The education of Polish society was a goal of rulers as early as 13th century. The Jagiellonian University founded in 1364 in Kraków, is one of Europe’s oldest universities. According to Polish Constitution everyone has the right to education which is compulsory until the age of 18. Education in pubic schools is free.

JAGIELLONIAN UNIVERSITY

KINDERGARTEN PRIMARY EDUCATIONThis is the first step in the Polish education system for children aged 3 to 6 years. The aim of the nursery schools is to provide children with appropriate conditions of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development as well as to prepare them for going to the primary school.

Children aged 6-7 years enter 1st class of primary school. Teaching at this stage is in the following subjects: Polish language, history, modern foreign languages, maths, natural science, music, art, IT, physical education and religion. The level is basic. At the end of 6th class when pupils are 13, they take a compulsory exam.

LOWER SECONDARY EDUCATION

UPPER SECONDARY EDUCATION

Next step is a 3-year gymnasium which is targeted at pupils aged 13 and 16. One of the aims of this stage is to indentify the abilities and interests of the students and to help them make a rational choice of a further education route. It ends with a nationwide exam, the results determine the upper secondary school they will attend.

There are two types of secondary schools: 3-year general secondary school (students aged 16-19) 4-year vocational secondary schools (students aged 16-20)The first one is focused in general education and preparation for a university or polytechnics, the second one is more vocational and usually more technical type. Both end with a maturity examination and maybe followed by several forms of higher education.

HIGHER EDUCATION

- Universities- Technical universities - Medical universities - Agricultural schools- Pedagogical universities- Academies of music- Academies of theatre and film- Schools of economics- Maritime schools- Military schools- Schools of theology- Non-state schools of higher education

The requirement to apply for admission to higher education studies is the Matura certificate. Higher education institutions are targeted at teaching students at the vocational or Master degree level and at preparing them for their professional careers. They can also offer postgraduate courses, PhD studies, as well as special studies and courses.

Types of higher education institutions (including non-state institutions):

WORK

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Presentationby

Sylwia Pacholak and Marta Woźniczka