Call for proposals launched
The call for proposals under the STER NAWA – Internationalisation of Doctoral Schools programme for 2026 is now open. The programme is addressed to Polish institutions running doctoral schools that aim to develop international cooperation and strengthen the quality of education and research.
The programme responds to key needs of the academic community. It supports the recruitment of international doctoral candidates and the development of international mobility. STER NAWA is a comprehensive and well-designed support package offered by NAWA.
Comprehensive support for doctoral schools
The objective of the programme is to increase the level of internationalisation of doctoral schools through:
- recruitment of international doctoral candidates
- increased international mobility of doctoral candidates
- development of “internationalisation at home”
- strengthening international cooperation in education and research
STER supports institutions in developing doctoral schools in a strategic and sustainable way. It fosters an environment open to knowledge exchange and international collaboration.
Who can apply?
Polish institutions running doctoral schools are eligible to apply for funding.
Key information on the 2026 call
- application deadline: 14 April – 16 June 2026
- project implementation period: 1 January 2027 – 31 December 2029
- maximum project funding: PLN 2,000,000
- total allocation: PLN 20,000,000
What is new in the 2026 edition?
The new edition of the programme has been simplified and better aligned with the operational realities of doctoral schools. In the current call:
- the number of indicators has been reduced from 11 to 3, making project planning and reporting easier,
- participant rules have been simplified – all previous participant categories are eligible, but reporting is based on doctoral candidates,
- a scholarship limit has been introduced: up to 5 for domestic doctoral candidates and 5 for international doctoral candidates,
- the approach to scholarships has been revised to make them a real incentive for top candidates.
These changes reflect the experience from previous editions and the needs of beneficiaries: fewer formal requirements with a stronger focus on the quality of planned activities.
Why apply?
STER NAWA offers an opportunity to sustainably strengthen the potential of institutions running doctoral schools. The programme supports the creation of an environment that attracts talent, fosters knowledge exchange and contributes to strengthening the international position of Polish science.
It is a proposal for institutions that want to develop doctoral schools towards greater openness.
Detailed information about the call and application documentation is available at:
https://nawa.gov.pl/en/institutions/ster-internationalisation-of-doctoral-schools