As a parent working in Poland, you have the right to send your children to a Polish state school — free of charge, regardless of your legal residence status. Polish law guarantees access to education for all children present on Polish territory. In this guide we explain how to enrol your child in a school or nursery, what documents are needed, and what support your child is entitled to.
Do Children of Foreign Nationals Have the Right to Study in Poland?
Yes — unconditionally. Article 165 of the Polish Education Law Act guarantees that children of foreign nationals residing in Poland have access to education on the same terms as Polish children. The visa status of the parents is irrelevant.
Compulsory schooling in Poland begins at age 7 (Year 1 of primary school). Children aged 6 are required to attend a one-year preschool preparation programme (zerówka).
Nursery and Preschool (Ages 3-6)
Children aged 3-5 can attend a state nursery (przedszkole). For 6-year-olds, the preschool preparation year (zerówka) is compulsory. To enrol your child in a nursery:
- Contact your local municipal office (gmina/urząd miejski) or the nursery directly
- Ask about the enrolment period (usually March-April for the next academic year)
- Submit an enrolment application
The preschool year for 6-year-olds is free. For younger children, there is usually a small fee for hours beyond the 5 free hours per day (approx. 1-2 PLN per hour).
Primary School (Ages 7-15)
Your child should be enrolled in the primary school assigned to your catchment area (obwód szkolny). Here is what to do:
- Find the catchment area school — ask at your local municipal office or check the school map online
- Contact the school directly and arrange a meeting with the school secretary
- Submit an enrolment application
What Documents Are Required?
Requirements may vary by school and municipality, but the following are typically needed:
- Child's birth certificate (with a certified translation if not in Polish)
- Parents' identity documents (passport, residence card)
- Child's PESEL number (if they have one)
- Vaccination records
- School records from the previous school (report card, teacher's assessment) — if the child has previously attended school; if not available, the school may arrange an assessment interview
- Proof of address (rental contract, employer's letter with address)
What Language Support Is Your Child Entitled To?
Polish education law provides that children who do not speak Polish (or speak it only to a limited extent) are entitled to:
- Additional Polish language lessons — the school is required to provide a minimum of 2 hours per week free of charge
- Support from a cultural assistant or integration teacher (where available)
- Supplementary lessons to address gaps in core subjects
Many schools in major cities (Warsaw, Wrocław, Poznań, the Tri-City) already have experience working with Ukrainian- and Russian-speaking pupils and have dedicated support teachers.
Tips for a Smooth Start
- Talk to the class teacher — explain your child's situation
- Ask whether the school has Polish language classes for foreign pupils
- Check whether there are NGOs or volunteer centres offering tutoring for foreign children in your area (e.g. Caritas, Fundacja Ocalenie)
- Encourage your child to interact with classmates — children pick up language very quickly through peer contact
Summary
Polish schools are open to children of foreign nationals — it is a right, not a privilege. Enrolment is straightforward, and the school is obliged to provide language support. If you need help with paperwork or document translation, ask the HR team at Nexflow — we can direct you to the right resources in your area.