The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) has opened applications for the START Scholarships 2026, one of the most prestigious awards for young scientists in Poland. This annually funded opportunity supports early-career researchers who have already demonstrated excellence in their field through significant scientific achievements. The program aims to empower researchers at the beginning of their academic journey, allowing them to dedicate themselves fully to research.

The START Scholarships are awarded to approximately 100 outstanding young scientists each year, covering multiple disciplines across the humanities, natural sciences, medical fields, engineering, and technical sciences. Along with financial support, selected fellows may receive additional distinctions, travel stipends for international research collaboration, and enhanced recognition within Poland’s leading scientific community.

About the Foundation for Polish Science (FNP)

The Foundation for Polish Science (FNP) is the largest non-governmental funding institution for science in Poland. Established in 1991, FNP plays a pivotal role in supporting scientific excellence by funding outstanding research, promoting international collaboration, and strengthening innovation. Over the years, the foundation has built a reputation for nurturing future leaders in academia and research. Through programs like START, FNP provides critical opportunities for young scientists to focus exclusively on research and make meaningful contributions to global scientific challenges.

START Scholarship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	START Scholarships 2026
Host Institution	Foundation for Polish Science (FNP)
Type	Annual research scholarship
Number of Awards	Approx. 100
Eligible Level	Young researchers (doctoral students, PhD holders, early-career R&D staff)
Eligible Disciplines	Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences, engineering, and technical sciences
Nationality	Open to researchers working in Poland
Application Period	18 September 2025 – 5 November 2025
Scholarship Value	Approx. PLN 38,000; additional travel stipends available

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the START Scholarships 2026 enjoy a wide range of financial and professional advantages, including:

• Annual scholarship funding of approx. PLN 38,000 (depending on distinction category).
• Recognition as one of Poland’s most promising young scientists.
• Opportunity for travel stipends to pursue research at leading international research centers.
• A platform for building long-term collaboration and professional networks.
• Distinctions for top candidates in three categories: humanities/social sciences, natural/medical sciences, and technical sciences.
• Opportunity to dedicate full focus to academic or applied research without financial distractions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:

1. Be an early-career researcher with significant scientific achievements documented through publications in recognized journals or books.
2. Fulfill at least one of the following conditions:
   • Be a doctoral student in Poland.
   • Be a PhD holder working in Poland.
   • Be conducting R&D work in a Polish institution (academic or non-academic, including commercial or non-profit organizations).
3. Not be older than 30 years at the time of application (extensions possible for childcare or documented research breaks).
4. Applications must be supported and signed by the rector/vice-rector (in the case of universities) or the institutional head (for other R&D organizations).
5. Applicants must not have previously received the START Scholarship.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the START Scholarship 2026:

• Step 1: Review eligibility criteria carefully.
• Step 2: Access the START application portal.
• Step 3: Complete the electronic form and upload required documents, including your five most significant publications.
• Step 4: Provide documentation if applying for an age-limit extension (due to parental leave or research breaks).
• Step 5: Obtain required institutional endorsements (rector/vice-rector or institutional head).
• Step 6: Submit your application between 18 September 2025 and 5 November 2025.
• Step 7: Await evaluation by external reviewers; results will be announced after approval by the FNP Council.

Comparison with Similar Scholarships

Scholarship	Host Country	Focus	Value	Eligibility
START Scholarship (FNP)	Poland	Early-career scientists	PLN 38,000 + travel stipends	PhD students, holders, or R&D staff under 30 in Poland
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)	EU	Doctoral & postdoctoral research mobility	Up to €4,800/month	Open to international researchers in Europe
DAAD Research Grants	Germany	Doctoral/short-term research	€1,200–€2,500/month	International PhD students & early-career researchers
Humboldt Research Fellowship	Germany	Postdoctoral research	€2,670/month	International postdocs with strong academic record
Rhodes Scholarship	UK	Graduate study (all fields)	Full tuition + stipend	Exceptional global students under 25

FAQs About START Scholarships 2026 in Poland

1. Who can apply for the START Scholarships 2026?
   Young scientists in Poland under 30 years old who are PhD students, PhD holders, or researchers in R&D institutions.
2. Can international students apply for START Scholarships?
   Yes, provided they are conducting research or enrolled in a doctoral program in Poland.
3. What is the scholarship value?
   The scholarship provides approximately PLN 38,000 annually, with additional travel stipends for selected candidates.
4. How many awards are available?
   Around 100 scholarships will be awarded in 2026.
5. Can I apply if I have already received the START Scholarship before?
   No, the scholarship can only be awarded once.
6. What research fields are covered?
   All major disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, engineering, and technical sciences.
7. What is the procedure for application evaluation?
   External experts will review the application according to the originality and quality of scientific achievements.
8. Can I extend the age limit if I had a career break?
   Yes, you can extend it for childcare or documented research breaks.
9. When is the application deadline?
   Applications open on 18 September 2025 and close on 5 November 2025.
10. How do I apply?
    Submit through the FNP online portal with required documents and institutional endorsements.

If you are an ambitious young scientist working in Poland, the START Scholarships 2026 offer an incredible opportunity to advance your academic journey. Begin preparing your documents now to meet the application deadline of 5 November 2025. Don’t miss the chance to join Poland’s most prestigious community of emerging researchers. For official information about the scholarship, students can visit the FNP START Scholarship page. APPLY NOW.

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