Frequently asked questions
On this page, you’ll find frequently asked questions related to exchange studies at SGGW.
Before the mobility
How can I be nominated for exchange studies at SGGW?
To be admitted to SGGW as an exchange student, you must be nominated by your home university first. Nomination is based on current agreement in place between home and host universities within your area of studies. Respective information regarding the nomination, should be provided by your home university coordinator to the following email address: incoming@sggw.edu.pl
NOMINATION DEADLINES
- for the fall/winter semester or full academic year is 15 June.
- for the spring/summer semester is 15 November.
If you are not sure, if you have been nominated already, please contact the International Office of your home university.
Only students, who have been nominated in advance, will be able to complete the online application.
How do I apply to SGGW as an international exchange student?
Does SGGW offer scholarships for international/exchange students?
No, SGGW does not offer scholarships for international/exchange students.
What are the documents required for the exchange application?
Polish/English certificate (B2 for studies, B1 for internship), Learing Agreement (your study plan) and for VET students: Transcripts of records.
How do I send my documents?
You should submit them via our IRK system (https://rekrutacja.sggw.edu.pl/en-gb/ ).
What are the application deadlines?
For the fall/winter semester: July 31
For the spring/summer semester: December 15
How can I prepare the Learning Agreement?
You can find all the information regarding learning agreement here: Home | OLA (learning-agreement.eu)
How my application is evaluated by the SGGW International Office? Who is responsible for it?
The application is evaluated by SGGW Exchange Coordinators (incoming@sggw.edu.pl)
How do I know if I was accepted?
If your registration is completed and you are accepted you will receive an Acceptance Letter from our Incoming Team.
How long does it take to receive acceptance letter?
You will receive the acceptance letter once the Learning Agreement is created and signed by all parties (you, your Home University and at the end by SGGW)
Can I choose disciplines that are not part of the curricular grade of my course? (For example, I am a student of agriculture but I want to attend classes in sociology)
Yes, you can choose any course from the University offer. Please note that your Learning Agreement must be accepted by the Coordinator from your Home University.
What is the language taught in classes at SGGW?
The classes are taught in English and Polish.
Will my level of English be tested?
- All incoming exchange students have to submit one of the following documents:
- TOEFL Certificate: minimum score: 575 points (Paper), 220 points (Computer) or 75 (Internet)
- TOEIC Certificate: minimum score: 605 points
- IELTS Certificate: minimum score: 5.0
- First Certificate in Englishof the University of Cambridge
Certificate of a University Language Centre testifying that the student masters the necessary knowledge of English to take part in academic activities (level B2 or above).
If student possess a language certificate, stating a sufficient knowledge of Polish (level B2 or above), the English language demands become redundant. If the student’s real language abilities do not correspond to the ones stated in the certificate, the student will be sent back to home institution.
Is it possible to learn another language at SGGW?
Yes, you can choose a Polish language course form the university offer.
When the SGGW courses begin? When should I arrive?
The courses usually starts in early October (winter semester) or in February/March (summer semester). Make sure to check the academic calendar.
Are there any tuition fees at SGGW?
There is no fee for the exchange students.
How long can I study at SGGW as exchange student?
You can study for one semester or whole year.
How can I apply for on-campus housing?
Our incoming foreign students and employees have 2 options of accommodation during their stay in Warsaw:
– at SGGW Campus (dormitories, Ikar hotel),
– private flats.If you want to apply for a place in a dorm, contact your local coordination office which will provide you with all the needed information before your arrival. To find out more about SGGW Dorms, go to the webpage (SGGW dorms prices for a room).
If you chose to rent a room in a private flat, there are few ways of finding the right place, for example:
– renting a flat by a private agency,– Facebook group – it also allows you to find an Erasmus/International student flatmate. Check out the official ESN flat searching group for Erasmus students in Warsaw. Important notice: please always pay attention, especially when someone asks for a bank transfer before your arrival, always use checked sources of information.
How many classes do I have to take? Is there a minimum or a maximum?
There is no limit for the classes, it depends on the amount of ECTS. You should choose no less than 20 ECTS. The maximum wage is 35 ECTS.
What are the language requirements?
Polish/English certificate (B2 for studies, B1 for internship),
Do I need a visa/residence permit and if so how can I apply?
You can find information about legalization of your stay with the following links: EU EEA NATIONALS, NON EU NATIONALS,NON EU MOBILITY STUDENTS.
during the mobility
Is there an Orientation/Introduction Day/week?
Yes, there are Intro Days organized by WePoint.
For more information please contact: wepoint@sggw.edu.pl
Can I move in before the move-in date? Can I arrive late?
Please note that you can arrive earlier but we cannot guarantee student dorm before the start of the semester. In addition, your arrival will be noted only in accordance with the official semester schedule.
If there is an important cause, you can arrive late. In that case, please contact international office.
Is there airport pick up? How do I get to the dorms?
