   • promoting healthy habits relevant to the prevention of social diseases,
   • dissemination of knowledge on advances in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medical, health, biological, chemical and physical sciences,
   • innovations in medical devices, medicinal products and biomedical products promoting prevention and social well-being.

Projects can last up to 36 months, with a maximum grant of PLN 2 million.

Organising and animating activities - action for the academic community

29 May 2025

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has announced the results of the open call for proposals for the implementation of the public task entitled “Organising and animating activities for the academic community” in 2025, which was announced in March 2025. The Minister of Science and Higher Education decided to co-finance 49 projects.

In this year's edition of the competition, from the PLN 3 350 000 originally planned for this purpose, the amount of funding was increased to nearly PLN 4 851 000. More funds will enable the implementation of a greater number of initiatives supporting the welfare, competence development, cultural and artistic activity of students and doctoral students, as well as counteracting discrimination and equalising opportunities in the academic community.

The public task is implemented on the basis of the Act on Public Benefit Activity and Volunteerism and is addressed to non-governmental organisations and other entities that carry out statutory activities in the academic environment for, among others:

- providing equal opportunities for students and doctoral candidates with disabilities,

- supporting students at an early stage of their studies to prevent them from dropping out,

- student scientific movement and scientific circles,

- raising the legal awareness of students and doctoral students as regards regulations concerning higher education and science - including watchdog activities,

- the development of academic media, with particular emphasis on programmes devoted to studies, research and the popularisation of science,

- popularising pro-environmental behaviour among students and doctoral students.

Council for dialogue with trade unions

19 May 2025

On 19 May 2025, the Minister of Science and Higher Education established a council for dialogue with trade unions. The council's tasks include:

- indicating to the Minister responsible for higher education and science proposals for measures to improve the situation of trade union members working in higher education and science system institutions;

- identifying and initiating measures, in consultation with the Minister, to ensure decent working conditions in higher education and science system institutions;

- drafting, when instructed by the Minister, opinions on existing and proposed legislation concerning the affairs of employees employed in the entities of the higher education and science system;

- analysing the problems and employment needs of trade union members working in higher education and science system institutions.

Team for strengthening the transfer of research results

30 April 2025

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has established a team for strengthening the transfer of research results. It is made up of representatives of technology companies, experts in technology transfer, scientists with experience in management positions and ecosystem experts. 

The tasks of the Team will include advising on the transfer of research results, in particular by giving opinions on undertakings aimed at increasing interest in commercialisation, indicating potential solutions to be implemented by entities of the higher education and science system and recommending sectoral activities that stimulate innovation and competitiveness. In particular, the objective of the Team is to develop recommendations on unblocking the pathways to commercialisation, indicating the directions of potential deregulation and developing solutions for institutions supporting and financing technology development.

Action for the academic community

24 March 2025

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has announced an open competition for the implementation of the public task “Organising and animating activities for the academic community” in 2025. The most important tasks in this year's edition include.

- Implementing activities for the well-being of students and doctoral students, with particular emphasis on mental health prevention;

- Preventing the phenomena of unequal treatment and discrimination of students and doctoral students in the academic environment and equalising opportunities for those with special needs;

- supporting students at an early stage of their studies.

Council for Women in Higher Education and Science: a new step towards equality

7 March 2025

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has announced the establishment of the Council for Women in Higher Education and Science. The new advisory board is to support gender equality measures in academia, analyse the situation of women in science and recommend solutions to improve their working conditions and career development in science.

Aims and objectives of the Council

The Council for Women in Higher Education and Science will work under the chairmanship of Prof. Anna Pacześniak. The body will deal with, among other things:

• analysing the situation of women in science and higher education,
• giving its opinion on draft laws and regulations in terms of gender equality,
• recommending measures to eliminate barriers and discrimination,
• researching foreign solutions in order to implement good practices in Poland.

The Ministry hopes that the Council will contribute to improving the conditions for women's scientific work and career development, and help break the ‘glass ceiling’ in academia.

Polish presidency of the EU: Priorities of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education

10 January 2025

On 1 January 2025, Poland assumed the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will last for the next six months. The leading message of the Polish Presidency, ‘Security, Europe!’, reflects the priorities for action, focusing on ensuring stability in key areas. The Polish Presidency will strive to strengthen security in the external, internal, information, economic, energy, food and health dimensions, taking initiatives for the common good of all Member States. 

