Admission Interviews
A comprehensive guide to admission interviews at Polish universities, helping international students prepare effectively and increase their chances of success.
Admission interviews are an important part of the application process for many programs at Polish universities, particularly for graduate and specialized courses. They provide the university with an opportunity to assess your suitability, motivation, and personal qualities beyond what's visible in your written application.
For international students, interviews are often conducted online, making them more accessible regardless of your location. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare effectively for your admission interview.
Programs That Typically Require Interviews
Not all programs at Polish universities require an interview. They are most common for:
Medical and Healthcare Programs
- Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
- Veterinary Medicine
- Physiotherapy
- Focus: Motivation, ethical understanding, communication skills
Arts and Design Programs
- Fine Arts, Architecture
- Music, Theater, Film Studies
- Design disciplines
- Focus: Portfolio discussion, creative thinking, artistic vision
Business and Management
- MBA programs
- International Business
- Management programs
- Focus: Leadership potential, problem-solving, business acumen
Graduate and Research Programs
- Master's in competitive fields
- All Doctoral (PhD) programs
- Research-intensive programs
- Focus: Research interests, academic potential, subject knowledge
Most undergraduate programs in fields such as humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and engineering typically do not require interviews, though there are exceptions for highly competitive programs.
Common Interview Formats
Online Interviews
The most common format for international applicants, conducted via video conferencing platforms.
- Usually scheduled 2-4 weeks in advance
- Typically conducted via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype
- May be recorded with your permission
- Requires stable internet connection and quiet environment
- Often includes a short technical check at the beginning
In-Person Interviews
Less common for international students, but may be required for certain programs if you're already in Poland.
- Held at the university campus
- May be part of a larger assessment day
- Sometimes includes a tour of facilities
- Allows for direct interaction with faculty and current students
Interview Types by Content
Motivational Interviews
Focus on your interest in the program, career goals, and personal motivation. Common for most programs.
Technical/Academic Interviews
Test your knowledge in the subject area. Common for medical, scientific, and technical programs.
Portfolio Reviews
Discussion of your creative work. Required for art, design, and architecture programs.
Research Proposal Discussions
Focused on your proposed research. Common for doctoral and research-intensive master's programs.
Common Interview Questions
While questions vary by program and university, these are common themes you should be prepared to address:
Motivation and Program Choice
- Why did you choose this program/university?
- Why do you want to study in Poland specifically?
- How does this program align with your career goals?
- What do you know about our university/department?
- What aspects of the curriculum interest you most?
Academic Background
- Tell us about your educational background.
- What were your favorite subjects in your previous studies?
- How has your previous education prepared you for this program?
- Explain any gaps or weak points in your academic record.
Personal Qualities and Experiences
- What are your strongest personal qualities?
- Describe a challenge you've overcome.
- Tell us about any relevant extracurricular activities or volunteer work.
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
- What experience do you have with teamwork?
Subject Knowledge (for Technical Interviews)
- Basic concepts and principles in your field
- Recent developments or trends in the discipline
- Practical application of theoretical knowledge
- Research methodology questions for graduate programs
International Student Specific
- How do you plan to adjust to living in Poland?
- What do you know about Polish culture?
- How will you handle potential language barriers?
- Have you arranged funding for your studies?
- Do you have any concerns about studying abroad?
How to Prepare for Your Interview
Before the Interview
- Research thoroughly: Study the program curriculum, faculty, research areas, and university achievements.
- Prepare your story: Create clear, concise answers about your background, motivation, and goals.
- Practice common questions: Rehearse answers to typical questions, but avoid sounding too rehearsed.
- Technical preparation: For online interviews, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection.
- Prepare questions: Develop thoughtful questions about the program that show your genuine interest.
- Document organization: Have your application materials, CV, and any notes easily accessible.
During the Interview
- Professional appearance: Dress professionally, even for online interviews.
- Body language: Maintain good posture, appropriate eye contact, and engaged expressions.
- Listening skills: Listen carefully to questions before answering, ask for clarification if needed.
- Concise responses: Be thorough but avoid rambling; aim for answers of 1-2 minutes.
- Authentic engagement: Show genuine enthusiasm for the program and university.
- Cultural sensitivity: Demonstrate respect and awareness of Polish academic culture.