No, we do not offer airport pick up.
Please note that our university offers Mentor Programme. International Relations Office will inform you about how to get a Mentor
How can I have documents signed (e.g Learning Agreement, Confirmation of Arrival)?
Please note that the Learning Agreement will be signed on-line. To have your Confirmation of Arrival signed, please visit International Office during office hours.
Do I get a discount on public transport being an exchange student?
Yes, once you receive your student ID card you are entitled to get a discount on public transportation. Please note that the discount applies for the students until 26 years old and is based on the validity of the ID card. Please note that the ID card is valid for one semester. If you are staying longer, remember to get an extension.
How can I get my student card/student number?
All international students studying at SGGW will be provided with a student ID card which is a confirmation that they belong to University’s community. The student ID card is given to the student at the beginning of semester and is valid for six months. The student ID card gives an access for discounts in Warsaw’s public transport, railway transport in Poland, as well as discounts in pubs, clubs, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, etc. A valid ID card is required when you want to use library materials, gain access to the gym and other student facilities. Cost of the studnet ID card is PLN 22. If your student identification card is lost, destroyed or stolen, a replacement card will be reissued. Cost of the reissued document is PLN 33. To get your SGGW ID card, you’re required to submit a photo in eHMS system (a separate instruction will be probided to your email address). The photo should be passport-type and meet the following requirements:
– photo should be in colour, JPEG filE
– background should be uniform and bright
– portrait, with your head and shoulders clearly visible
– photo with sunglasses or hat will not be accepted
– file cannot exceed 100k in size and 300dpi (about 260×340 pixels)Please note: The size of the photo you submit must be less than 100 kilobytes 260×340 pixels. If you need to resize your photo before submitting, you may do so by using any online application.
Please note: Student ID card must be returned to International Relations Office before leaving Warsaw
I need to change my Learning Agreement. What should I do?
If you would like to rearrange your Learning Agreement, fill in the “During the Mobility” section on the Online Learning Agreement platform. Indicate the courses you want to drop or add. The document must be signed by home and host university to confirm the rearrangement.
Where can I find my schedule?
Your schedule will be sent to you via email before the beginning of the semester.
I cannot log in to the Student Portal System (eHMS). What should I do?
Please make sure that you are following the instruction and you are using the data from the IRK. For further questions, please look at: eHMS-Student – updated guide
I forgot my login/password to the eHMS account – What can I do?
If you do not remember your password or User ID number (UID), you should use the option [registration/students’ account recovery]. The procedure is the same as for setting up an account for the first time (you must fill in the form), except that when you recover your account, you are required to provide an answer to a security question (entered when setting up the account).
If you do not know the answer to the secret question or if your account is blocked, please contact the following address: pomoc_ci@sggw.edu.pl with a request to provide an answer to your security question or unlock an account. The content of the e-mail should include: name, surname, student identification number or UID and briefly describe the problem.
I need to see a doctor/dentist who can I contact?
HEALTH INSURANCE is mandatory for all students for the whole duration of their stay in Poland. It is important to remember that each incoming student will be asked to show proof of health insurance upon arrival.
International students and academics are strongly advised to purchase third-party liability insurance and accident insurance in their home countries.EU citizens are eligible for free health services in Poland providing that they present a valid European Health Insurance Card.
EU citizens without health insurance in their countries of residence and non-EU citizens can sign a health insurance agreement with the National Health Fund (NFZ – Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) or with one of the private clinics.
There is also an option to buy PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE. It is voluntary and any international student may purchase it.
Personal accident insurance, sometimes called personal injury insurance, is an insurance policy that promises to pay a financial benefit if you’re injured in an accident.
The cost of the accident insurance is 43 or 53 PLN (depending on the proposal chosen)The insurance is effective druing one academic year (e.g. from 01/10/2021 to 30/09/2022 – only for those who make the payment till the last day of the year. If you join and pay after 31/12/2021, the insurance will be valid from the next day of your payment to 30/09/2022).
Erasmus+ students – Please see the instruction
Full degree students – Please see the instruction
I need to take an exam at my home university. What should I do?
Please contact international office: incoming@sggw.edu.pl
How do I stay for an additional semester?
You can stay for additional semester, in accordance with your home university. Please note that the notification must be submitted until 15th of January (prolongation for summer semester) or June 15th (prolongation for the winter semester)
After the mobility
How do I receive the Transcript of records?
The courses that will appear on your Transcript of Records have to correspond with the courses on your Learning Agreement and Changes to Learning agreement (if applied). The document will be issued no later than 5 weeks after the end of the exam session.
How can I have document (Confirmation of stay) signed before departure?
You should appear at our office on the day of your departure from Warsaw. Generally, we will confirm your stay until this day (but no longer than the end of the exam session). Don’t forget to return your Student ID card before leaving Warsaw.
In case of any problem or other questions, who can I contact?
You can always contact our International Office Team: incoming@sggw.edu.pl