Priorities in higher education

Inclusive education and the social dimension of education

One of the main priorities of the Polish Presidency in the field of higher education is the promotion of inclusive education, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education. The Ministry also emphasises the social dimension of education, covering topics such as:

- mental health of students,

- the role of women in science,

- promotion of STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

Developing European University Alliances

As part of enhancing the competitiveness of EU education systems, work will continue on the Higher Education Package, as well as initiatives related to European University Alliances, which aim to strengthen cooperation between universities across the EU.

Key documents

Two strategic documents will be negotiated and adopted during the Polish Presidency:

- Resolution of the EU Council on the Plan for a Common European Diploma,

- EU Council Recommendation on a European Quality Assurance and Recognition System for Higher Education.

The adoption of these documents is planned during the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting on 12 May 2025 in Brussels.

2024

Ministry plans for the new academic year 2024/25

27 September 2024

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education plans to amend the Law on Higher Education and Science. Among the announced changes are a tightening of the visa system, changes to the functioning of postgraduate studies and issues related to strengthening the rights of students and doctoral students.

Quality of education is a priority

The main aim of the changes is to put things right in higher education - quality of education is a priority. Among other things, it is planned to introduce the right of the Minister of Science to liquidate non-public universities on the basis of clear evidence of law-breaking.

The changes will also include the right to conduct postgraduate studies - only universities that provide first-cycle programmes will have this right. Such HEis have the appropriate staff and facilities to conduct postgraduate studies.

Tightening up the visa regime for students

A provision is planned whereby universities will have to admit more Polish students than foreign ones.

The possibility of admitting foreign students will also be limited to academic universities, i.e. those that provide education in at least one field of study with a category B+ or higher. State higher education institutions will also have the possibility to educate students under the Erasmus+ programme. The changes are being prepared in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Democratisation of universities - changes to academic structures

The democratisation of universities is planned. No internal structure, such as the university council, should influence the choice of the rector. It should be the choice of the students and staff of the university.

There are also plans to expand the composition of the university council to include a representative of young researchers employed by the university, appointed by the senate. The changes will also concern the composition of the electoral colleges: the minimum composition of the college is to be at least 80 members.

Strengthening the rights of students and doctoral students

Among the changes planned for the entitlements of students and doctoral students, the Minister announced, among other things:

- the possibility for doctoral students to apply for an allowance,

- regulation of the institution of an Ombudsman for Students‘ Rights and an Ombudsman for Doctoral Students’ Rights,

- clarification of provisions concerning the granting of a doctoral scholarship and establishing its amount,

- extending the catalogue of benefits to include scholarships for social activities.

Consolidation of universities for efficient management of resources

There are plans for universities to work together to share infrastructure and teaching facilities, and ultimately, to merge some of them. A larger university means lower service costs and more efficient use of the infrastructure. One university has unused buildings and another lacks classrooms. Larger HEIs also mean more opportunities to obtain external funding.

The universities will have a choice in the matter. The incentive to consolidate is to be provided by additional funds for transition costs and an increase in subsidies for the merged entities. The new provisions of the Act are also expected to clarify a number of formal issues, such as adding associations of HEIs to the catalogue of entities operating for the benefit of the higher education and science, or regulating the issue of incorporating a branch established by a public HEI into another public HEI.

New certificates for non-degree postgraduate studies and specialised training

5 August 2024

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has signed an amendment to the regulation on documents issued in connection with the course or completion of non-degree postgraduate studies and specialised training. The new regulations will come into force on 1 October 2024.

Pursuant to the Act of 20 July 2018 the Law on Higher Education and Science, the provider of postgraduate studies and specialised training independently determines the templates for certificates of completion of such studies. The new regulations introduce changes to these documents indicating the necessary elements that must be included in the certificate. They will enter into force on 1 October 2024.

Now certificates will have to include more information i.e.:

1. the start and end dates of the postgraduate course,
2. the number of hours of online courses and the number of ECTS credits allocated to those courses,
3. information on the location of the practical placement (if any),
4. information on training for a relevant profession or obtaining professional qualifications (if applicable),
5. for persons preparing for the teaching profession: confirmation that the studies completed have prepared them for the teaching profession, with an indication of the subject or type of courses they can teach.

In addition, certificates will include the number of practical placement hours. The possibility of including printed information instead of the stamp of the person signing the certificate has also been introduced to facilitate preparation of the documents.

These changes aim to improve the quality of education, enable better evaluation of the course of study and provide graduates with more detailed certificates that can be valid for employers or professional qualification authorities.

National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and the Polish Academy of Science (PAN) - legislative work in progress

11 July 2024

The following bills were added to the list of legislative work of the Council of Ministers: on amending the Act on the National Centre for Research and Development, the Act on the Polish Academy of Sciences and on the liquidation of the Copernicus Academy.