After the Interview
- Follow up: Send a brief thank-you email to your interviewers within 24 hours.
- Self-evaluation: Make notes about what went well and areas for improvement.
- Next steps: Be aware of the timeline for decision notification.
- Patience: Avoid repeatedly contacting the university for decisions; wait for their response.
Important Note about Cultural Context:
Polish academic interviews tend to be more formal than in some Western countries. Addressing professors properly (using titles like "Professor" rather than first names) and maintaining a respectful tone is important. However, don't be surprised if the atmosphere becomes more relaxed as the interview progresses.
Special Considerations by Program Type
Medical Program Interviews
- Expect questions about medical ethics and patient care
- Be prepared to discuss why you want to become a doctor
- Review basic biology, chemistry, and physics concepts
- May include scenarios to test problem-solving abilities
- Often more structured and formal than other interviews
Business Program Interviews
- May include case studies or business scenarios
- Focus on leadership potential and teamwork
- Expect questions about current business trends
- Emphasis on communication and analytical skills
- May ask about your entrepreneurial experiences
Arts and Design Interviews
- Centered around portfolio presentation and discussion
- Questions about your creative influences and process
- May require demonstration of techniques or skills
- Discussion of art/design movements and theory
- More focus on your unique creative perspective
PhD Program Interviews
- In-depth discussion of your research proposal
- Questions about research methodology and approach
- Assessment of your knowledge of current literature
- Often involves meeting potential supervisors
- May include discussion of funding and resources
Key Points to Remember
Interview Format
Most interviews are conducted online via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Skype, especially for international students. Some specialized programs may require in-person interviews if you are already in Poland.
Common Interview Types
Motivational interviews assessing your interest in the program, technical interviews testing subject knowledge, and panel interviews with multiple faculty members are the most common formats.
Key Preparation Steps
Research the program thoroughly, prepare answers about your motivation, background, and career goals, review basic knowledge in your field, and prepare examples of relevant achievements.
Interview Duration
Most admission interviews last between 15-30 minutes. Technical interviews for specialized programs may be longer, up to 45-60 minutes.
Success Factors
Clear communication, demonstrating genuine interest in both the program and Poland, showing knowledge of the university, and asking thoughtful questions about the program.
Special Considerations
Medical, arts, and business programs often have more rigorous interviews. International students should emphasize their interest in Polish culture and preparedness for studying abroad.
Helpful Tips
- 1
Test your technology (camera, microphone, internet connection) at least a day before the online interview.
- 2
Dress professionally even for online interviews – first impressions matter.
- 3
Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background for your video interview.
- 4
Have your CV, transcripts, and application documents nearby for quick reference.
- 5
Practice speaking clearly and concisely, especially if English is not your first language.
- 6
Prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions about the program to ask at the end of the interview.
- 7
Research both the university and specific department conducting your interview.
- 8
Be honest about your language abilities – do not claim fluency if you are still learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are interviews required for all programs at Polish universities?
No, not all programs require interviews. Interviews are most common for medical programs, MBA and business studies, fine arts, architecture, doctoral programs, and highly competitive masters programs. Many bachelors programs admit students based solely on their application documents and prior academic performance.
How will I be notified about my interview?
You will typically receive an email with interview details 1-3 weeks after your application is processed. The email will include the date, time, platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.), and sometimes a brief outline of the interview format. Always check your spam folder and the university applicant portal regularly.
What language will the interview be conducted in?
The interview will be conducted in the language of instruction for your program. For English-taught programs, the interview will be in English, while Polish-taught programs will interview in Polish. This also serves as an informal assessment of your language skills.
What should I do if I have technical problems during an online interview?
If you experience technical issues during the interview, stay calm. Have the university contact email or phone number ready to notify them immediately. Most universities are understanding about technical difficulties and will reschedule if necessary. It is advisable to send a follow-up email explaining the situation if the connection was lost.
How can I prepare for subject-specific questions in technical interviews?
Review fundamental concepts in your field of study, focusing on basics rather than highly specialized knowledge. For science and engineering programs, review mathematics and relevant scientific principles. Medical program applicants should brush up on biology, chemistry, and basic medical concepts. Look at the program curriculum to identify key subject areas likely to be covered.
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