What is NAWA and what does its statement do?
NAWA is Poland's National Agency for Academic Exchange. Its individual statement confirms the level of a foreign diploma or, for a secondary-school certificate, the right to apply for higher education in Poland. It does not replace the university's admission decision.
Which qualifications require a NAWA statement?
For first admission to bachelor's or long-cycle studies, an individual NAWA statement is generally not required for certificates issued in EU, OECD or EFTA countries, IB/EB qualifications, or certificates covered by an international recognition agreement. It is required for other certificates. This commonly affects applicants holding qualifications from the DRC, Republic of the Congo, Angola, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea or Gabon. Every document should still be checked in KWALIFIKATOR or with NAWA.
Why is NAWA important for a student visa?
Since 1 July 2025, when the statement is required, NAWA's written information must accompany the student-visa application of a person admitted to the first year of bachelor's or long-cycle studies. It confirms that the foreign certificate permits application for higher education in Poland and helps the consulate assess the consistency of the applicant's educational background.
What happens if I do not provide NAWA when it is required?
The university or visa file may be treated as incomplete, leading to delay, a request for additional documents or refusal. NAWA does not guarantee admission or a visa: the university and consular authority make their own decisions.
Which documents are required?
Depending on the case: diploma or certificate, transcript or supplement, the previous education document, passport, evidence of a name change when applicable, and required translations. Files are uploaded to SYRENA as PDF or JPG and each file should normally be no larger than 3 MB.
How do I use SYRENA and check my application status?
Prepare and submit the application online in SYRENA, then activate it through the link sent by email. You can check the status in the system using the email address exactly as entered, including any capital letters.
How much does the NAWA statement cost?
NAWA issues the individual statement free of charge. Our €350 fee covers analysis, preparation, translation coordination and administrative follow-up. The translator's fee, DHL delivery and other third-party charges are separate.
How long does NAWA recognition take?
NAWA processes complete files in the order received and does not publish processing times by country. Missing documents lead to further requests and can delay the result, so applicants should start well before university and visa deadlines.
Do I need NAWA before applying to a university?
It depends on the university and study level. Some universities allow an application to begin while NAWA is pending but may require the statement before final admission or enrolment. For a visa, it must be available whenever it appears on the mandatory document list.
Is NAWA required for a master's degree?
Not automatically. For master's admission, the university checks whether the foreign degree gives access to second-cycle studies and may ask for NAWA information or other evidence. Nostrification is generally not required merely to begin second-cycle studies, but the university's admission rules still apply.
KWALIFIKATOR or an individual statement: which one do I need?
KWALIFIKATOR provides general information for selected qualifications. If the document is not listed, the result is insufficient, or a named individual statement is requested, an application through SYRENA may be necessary.
How should documents be translated for NAWA?
Translations are generally not required for documents issued in English, Russian, Ukrainian or Belarusian. Other languages normally require a sworn translation; where finding the relevant sworn translator is difficult, NAWA guidance permits an English translation in certain cases.
Can I apply for NAWA recognition from outside Europe?
Yes. SYRENA is online and the result is a digitally signed PDF that can be downloaded remotely. Rules on who may submit the application still apply, and a third party may require an appropriate authorisation.
What happens after I receive the NAWA statement?
Download the signed PDF, verify its details and send it to the university. Where required, include it in the student-visa file. Keep the original digitally signed file.
Is a NAWA statement valid throughout the EU?
Not automatically. It describes the qualification for relevant purposes in Poland. Another EU country applies its own academic or professional recognition rules.
What if NAWA takes longer than my university deadline?
Contact the university immediately, provide proof of the SYRENA submission and ask whether conditional admission or an extension is possible. NAWA does not guarantee expedited processing, and the university decides whether it can accept a temporary solution.
Can I request reconsideration after an unfavourable result?
The system and notification explain the available procedure. Where reconsideration is possible, it must be reasoned and supported by additional documents; SYRENA guidance indicates a 30-day period for certain diploma-statement cases.
Are translations and DHL delivery included?
No. Certified translations, DHL delivery and other third-party costs are quoted and charged separately.
