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School for foreign children in Poland: rights, obligation and language support
A child who is not a Polish citizen attends public kindergarten, primary school and secondary school on the same terms as Polish citizens (art. 165 of the Education Law). Education is compulsory until age 18, and school starts in the calendar year the child turns 7. A child who does not speak Polish well enough has the right to free extra Polish lessons for up to 24 months.
What is compulsory
- Education is compulsory until the child turns 18 (art. 35(1)).
- The school obligation starts at the beginning of the school year in the calendar year the child turns 7 and lasts until the end of primary school, but not beyond age 18 (art. 35(2)).
- A 6-year-old must attend a year of preschool preparation (art. 31(4)); children aged 3–5 have the right to preschool (art. 31(6)).
- After primary school, the obligation is met by attending a secondary school or by vocational training with an employer (art. 35(9)).
- It may also be met abroad or at a foreign diplomatic mission’s school in Poland (art. 35(10)).
Your child’s rights
- Public kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools are open to foreign children on the same terms as Polish citizens, until age 18 or the end of secondary school (art. 165(1)–(2)).
- Adult schools, post-secondary schools and some courses are open on the same terms to listed groups, among them holders of a permanent residence permit, a valid Karta Polaka, EU long-term resident status, and people with a residence card annotated with access to the labour market, or a Schengen or national visa issued for work (art. 165(3)). Others may study as scholarship holders or for a fee (art. 165(5)).
- Post-secondary schools additionally require a Polish language certificate at level B1 (art. 165(5a)).
Language and school support
- Free extra Polish lessons for up to 24 months, organised by the body running the school (art. 165(7)).
- Help from a person who speaks the language of your country, hired by the head teacher, for up to 12 months (art. 165(8)).
- Extra catch-up classes in school subjects for up to 12 months (art. 165(10)).
- A preparatory class may be created for pupils who need their teaching adjusted. It lasts to the end of the school year and may be shortened or extended by up to one school year (art. 165(11), (13)).
- The school may employ an intercultural assistant (art. 165(8a)).
- Your country’s embassy or a cultural association may organise lessons in your language and culture at the school (art. 165(15)).
Which school
As a rule, the child goes to the public primary school for the area where you live. When accepting pupils who need extra Polish lessons requires organisational changes, the local authority may designate another public primary school (art. 166). Contact the school office or your municipality’s education department. A ministerial regulation sets the admission documents and class placement, so ask the school what it needs.
Where we help
We explain the steps and help you prepare documents, including translations. Placement decisions are made by the school and the local authority.
Step by step
- Register your address in the municipality.
- Find the public school for your area and contact its office.
- Bring the child’s identity document and school records from your country, with translations if the school asks.
- Ask for the free extra Polish lessons and, if needed, a preparatory class.
Sources
- Dziennik Ustaw: Education Law (consolidated text 2026)
- Legal basis: Education Law art. 31, 35, 165, 166 (Dz.U. 2026 item 820)
Facts checked against the official MOS portal on 25 Oct 2026. Rules and amounts change, so check the source before you act.