Author: Katarzyna Płaczek
Translator: Urszula Lis
With each passing year, Polish universities make every effort to ensure that health issues do not hinder access to higher education. Individuals with disabilities have an increasingly broader range of support options.
Universities receive state budget grants to provide material assistance to students. In addition to the rector’s or social scholarship, they offer financial support for individuals with disabilities, known as special scholarships. These are available to students with a certificate issued by an authorized body.
According to Article 89 of the Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1668), a scholarship for individuals with disabilities can be granted to a student with:
- A disability certificate issued before the age of 16,
- A disability level certificate (mild, moderate, or severe) issued by the County’s or Voivodeship’s Office for Assessing Disability,
- A certificate of incapacity for work is a level of disability certificate described in the Act of August 27, 1997, on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Journal of Laws 2023, items 100, 173, and 240). This certification is provided by medical experts of the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
The special scholarship for individuals with disabilities is awarded per semester or academic year and is paid monthly. It’s important to note that it can only be received for a single course of study designated by the student. When studying at two or more universities, the scholarship can be received at only one. Eligibility applies to both full-time and part-time studies, regardless of the type of university, as long as the university receives state budget funding for student material assistance. This financial support is available for students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate studies.
Receiving benefits from the special scholarship for individuals with disabilities does not preclude the possibility of applying for other material assistance benefits, such as social scholarships, rector’s scholarships for outstanding students, ministerial scholarships, or financial aid, according to the regulations of the respective university. The university should publish these regulations in the Public Information Bulletin or on information portals for students.
Financial support is just one way to level the playing field in education. Understanding one’s rights and taking advantage of what the university offers will provide greater comfort and facilitate the educational journey.
Sources:
Act of July 20, 2018, Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws 2018, item 1668)
Act of August 27, 1997, on vocational and social rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities (Journal of Laws 2023)