Preparatory Course for English-language Studies in Poland

Preparatory Course for English-language Studies in Poland - Pedagogium University Foundation Programme

Prepare your English and academic skills for university studies in Poland.

Pedagogium University Foundation Programme is a one-year preparatory programme for international candidates planning to undertake higher education taught in English.

The programme combines intensive English-language training with Academic English, university study skills, subject-specific terminology and preparation for studying and living in Poland.

Its aim is to prepare participants to achieve English-language competences corresponding to at least B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and to develop the academic skills necessary for active participation in English-medium university studies.

Course objectives

Participants develop the language, academic and social competences necessary to study effectively in English.

The programme focuses not only on general English but also on the practical use of the language in an academic environment: understanding lectures, reading academic texts, writing assignments, participating in discussions, giving presentations and communicating within the university community.

Upon successful completion of the programme, participants have their English-language competences assessed in accordance with the programme and are prepared to function in an English-speaking academic environment.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for international candidates planning to undertake:

• Bachelor’s degree programmes;

• long-cycle Master’s degree programmes;

• Master’s degree programmes

taught in English.

It is suitable both for candidates who already have some knowledge of English and for participants who require more intensive language preparation before beginning university studies.

Prior to the start of the programme, each participant undergoes an English-language placement assessment, which helps determine the appropriate study path and teaching group.

Two study paths

Standard Track — 500 teaching hours

An accelerated pathway recommended for participants whose entry-level English and previous language-learning experience allow them to progress towards the required learning outcomes at a faster pace.

The programme includes intensive English-language instruction, Academic English, university study skills and subject-specific English.

Recommended entry level: approximately A2 or higher, subject to placement assessment.

Extended Track — 700 teaching hours

An extended pathway designed for participants who require more intensive language development and additional guided instruction in order to achieve the expected learning outcomes.

It includes additional English-language classes, communication practice, grammar and vocabulary development, listening and speaking workshops and extended academic preparation.

Recommended for: participants starting from a lower level or requiring a more intensive learning pathway.

Final assignment to a study path is based on the participant’s placement assessment and the organisation of the teaching group.

Programme organisation

The programme is delivered within one academic year, from 1 October to 30 September of the following calendar year, and comprises two teaching semesters.

The main teaching programme, assessments and examinations are organised according to the timetable established for each edition of the programme.

Study mode

The programme may be delivered:

• on campus;

• in a hybrid format.

In the hybrid format, part of the programme is delivered on campus and part through distance-learning methods and technologies.

The exact proportion of on-campus and online classes depends on the timetable, type of module and organisation of the teaching group.

Programme structure

In addition to organised teaching, participants complete individual work, including language assignments, reading, listening activities, written tasks, preparation for classes, presentations and assessments.

Module I. English as a Foreign Language

The main language module systematically develops the participant’s ability to communicate effectively in English.

Classes integrate:

• listening;

• reading;

• spoken interaction;

• spoken production;

• writing;

• grammar;

• vocabulary;

• pronunciation;

• communicative accuracy and fluency.

The content and pace of instruction are adjusted to the entry level of the group and the progress demonstrated during the programme.

Module II. Academic English and B2 Preparation

This module prepares participants to use English in real academic situations.

Participants develop skills including:

• understanding university lectures;

• taking effective notes;

• reading academic texts;

• identifying arguments and key information;

• summarising and paraphrasing;

• academic vocabulary;

• structured academic writing;

• essay and report writing;

• formulating and supporting arguments;

• participating in seminars and academic discussions;

• giving presentations;

• formal academic communication;

• communicating with lecturers and university administration.

The module also prepares students for the forms of assessment used in the final verification of competences corresponding to CEFR B2 level.

Module III. Academic Study Skills

The module prepares participants for effective study in a European university environment.

Topics include:

• organisation of higher education in Poland;

• structure of the academic year;

• ECTS and organisation of degree programmes;

• lectures, classes, seminars, examinations and assessments;

• student rights and responsibilities;

• academic communication;

• information and research skills;

• using academic sources;

• academic integrity;

• plagiarism and referencing;

• responsible use of AI and digital tools in education;

• teamwork;

• presentations;

• time management and independent learning;

• learning management systems and university digital platforms.

