Understanding the Polish Grading System: A Guide for International Students

Starting your studies in Poland can be an exciting new chapter — but it often comes with a few surprises, especially when it comes to how your achievements are assessed. The Polish grading system might seem straightforward at first glance, yet its structure and meaning differ from what many international students are familiar with.

To help you navigate it with confidence, we’ve prepared a clear and practical guide explaining how grades work in Polish universities, what each mark represents, and how your performance is evaluated throughout your studies.

How the Polish Grading System Works

In Poland, most universities use a numeric grading scale from 2 to 5, where 2 is the lowest (fail) and 5 is the highest (excellent). Sometimes, additional marks like “+” or “–” are used to show slightly better or worse performance within a grade level.

Here’s a general breakdown:

A passing grade usually starts from 3.0, meaning you’ve successfully completed the course or exam. Grades below that (2.0) require the student to retake the exam or repeat the subject.

ECTS

Alongside the traditional 2–5 Polish grading scale, most universities in Poland also apply the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) — a standardized system used across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). It ensures that students’ achievements are comparable, transparent, and easily transferable between universities in different countries.

In other words, ECTS makes your studies more flexible — whether you plan to transfer to another European university, take part in an Erasmus+ exchange, or continue your education abroad.

How ECTS Credits Work

Every university subject is assigned a certain number of ECTS credits, which reflect the workload required to complete it — including lectures, seminars, self-study, and exams.

• 1 academic year = 60 ECTS credits;
• 1 semester = 30 ECTS credits;
• Bachelor’s degrees (Licencjat or Inżynier) = around 180–210 ECTS;
• Master’s degrees (Magister) = around 90–120 ECTS.

These credits are recognized across Europe, allowing you to transfer your completed subjects to another institution if you decide to change universities or study abroad.

Why ECTS Matters for International Students?

For international students, the ECTS system is a major advantage because it:

• Makes your degree internationally recognizable;
• Simplifies credit transfers between universities;
• Provides transparency in grading and workload;
• Helps you plan your academic path more effectively.

ECTS ensures that your studies in Poland are fully compatible with European standards, giving you more mobility, flexibility, and opportunities to build your international career.

What Determines Your Grade?

Your final grade in a subject is often based on multiple components, not just one exam. Most Polish universities combine several factors, such as:

• attendance and class participation,
• written assignments or projects,
• midterm tests,
• final exams,
• and sometimes, group work or presentations.

Each lecturer defines their own grading policy, so it’s always a good idea to check the syllabus at the start of the semester.

How to Maintain Good Academic Standing?

Polish universities value consistency and engagement. Regular attendance, active participation, and communication with lecturers are key to maintaining a strong academic record.

If you ever struggle with a subject, remember that Polish universities usually offer retake opportunities (poprawka) — a chance to improve your result by retaking the exam. There’s no stigma around it; it’s a common and accepted part of academic life.

Adapting to a new education system takes time — but once you understand the basics, studying in Poland becomes much smoother and more rewarding. Polish universities are known for their supportive academic environments and clear assessment criteria, so international students can always rely on transparency and fairness.

If you’re planning to study in Poland but still have questions about how the system works, UniverPL is here to help. Start your academic journey with confidence — and let our experts help you find the best Polish university for your future!