Information for PhD candidates

Language Proficiency Requirements for Doctoral Candidates at the University of Warsaw

Doctoral candidates must demonstrate proficiency of a modern foreign language at a minimum B2 level. This requirement is in accordance with Ordinance No. 187 issued by the Rector of the University of Warsaw on August 21, 2020, which amended Ordinance No. 59 dated December 1, 2014, concerning language proficiency.

University of Warsaw Certification Exams

1. Each doctoral candidate is entitled to 2 free EGZ-JO exam tokens.
2. Doctoral candidates who have not previously studied at the University of Warsaw receive their tokens during enrolment. Former students of the University must request their free tokens by emailing the Coordinator of the University Foreign Language Teaching System at: jezyki.koordynator@uw.edu.pl
3. Registration for certification exams takes place during open registration periods, as listed in the token registration schedule available at: usosweb.uw.edu.pl under the “token registration – schedule” tab.
4. Doctoral candidates should register and deregister for exams independently via usosweb.uw.edu.pl
5. Certificate exams are held three times a year during exam sessions. The exact dates of the written part of the exams are published in the academic calendar for the given year. The list of exams offered and schedule are available at: jezyki.obce.uw.edu.pl under the “Certification Exams” tab.
6. Each certification exam includes both a written and an oral component.
7. Successfully passing a language certificate exam awards the doctoral candidate 2 ECTS credits.

 

Certificates from external institutions recognized by the University of Warsaw

The list of certificates from external institutions recognized by the University of Warsaw as equivalent to the certification exam is regulated by Order No. 157 of the Rector of the University of Warsaw of October 13, 2025, on the specification of certificates confirming knowledge of a modern foreign language at a language proficiency level of at least B2 in the proceedings for the award of a doctoral degree at the University of Warsaw.

Examination Committees for Modern Foreign Language Exams

According to Resolution No. 306 of the Senate of the University of Warsaw dated June 29, 2023 (amending Resolution No. 157 from June 29, 2022), if a candidate does not possess a certificate or diploma confirming B2-level proficiency in a modern foreign language, the Chair of the Council may—upon the candidate’s request—appoint a committee to conduct an exam verifying the required language proficiency level.