Education of Ukrainian children in Poland: what parents need to know before the start of the new school year
During the full-scale war, Poland remains one of the key countries where Ukrainian children continue their schooling. With the start of the new academic year 2025/2026, the Polish education system is introducing a number of important changes that directly affect children under temporary protection. These changes are aimed at promoting better integration of Ukrainian students into the local environment, providing them with more support and guaranteeing full participation in the educational process. However, at the same time, it is important for parents to understand in advance the new requirements, the rights of children and the provided mechanisms for assistance in case of difficulties.
Changes in legislation
Starting from September 1, 2025, children from Ukraine who are in Poland under temporary protection must attend educational institutions registered in the Polish education system. About this informs representative office of UNICEF. This requirement does not mean that the child must study in a Polish public school, but he must be involved in the educational process within the Polish educational infrastructure.
The exception is only those children who study in Ukrainian graduation classes and complete secondary education according to the Ukrainian program — they have the option of distance learning.
Educational experts emphasize that the offline learning format is not only a formal requirement, but also an important condition for a child’s successful adaptation in a new environment. It helps to socialize, establish contact with peers, receive systemic support, in particular, learning the Polish language.
For all Ukrainian students under temporary protection, the state guarantees at least 4 hours of learning the Polish language per week. In some regions, classes may be held in the format of mixed groups for several schools, but each educational institution is obliged to clearly inform parents about the time and place of such classes. In the event that the school does not provide these classes, parents have the right to contact the local education department or board of trustees.
Required documents for enrollment
In order to enroll a child in a Polish school, parents must submit the following documents:
– child’s PESEL number;
– report card or certificate from a school in Ukraine (if possible);
– application for admission to school
Enrollment in the school is possible at any time of the academic year, subject to availability of free places. The procedure is free of charge and does not differ from the standard procedure for Polish citizens.
What to do if there is no place in the school
If there are no free places in the selected school, there is an established algorithm of actions. First, parents should contact the school principal, who should offer an alternative option. If necessary, you should contact the local authorities (gmina or miasto), which have an obligation to help you find a place in another school. If that doesn’t work, the next step is to submit an official request to the Kuratorium Oświaty — the education department of the respective voivodeship.
Education of children with special educational needs
Polish legislation provides for special conditions for children with disabilities or other special needs. If the degree of violation is light or moderate, the child should be admitted to a regular school or referred to a specialized institution. In cases of serious forms of disability, the issue of organization of training is resolved with the participation of MOPS (City Center of Social Assistance) and the local educational authority.
Support of Ukrainian identity and connection with the Motherland
In parallel with Polish educational integration, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine developed programs with Ukrainian studies components. Their goal is to help children keep in touch with Ukrainian culture, language and educational traditions. Such programs can be implemented through online courses, weekend classes, clubs and other additional educational initiatives.
Before the new school year, parents of Ukrainian children in Poland should carefully familiarize themselves with the new requirements, prepare the necessary documents in a timely manner, do not delay in submitting applications to schools and be informed about their rights. Changes in Polish legislation are not intended to complicate, but to streamline the education process for refugee children, providing them with stability, support and opportunities for full-fledged development – both in Polish society and preserving Ukrainian identity.