National Centre for Research and Development 

The purpose of the proposed act is to introduce necessary procedural changes and to improve the functioning of the institutions supervised by the minister responsible for higher education and science and research institutes. The changes mainly concern the mode of appointment and dismissal, and the composition of the management bodies of supervised institutions, as well as the qualifications of persons performing the functions of director and deputy director in research institutes, and the financing of research institutes.

The key issues to be resolved are the matters related to the Minister's appointment of the NCBiR Director, as well as the selection procedure for the members of the NCBiR Council and ways to determine the term of office of its members.

Polish Academy of Sciences

The main aim of the draft law is to consolidate the position of the Polish Academy of Sciences as a strong, autonomous scientific institution guided by the constitutional principle of freedom of scientific research by creating mechanisms to counteract current problems in the area of organisation and management, and to adapt the provisions of the law to the changing legal environment.

The draft law provides for amendments to:

- supervision over the activities of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and its scientific and other organisational units

- organisational structure

- the status of PAN members

- property management

- finances.

Minister of Science and Higher Education with conclusions after visits to 16 academic institutions

26 June 2024

The Minister of Science and Higher Education summarised the sixteen meetings with the academic community held in all provinces of the country since February. The Minister met with all rectors and also listened to the ideas of thousands of students and doctoral students at open meetings. The conclusions of these visits will be reflected in the planned amendment to the Act Law on Higher Education.

The minister announced changes to raise the status of doctoral students, increase funding for research and development, and improve the financial situation of students. The amendment to the Act aims to adapt the legislation to contemporary challenges and the needs of the entire academic community.

The planned changes concern the following areas:

1. Quality of education
2. Equal opportunities for studying
3. Consolidation of universities
4. Increased investment in research projects and international cooperation
5. Evaluation system for academic institutions.

Supporting students to improve their competences and skills

18 June 2024

The Minister of Science and Higher Education announces a call for candidates for experts for the advisory team in the framework of the implementation of the project entitled "Supporting students in raising their competences and skills". Applications can be sent before 2 July 2024.

The Project assumes systemic support of universities (entities benefiting directly from the support) by enabling female and male students to participate in international competitions, competitions and conferences.

The aim of the Project is to support female and male students in the development of their:

- competences and skills,

- scientific activity

- innovation

- creativity,

by enabling them to participate in international competitions, competitions, conferences.

The call for proposals was conducted on the basis of the Call of the Minister of Science and Higher Education and lasted until 24 June 2024. The value of funds allocated for the call for proposals in the current Call is PLN 12,500,000.00. The cost of implementation of one project cannot exceed: 

- PLN 80,000.00 - in the case of a project implemented by a single student or a female student;

- PLN 500,000.00 - in the case of a project realised by a team of students.

A total of PLN 27,500,000 is earmarked for the implementation of the project.

Organising and animating activities for the academic community

6 June 2024

The competition is aimed at non-governmental organisations and other entities that carry out statutory activities in the academic environment for, among others:

- equalising opportunities for students and doctoral students with disabilities,

- supporting students at an early stage of their studies in order to prevent the phenomenon of abandoning studies (the so-called "drop out"),

- student scientific movement and scientific circles,

- raising the legal awareness of students and doctoral students as regards regulations concerning higher education and science - including watchdog activities,

- the development of academic media, with particular emphasis on programmes devoted to studies, research and the popularisation of science,

- popularising pro-environmental behaviour among students and doctoral students.

This year's thematic scope of the competition was extended to include activities supporting students at an early stage of their studies to prevent the phenomenon of dropping out of university.

The competition offered funding for initiatives for the academic community in the form of competitions, information campaigns, conferences, seminars, training sessions and workshops. The minimum grant amount was PLN 30 000, and the maximum PLN 120 000.

A record number of 247 offers were submitted for this year's competition. In earlier editions, their number was: 75 (2020), 47 (2021), 54 (2022), 118 (2023). Of all the bids submitted this year, 123 qualified for substantive evaluation. 48 projects will receive funding totalling PLN 4.5 million.

Call for tenders from the Minister of Science under the FERS Programme

10 May 2024

On 9 May 2024, a call for bids from HEIs was launched as part of the project ‘Supporting students to improve their competences and skills’ funded by the European Funds for Social Development 2021-2027 programme.

The call is conducted on the basis of the Invitation of the Minister of Science and lasts until 24 June 2024.

The funds allocated for the call for proposals amount to PLN 12,500,000.00.

The cost of implementation of one project cannot exceed:

1. 80 000,00 PLN - in the case of a project implemented by a single student;

2. PLN 500,000.00 - in the case of a project implemented by a team of students.

The aim of the project is to support students in the development of their competences and skills, their research and scientific activity, innovation and creativity by enabling them to participate in international competitions and conferences.

