The development of the National Strategy for Internationalisation of Science and Higher Education aims to identify internationalisation priorities for the coming years in the area of research, education, mobility, the work of administrative units and Poland's international image.
Attracting foreign students, strategic partnerships, internationalisation of doctoral schools or mobility trends among scientists are just some of the topics that will be extensively discussed in the strategy document.
The decision on the need to prepare a strategic document dedicated to the internationalisation of Polish higher education and science was made in 2023. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education designated the National Agency for Academic Exchange as the coordinator of the work on the strategy.
At that time, an Expert Team for the National Internationalisation Strategy was also established, consisting of 31 representatives of the academic and scientific community from across the country, who are working on the creation of the document.
Aim of the National Internationalisation Strategy
Increasing academic mobility and strengthening the international position of Polish science are key aspects of the emerging document.
The vision, which is currently being developed, will become a practical tool to support the development of Polish universities and research institutes in the world.
As the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, Prof. Andrzej Szeptycki, pointed out, international cooperation in science is essential, and phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war, climate warming or artificial intelligence are eminently transnational in nature and require international cooperation, which is why we need a good strategy for the internationalisation of science.
This document will tell us how to internationalise Polish science well and effectively. I am glad that the work on the national strategy, to be developed by NAWA in close cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, also involves representatives of universities, scientific institutes and other entities operating in the area of science and higher education.
Work on the Strategy
Work on the National Internationalisation Strategy started on 31 January 2024.
In addition to regular meetings in the Team and sub-teams, NAWA staff also take part in study visits to leading European academic exchange organisations.
To date, discussions on the process of developing similar strategy documents have been held at SAIA in Bratislava, OeAD in Vienna and DAAD in Bonn. The purpose of meetings with foreign agencies dealing with internationalisation is to learn about best practices that can be adapted in the Polish system of science and higher education.
Two incoming study visits were also organised in Warsaw. In September 2024, we hosted the Rannis agency from Iceland, and in February 2025, the Czech DZS.
A summary of all study visits can be read here.
A number of national events organised by NAWA, which allow dialogue between all stakeholders and decision-makers, organised under the banner of Congresses and Internationalisation Days, will also serve to develop proposals to be included in the Strategy.
Key Events
The 1st Internationalisation Congress (13-14 May 2024) at the Medical University of Gdańsk focused on the challenges related to the internationalisation of Polish higher education.
The 2nd Internationalisation Congress (11-12 September 2024), held at the University of Warsaw, allowed a wide range of academics to discuss the role of Polish scientific institutions in international research projects and methods for increasing the visibility of Polish science worldwide.
The first event in the Internationalisation Days series took place on 17 December 2024 at the Jagiellonian University and focused on welcoming foreign researchers and building a friendly environment for international cooperation in the context of the Europe-wide EURAXESS initiative.
The future of the National Internationalisation Strategy
NAWA is planning further intensive consultations and events in 2025, which will create space for further discussions.
The final document will provide the foundation and direction for the academic community in Poland. Synergy in activities and consistent goals will help strengthen the potential of Polish science and higher education.