Polish student loan 2026: government-subsidised loan guide
The government-subsidised Polish student loan is the cheapest loan in Poland: rate = half the NBP rediscount rate (~2.6% in 2026). Available to students under 30 with per-capita household income up to 3,500 PLN. Paid in monthly tranches (600–1,500 PLN) throughout studies. Repayment starts 2 years after graduation, with 20% forgiveness for the top 5% of graduates. Applications via PKO BP, Pekao, BPS.
The Polish student loan is a uniquely advantaged product: unmatched in the commercial market. Launched in 1998 and reformed multiple times, in current form since 2018 under the Higher Education Law. Key advantage: the government partially pays the interest: you effectively pay half the market rate. For most students this is cheaper than taking on part-time work at the expense of study performance.
Typical amount
36 000 PLN
Range: 7200–90 000 PLN
Typical term
120 months
Range: 60–240 months
RRSO
2,5%–3,0%
Government-subsidised student loan
Recommended product: Government-subsidised student loan
- Rate far below commercial: ~2.6% vs 9–14% for regular cash loan
- Monthly tranches: you pay interest only on drawn funds
- Long repayment (usually 2× drawing period): low instalment relative to new-graduate income
- Repayment can be suspended for up to 1 year in hardship (illness, unemployment)
- Forgiveness for top 5% of graduating class: direct reward for academic performance
Alternatives to consider
Part-time work during studies
Classic Polish path: civil contract or half-time gives 1,500–3,500 PLN/month. Risk: lower grades, delayed graduation, loss of scholarships.
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Social and academic scholarships
Social: up to 1,400 PLN/mo below income threshold. Academic: 500–1,500 PLN/mo based on grades. Stackable with student loan.
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Family support
Cheapest form (0% rate). Traditional in Poland. If family can, accept and repay later when earning.
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Commercial cash loan (last resort)
If ineligible (age 30+, income above threshold). RRSO 10–14%: much more expensive than student loan but cheaper than credit card.
Learn more →
Checklist before you apply
- 1 Verify eligibility: under 30 at study start, per-capita household income under 3,500 PLN/mo (annually adjusted)
- 2 Prepare documents: university student certificate, prior-year family income certificate (PIT)
- 3 Choose a lending bank (PKO BP, Pekao, BPS): terms identical, service differs
- 4 Pick tranche amount: 600, 800, 1,000, 1,200 or 1,500 PLN/mo (cannot increase mid-study)
- 5 Find a guarantor (parent, relative, institution): required if no independent credit capacity
- 6 Apply October–December: budget allocations often exhaust by end of semester
Sources and legal basis
- 1. Polish Consumer Credit Act of 12 May 2011 · Dz.U. 2011 nr 126 poz. 715
- 2. KNF Recommendation S · Polish Financial Supervision Authority
- 3. NBP base interest rates · National Bank of Poland (stan na 2026-04)
- 4. CJEU ruling C-383/18 (Lexitor) · Court of Justice of the EU
Legal status and figures verified by the kreddo.pl editorial team. Spotted an outdated source? Let us know.
People also ask
Is a student loan worth it?
For a student who qualifies (low family income): almost always yes. Rate 2.6% is below inflation: you repay "cheaper money" than you borrow. Alternative is work at the expense of grades. If parents can easily fund studies, a 10–15k PLN savings over 10 years may matter less than debt-free start.
What if I drop out?
The loan keeps its preferential status for 2 years after dropping. If you return in that window, tranches continue. If dropping is permanent, bank starts normal repayment. No 20% forgiveness on dropout, but other terms (period, low rate) remain. You repay only what you drew.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I draw under the student loan?
Max monthly tranche is 1,500 PLN (min 600) in 2026. Drawings only during study months (10 per year, excluding summer), up to 6 years. At 1,500 × 60 months (5 years of studies) total drawdown is 90,000 PLN. At 600 × 50 months: 30,000 PLN. You pick tranche size when applying: cannot increase later, only decrease.
How do I repay the student loan after graduation?
Repayment starts 2 years after graduation (or dropping out). Repayment period typically equals 2× drawing period: if you drew for 5 years, you repay over 10. Low instalments (for a 60,000 PLN loan over 10 years at 2.6%: ~580 PLN/mo). Faster repayment allowed without penalty. In financial hardship (illness, unemployment) you can request suspension for up to 1 year.
Who can forgive part of the student loan?
The Minister of Science and Higher Education can forgive 20% for graduates in the top 5% of their class (by study GPA). Application via bank post-graduation with university certificate. On a 60,000 PLN loan that's 12,000 PLN forgiven: a meaningful career launch boost.
Can I use a student loan for studies abroad?
Yes, provided the institution is recognised by Polish higher-education and in EHEA (49 countries incl. all EU, UK, Turkey, Ukraine). Studies in USA, Australia, China don't qualify. Requires either an exchange certificate from your Polish university or full-time student status from the foreign institution.
Can a PhD student take a student loan?
Yes: 3rd-cycle (doctoral) studies are covered. Requirements: age up to 35 (higher than for master's), PhD student status (agreement with doctoral school). Identical terms (rate, tranches, subsidy). Often the most economical option for PhDs: commercial loans are hard due to uncertain stipends.