Module IV. Poland – Culture, Society and University Life

The module helps participants understand the social and cultural environment in which they will live and study.

It includes selected topics concerning:

• contemporary Poland;

• Polish culture and traditions;

• selected elements of Polish history;

• society and public institutions;

• everyday life in Poland;

• intercultural communication;

• Warsaw as an academic and international city;

• practical aspects of university life.

Selected activities may take the form of educational visits, cultural events and field activities.

Module V. Subject-specific English and Degree Preparation

Participants become familiar with academic and professional terminology related to their intended field of study.

Depending on the profile of the group, the module may include topics related to:

• social sciences;

• pedagogy;

• administration;

• management;

• security studies;

• other fields represented in the University’s educational offer.

The module uses authentic and adapted academic texts, selected university-level materials and practical language tasks.

Programme based on CEFR

The Pedagogium University Foundation Programme is designed with reference to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The target level of the programme is at least B2.

At B2 level, a language user should be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts and extended spoken communication, interact with an appropriate degree of fluency, present and support a point of view and produce clear and detailed written communication on a wide range of subjects.

The programme develops and assesses the four principal language skills required by the applicable Polish regulations:

• listening;

• reading;

• speaking;

• writing. 

Monitoring progress

Participants’ progress is monitored throughout the programme.

Assessment may include:

• initial placement assessment;

• regular language tests;

• written assignments;

• speaking tasks;

• presentations;

• academic projects and practical tasks;

• periodic competence assessments;

• B2-level practice tasks;

• final examination.

Regular feedback allows participants to identify areas requiring additional development and better prepare for university study.

Completion of the programme

To successfully complete the programme, participants are required to:

• meet the attendance requirements;

• successfully complete the required modules;

• achieve the required learning outcomes;

• pass the internal final examination assessing English-language competence at a level corresponding to at least B2 CEFR.

The final examination verifies:

• listening;

• reading;

• speaking;

• writing.

The final examination is an internal Pedagogium examination and is not an IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL or other external certification examination.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the programme, the participant receives a Certificate of Completion of the Preparatory Course for English-language Studies, confirming completion of the programme and the achieved learning outcomes, including English-language competence in listening, reading, speaking and writing.

The certificate may be used in the admission process for English-taught degree programmes at Pedagogium – University of Social Sciences in Warsaw, in accordance with applicable law and the University’s admission rules.

The possibility of using the certificate in an admission process at another university depends on applicable regulations and the admission requirements of that university.

Tuition fees

The administrative fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee covering the admission process, verification of the candidate’s documentation and preparation of documents related to admission to the programme.

What is included in the tuition fee?

The tuition fee includes:

• delivery of the programme in the selected study path;

• all scheduled teaching activities;

• teaching materials provided by the University;

• ongoing assessment of learning progress;

• internal final examination;

• Certificate of Completion.

The tuition fee does not include:

• accommodation;

• meals;

• travel to and from Poland;

• local transportation;

• health insurance;

• visa and residence permit fees;

• translations, apostille or legalisation of documents;

• external language examinations, including IELTS, Cambridge or TOEFL examinations;

• other individual living expenses in Poland.

Accommodation and support in Poland

Pedagogium provides participants with informational support concerning arrival and stay in Warsaw, including information about available student residences and other accommodation options.

The participant independently selects accommodation, enters into the relevant accommodation agreement and covers all associated costs.

Legal basis

The programme has been developed taking into account the provisions governing confirmation of language proficiency by international candidates applying for university studies in Poland, in particular:

• Article 70(5e) and 70(5f) of the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science;

• Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education of 30 July 2025 on the types of documents confirming knowledge of the language in which education is provided (Journal of Laws 2025, item 1045), in particular Annex No. 2 concerning foreign-language proficiency.

• Admission to the programme does not in itself guarantee the issuance of a visa or residence permit. Candidates are responsible for obtaining the appropriate legal basis for entering and staying in Poland. Pedagogium provides the documents related to participation in the programme required within the scope of the University’s responsibilities.

Contact

Admissions Office – Pedagogium WSNS
rekrutacja@pedagogium.pl  
+48 699 223 118
ul. Marszałkowska 115, Warsaw