The outcome of the project will be the acquisition of competences or qualifications by those participating in higher education and an increase in the total number of students who will take part in various forms of competition within the higher education system.

Support for students in 2024 

12 April 2024

According to the Budget Act 2024, the funds to be distributed to universities amount to PLN 1.6 billion. In the main subsidy distribution, 1.5 billion has been earmarked. The remaining reserve (PLN 123.5 million) is intended for supplementary and corrective distributions during the year.

These funds will be used to increase subsidies for, among other things, additional needs of HEIs caused by an increase in the number of students entitled to benefits, and in connection with the change, as of 1 October 2024, of the income criterion entitling a student to a social grant. This threshold will increase from PLN 1,294.4 to PLN 1,570.5 (net) per person in the student's family. 

In the proposed distribution of funds for grants for students and doctoral students in 2024, PLN 1.6 billion is planned. In addition, PLN 230 million will be earmarked for the renovation of dormitories and canteens, as well as over PLN 54 million for expenses related to the granting of the Minister's scholarships for outstanding achievements for students, doctoral students and young scientists. In total, PLN 374 million more was allocated to support students than last year. This is an increase of almost 25 per cent.

"Universities more accessible" - NCBR competition

5 April 2024

The National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) will allocate PLN 400 million to ensure that students with special needs can benefit from the offer of Polish universities. The funds for this purpose come from the European Funds for Social Development programme. Applications for funding can be submitted from 8 April to 28 June.

This is yet another NCBR competition under the European Funds for Social Development (FERS) programme, which will contribute to the elimination of barriers to access to higher education within the concept of 'Accessible University' .

The aim of the initiative is to remove barriers to access to higher education. The idea is to implement the principles of equal opportunities by, among other things, providing appropriate infrastructure and organising the educational process in such a way as to ensure that studies are adapted to the needs of all students, especially those with disabilities.

Salary increases for university teachers - regulation signed

21 February 2024

The Minister of Science and Higher Education has signed a regulation on determining the minimum basic salary of a professor at a public university. It provides for an increase in salaries as of 1 January 2024 by 30 per cent. This means that the salary of a professor will increase from the current level of PLN 7,210 to PLN 9,370. Funds for salary increases for academic teachers in public universities have been secured in the Budget Act for 2024.

The provisions of the regulation will enter into force on the day following the date of announcement, i.e. 22 February, with effect from 1 January 2024.

The salaries of academic teachers and research staff of the Polish Academy of Sciences and other benefits in the higher education system are correlated with the minimum salary of a professor.

According to the Law on Higher Education and Science, the amount of monthly basic salary in a public university for an academic teacher may not be lower than 50 per cent of the salary of a professor, but for:

• university professor - not less than 83 per cent
• an assistant professor - not less than 73% of that remuneration.

The minimum professorial remuneration set out in the regulation also affects a number of other benefits in the higher education and science system, such as the amount of:

• the total monthly amount of social grant and rector's grant that a student may receive,
• the monthly remuneration of the members of the board of a higher education institution,
• the function-related allowance of an employee of a public higher education institution, including the rector,
• the remuneration for promotion proceedings,
• monthly doctoral scholarship.

The actual level of remuneration in public higher education institutions is shaped independently by the authorities of the institution within the autonomy they have in this respect, individually for each employee and taking into account the financial resources available.

The amount of the minimum rates of remuneration for academic teachers in particular staff groups after the planned increase will be as follows:

• professor - PLN 9,370.00 - increase by PLN 2,160.00,
• university professor - PLN 7,777.10 - increase by PLN 1,792.80,
• assistant professor - PLN 6 840.10 - increase by PLN 1 576.80,
• assistant, lecturer - PLN 4,685.00 - increase by PLN 1,080.00.

Expert Panel on the National Internationalisation Strategy of Science

1 February 2024

Preparations for the development of the National Strategy for Internationalisation of Science are underway. Representatives of universities, scientific institutes and other institutions operating in the field of science and higher education have been included in the work on the national strategy. The development of the strategy will take place under the leadership of the National Agency for Academic Exchange and under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

Members of the team, which will be the main advisory voice for the preparation of the strategy, received their appointment letters from the Deputy Minister.

Among the most important factors for increasing the level of internationalisation, experts point to international study programmes, joint research projects and the issue of obtaining funding from the European Union and abroad. The National Science Policy, introduced in 2022, will be an important reference point in the multi-stage and complex process of working on a national internationalisation strategy.